July Newsletter Article

From the Preacher’s Desk: We are living in a time when we need to embrace the discomfort of racism as uncomfortable as it may be. Jesus died for all people. Red, yellow, black and white ... . The church should and must be leading on these issues. Every life unjustly killed deserves justice. We cannot support the Black Lives Matters Organization since some of their views are deeply at odds with the church. The ultimate goal of the church is to see: Broken Lives Mended By Christ! How? We will act justly. We will love mercy. We will walk humbly with our God. We Have To Be United As One! It is not enough to not be racist... The goal is to be anti-racist. - Andy Stanley Our Action Steps: Admit racism is real. Listen. Pray. Love. We do not support any movement to defund the police, although we do believe some our systems need to be reformed. This is not about police officers. This is about all of us. Are there some bad police officers? Yes, let's be clear, just like there are some very bad preachers. There is bad and evil people everywhere. When it comes to police officers, every police officer that we know personally and love dearly, went into their profession because they actually love justice, because they care, because they honestly want to make a difference. We want to kind of wade into what many would consider dangerous territory and say, You don't have to choose a side. You can be whole-heartedly against racial injustices and you can be for honorable police officers. You can do both. You don't have to choose sides. We must respond well by listening to the experiences of our friends and empathizing with them. In fact, the Gospel will be diminished if we react poorly. We know that reaching people, our witness, depends on how we respond in moments like this. When Christians respond badly with no empathy or charity, it makes it harder for the church to share the Gospel with our friends. We must do better! We have to do better! Broken Lives Matter To Jesus! Racism isn't a Bad Habit. It isn't a mistake. It is sin. The answer isn't found in sociology, or the government. Jesus is the answer. This is not philosophical, an opinion, discussion or argument. This has nothing to do with politics or being political. This is all about theology and walking in and following the Gospel. This is all about being faithful followers of Jesus. Being like Jesus! As I like to say: "Being His Hands and Feet." Jesus said, your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 If we dare to call ourselves fully devoted followers of Christ, then we need to embrace the discomfort and fight for spiritual and racial unity. At Bonnie Brae Church of Christ, we are thankful to be in this "good fight" with you. God Bless, See you on Sunday. Gerrard

Love in Action!

1 John 3:18 "Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (NIV)

Here are some things we can do to put Christ like love into action.

1. Speak to people.

2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, 14 to smile.

3. Call people by name. The sweetest sound is one's own name.

4. Be friendly and helpful. If you want friends (Not just Facebook friends), be a friend.

5. Be cordial.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. Just try it and you can like almost anyone.

7. Be generous with praise.

8. Be considerate of others.

9. Have a good sense of humour, and loads of patience.

10. Pray earnestly for each other.

I'm reminded of an ole saying that "Character is what we are when no one else is around."

Ego or Pride?

It is so easy to have an ego or let pride get the best of you in ministry. In a recent sermon I recalled a story of how a church let go another youth worker after a few months. A person pointed out "Be careful, you don't know both sides of the story." Which of course is true. (And BTW how many of you get that in the middle of your sermons?) To which I replied: "There is always "His side, their side, and somewhere between the 2 lies the truth." The point was basically we need to take care of the Church's leaders. Not because they know it all.(Because they don't- trust me) Nor because of their ego or pride ...but because of Who they serve. And not that they are treated like a hireling ..but as God's people would like to be treated.

Let's not fall into the trap of abuse or letting our church leader's ego get big but the church to:

1. Take care of your leaders. Love on them. Encourage them.

Here is a list of things you can do for your church leader if you need ideas
(Minister appreciation is in October so start planning now)

2. Pray for your leaders. Pray that they do the right thing.

3. Let there be accountability for your leaders. Not be a "One man show" (I just saw where a church was torn apart by a one man show in PA and now the church is looking for another preacher yet again ...)

4. Use discernment. If there is a disagreement use Matt. 18 as a principle. If you have to let someone go - do so with grace, mercy, and forgiveness in the best way possible.

5. If someone has a Pride issue - gently restore them.

I told the church I'm so busy lumbering out the forest in my own eye that I don't have time for the specks in others. what about you? Pride and Ego problem?

Does God change His Mind?

In a discussion on an online forum the question was posed (Most specifically from Exodus 32:14) And here was the Answer I liked:

"The Scriptures that are interpreted as God seeming to change His mind are human attempts to explain the actions of God. God was going to do something, but instead did something else. To us, that sounds like a change. But to God, who is omniscient and sovereign, it is not a change. God always knew what He was going to do. God does what He needs to do to cause humanity to fulfill His perfect plan. “…declaring the end from the beginning, and from the past things which were not done, saying, My purpose shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure … What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do” (Isaiah 46:10-11). God threatened Nineveh with destruction, knowing that it would cause Nineveh to repent. God threatened Israel with destruction, knowing that Moses would intercede. God does not regret His decisions, but He is saddened by some of what man sometimes does in response to His decisions. God does not change His mind but rather acts consistently with His Word in response to our actions.

Malachi 3:6 declares, “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Similarly, James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Source


Other information to consider

Translating Technology

This past Sunday one of my friends, Sam and I went to visit an elderly lady. What we didn't expect was to translate for her some techno terms and in her own culture and language.

She asked things like:

What is twitter? I responded ... its like a short written doctor's note on the computer.

How about facebook? It is fancy scrap booking online.

What about a mp3 player? Remember 8 tracks or LPs ...just smaller.

An I-pad? A touch screen fancy TV set type.

Flashdrive? Small gadget for your information.

Amazing how we relate or get so used to certain terms and things like "Social media" and have to explain them to people who might not even have or know what a computer is.

What was the last piece of technology you had to describe to someone?

My Office Furniture History.

I have two pieces of furniture from the old Washington County Hospital (The facility is no more - the new facility is called Meritus). The first one is an ole table that served as a platform for the Chapel for the Bible and candles ... the other is an old podium (Pulpit) from Pangborn Hall. It was donated in the memory of Carl H. Brandt. (1888-1941) So I did alittle history and found out there was a Brandt Furniture factory founded in 1901 ...(at one time had several hundred people employed there) Now serves as offices for a lawyer (Groh) and the rest remains empty. I'm told Carl's father founded Brandt.

Love Costs Everything

Meritus Medical Center and Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds
has started at the new Hospital. (6mths old).

So on Thursdays during the month of May about 20 Church leaders take a tour and hear from speakers from the new medical center. It has been an exciting adventure. I had been through it before in 2006 with the old Washington County Hospital but felt this was a fresh and new perspective with the new facility and knowing the behind the scenes work.

Today I got to see the OR, Women's Center, and Cath lab. It has been an adventure to say the least.

A Rob Bell Funny

Ht to Derek Tang.

Men's Retreat, Leadership Conference and You ...

The last few days have been a world wind of adventure.

I went to our camp's Men's Retreat and got to hear an Allegience Quartet. Art Bush, JD Seagroves, Chuck S. and Jerry Timbrook sing. Then hear about what it meant to be pursuing Jesus ... a good time.

Sunday we had a great service. Praying for people; and for them to be Jesus' hands and feet to the world. We had one family that just wanted to have us pray for them.

That evening ... my family had the chance with other church leaders in the area to have dinner and just sit and listen to Ben Merold and Tom Ellsworth. Funny thing was the Question and Answer session focused on how their wives views ministry and was encouraging to the wives that were there. (Mine included). It seemed like only minutes passed by and we noticed it was hours ...a good time.

On Monday (of course we heard the news about Osama with mixed reaction ... ) Had 4 great sessions on the Dangerous Church on Churches, Leadership, Choices and Calling. Well worth it. Alot of good information, encouragement of why ministry is so needed.

Today I'm just trying to really chew on what I heard and the adventure to begin ....

why I Watched the Royal wedding.

A lot of people watched the Royal Wedding. Some were mocking it; others were in awe. I admit it was a historical moment. As one who grew up under a constitutional monarchy ... it had some connections for me. (And if you been living under a rock I'm talking about the Wedding of Prince William (Grandson of Queen Elizabeth the Second to Kate Middleton)

Here is why I watched:


1. It is culture ... it will be a conversational started and even help point people to Jesus ... how you ask?

Because of the Church aspect; the Royalty aspect and looking forward to the Ultimate Wedding.

2. The Analogy  of Christ and His Church.

3. The aspect of Marriage.

4. The dream of Prince Charming and the Princess. Every little girl wants hope ... wants to be that princess.

5. The celebration of a Joyful occasion. Too often we hear bad news, how bad this politician is; how bad that politician is ...isn't it nice to have something positive in the news ... Maybe our news channels need to ACTUAL report the Positive things ...like what the CHURCH is, and Should be doing in their communities being the Hands and feet of Jesus ... (wouldn't that be a change?)

6. It helped one appreciate life. Sure, everyone was watching ..meanwhile people had died (over 300) in the storms in the south.  (And people complained about that - yet I don't hear about the over 1400 women die each day ... due to poverty source: http://www.food4africa.org/index.asp?pgid=43 )

7. It gives a Future. Not only a future for the monarchy .... but also hope in our tough times. When we ask people .... did you see the Royal wedding .... we can point them to the ROYAL Wedding of Christ and His Bride.

8. It gives us (as the Church) to be the BRIDE - that Christ would want is to be. (see #2)

9. It gives us opportunity to share scripture. did you know what Kate Middleton's brother was reading? Do you know where that comes from? What book? Who that was written to?

10. And to share stories ...This one wasn't in the PR but was interesting that a former homeless teen was invited to attend.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1377756/Royal-Wedding-Homeless-girl-Shozna-20-wowed-Prince-William-invited.html

what about you? did you watch? Not watch? why or why not?

Easter Cookies

Here is what we did on Saturday nite.

Love Wins -A good Insight.

Review by Kevin Harney
HT to Shelly.

Does God Repent?

Recently I received the following question:

"There are few instances in scripture where God is REPENTANT about a decision He as made.

Gen 6; 1 Samuel 15: 34-35;
What are the implications of such statements; What does it say about God's character; His infallibility; Under what circumstances should God repent?
How do verses/statements such as these impact the doctrine/argument of Predestination?
What is the best (most appropriate) way to approach, understand n explain these passages."

Here is my answer:
I think the word is moreso "Regretted" not "Repented" Repent is seems to imply that you did something wrong and sinned, and need to have a change of heart for the right that leads to a change of action.

The Lord may of regretted a decision made but also because of His Own righteousness ... is able to still live up to his own Character of Holiness. Now dealing with pre-destination (Depending on what side of the Calvinistic bent you are own) it is a biblical concept. One just has to look at it how God sees it. I would differ from my Baptist friends in this ideal, but that is another conversation to be had. The most appropriate way is to explain these passages in their context and what the word cited there means.

Afterwards, I got thinking I don't have to have all the answers. God can change His mind, and doesn't have to answer me. Thus the position of Job God takes. Job asks God, Why? And in Job 38-41 .. God answers and basically says "I'm God, you're not ... I don't have to answer you ..." (Short GMAN Version) Do we, as the indivine understand the Divine? Can anyone understand the mind of God? We are to pursue, seek, trust in Him and thus my own conclusion to the matter.

Responding to Criticism

There are basically 3 Ways to Respond to your critics.


I. Avoid them.

II. Tackle their issues straight on.

III. Be Diplomatic about it.

I think the first one is discounted. To go ahead and tackle and be defensive about people's concerns might put up some barriers. In all things I think what I call the Matt. 18 principle to be exercised ... Go to the person first bringing the criticism. There is no such than as "Well, people say .." (Who are the people? They need to represent themselves, not be some anon. group to complain to complain). Sometimes leadership means tough choices. As someone mentioned recently to me that leaders don't necessary like change but have to be instrumental in making some tough choices and changes.

What do you think?

A Special Moment.

I had a special moment on Sunday. It was one of the little things. Right before the service, I went to talk to one of our young ladies that was in the hospital recently. I was talking with her Mom. She was in the hospital as a young preschooler. As I went down and was talking with her ...to give her a hug.... She kissed me on the cheek and gave me the biggest hug ever. Isn't that what the church is suppose to be about? Caring, sharing ... and the innocence of little children. Continue to keep her and all our children in your prayers that they might be trusting in the Lord with all their heart.

Top Youth Ministry Bloggers

My friend, and fellow blogger, Bill Nance, has named my blog and others as Top Youth Ministry Bloggers if you don't have his blog on your reader ... you should. Thanks Bill.

Influences on My Life: New Blog Series.

So yesterday I talked about Influence of Music that had on my life ... I've been writing some rough draft copies of influences of different people, things, and just plain stuff had on my own life.

Why do this? Well, some people call this the Final week or Holy week or the Passion week of Jesus. It got me thinking ... what if this was my last week of life? Who would I say influenced me? Who helped shape my life? Would I live it any differently? What would I do for Jesus? And so the series begins. (There will probably be other posts mixed in within the Series - the blog series will contain the word "Influenced" within the title)

Christian Artists that have Influenced me.

Music influences. People influence. People ask me now and again; so who is your favourite Christian artists?

Here are the artists that have influenced me .... (And most I have met or been to their concerts as well).


I. Larry Norman. Probably the father of the CCM movement. Got to meet him at Cornerstone.

II. Stryper. Nothing says it better than "To hell with the devil." While my friend, Rusty, was into Iron Maiden, I loved Stryper. (Gotta love 80s metal)

III. Allies. Before "Butterfly Kisses" Allies was it.

IV. David Meece. I never forget trying to sing (and embarrassing myself) one of his songs.

V. Degarmo & Key. The Pledge had impact on my life. (Never forget Marc and I goofing off and Mrs. C rebuking us .... we had a ton of fun but also learned alot)

VI. Amy Grant. (I know, I use to like her music .... later Songs from the Loft ...paved the way to the Passion series)

VII. D.C. Talk - they tried to rap; doing a nu thing; and ended up being Jesus Freaks and doing His will.

VIII. Audio Audrenaline. The songs - get down; Hands and feet; help us focus on the Big house.

IX. Insyders - ska music with the O.C. Supertones and Five Iron.  Ska was big. I just liked the Insyders.

X. Acappella - loved the music, and the songs. The album "Fellowship" probably was my favourite.

XI. David Crowder Band. - the whole passion series, and the worship sets helped influence that worship wasn't so much just singing but reflecting who God was.

XII. Sheila  Walsh. I know some of you maybe surprised about this. I went to one of her concerts in the 80s ... and thought she was great.

Any others you would add? That influenced you? 

Honorable mention: Newsboys, Geoff Moore, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bride, Guardian.

White Board Fun!

I have recently put a whiteboard in my office. My children enjoy it. They draw pictures, write me messages and really encourage me. They tell stories. (I didn't know Yodi had a brother or Jedi was spelled jeti ....) and mostly tell Valerie and I they love us. I have an open office policy. Anyone is welcome to visit; relax or just chew the fat. Sometimes I don't see how some church leaders can have a closed office and be so isolated. (And yes, there are times when my office door is closed but doesn't mean I don't welcome visitors) So what do you children do to encourage you?