Shout to God with Joy

“Shout to God with cries of joy.” Psalm 47:1

Are you shouting to God? In the book, The 77 Habits of Highly Ineffective Christians by Chris Fabry …. the book gives us 77 things that will hinder our shouting. Things that will snuff out the light of any on-fire Christian.

Here is a sampling:

Habit #7 Make prayer occasional.
Habit #37 Live in the past.
Habit #44 Believe you must tidy up before coming to God.
Habit #72 Hold grudges.
Habit #73 Approach Church like a consumer.

Prayerfully, I hope we do not have these habits in our lives, but take our Christian walk seriously. Embracing a Loving God is serious business.


“Nobody ever outgrows scripture; the book widens and depends with our years.” – C. H. Spurgeon.

A Funeral Poem

A Family passed this poem onto me .....

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
"Come to Me"

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

Book I'm currently reading ...

Just started this ...Can't wait. I'm a James MacDonald fan ... having done a few of his studies.

Books I just finished reading. Pastor's Primer and God's Smuggler.

According to reviews:

A guidebook designed for both novice and bi-vocational pastors, this practical book helps pastors navigate the new terrain of ministry. Austin Tucker, a pastor with more than thirty years of experience, provides sage advice on the nuts and bolts of ministry--including preaching, counseling, leadership, conflict, evangelism, weddings and funerals, and the ordinances. It is a good guidebook. On a grade scale I'd give it a B+.

God's Smuggler - is an older book (Can't believe I haven't read it before this) which I wish there was a sequel. It tells the story of Brother Andrew Smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. Gives the importance of having God's Word to those who don't have it - and blessed how much we take for granted in having the Word of God. Everyone needs to read this.

Four Types of People

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all of our parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV

It has been said “there are Four Kinds of People in the World.”
1. Those who make things happen.
2. Those who watch things happen.
3. Those who try to keep things from happening.
4. Those who do not care what is happening.

I. Those who make things happen.
These are the people who make a difference. They are people like Abraham, Isaiah, Daniel, Peter, Paul, John, Esther, Dorcas, Lois and Eunice. They left their mark and the world is a better place as a result.

II. Those who watch things happen.
Too many in this category – just spectators. (aka fans) They wait until after things start before they get on the “bandwagon.” They don’t want to pay the price to accomplish anything; they prefer that others make the sacrifices.

III. Those who try to keep things from happening.
They go through life keeping their foot on the brake. Resistance to change. As the old saying goes, the only person who likes change is a baby. It is ok to change as long as there is a purpose to it.

IV. Those who don’t care what’s happening.
These are the apathetic and the indifferent. They don’t care what is happening as long as it doesn’t affect them (Time, money, involvement). They are perfectly satisfied with things as they are, they don’t want change.

What type of person are you?
Let each of us be led by God and His Spirit to make things happen for the Glory of Jesus Christ. Using our gifts and talents to give God the Glory

Church Growth

Sometimes we think it is our job (those in ministry) to grow the church ... our job is to help in the process but ultimately God grows ... and I'm reminded of this by:


I. God's Church will still stand and grow - with or without us. God can use us if we allow Him.

II. Church can grow despite of sinfulness ... (Example of Ananias)

III. Church will grow despite disagreements (Paul and Barnabas)

We need to be the Church. Some plant, some water, God gives the increase. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few ...Who is with me? Let's be the church. God's Bride. Let's get to work.

Why Worship?

I've seen a lot of things on worship ...Matt Redman's book The Unquenchable Worshipper comes to mind. I had come across some notes on Worship that I'd like to share:

A. Why Worship?

I. worship is a privilege.

II. It is of the spirit - not going through the Motions.

III. We get to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

B. God expects and deserves our Worship. Why?

I. He is worthy.

II. Show appreciation for Grace given to US.


C. worship isn't a once a week things. God seeks worshippers true to Him.

In Honor/ Memory of Linden Keffer

Guest Book



"May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow."
- Franklin & Lettisha Naylor





Linden was a good and godly man. He'd want to point people to Jesus not Him. Glad and honored I get to serve in the congregation he loved.

KEFFER, Linden B., preacher, husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed from this earthly life September 13, 2012. He was born December 12, 1947 in Connellsville, Pa., to Joseph L. Keffer and Iola P. Keffer, both deceased, and was residing in Louisa County, Va., at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley M. Keffer; son, David B. Keffer and daughter, Amy Keffer Bleach; two grandchildren, Ethan and Elliot Bleach; brothers, Douglas and Vaughan Keffer; sisters, Sandra Keffer and Karen Keffer Waldron. A memorial service will be at Bonnie Brae Church of Christ, 7610 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, Va., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 22. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bonnie Brae Church of Christ. Visit www.lacyfh.com for online guestbook.

.
Published in Richmond Times-Dispatch on September 20, 2012.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesdispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=159989345#fbLoggedOut

Sermon Series etc.

Looking ahead ....

Currently we are in the midst of our The 12 - A study of the 12 minor Prophets.

At the end of the year we'll look at Advent ...

Then do a Signs of Life Topical series .... for #2014 ...

How far in advance do you plan your sermon series? What do you do?

Wednesday nite I teach and right now in some discipleship material and a study through James ..

Confronting Corruption.

How does one confront corruption in society?

A. Remember Key Spirit Truths of being a peace maker, doing good, resolving conflict by Matt. 18 principle in all things lobe.


B. Reacting but not over-reacting. There is consequences to sinfulness and responsibility. Gentle and mentoring.


C. Resisting evil is the most effective way. Put on the Full armor. Bear the fruit of the Spirit. Don't be where evil is but be salt and light.

Books I'm reading

what are you currently reading?

Letters to a Young Pastor: Review

Calvin Miller is one of my favourite authors. From the Singer to other practical advice books. This one is one of a practical nature. Every student in ministry from Bible College, to new in ministry or to refresh your toolbox ..this resource reminds you of the joys, bittersweet trials, and why ministry at all? ministry is a journey and something you don't learn in a school setting alone but along life's journey. Calvin Miller gives insight of what that looks like in some practical letters, advice to those He like to mentor. A must for any one in ministry.

An ole Rant

Heard some of this conversation about someone complaining I was letting Satan win because I wasn't doing VBS this year due to Year Round schools and here is some of my response and further ranting. Thoughts?

Just because you don't do VBS doesn't mean you make Satan win. My daughter starts school July 9th.(This was when we were in NC) Most of our Camps are in June so we support our kids to goto camp - for us to have an evening VBS just isn't beneficial or ideal to our situation. I think some people think that being at a "Church" building all the time is what God created us to be ... and it isn't ..I see families and churches get torn apart because of church programs of Sunday Am, PM, Wednesday nite and then something else ... when will we recognize that Church is about Being rather than doing? When will we recognize it isn't about coming to church but being the church?

I guess we try to compete with the world and complain about all the volleyball, softball games, and then make the parents feel guilty because their children are involved in the community trying to be salt and light but weren't at church on Wednesday nite ... I like to know where in the Bible it says though shall be at church 24/7? I'm just getting starting. Of course this makes Satan happy and lets him win because we're making the Church programs be an US versus Them rather than a community of faith.

So why is that churches complain about lacking attendance and that people are letting Satan "Win" when they don't do VBS or Wednesday nite or there are such things going on to conflict with church activities - sports etc.

Is it that we are letting Satan win - when we complain about such? Are programs important and the attendance or the Church?

I'm seeing more and more people complain - oh my youth group is suffering because little Timmy had a ball game tonite or lots of the teens don't come due to Soccer on Wednesday nites or Sundays or when have you.

Maybe it is time to look at your programs - what are their purpose? Do you have too many?

Do you make people feel guilty for not being there?

I've heard tons of complaints and youth workers making parents feel guilty because their son or daughter was in a certain sport and couldn't be at church all the time? Is the point the church building or Being the Church?

Thoughts?

When Looking for a New Ministry

When Looking for a New Ministry

For those of you who are currently looking for a new ministry remember a few things.

1. Interview the Church thoroughly.

2. If a church acts like its a privilege just to grace their pulpit, then walk away.

3. If you feel like your getting the 3rd degree then walk away.

4. If they will not give you a copy of the past 3 years budgets, then don't even go to the interview.

5. If they act a little skiddish when talking about pay, then pay attention to that.

6. Ask them what an acceptable yearly increase should be.

7. Make sure they completely define your role before you walk in the door.

8. Ask if any 1 person runs the church and then watch everyones body language very carefully.

9. Ask every leader who interviews you what they exactly do in the church. This will allow you to see how motivated they really are.

10. If you are frustrated by the overall process of one church, then walk away. Spend a lot of time in prayer and make sure that you only proceed in God's good timing.

To Quote

“AT THE worst, a house unkept cannot be so distressing as a life unlived.”
—Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay (1881–1958), English novelist



“A PARANOID is someone who knows a little of what’s going on.”
—William S. Burroughs (1914–97), “Beat” author

Issues in Youth Ministry

Here are some of my thoughts of issues in Youth Ministry that needs to change:

1. The role of the youth pastor. He is no longer a buddy buddy to students - let him equip students and families.

2. The role of Family. Family is HUGE!! Get their involvement.

3. The role of God. Sure God is said to be central but let's focus on the triune roles of God.

4. Exposing the lies. Let's give Hope to our Students - none of this Battle cries or all students are abandoning the faith.

5. Pride. Don't depend on the youth worker or the church even to Rescue students ... God is still in control.

6. The role of the church. Get away from programs. Be the Church.

7. Comparisons. Recently I asked a fellow youth pastor, how many kids do you have now (I haven't seen him in awhile) His response: 35. I was like WOW ... you must of adopted some. His natural response was to compare and say youth group size - not his Family.

8. Soul care. Leaders need to tend to their souls to help in turn point people to the one who is healing them.

9. Leadership. Too often good leaders are hard to find.

10. Theology. Theology and methodology is a big issue either helping or hurting the youth ministry as a whole.

What is the future for youth ministry? Only time can tell. My prayer is that youth ministry reflects the Church and Jesus to the World.

Ad I came Across

Saw this ad years ago and thought to share:

Wanted:(Name of Church, person, email, phone number) "minister with an evangelist’s heart, a shepherd’s walk, and a physician’s care who accepts mature responsibilities and possesses youthful vision; dedication to the cause of Christ’s Kingdom should be equally or more important than Canadian or American citizenship;should be ready to accept challenge of living on an island and a bit of culture shock; less than one hour from major shopping centers"


Here's the translation: "You do all the work, you help the elderly, you are to blame if anything goes wrong, want you to be young to hire you cheap, work you to death for the cause of Christ (No life but Church work), we're patriotic much like the next guy, challenge of living on an island, beware of the sharks, and well there isn't a Super Walmart nearby and good luck"

Apples and Oranges

Gimmicks.

It is so easy to fall into the Trap - oh, whoa is me (Almost an Elijah whining session 1 Kings 19:10) I dislike Entertainment Ministry. What you win them with is what you have to keep them with. I dislike the comparison game. Why? Because I feel it does disservice to the Kingdom.

So why not be ourselves? When people see the cool ministry down the road, why not ask them, so what are you doing here? Why not involved.

I think comparing churches (And we do it ourselves and as people ..I mean come on ...how many of us compare ourselves to good ole mega pastor guy?) is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are fruit. Both are round. Both are very different. Maybe that is what it is about our churches. Both are trying to be the Church. But both come with different contexts and cultures to consider.



So the next time you find yourself wandering and wondering how I can be more like Church X, why not just wonder how you can just be the church and person God called you to be, and not this imitiation.

Otherwise we'd be too loose with the facts ...See these quotes below.



Came across this quote from YWJ:

"Youth Ministry Is in the Spotlight
There was a great story on youth ministry by Austin American-Statesman religion writer Eileen Flynn. And did you see the front-page story on the Friday, Oct. 6, issue of The New York Times? The headline said it all: “Fearing the Loss of Teenagers, Evangelicals Turn Up the Fire.”

“Despite their packed megachurches,” said the article, Christian leaders like Teen Mania’s Ron Luce are sounding an alarm that “their teenagers are abandoning the faith in droves.” The National Association of Evangelicals has even warned about “the epidemic of young people leaving the evangelical church.” But Christian Smith (author of last year’s acclaimed Soul Searching book) thinks people who claim that only four percent of teens are “Bible-believing Christians” are being too “apocalyptic” and too loose with the facts. "

A Preaching Stat

Thom Rainer (According to Preaching Rocket) did a study a few years ago in which found that 90% of unchurched people chose a church was because of the preacher or preaching.

Better preaching is often more effective than advertising, social media, and even ministries when it comes to growing the church. Want a better church, learn to be a better preacher. Conclusion: I have a lot of work to do ..how about you?

Don't buy the lies

So I'm reading Group Magazine's latest issue. Sept/Oct. 2006. And in it is 3 Dirty YM Lies and a Fourth.

Here are the lies:

1. YM is a meat grinder that will destroy you.

I like How Rob Bell puts it in Velvet Elvis, you can be cynical, and bitter or you can choose to reclaim your innocence.

2. "Do it all myself" is the best way. - UMM ever hear of working yourself to an early grave?

3. Close Relationships are the goal of Youth Ministry. Umm isn't the goal about presenting Jesus?

4. The percentage if young people who are Bible Believing Christians has now dropped to 4%. Funny thing is it is based upon sampling polls from Barna and even the Data from that April 2003 Report is different. I think there is more hope.

Here are some more lies (The above 4 were discussed in the issue but I gave them and my opinion)

5. The average Tenure of a Youth Minister is 18months. Where did this come from? I still haven't seen the stats for this. And if it is? in 6years to have 4 churches ... Might invest in U-Haul rather than Youth Ministry."Youth Ministry Tenure

Most of us have heard it quoted that the average length of a youth minister's stay at any one church is a year and a half. GROUP magazine reports, "The 18-Month Myth is now part of youth ministry lore. It's been used over and over to describe youth ministers as easily scared gypsies who bolt at the first sign of trouble. And it's all a bunch of bunk. We here at GROUP asked our research staff to complete a scientific survey of North American churches using a representative sampling of denominations. We discovered that the average paid youth minister has been at the same church for almost four years (3.9 years, to be exact)." From Group.

6. Most High School Christian Teens Desert the Church. Over 66% or more in their freshmen year. Where Does this come from?

7. Bigger is Better. Mega Church Student Ministry is the way to go.
Umm didn't Jesus start with 12 ordinary men who turned the world upside down?

8. If you build it, they will come. Now come on. What you win them with is what you have to keep them with. So gimmicks, games, and prizes ..guess what you have to keep doing.

9. Youth Ministry is easy. Umm, ever do a lock-in, ever deal with teens' issues. It isn't easy but the rewards are worth it.

10. You will get Rich in Youth Ministry. Book deals, meeting Doug Fields, everyone will like you. Ummm hello, McFly .... you are in it due to the calling not some Christian celebrity bit.

Thoughts? Other lies to add?

Marketing Jesus?

What are your thoughts on Christian becoming an adjective rather than a noun?

Youth Ministry as a Crutch

I wrote this article several years ago ....

So I got thinking that there are churches that think Youth Ministry as a Crutch. They use, abuse, and misuse the idea of youth ministry. So here are some things that churches do that use Youth Ministry as a Crutch:

1. They see it as a way to Grow the Church.
2. They see youth ministry as glorified babysitting.
3. More programs, more outings = more fun, games and more of YMCA director.
4. They get what they pay for. So let's pay our youth minister poor, give him no Budget but we expect our church's youth group to be like Willow Creek, Saddleback or any other Mega Church (Insert Name here)
5. Isn't youth ministry just a stepping stone so young ministers can be "REAL" Ministers and get their own "Church" (Notice tongue in cheek)
6. Let's Sell. Fundraise and market Jesus. Afterall it will bring people to our church.
7. We don't want those type of kids. (What type is that anyways?) Just look after our kids. (Back to the babysitting mentality)
8. The Senior Minister is the final authority. (Translation: Don't you dare do anything to tick us off or you're fired and we'll talk to the Senior pastor before you because we don't have to come to you ...)
9. Why aren't you at all our kids events, and why did you have to have all these trips during my sons basketball season, and why is it my "Sally" can't be in the Praise Band but that girl with "Pink hair" can?
10. Everyone is your Boss.

Don't you just want to love God and love students rather than using the Crutches and politics of Church agenda.