Saturday, December 31, 2016

Top 10 Memorable Events of 2016

Each year, people compile lists of important events that occurred over the course of the previous year. In this post, I want to briefly mention 10 things that I will remember about 2016:

1) US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
The US Presidential Election surprised everyone, but made it loud and clear that Americans are tired of "politics as usual" and were ready for some strong leadership. We learned never to believe the media, the polls, or the neighbor's opinion. We learned that honesty does matter to the public and that people aren't as dumb as politicians think we are. We learned that President Obama is delirious in his recollection of success, as due to his leadership we now have a Republican President, Congress, Senate, and additional governors. The tolerance the liberals champion is dependent upon whether you agree with their viewpoint. The projected plunge of the stock market has turned out to be an incredible surge of 7.7% since Donald Trump won the election. Bottom-line is that I'm glad the election is over and no President is as powerful as they think they are!

2) ZIKA VIRUS
Many had never heard of the Zika virus, but it got national attention after cases were reported in almost every state whether contracted locally or by those traveling. Scary to hear the CDC say there is no vaccine and the virus can cause microcephaly, along with other brain defects.

3) CHICAGO CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES
It's been 108 years since the Chicago Cubs defeated the Detroit Tigers in 1908 to become the World Series Champs, but they reclaimed the title in game 7 against the Cleveland Indians! The curse is broken!

4) NC BATHROOM LEGISLATION
NC found themselves in the news and the target of boycotts for wanting people to use the restroom associated to the plumbing they were born with. There is a small part of me that could understand the problem such legislation causes for those who have completed sexual reassignment surgery; but no part of me comprehends restroom usage simply based on which gender he/she "identifies" with on a particular day. Such absurdity opens the door for perverts, pedophiles, and more. Some argued NC's legislation was an attack against the gay community, while others argued it was an attack against common sense.

5) POKEMON GO
Released in July 2016, the game uses the GPS in mobile devices to locate and capture virtual creatures, called Pokemon. The game has become a phenomenon and extremely profitable for its creators.

6) RIO OLYMPICS
The summer "Games of the 31st Olympiad" were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with more than 11,000 athletes participating from 205 countries/regions. The USA won the most medals, but was plagued by the dishonesty of 3 members of the men's swim team. Ryan Lochte got a 10 month suspension for his elaborate story and effort to hide the scandal.

7) TERRIBLE DECISIONS: IRAN NUKE DEAL AND US VOTING AGAINST ISRAEL

What more can be said about either of these issues other than ASININE! God protects those who stand with Israel and this is just one more proof of President Obama's sympathy toward Muslims.

8) SCARY CLOWNS
The first scary clown sighting was reported in WI and quickly spread to SC, to at least 20 other states, and continued worldwide. They have caused school closings, led to several arrests, and caused a ban against clown costumes on Halloween. No doubt some are just pranking, while others are certainly up to mischief.

9) DEATH OF A DICTATOR - FIDEL CASTRO
Fidel Castro was a Communist dictator- period! Read the stories and talk to Cubans who have come to the US and you'll hear of hardship, poverty, shortages, rations, etc. All one had to do was watch the joy, jubilation, and celebration by the Cubans on the streets of Miami and in Little Havana and you would know the type of ruler Fidel Castro truly was. He lived his life and protected his lifestyle at the expense of everyone around him.

10) 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOR
With the kneeling protests of so many during our National Anthem, I want to make sure we remember this 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I have a great respect and appreciation for those who serve or have served in our military. I realize that the freedoms I enjoy are a result of their sacrifices. Having traveled to many other countries, I've know that not every place is like this place! The United States of America is the greatest nation on earth and I am proud to be an American!

So, those are my top 10 memorable items from 2016. Your list may be different; but the point is to look back, appreciate, and learn from our experiences. Let's use what we learned in 2016 to make 2017 even better! I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Thursday, December 29, 2016

New Year's Resolutions Can be Character Indicators

With another New Year celebration comes another abundance of New Year's Resolutions: Lose weight, go to the gym, eat healthy, start saving for retirement, quit smoking, stop drinking, or a myriad of other goals that people make and break annually. While some take New Year's Resolutions lightly, I see them as a window into a person's character. Fulfilled resolutions often reveal people who are committed and determined. Broken resolutions often reveal those who are less disciplined or may be starters, but not finishers. Some people are completely afraid to make any type of commitments! The excuses a person makes or the frivolous way he approaches a promise, will often reveal his character. If a person is willing to break one promise (resolution), then he is most likely willing to break another.

I've always been a fan of the "Promise Keepers" movement and believe men should be men of their word! James 5:12b says, "...But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment." I remember the days when men could shake hands on a deal and their word was their bond. Sadly, times have changed and even "Christians" have to have legal contracts with one another. Truth is now relative, church leaders often lie, and you may need to beware of those who put a Christian fish symbol (Ichthus) on their business card. Whatever happened to being a promise keeper? Whatever happened to being men of character and integrity?

Character starts with the ability to admit a mistake or own up to the responsibility for a failure; but people have become experts at blame-shifting and finding excuses for their failures and shortcomings. The "blame game" becomes more perfected with each passing year. For example, after 8 years, President Obama still blames President Bush for the failures of his current administration. The Democrats are blaming James Comey and Vladimir Putin for Hillary losing the election. Hillary blamed a video for the attack in Benghazi and her aides for setting up her home server. No wonder people are tired of politics as usual!

Likewise, churches will go through several pastors, only to realize that the perceived preacher problems were really congregation or staff problems. In marriage, a perpetual divorcee will continue to blame his ex-spouses. NFL teams blame the coach for a losing season. Even in the corporate world, companies blame former employees for their ongoing problems. Lazy employees blame their bosses for poor performance reviews, and so on...and so on...and so on.

We must get back to teaching the basics about personal character and Exodus 20 is a great place to start:
- Honor your father and mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not lie.
- And 5 other character commandments to live by.

Our world appears to be more focused on treating the symptoms of poor character, rather than looking for a cure. Here's a clue... IF YOU REMOVE WHAT YOU THINK IS THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS; YOU ADDRESSED THE WRONG ISSUE! Just as wearing workout clothes, eating a salad, and purchasing a gym membership won't make you skinny; neither will simply going to church on Sunday and praying before meals make more like Jesus! You must address the deeper issues in order to effect real change! It takes total surrender and complete commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. So, let's resolve to make 2017 the year that our New Year's resolutions focus on building Christ-like character... and let's stick with them!

Monday, December 19, 2016

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus... There's Just Something About that Name

It's December 19... just 6 days before CHRISTmas. This year is different for my family, as all of our Christmas decorations are packed away in a storage unit. We sold our house and moved into a rental. Our Christmas decorations were in the attic, so they were the last items placed into the moving truck; which meant they were the first items put into the storage unit. They are 20' back...2/3 of the way to the right...up against the back wall. Two artificial trees and many boxes of decorations. With one daughter still living at home, we had to have a tree, so to Walmart (aka - Walmartz or Walmark) we went. We got our 18" pre-lit tree and spent about $10 on decorations. That little Charlie Brown tree, many Christmas cards from friends, and the lights & bows my wife put on our orange tree are the the extent of our decorations this year.

Before you feel sad, let me tell you... it's been great! We're not focusing on decorations, but we are focusing on the real meaning of Christmas -- JESUS! I had the privilege of preaching on John 3:16 two weeks ago and 3 people were saved! Yesterday, I preached on the name of Jesus and started my sermon by reading Matthew 1:21 - "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” I also read Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What a name -- JESUS! In Philippians 2:10, the Apostle Paul wrote: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." He is God, God's Son, God the Son, Yeshua, and Immanuel; but the name that represents God in the flesh is JESUS! The Creator became as His creation. He left heaven, lived as a man, and suffered the pain of death; just so I could be saved... and YOU too! That's what Christmas is all about. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus. No man comes to the Father, except through Him. This Christmas, accept God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Friday, December 16, 2016

"Friendly Fire" is Killing Pastors & Churches

This has been one of those weeks. You know, the kind of week that hits you out of nowhere... but has a resounding theme. The theme this week has been attacks against pastors that cause upheaval and division in God's Church. Some of the problems are self-inflicted and sinful, such as the pastor in Hartsville who was arrested for drunk driving or the pastor in Bishopville who was arrested for exposing himself. But, most of the problems are inflicted by self-seeking church members, staff and/or deacons.

This week, I heard about a pastor in Florence, SC that was forced out by a disgruntled staff member and personnel committee after 27 years of faithful service. I also heard about a pastor in Florida being forced out by a disgruntled staff member and deacons, after almost 30 years of faithful service. Sadly, in the last month, I've heard other very similar stories stretching from FL, NC, SC, TN, and TX. Every conversation included similar elements: lazy ministerial staff, employee dissatisfaction, opposition to accountability, a willingness to make false allegations, power struggles between the pastor and deacons, and a church bully (usually a strong a deacon or elder that everyone was afraid to stand up to).

My friend, Dr. Ron Long at Luther Rice Seminary, tells me that he deals with at least 3 calls per week from pastors facing church division, personal discouragement, or forced resignations each week! It appears that the Church is no longer focused on doing battle against the principalities and powers of this world; but instead is choosing to attack itself and is imploding due to internal conflicts. We have forgotten who the true enemy is -- it's Satan his forces! Sadly, the church has lost focus and is waging war against itself. Cancer is caused by abnormal or rogue cells that multiply and attack the physical body. Those rogue cells must be removed and destroyed, or the body will be. The Church better learn a lesson from the fight against cancer, before rogue staff/members/deacons multiply at an abnormal rate and destroy the Body of Christ! Without radical treatment, the Church will die!In fact, many are dying and many are closing their doors.

Search the web and you will find statistics stating that 1,500-1,700 pastors are leaving the ministry each month. Those numbers may be off slightly, but almost every study/survey seems to reveal the same data -- pastors are tired of church politics! They are tired of the attacks, rogue cells, and cancer within the Body of Christ. The enemy chuckles when a pastor falls into adultery or some other egregious sin; but the enemy laughs hysterically when a pastor is removed from ministry by "friendly fire" from within the church! Former missionaries state that while on the foreign field, they engaged in spiritual warfare with those outside the church; but in the USA, they do battle with those inside the church.

Just as football teams review game film of their upcoming opponent, the Church better review the tactics Satan is using. Remember Ephesians 6:10-13 - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Thom Rainer must be observing similar issues pertaining to Church Bullies. Read his blog posts below for further insight and understanding. Take time to read the comments, too.
- The Painful Reality of Church Bullies
- 5 Dangers of the Church Cartel
- Autopsy of a Deceased Pastor

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Church Finances #6 - Year End Giving

This is the time of year that every non-profit organization is after your last charitable giving dollars. From "Giving Tuesday" to "Christmas" and through December 31, you'll hear pleas for money. Some statistics show that non-profits receive 50% of their donations from October through December. It could be that folks want to get caught-up on tithes to their church or companies may see that they are going to have a year-end surplus; but whatever the reason, 'tis the season for giving to charities.

There are several things to keep in mind as you consider giving a year-end gift:
1) Make sure your tithes and offerings to your local church are caught-up, before considering your gift to para-church organizations.
2) If you choose to give outside your local church, look to other local charities.
3) Make sure the organization you desire to donate to is credible. Many aren't.
4) Research, or at least ask, how much of your money the organization will use for "administrative fees."
5) If you are giving above your tithes to a church, ask for a list of current ministries or projects to help you determine how you want your money used. You could request that it be used generally for missions, summer camps, etc. If you don't request an area for use, the church may just "bank" it.
6) Look for genuine need. I've learned never to give beyond my tithes and missions giving to a church that is debt free. Debt-free churches without a "front-burner ministry project" will usually be arguing over how to increase staff salaries or how the most influential people want to spend your money.
7) Make sure the recipient will use your donation as you request, because non-profits are NOT required to do so. Technically, the donor is not permitted to dictate "how" the donation is to be used if a tax deductible letter is given. BUT any organization with integrity will try to use the money as the donor has requested.
8) Look for sustainability in the organization.

Final thoughts to consider BEFORE you donate:
1) If you are desiring a tax deduction, you should verify the groups 501(c)3 status before you give. This can be done by simply going to GuideStar.org, a nonprofit database, and enter the name. If the organization isn’t a 501(c)(3), move on, because your donation might not be tax-deductible.
2) Research and examine the non-profit’s IRS Form 990 tax return and/or the organization's annual financial audit statement. If the organization doesn't file a Form 990 or cannot provide you with an financial audit statement, I would encourage you to give your donation elsewhere. The Form 990 can be retrieved from the organization or from organizations like GuideStar.org.

Finally, remember that money isn't always the most desirable gift for a non-proft. Often, to volunteer your time is the greatest gift that you can give.

Friday, December 09, 2016

Church Finance #5 - Are Churches Required to Follow Their Bylaws?

I've often heard the comment that "a church is not a business." I strongly disagree for several reasons. In the Bible we find: 1) The Early Church had a definite structure; 2) The Bible outlines positions in the Church and requirements for those serving in those positions; and 3) 1 Cor. 14:40 states, "Let everything be done decently and in order." When a Church organizes and incorporates, it is required to register with the State and provide a Constitution and Bylaws. The Church must meet Federal Labor Laws, comply with health codes, meet IRS expectations, etc. The Church may operate independently, but it also must operate lawfully.

Consider that just as churches have a "Statement of Faith" outlining the doctrine that they adhere to, an organized Church is required to have a "Constitution or Bylaws" defining how the church is structured, organized, and "conducts business." The Bylaws help the church function efficiently, define the mission, and outline the methodology. The Bylaws maintain unity and help the church avoid liability. Bylaws are NOT suggestions and cannot by selectively adhered to, ignored, or unilaterally changed by the pastor or deacons.

When a pastor or deacon(s) knowingly chooses to ignore or violate the Church Bylaws, they are putting the church in legal danger.
All one has to do is a quick Google search and you can find lawsuit after lawsuit caused by a violation to the church bylaws. One such instance is discussed by Raul Rivera in an article on "Start Church" entitled, "When Churches Violate Their Bylaws:" "On any given day, within the 50 states, thousands of churches are in court because of disputes between members and leaders. These disputes usually begin with personality differences, but often times end up with both parties having to look at the details of the church's bylaws. Such was the case with a church in Ohio whose pastor chose to change the time of the church's annual business meeting. When some disgruntled members disagreed with his decision and noticed it was inconsistent with their bylaws, they sued the pastor. The court, in keeping with the church's bylaws, invalidated the meeting because the pastor did not follow the procedures stated therein.

Is your church following its Bylaws?
Are policies for selecting committee members being implicitly followed? Is proper notification being given prior to conducting meetings? Do all of your deacons meet the qualifications outlined in your Bylaws? Is the protocol for resolving conflict being followed? Is all church money being properly accounted for? If you could answer "no" to any of these questions, or you see any other areas of your church Bylaws that are not being followed... then your church is at risk for a lawsuit! Nobody likes to use the words "church" and "lawsuit" in the same sentence, but pastors, deacons, associates, and members often do NOT realize the seriousness of the situation and the risk they bring to the church.

Church Finances #4 - How Much Do You Pay a Guest Preacher?

Determining how much to pay a guest preacher is another one of those areas that they usually don't teach you in seminary. So, how do churches determine the size of the honorarium? In some churches, they simply give what they think sounds right. For example, some think like this: A guest preacher comes into the church and preaches during a 1 hour church service... so they assume $50 is very good for 1 hour's work. That sounds good, but most people don't realize that a solid preacher will put in 8-12 hours in sermon preparation, and that is after spending time in prayer to seek what it is that God wants him to preach. In addition, they don't consider the time driving, the fuel costs, accommodations, and food expenses. 1 Timothy 5:18 says, "...a workman is worthy of his hire." It shouldn't cost the preacher out of his own pocket to come preach at your church.

Most preachers will never worry about the amount of money they receive for preaching as a guest. Most feel honored just to be invited and to have the opportunity to proclaim God's Word. That's why most understand when a small country church offers a small gift. That simple act of appreciation goes a long way to encourage the heart of a preacher. BUT for those churches that do have full-time pastors, Art Rainer has come up with a good formula for determining honorariums in his article entitled, "How Much Should You Pay a Guest Preacher?" The summary of Art Rainer's article is that a church should cover the costs for travel, food, and accommodations. In addition to covering those costs, a church should pay a guest speaker .5% of the Pastor's gross salary (including housing allowance)for each service at which he speaks. Thom Rainer also has a similar article at "What Should a Guest Preacher be Paid?"

In addition to the Rainer's articles, others advise to consider factors such as the speaker's experience, expertise, skill level, number of times speaking, number of days away from family, etc. Others suggest that smaller churches guarantee a minimal amount and also receive a love-offering for the speaker. Whatever method your church decides to follow or however much the church decides to give, the bottom-line is that the church should be generous with God's man.

Tuesday, December 06, 2016

Church Finances #3 - Financial Policies & Procedures - A MUST!!!!!

As mentioned in my previous blog post, transparency is the key to maintaining integrity with the congregation; but other factors also play into the equation. I am a BIG advocate of accountability in every area of church ministry, but especially finances. Too often, people say "we don't have time to do all of that"... or "the church isn't a business"... or "we trust our people." those are EXTREMELY foolish comments, so please save yourself the embarrassment and don't say them out loud. Remember the "7-P's" - Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pitifully Poor Performance. By taking the time to develop and implement a few simple and preventative steps, you may save your church a lot of money, embarrassment, heartache, and a tarnished testimony.

So, I would recommend that every church implement the following steps to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity with regard to finances.


1) Develop clear financial policies and procedures outlining every aspect of how money is handled in the church. Conduct self audits at random times throughout the year to see if the processes are being followed.
2) Have an outside party (third-party CPA) perform an annual audit of all financial records. Make the results of the audit public to the congregation. Any church that would refuse to do an audit is most likely hiding something!
3) Present an annual zero-based budget for congregational approval and allow at least 2 weeks for the congregation to ask questions prior to approving it.
4) Present an annual year-end report showing income and expenses, as well as, starting and ending balances in each fund. This should include an annual report of how much money is held in savings accounts, investments, and emergency funds.
5) Demand segregation of duties for those handling the finances. This includes: Receiving, depositing, recording, reconciling, and distributing funds.
6) Require 2 signatures on all church related checking accounts.
7) Do not use gimmicks or raise excess funds. Present the need and keep the people informed as to the status of the fundraising.
8) Mail quarterly or bi-annual giving statements to all contributors. This will motivate those who fall behind on their giving, but it will also serve as a confirmation of receipt for those who use online banking or mail-in their tithes and offerings.
9) Protect the Pastor by restricting him from access to financial information and handling or any money.
10) Many churches are closing their onsite business offices and hiring outside CPA firms to handle all church accounting. This has been shown to slow-down the spending and provides a greater level of protection to the ministry. At the very least, have your church's CPA do a quarterly financial statement. This adds credibility and an extra layer of protection.
11) Set spending limits for individuals and committees.
12) Be transparent by printing the weekly or monthly giving amounts. This can be in the church bulletin, prayer sheet, verbal announcement, etc. Don't ever be viewed as "hiding" the financial reports.

For additional ideas regarding church finances or ideas for developing financial policies and procedures see these helpful sites:

1) LifeWay - A Model Church Financial Policy
2) Guidestone - Church Financial Policies
3) FreeChurchForms.com - Church Policy Manual
4) Church Law & Tax - Finances
5) Interactive Guide to Church Finance - AG Financial Solutions

At Emmanuel, we worked with our CPA (Moore, Beauston, and Woodham) in the development of financial policies and procedures for our church and Christian school, so I'm not advocating something that I don't truly believe in. You can also find many other local churches that see the value in having written financial policies by doing a quick Google search. Many local churches have their financial policies listed online and they can be used as guides. I would encourage every church member to ask your pastor or church finance committee to see a copy of your church's "Financial Policies and Procedures Manual." You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you have one, or you may be the catalyst God uses to bring accountability and protection to your local assembly.

Monday, December 05, 2016

Church Finances #2 - Transparency Regarding Church Money

As we continue our discussion about church budgeting, "transparency" would be the next key word. Like all other areas of the church, you don't have to continually share all of the details that people don't care about; but when a member asks a question about church finances, there shouldn't be any secrets. Keeping people in-the-loop with regard to general financial issues is critical to maintaining the trust of the congregation. I've found that people will give freely, if they trust those overseeing the church finances. I can't remember one year during my pastorate that we ever experienced a budget shortfall. I feel it was because people were always informed and financial reports were readily available to any member who would simply ask. After saying that, let me clarify that I think it is unhealthy for the congregation to have to "vote" on every expenditure, but I also think there needs to be transparency and good communication from those spending the church's money.

The Bible does not say anything about the early church having expense reports, budgetary meetings, or finance committees. What it does reveal is a pattern in which the church entrusted a leader(s) with the finances, and then those leaders managed the finances. In Romans 15:25-28 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 we find accounts of churches taking up a collection and then giving the money to Paul and others for distribution. So, without explicit instructions, there is freedom of process; but we should require a high level of accountability. Churches have been plagued by embezzlement and fraud by staff and volunteers; and financial scandals have destroyed or damaged countless churches. These events may not have been 100% preventable, but most occurred due to lack of transparency and lack of accountability.

Peter J. Reilly states, "The strongest voice I have noted for church financial transparency is that of Reverend Frank Benson Jones. In his book 'Stop The Prosperity Preachers,' he argues that lack of transparency is one of the things that draws the wrong type of people into ministry. He believes that if the profits were removed, only prophets would remain." He goes on to say, "Most charities are subject to some level of transparency, but not churches. That leaves it up to the members to demand transparency. If you meet resistance from the leadership, maybe you might consider that rather than a sheep who is being fed, you are one that is being shorn." If you encounter leadership operating in secrecy, be sure there is a problem...they ARE covering something up!"

Sunday, December 04, 2016

Church Finances #1 - Determining Church Salaries

Talking about money is one of the issues that is usually taboo in a church. Either people are consumed with watching every penny -- usually those are the people who don't give much; or others don't even want to see a financial statement. I feel that both extremes are wrong, but they also come into play regarding church salaries. I remember going to Bible College and Seminary excited about how much I would learn about ministerial work, only to find that upon entering my first vocational ministry position, I still had so much to learn (an continue to). In college & seminary I learned theology and we had some debates about methodology, but we often did not discuss the practical points of pastoral ministry. One of those items was church finances, specifically how to determine salaries for church employees. If pastors have questions and may not have received much training in church finances and budgeting, then how can we expect lay-volunteers (often deacons and lay-elders) to know what to do regarding setting church salaries? So, with this being the time of year that many churches are working on their budgets for the upcoming year, I want to take a moment to offer some insight regarding setting church salaries.

One of the most helpful resources that I've found is the "Compensation Handbook for Church Staff" by Richard R. Hammar. This is a tremendous resource and based on national survey results, the compensation profiles are classified by part-time, full-time, church size, income budget, geographical setting, etc. Each position’s compensation levels are presented based on personnel characteristics including: years employed, denomination, region, gender, and educational training. In addition, compensation profiles are broken down by categories so you can easily determine: Base salary, Retirement, Health insurance, Housing allowance & parsonage, Life insurance, Continuing education, Auto expense, etc. The book can be ordered at the Church Law & Tax Store or on Amazon.

Another good resource is the local or state headquarters for your denomination. Most will have a questionnaire for you to complete (often online) regarding some of the same items mentioned above: church setting, budget, attendance, education, years employed, etc. They will input that data and provide a report for you. Again, you will need to determine whether that report is based on your local, state, or national data and adjust accordingly; but it will give you the average pay for the positions requested.

While information regarding state and national compensation levels is important, the local factor should also be investigated. Church staff compensation definitely varies by community! What do the other churches in your local community do with regard to compensation? A couple of years ago I called the other churches in our community that were close to our size and had confidential conversations regarding staff compensation. I found out that we were paying our staff at the top level for our community and above the median household income. In addition, I discovered that we were one of only a couple of churches that were covering full medical benefits for our employees. Thanks to the healthcare changes, 100% medical coverage seems to be a thing of the past in most businesses. We were also providing full mileage reimbursement, while most only offer a percentage (ranging from .32-.44 cents per mile). My point is that local compensation information is essential when setting staff salaries and will give you a true perspective of what is fair and comparable for your community. Every church should want to be fair and desire to take good care of their employees.

Another factor for discussion is how to determine an annual raise for church employees. I have a strong business mind, but also a heart for people. While opinions will differ, I personally don't think it is appropriate to give annual raises, just for the sake of giving a raise. Sadly, I've found that church staff are often lazy and need incentives to increase their productivity. Offering raises based on productivity is fair and can also be motivational. If the Worship Director doesn't grow the choir, introduce new songs, establish new vocalists and groups, recruit new musicians, lead anyone to Christ or bring any new families into the church... then "why" is he being paid at all? Even more so, "Why would you give him a raise?" The same is true of the Pastor, Youth Director, or any other ministerial position. The biblical principle in 1 Timothy 5:18 is that a workman is worthy of his hire (wages). As in any business, employees should be rewarded for going above and beyond. If you reward poor performance, you set a precedent and can never expect more. So, when considering pay increases for church staff, consider productivity as a gauge to determine raises.

What percentage of your church's annual budget should be going toward salaries? The simple rule of thumb is that salaries should be around 50% of the church's annual budget, but not much more. I don't advocate revealing individual salaries to the congregation, as that would cause unnecessary division with the congregation and even between co-workers if they knew one made more than another (as is often the case). I do, however, advocate that the congregation be made aware of the total budget percentage (or lump sum) going toward employee compensation. I am a strong advocate for accountability in every area of ministry, especially church finances.

Last but not least, make sure your church is well versed in the IRS rules for church staff compensation. Like it or not, the church is a business. Too many churches exhibit zeal with no knowledge when it comes to compensation. Utilize all available resources, hire a CPA firm, ask questions, and don't be too proud to ask for help. Churches should set the example for transparency and accuracy in all financial matters.

Saturday, December 03, 2016

Deacons #11 - Deacon Training Materials

There are so many GREAT resources available to provide training for those serving as deacons. I would encourage every church to make deacon training a regular occurrence. It will prove to be helpful to the deacons, as well as, a blessing to the Pastor and church. I want to offer some recommendations for deacon training materials, but I first want to extend a word of caution -- Any materials or curriculum that shows deacons to be administrators of the church or having authority over the Pastor or congregation, should be avoided at all costs. Pastors will find that carnal or power-hungry deacons will quickly elevate the training manual above the Bible and they will become divisive, rather than helpful. The training materials shown below represent some of the strongest churches and deacon ministries in our country. They will provide much helpful information for establishing a Bible-based deacon ministry.

1) The Bible should be the first and primary source for deacon training. A deacon ministry that is not based on the Bible, probably based on tradition or ideas from corporate America being implemented into God's Church. God established the Church and the plan to maintain it, so I encourage you to base your deacon ministry on the Bible.

2) In my opinion, one of the very best models for deacon ministry was established by Dr. Jim Henry at FBC of Orlando, FL. I strongly recommend their training materials entitled, ""The Deacons: Partners in Ministry and Growth." You can visit their website at http://www.firstorlando.com/care/deacon to learn more.

3) Another great resource is entitled, "The Deacon I Want to Be" and is put out by Pastor Johnny Hunt from FBC of Woodstock, GA. http://www.johnnyhunt.com/store/products.php?product=The-Deacon-I-Want-to-Be

4) The Baptist Start Page is another great resource for deacon training materials. They have many great articles and resources available on their website: http://www.baptiststart.com/deacon.htm.

5) The Pastoral Care Deacon Ministry is a summary of deacon ministry at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, TN. You can read the article as presented by LifeWay at http://www.lifeway.com/Article/pastoral-care-focused-deacon-ministry.

6) I also came across a VERY interesting article by Waylan Lawrence Payne, Jr. written as part of his course work for his Doctoral Degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996. You can view the article at http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1255&context=doctoral.

7) Finally, Charles Stanley offers some good insights regarding the role of the undershepherd and deacons at https://www.intouch.org/listen/messages/the-scriptural-view-of-the-undershepherd-radio.

Friday, December 02, 2016

Deacons #10 - Deacon Selection, Term Limits & Removal

There is no exact method described in the Bible for the deacon selection process. The only thing that is stressed are the qualifications established in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3. In this post, I want to briefly address the topics of deacon selection, term limits, filling a vacated term, removal of deacons, and offer some closing thoughts.

1) SELECTION OF DEACONS:

The following process for selecting deacons is being recommended after observing both good and bad deacon situations in various churches:
a) Present the Pastor, ministerial staff, and current deacons with a list containing the names of every man who is an active member of the church.
b) Allow the Pastor, ministerial staff, and current deacons to cross off the names of all men they know do not meet the biblical qualifications and/or any additional guidelines established by the church's bylaws for those desiring to serve as deacons.
c) Once this step is complete, pass the list of remaining names to the church Business Office and have them cross off the names of every man who is not financially supporting the church with what would, to the best of their knowledge, be considered at least a tithe.
d) After the Pastor, staff, current deacons, and Business Office have purged the list; present the list of remaining candidates to the congregation for their final selection.
e) Once the new deacons are elected, the Pastor should have the responsibility of selecting the Deacon Chairman and Vice-Chair.
f) While some churches choose to ordain their deacons, I do not see that to be biblical as it is being practiced today. In addition, too many mistakenly equate a deacon ordination with a ministerial ordination. I would urge extreme caution when doing ANY type of ordination. Instead, I would encourage a commissioning or dedication service for the newly elected deacons.

2) TERM LIMITS FOR DEACONS:

The Scriptures do not mention term limits for deacons; but in most Baptist churches a 3-year term is the average for deacon service. This method allows one-third (1/3) of the deacon body (not "Board," because Board indicates a group with authority) to rotate off each year. After serving the 3-year term, those who rotate off will usually sit out for at least one year before being eligible for reelection by the congregation. This prevents a dictatorship or ruling mentality among the deacons. In addition, it provides a natural opportunity for someone to step out, if they are feeling the deacon service is too much for them.

3) FILLING A VACATED TERM:

If a deacon position becomes vacant before the term is complete, the Pastor and current Deacons will recommend someone (from the purged list mentioned under "Selection of Deacons") to fill the position. The congregation would need to approve the recommendation, in keeping with the principle of Acts 6:3. The person who fills the position may or may not be eligible to serve a full term immediately after the term he filled is complete. That decision should also be clearly defined in the Constitution and Bylaws.

4) REMOVAL OF DEACONS:

Removal of deacons is not something that anyone usually discusses and thus churches usually just endure and struggle through the term of a "bad" deacon. Even with a good screening process, there are occasions in which deacons change their theological position, under-perform, cause dissension, refuse to support the Pastor, or establish themselves as rulers over the congregation, etc. In such cases, the Pastor, current deacons, and/or the congregation should have the opportunity to remove them. I would strongly encourage every church to include a clear process for deacon removal in your Constitution and Bylaws. Just as the Pastor serves at the pleasure of the congregation; so too, the congregation should have the full authority and opportunity to remove one or all of the deacons, when they deem such action is necessary. (i.e. - There may be instances in which a deacon body begins to usurp pastoral or congregational authority, operate secretively, or exhibit dishonesty before the Church. Such instances, may justify removal of one or ALL of the deacons. In such cases, the church would elect new deacons.) The Pastor and congregation MUST have full confidence in the integrity of those selected to serve as deacons.

5) CLOSING THOUGHTS:

a) Pastors serve the church by leading; while deacons lead the church by serving. There is a clear biblical distinction between the two roles. Every candidate should be reminded of this prior to starting his term as a deacon.
b) I would NEVER use the term "Deacon Board." Instead, I would recommend the term "Deacon Body." A "Board" is the corporate title given to a group having authority, and the term "Deacon Board" is evidence that many churches have adopted corporate policies, rather than biblical policies.
c) Churches would be wise to include a statement such as "At First Church, our deacon ministry operates according to the biblical philosophy established in Acts 6. We believe that deacons are selected to serve, and have no right to rule or exercise authority over the Pastor or the congregation."

While some undoubtedly think the statement in #5c is harsh or even dictatorial, others will see the wisdom of including such a statement in the Constitution and Bylaws. By including such as simple statement, a church may save itself from much of the unnecessary dissension, division, and discord so often caused by carnal or power-hungry deacons. I know and agree that most deacons are very godly men, but it only takes one to start mutiny in the ministry. I pray that you will seriously pray over and consider the steps outlined above.

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Deacons #9 - Role & Duties of Deacons

Immediately upon starting this series of posts regarding deacons, I had to disable the comments section; because so many people have varying opinions about "their thoughts" on deacons. I truly believe the thoughts and positions I have been sharing are backed by Scripture and can be traced to the original languages and intent. Even as I have been writing, I do understand that your church and/or other churches may utilize deacons differently and I respect the right of local churches to exercise their prerogatives... even though I still contend that they should be based on the Bible, not church tradition!

In this blog, I have been communicating the biblical role of deacons as I truly believe it was meant to be. Each post has been adapted from the weekly bulletin inserts that we distributed to our church family for the first 10 years I was at EBC. I stopped distributing them several years ago and later discovered it to have been a mistake, as people continued to join the church from other Baptist churches who thought differently about deacons and even those who came to us from other denominations. The biblical position and practice of deacons should be taught annually in the local church to maintain purity in practice and strength in unity.

So, returning to the foundation I laid in the first post of this deacon series, I remind you that deacons are the servants of the church. Many church problems could be avoided by simply remembering that the role of a deacon is to serve in the church, not to rule over the church. A flow chart outlining the authority in the local church, based on biblical principles, would look like this:

1) God (It's HIS Church and He is the Good Shepherd.)
2) Pastor (Under-shepherd responsible to lead and feed the flock of God.)
3) Staff (Serve at the pleasure of the pastor as extensions of his ministry, but they are NOT equals to the Pastor. Much confusion about this in modern church models. i.e. - Remember, Moses was clearly the God-called leader. While Aaron and Joshua provided tremendous assistance to him, they did not try to usurp his authority.)
4) Congregation (Responsible to select their Pastor and he remains accountable to them. It would be the congregation's responsibility to follow him as he follows God; or to remove him for issues of unrepentant sin, heresy, etc.)
5) Deacons (Chosen by the congregation to carry out the tasks assigned by the Pastor/staff.)

Acts 6:3 – “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (task)”

Here is a partial list of what we viewed as responsibilities of deacons at Emmanuel Baptist Church:
• To Provide congregational care, especially care for benevolence needs, shut-ins, and widow(er)s. While other responsibilities have been added to deacons, Acts 6:1-3 reveals congregational care / benevolence to be the primary biblical responsibility.
• To serve as an advisory panel to the Pastor, ever mindful that the final authority and responsibility for leading the church rests with the Pastor/Elders. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
• To serve as ombudsmen to the Pastor regarding the spiritual climate of the church.
• To deal wisely and in a Scriptural manner with those who would cause division in the Body of Christ, doing everything possible to resolve the problems and restore the people.
• To serve as protectors of the man of God.
• To serve as personal workers during the invitation time.
• To prepare and serve the Lord’s Supper.
• To oversee the finances of the church and school.
• To oversee the care and compensation of our employees.
• To oversee maintenance/repairs of our facilities & equipment.
• To oversee and coordinate all changes and/or improvements to our facilities and campus.
• To serve as the missions committee.
• To serve with the Pastor as an arbitration panel, if necessary.
• To serve (as all Christians should) by actively sharing their faith.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Deacons #8 - The Deacon's Wife

Interesting that in 1 Timothy 3 the qualities of a deacon's wife are mentioned in addition to the requirements of a deacon. It would only be a reasonable expectation that the wife of a church leader should be a virtuous example for the women of the congregation. Too many pastors' wives want to be out in front, noticed, the center of attention, "co-pastoring" if you will; and the same is true of many deacons' wives. Many good men are either disqualified to serve (or should be) based on the character of their wife.

Notice the specific requirements pertaining to the deacon’s wife as stated in 1 Tim 3:11, “Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.”

o Reverent - Women of dignity, serious, and stately. Not “silly” or “giddy” women. Not those who speak for or control their husbands.
o Not slanderers or malicious gossips. Interesting that the Greek word for slanderer is “diabolos,” which is literally translated - “devil.” (cf. Matt 4:1).
o Not quarrelsome or cantankerous. You will recall that Paul mentioned the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Among the worst sins, you will find hatred, dissensions, and strife. These sins can be caused by improper use of the tongue. Sadly, too many deacons' wives (and pastors' wives) skillfully wield the weapon of the tongue to devour and destroy.
o Temperate – Level-headed. Not persuaded by outside influences, worldly trends, etc.
o Faithful in all things – Trustworthy toward her Lord, family, husband, and calling. Think about it… How can a woman who acts like Jezebel, dresses like a prostitute, murmers like Miriam, or covets like Sapphira, serve beside her deacon husband?

Today, it would behoove a church well to checkout a prospective deacon's and his wife's Facebook page. See what they talk about. What "friends" do they have? Do they engage in FB gossip? Do they make flippant comments or posts? Are they passive-aggressive in what they say, share, or like? Social media is often a tell-all that reveals the true heart of a person. Use modern technology to help determine the spiritual depth of someone, BEFORE you nominate them to serve in any leadership capacity.

Realize this... godly deacons’ wives can be a tremendous blessing to a church, but ungodly women can be a dreadful curse! Should a man serve in the office of Deacon if his wife fails to meet the requirements set down in the Scriptures? The answer is adamantly, “NO.” One of the greatest hindrances a church can ever experience is to have a deacon’s wife who fails to meet God’s requirements. Be sure to carefully consider a man’s wife, before you choose him to serve as a deacon.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Deacons #7 - 1 Timothy 3 Qualifications

Up to this point, we've primarily been looking at Acts 6 as it pertains to deacons. Now, let's shift our focus to 1 Timothy 3. Too often, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 gets passed over when talking about deacons; but 1 Tim 3:8 begins with the word “likewise,” which means all that has previously been said about the pastor also applies to the deacon. So, let’s look closely at these qualifications.

(vs. 2) Blameless – Not sinless perfection, but no egregious or hidden areas of sin. All known sin has been confessed and wrongs have been made right. (Blameless is also overshadowing and sets the tone for the other qualifications in the passage.)
(vs. 2) Husband of one wife – The Greek text literally reads, "A one woman man."
(vs. 2) Temperate / Sober – Literal meaning is “wineless.” Metaphorical sense: alert, watchful, vigilant, clear-headed.
(vs. 2) Of good behavior – Prudent, well-disciplined, orderly life.
(vs. 2) Hospitable – Loves strangers.
(vs. 2) Able to teach – Only characteristic that relates specifically to giftedness & function.
(vs. 3) Negatives – No wine, not a striker, and no coveting.
(vs.4,5) Well ordered house – Not a perfect family, but well managed
(vs. 6) Not a novice – One who is spiritually mature, tested, and proven.
(vs. 7) Reputation – Good reputation with members & those outside the church.

(vs. 8) Reverent – Men of dignity, serious, and stately.
(vs. 8) Not double-tongued – Honest, consistent, not hypocritical.
(vs. 8) Not given to much wine – Not a habitual practice.
(vs. 8) Not greedy of money – Not “loving” or controlled by money.
(vs. 9) Knowing & obeying Scripture – Wisdom in knowledge & application of Scripture.
(vs. 10) Tested – Proven and mature in their faith.
(vs. 10) Blameless – Not sinless perfection, but no hidden areas of sin. Repentant.
(vs. 12) Husband of one wife –A“one-woman man” faithful & true.
(vs. 12) Well ordered house – Not a perfect family, but well managed

1 Timothy 3 clearly lays out the qualifications for pastors and deacons. No congregation would want a pastor who was unfaithful in church attendance, never tithed or gave to missions, never visited, or led people to Christ. Notice again, the word “likewise” (vs. 8), implies that almost everything that is expected of a pastor should be expected of a deacon. The office of deacon should be filled prayerfully and carefully, because a church will never grow beyond the spiritual level of its leadership.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Deacons #6 - Steadfast Commitment

It is often difficult to tell the difference between those who claim to love Christ and those who oppose Him. A Muslim acquaintance of mine recently told me. "Christians have three lives: they live one way on Monday through Friday, another on Saturday, and another on Sunday." His belief is that the average Christian's commitment to Christ is only a commitment of convenience and ritual. He stated that Sundays are fashion shows and Christians are hypocrites! I know that Muslims hate Christians, but this man is cordial and willing to engage in conversations. While I may not believe the way he believes, I do believe he is partially correct... many people are Christians by convenience and live lives of hypocrisy. I'll save further comments about hypocrisy for a future post, but I do want to focus on the need for deacons to be committed.

God expects all true Christ-followers to love Him and His Church more than their own lives. If that is the expectation for Christians, then obviously there is an even greater commitment to be evidenced in the life of a deacon. Stephen, one of the first deacons, is an illustration of this in Acts 6-7. Stephen would neither compromise, nor stop preaching that salvation came only through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Because of this, “They stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60)

Back in Acts 6:5 we read, “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” The remainder of chapters 6 and 7 describe the life of this deacon. We only read of one brief day in Stephen’s life, before he passes off the scene; but God recorded his story as an example for us to learn from. Stephen was not a negotiator or compromiser. He stood fast and the Bible records him to be a man who loved God more than his own life.

Doesn’t it seem strange that many today desire the office of a deacon, yet put personal things before church attendance, evangelism, discipleship, and ministry opportunities? Some want to control the church finances, but they don’t tithe. Some pray eloquent prayers for missionaries, but they give very little to missions. Some want to make decisions that will effect the church, but refuse to take time to seek the mind of Christ. Some want to push their personal agenda, rather than submit to God’s leading and what is “best” for His church. Some want the title and power, but they don't want to make the commitment necessary to fulfill the true calling of a diakonos... a servant of the church.

A congregation should seriously consider Deacon Stephen before electing any man to serve as a deacon. Luke describes Stephen as being a “full” man. He was not full of tricks, humor, self, sarcasm, jokes or charisma. Stephen is described as being full of faith, wisdom, power, grace, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and love for Jesus. Should we lower God’s standards and requirements? Is it right to allow men to serve as deacons who fail to show commitment, evidence spiritual disciplines, and meet the requirements laid out in Scripture? Deacons must love, lead, serve, defend, and live for God and His Church. They must put God’s desires before their own and live with authenticity... lest it might cause those without Christ to make an inaccurate assessment of His Church.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Deacons #5 - Men of Wisdom

It would seem to go without saying that any man who desires to serve his church as a deacon, should be a man of wisdom. Ironically, last week I was discussing deacons with a man who has served as Pastor of the same church for over 30 years and has helped many other churches through the years. He said, "You can take a man who is intelligent, godly, a Sunday School teacher, etc.; make him a deacon and he becomes an idiot!" Obviously that doesn't happen to every deacon; but it seems to happen frequently whether the church is big or small, country or city, and in all denominations. Well-meaning men get an ounce of what they perceive as "power" and they lose all semblance of intelligence.

Part of the problem could be that most who serve as deacons do not have any theological training or experience. They only know what they have heard through preaching or opinions they have gleaned from others who served previously. Sadly, some get puffed-up with pride and think they know it all when it comes to the work of the Church. Think about this...When my car breaks down, I take it to a certified mechanic; When I'm having electrical problems in my house, I call a certified electrician; When I need a surgical procedure, I want a highly skilled surgeon with experience in his field. Doctors will tell you that with the Internet came self-diagnoses. Well-meaning web-surfers now think they are doctors and pharmacists! My daughter is an RN and LOVES her job; but her job is often impeded by the patient's family members who insist they know more than the RN's. So, here's my point and what we all need to realize... trust the professionals, those with experience, those with degrees... even in the Church. Realizing this, let's examine this characteristic found in Acts 6:3, "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom..."

A deacon must be filled with wisdom. This means one who is able to use knowledge wisely (Acts 6:3). This verse is very similar in comparison to 1 Timothy 3:9 – “Holding the mystery of the faith.” The mystery of the faith refers to revealed truth which lies beyond the ability of the carnal mind to comprehend. The best example of one filling this requirement is in Acts 6 and 7. Stephen was one of those chosen to serve as a deacon. The Scriptures tell us that he was full of the Holy Spirit, love, power, wisdom, and the Word of God. As you read of his ministry, it becomes apparent that he had thorough knowledge of God’s Word and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit. He made decisions, offered guidance, gave counsel, and lived by the Word of God. So often today, deacon elections are nothing more than popularity contests and men are chosen to serve as deacons without any regard to their practice of spiritual disciplines or knowledge of the Bible. Neither a man’s popularity nor his longevity in a particular church; removes his need to be well-grounded in the Scriptures. To ignore this qualification for deacons, as given in the Scripture, is wrong! So, it is essential for a man assuming the office of deacon to be thoroughly grounded in the Word of God.

In addition, wisdom is displayed in decision making. Arrogance often reveals itself in unilateral decision making. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Arrogance would disregard third party opinions, offers of help, and/or counsel from those with years of experience and expertise. Ecclesiastes 12:13 states, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter..." To make decisions after only hearing one side of a matter is foolish! Consider Solomon hearing from both of the women who claimed the living child was theirs (1 Kings 3:16-28). Hearing both sides allowed him to make a wise decision. Consider Luke 14, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?" Wisdom is displayed by those who are willing to study, dig, examine, listen, invest time, determine the facts, and search the Scriptures; BEFORE making a decision. A deacon who refuses to hear the whole matter, seeks no outside counsel, and jumps to conclusions; will only make pride-filled decisions and wreak havoc in the church!

Would it be asking too much to have a deacon candidate give a proper defense of the Doctrine of God, the Trinity, the Devil, the Bible, Creation, the Fall of man, the Blood Atonement, Repentance and Faith, Salvation, Regeneration, Justification, Eternal Security, Sanctification, the Rapture, the Second Coming, the Church, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Church Leadership, etc.? Would it be too much to consider a candidate's track record for decision making and proof of sound judgment? Remember, deacons MUST be men of wisdom; who know, apply, and live the precepts and principles found in the Word of God. To know and live as such, one must be full of wisdom and well-grounded in the Word of God.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Deacons #4 - Full of the Holy Ghost

As we continue our examination of the biblical requirements for deacons, we return to Acts 6:3. So far, we've seen that the congregation was responsible to select the deacons and the Apostles/Pastors had the responsibility of assigning the tasks to the deacons. We also noticed that the Apostles gave specific instructions to the congregation regarding what to look for. They were to seek out men who were tested and proven, as well as, those who had good reputations. The next requirement found in Acts 6:3 is that those being chosen as deacons must also be "full of the Holy Ghost."

This requirement naturally screens out those who are self-seeking, involved in willful and unrepentant sin, and whose behavior is unbecoming to a Holy God. In hearing such requirements, we tend to think only of egregious sins (which are to be considered); but such behavior could also include (in a modern sense) self-promotion by "liking" or commenting on everyone's Facebook post for the sake of being noticed, efforts to endear one's self to the congregation, and it could even be attached to promoting one's self by simply standing in a place of prominence and shaking hands for the sake of being noticed. For decades, "Christians" have selectively preached against sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll; while choosing to overlook the more "acceptable" sins such as self-promotion, gossip, and pride. To be "full of the Holy Ghost" requires a person to be humble and submissive before God. Only after we've become empty of self, can we become full with the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, most deacon elections are nothing more than popularity contests in the church. Being “filled with the Holy Spirit” does not refer to one who is simply a long-time member of the church, one who possesses a good personality, or one who has been successful in material things. As you study those chosen in Acts 6, it is evident that there was no emphasis or importance placed on any of the above mentioned qualities. Instead, the deacons were chosen for qualities evidencing their spiritual maturity.

Question: “How many churches do you know that insist upon having deacons who are filled with the Holy Spirit?” Would it be too embarrassing to ask a man if he considers himself to be filled with the Spirit? Is it expecting too much to think that a deacon’s lifestyle should reflect the fullness of the Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit should be an obvious requirement in the lives of those desiring to be considered as deacon candidates. Galatians 5:21-23 describes the fruit (outward evidence) of the Spirit-filled life as “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and temperance (self-control).” If deacons were exhibiting these characteristics, there would certainly be fewer horror stories coming out of deacons' meetings and fewer church splits initiated by carnal men attempting to serve in spiritual roles.

Finally, Acts 6:8-7:59 records the story of Deacon Stephen, who was “full of the Holy Ghost.” He stood firm and evidenced Christ, even in the face of adversity, false accusation, and death. When you compare Stephen's life to that of the average deacon, do you wonder if we are not missing something? Do you understand why churches have so many issues related to deacons? So, based on Acts 6:3 and Ephesians 5:18, we conclude that being “filled with the Spirit” is a requirement for anyone desiring to serve as a deacon, as well as, a command for all Christ-followers! So, as you elect deacons, make sure to select spiritual men to serve in this spiritual role. The unity of your church is depending on it!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Deacons #3 - Good Reputation

As we move into examination of more specific characteristics of deacons, let me encourage you to use a word-for-word, literal translation of the Bible; such as the King James Version (KJV) or the New American Standard (NAS). As I pointed out in Part #1 of this series, the literal interpretation is vitally important to a study such as this. Just for example if you use the Contemporary English Version (CEV), frequently labeled the Calvinist Bible, the words used will occasionally alter the meanings from the intent of the original languages. The CEV is written at a fourth grade reading level, making it appropriate for children and adults with limited English skills. The CEV translators used the dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) as opposed to formal equivalence (word-for-word) translation method. So, get a good translation of the Bible and be willing to dig deeper, rather than just surface study.

The next characteristic to be examined when considering a candidate to serve as a Deacon is what the KJV calls "honest report." Honest report means of good reputation, well-respected, of godly character and moral integrity. Paul elaborates on this in 1 Timothy 3:10. Deacons are to be found “blameless." This is an all-inclusive quality relating to all areas of life and sets the tone for all of the other areas that follow. It means having been examined and passed the test. The word "blameless," of course, does not mean sinless perfection; but the characteristic pattern of life must be in line with the biblical standards required of deacons. When considering a candidate to serve as a deacon, he should be asked if there are any verifiable, unresolved charges of wrong-doing that could be brought against him. Simply stated… are there any skeletons in his closet? If so, has he properly repented and does he now have a clear conscience before God? The key focus is NOT whether or not the candidate has ever done anything wrong... since we all have! The real issue is whether the candidate has repented of his wrongs and made them right with with the Lord and others. Some sins may disqualify a person permanently from serving as a deacon, but most will not; if the person has truly repented.

Being “of honest report” means being worthy of respect. This should include the deacons' reputation both in the church and in the business community. Again, this does NOT mean that everyone must like him or agrees with him, as that is not even realistic. For example, I have been very successful in building relationships across our community, but there are still some who don't like me. I know of one who dislikes me because I caught him trying to cheat me financially after doing work on my house... a couple don't like me because I would not condone their sinful lifestyles... and others don't like me simply because I adhere to biblical positions that they feel are outdated. But, most of those who dislike my positions, would still say they respect me for being true to my beliefs. People can disagree, while still respecting one another.

Rest assured that unbelievers are constantly watching and evaluating church leaders. A man cannot effectively serve as a deacon or a witness in the community if he has a dark cloud hanging over his head. A bad reputation for a deacon is a bad reputation for the church, and a bad reputation for our Lord. The world watches and marks those pastors and deacons who are lazy, cut corners, curse, lie, gamble, drink, etc. I remember a time I was shocked to discover that a man who served as a deacon in our church had a poor testimony of cussing and berating in the business community. I was also shocked to discover that a couple of deacons were social drinkers. These things were brought to my attention by those outside of our church... it was the community that informed me, not the church family! Sadly those critics took pleasure in exposing sin and rest assured that Satan delights in discrediting a church by exposing questionable behavior or flaws in the leadership! When considering a man to serve as a deacon, ask, “What do his neighbors and those in the community say about this man?”

In addition, one must have an “honest report” or "good reputation" within his local church. He should be an example in every area. Ask whether he is participating in the Great Commission by visiting the lost and trying to win them to Christ? Is he actively discipling a new believer? Does he wholeheartedly support the various ministries of the church? Does he regularly give financial support through tithes, offerings, and mission giving? Is he in complete doctrinal agreement with the church? Is he fully supportive of the Pastor? Does he faithfully attend the church services? Has he proven himself to be a fully-devoted follower of Christ over a period of time? You don’t make a man a deacon in hopes that he will serve; you select him because he already has an established pattern of serving in the church. So, before nominating a man to serve as a deacon, be sure he has a lifestyle that is consistent with the biblical requirements for deacons.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Deacons #2 - Proven Servants

As I continue this series about deacons, we must realize that the role of deacons has become convoluted and has sadly evolved into something it was never meant to be. Denominations and local churches obviously utilize the role of deacons differently. Some allow women to serve as deacons, while some do not. Some allow divorced individuals to serve, while others do not. Some put their deacons in public view, while others utilize them behind the scenes. Some see deacons as having authority, while others see them strictly as servants. The list of differences goes on and on. I am often asked, "With so many different opinions on spiritual things (ie- the role of deacons), how can we know who is correct?" The answer is simple... search the Scriptures. God is not now, nor has He ever been confused regarding His blueprint for the Church. The confusion comes when we try to explain what we think the Scriptures say, rather than taking the time to research the original languages, intent, and context of the passage.

Confusion over the role of deacon often results when churches operate out of tradition, elect novices, allow people who came from other denominations to serve without training, permit those who served as deacons in other churches of like faith to serve without any vetting, etc. Too often, deacons bring baggage and preconceived ideas that may not be biblical. I remember sitting in a deacon training meeting in which a couple of men stated something to the effect, "We've been deacons for 30 years, know how to do this, and we don't need to be trained." I was stunned! Where was the servant spirit? Where was the desire to learn how to serve more effectively? Every believer is a work in progress and should be a life-long student of the Word. Pastors, teachers, managers, and employees in all walks of life attend training seminars and are required to take CEU's. How much more should the servants of God who deal with eternal matters be desiring and seeking deeper understanding as we sharpen our skills? With that in mind, let's begin examining the qualifications of deacons.

The first requirement for anyone to serve as deacon is that they MUST BE A PROVEN SERVANT. As I mentioned in my previous post, according to Acts 6, deacons were "assigned" or "appointed" with the specific task of problem solving for the sake of maintaining unity in the church. Ironic that many of the problems and much of the disunity seen in today's churches is often caused by deacons. My personal opinion is that a person should be a member of the local congregation for an extended period of time, before ever being considered or permitted to serve as a deacon. 1 Timothy 3:10 states, "Let them first be proved or tested..." The local church provides a good venue to observe a person's character life, family, business dealings, integrity, humility, willingness to serve others, and the depth of spiritual maturity prior to selecting any person as a deacon. The evaluation of deacons should continue even after their selection and during their time of service. As a side note: Every church's bylaws should clearly state the process for selecting deacons and removing deacons. Deacons should be held accountable to and by their Pastor/Elders and local congregation.

So, as a church family begins to examine the qualifications of deacon candidates, it must first look for people who have been tried and tested...PROVEN SERVANTS. The church must look for those who are spiritually mature and see the role of deacon as a servant of the church. Candidates must be willing to carryout the tasks assigned to them and to unconditionally support the Pastor/Elders... unless they do something illegal, immoral, unethical, or heretical. Any church that rushes the process, fails to follow the Scriptural vetting process, chooses deacons based on affluence or popularity, and/or fails to include clear steps outlining the selection and removal of deacons in their bylaws; will soon find themselves in the middle of a mess and "ruled" by ungodly deacons. Remember, the role of a deacon was God's idea and we must follow His plan for His Church!

Friday, November 18, 2016

Deacons #1 - What the Bible Says About Deacons

In today's culture, there are MANY ideas about the role of Deacons in the church. Some see deacons in a support and service role, while others see deacons as a "Church Congress" elected to govern the church and represent the people. These conflicting views have created much tension, animosity, and even unnecessary division in many local churches. I have always felt it is better to be biblical, rather than traditional; so it only makes sense to search the Scriptures to determine the role of a Deacon. I plan to dedicate several posts to define and clarify this role, in hopes that doing so might be of help to many congregations.

To determine the role of a deacon, we must obviously start by defining the term. The Greek word for deacon is the word διάκονος or "diakonos" (Pronounced dee-ak'-on-os). By definition, the word "diakonos" means: "servant, minister, waiter, or one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master." A. T. Robertson, "1249 (diákonos) properly means 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand." No where in that term nor its variations, can we find any other connotation than one who "serves." The word is never used in reference to one who rules or one who exercises authority. A deacon is simply a servant of the church.

One of the most common and misunderstood passages using the word "diakonos" is found in Acts 6:3 - "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." A misunderstanding of the word "business" has wreaked havoc in many churches. For clarification sake, in Acts 6 the congregation chose the deacons and then the Twelve (the Pastors) appointed the business or specific responsibility(NIV), task(NAS), or thing(CEV) to those deacons. What was that task or specific point of business in Acts 6?... The feeding of the widows... Congregational care or benevolence care. By taking care of that assignment, the deacons were serving the pastors by enabling them to give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Too often, today's deacons misunderstand the word "business" and try to assume responsibility for the administration and oversight of the church. The context of Acts 6:1-4 makes is very clear that the role of the deacon is to "serve" the church; while it is the responsibility of the Pastors and Elders to serve as the under-shepherds and to oversee, lead, and provide direction for the church.

In Acts 6, it is also interesting to notice the form of Church government that is outlined:
- God called the Twelve (Pastors) - God's always called a man (ie - Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Paul, etc.)
- The pastors communicated God's truth directly to the congregation.
- The congregation selected the deacons.
- The deacons carried out the work assigned by the pastors, for the overall benefit of the congregation.

So, where does the idea that deacons oversee the pastors/elders and control the congregation come from, since it is definitely NOT a biblical concept? I personally believe it stems from pride originating in the hearts of those men who are elected to serve as deacons, but do not meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3. I personally believe the sin of pride and the desire for control simply wells up in the heart of the power-hungry novice. They inappropriately seek to serve as a deacon in order to attain a position that may allow them to make the changes they deem necessary in the church. Sadly, churches across our nation are paying the price for this "stinkin' thinkin'" through unnecessary strife and division within their congregations, as well as, pastors who are leaving the ministry following pride-filled power-struggles with deacons.

So, what can and should deacons be doing to serve their local churches? First, deacons should be setting the example as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ through the personal spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, church attendance, tithing, teaching, evangelism, discipleship, etc. Second, deacons should be serving by ministering both spiritually and physically to the needs of members, preparing and serving communion, making hospital visits, visiting widows and shut-in’s, helping with the setup and cleanup of events, coordinating church workdays, caring for the church's facilities, comforting the bereaved, serving as financial consultants to the church, providing security, and serving in various ministries. The Scriptural attitude of any deacon should be summarized in the question, “What can I do to help?”

With that question in mind, let me close with one of the best stories about a deacon that I've ever heard. The story is told of a Youth Pastor who had just returned from a week at summer camp with the children from his local church. The deacon who oversaw the care of the church's vehicles was there when the group arrived. The church bus was "trashed" with fast food bags, candy wrappers, soda cans, and sand throughout. The deacon could have berated the Youth Pastor for allowing the students to eat on the bus or for returning the bus in such a mess; but that particular deacon did not do that. Instead, he thanked the Youth Pastor for taking those kids to camp and investing in their spiritual nurturing. He rejoiced in the salvation testimonies and spiritual decisions as the Youth Pastor shared them. Finally, the deacon told the Youth Pastor to go home and get some sleep. That deacon chose to express his appreciation and support of that Youth Pastor by volunteering to sweep and clean the bus himself. Now... that's the heart of a Spirit-filled deacon!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Life's Lessons Learned from Eagles

Last Sunday, my wife and I had an amazing encounter. As we were driving to Charleston to preach for a Homecoming service, we came upon a bird that was circling not too far above the highway. It was magnificent as it just glided through the air almost effortlessly. As we got closer, I noticed it's white head and tail. I excitedly asked my wife, "What kind of bird do YOU think that is?" She immediately replied what I was already thinking... "That's an eagle!" That was only the 2nd time in my life that I've seen a bald eagle in the wild. The first was several years ago on Lake Robinson, as we were boating with our family. The second encounter was last weekend driving down I-26 toward Charleston.

I have always loved bald eagles. Not sure if it's because they are our national bird, so beautiful to watch, or the fact that they are symbols of strength. Whatever the reason, I really enjoy them. I've got carvings and pictures of bald eagles that I've collected through the years. One of my favorite pictures was given to me by my late father-in-law. He purchased it from a man who had never had an art lesson, but had amazing talent. The verse on the painting is Isaiah 40:31. We often quote that single verse, but allow me to share the context of the passage:

Isaiah 40:28-31:
"Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."


As we drove along I-26, it was as though God put that low-flying, circling eagle in front of me as a reminder to wait on Him and He will renew my strength. I'm not much on "signs," BUT I am believing God sent that one in such a way that I couldn't miss it. God was sending a reminder that He is able to carry our load, to give us power, to get us back on our feet, to make us run, and to give us the strength to serve Him without growing weary. What a Mighty God we serve! 2 Cor. 12:9 offers another great reminder - "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

It's been said, "I'd rather soar with the eagles than squabble with turkeys," or "You can't soar like an eagle if you have a vulture mentality." Realizing the unique characteristics of eagles, my prayer is that God will give me the qualities of an eagle:
1. Eagle soar above the common birds. God, keep me dissatisfied with mediocrity.
2. Eagles have tremendous vision. God, give me a fresh vision for your work.
3. Eagles don't eat dead things, vultures do. God, keep my faith fresh, not simply regurgitating ideas from the past.
4. Eagles seem to love storms. God, when others are cowering, help me to see the storms of life as opportunities to soar with you.
5. Eagles are tried and true. God, help others to see me as one who is tested, tried, and found faithful to you!
6. Eagles prepare their young to soar. God, help me be one who prepares others to succeed in their spiritual journey.

Friday, November 11, 2016

How Should Christians Respond Post-Election?

For the past 18 months, we have been bombarded by news, interviews, town halls, debates, and social media regarding the Presidential election. I will start by telling you that I did not vote for either candidate - I didn't think either one was a good choice. Instead, I chose to vote my conscience regarding who I thought had the better chance of appointing Supreme Court Justices that would be in line with my values and the candidate I felt might be prone to bolstering and supporting our military. Only the future will tell if I made the right choice. You may agree or disagree with my choice and that is your right. It was my right to vote, and I exercised it. Statistics show that over 46% of registered voters didn't even vote. That is a shame, considering people gave their lives to give you that right.

I personally do not believe that either party is the "Christian" party, I don't believe that either of the candidates would be prone to govern based on their faith, and I don't think believers should allow politics to divide them. (Sounds ironic, since SO MANY churches are internally divided over church politics!) It's been extremely sad to watch the division, protests, and riots going on across our nation, simply because some don't like the outcome of the democratic process. I'm of the opinion that no politician can solve all of our problems, so elections don't change my attitude from one day to the next. Our only hope rests in the Lord. I passed a church sign last week that read, "Neither the elephant nor the donkey can solve our problems. Our only hope is in the Lamb." I thought that served as a great reminder to Christians.

So what is a Christian to do post-election?
1. Don't make a fool of yourself on social media. Remember the saying, "It's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt."
2. Don't restrict your friendships to only those who hold your same views. Remember, Jesus was called the Friend of sinners, so He obviously made a habit of spending time with people who didn't hold his same values.
3. Realize that the Church flourishes during times of oppression. Remember the persecution that caused the early Church to expand and grow; remember the secret growth of Christianity under Communist governments; and realize that the Church will have many opportunities to fill the social needs created by government.
4. Whether you like or dislike the current President or President-Elect, we must realize and act according to the truth of Romans 13:1 - "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

You may not like the President-Elect and you may feel that the United States of America has some problems, but I still believe it is the GREATEST country in the world! I am very patriotic and proudly pledge my allegiance to this nation. I will support my country in whatever ways possible. I will defend her to the death. I refuse to be a critic or to desecrate our flag, disrespect our national anthem, defame our leaders, damage our reputation, or destroy my neighbor's property. I always act appropriately when traveling abroad, because I represent America to the world! You see, I am an ambassador -- for myself, for my country, and for my Lord! I want to represent all of those parties well. So, before you speak or act post-election, remember your position as an American and as Christian. Doing so may alter your behavior, help maintain your integrity, and open doors to share your faith.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

What a Party!

Last Sunday night, a group of church members from EBC, hosted a reception for Flora and I. We were so thankful that Bethany & Lindsay were able to attend. Courtney was pretty bummed that she had to work and could not make it. It was a wonderful opportunity to express our thanks to hundreds of people who had impacted our lives and allowed us the privilege to invest in theirs. Hartsville only has approx. 7,800 people in the city limits and approx. 30,000 in a 5 mile radius. I've told our congregation often that the most recent list of churches I saw had 154 churches registered in the 29550 zip code. That's 154 churches for less than 30,000 people. To bring that into perspective, there are more churches registered in the 29550 zip code than there were in Palm Beach County, FL when we moved here in 2002 (Population 1.4 million). BUT, here's what I realized... While people were free to attend any of those churches, they CHOSE to worship at Emmanuel Baptist Church and they CHOSE to allow me the honor and the privilege of serving as their pastor! They chose to let me minister to their family, they chose to sit under my preaching each week, they chose to serve alongside me, and they chose to help accomplish the vision that God had given me for EBC. That is an overwhelming and very humbling realization, and my sincerest thanks goes out to each of you.

During our time together last Sunday, people reminisced and shared stories of their salvation, baptism, and why or how God led them to Emmanuel. They shared stories of how God moved them to step out of their comfort zones and to engage in service and ministry opportunities. Some reminisced about the day I performed their wedding, dedicated their children, and/or buried a loved one. One man reminisced about how God restored his marriage, another couple shared a similar story, one couple spoke of how they turned from drugs to Jesus, a lady talked about God's healing after the death of her husband, another how he had been out of church for 30 years, a lady thanked me for taking a chance by employing her as she tried to get back on her feet after a job loss, and the stories went on! Another man, who is very dear to me, hugged me and said, "You know I don't usually hug men." Kids gave high-fives and fist bumps! There were tears in the eyes of our friends and in ours, we were able to thank God for the work that HE has accomplished during our sweet time at EBC.

When Flora and I returned home, we were physically and emotionally exhausted. There was a huge stack of cards, a box of notes, and gifts. We chose to delay opening them until the following night. On Monday night, the tears began to flow again as we opened cards and were so blessed by the generous gifts; but most of all by the sweet and kind words of people who have become our family. It was truly a manifestation of Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." The kindness has continued through this week. Facebook notes, text messages, emails, phone calls, and visits by dozens of people who were out of town, working or unable to attend the event for various reasons. The love of SO many has been absolutely amazing and overwhelming!

I'll be mailing thank you cards and notes of appreciation in the future, but I want to publicly express my appreciation to those who coordinated that very special event for us. It was organized quickly, beautifully decorated, the food was tremendous (included our favorites), the picture board brought back so many memories, personalized signs were everywhere, and the guest line continued for almost 4 hours! We arrived early and started greeting people and continued talking to the late-comers as folks were cleaning up around us. Words cannot adequately express my appreciation, so I'll just keep repeating the words "THANK YOU" to everyone who coordinated and attended the reception. Thank you for all that you mean to my family... and for being our family! You truly made this Pastor and his family feel appreciated!

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Emmanuel's Spiritual Review Over 14 Years (#3)

As I've shown in my previous two blog posts, EBC and ECS have been SO blessed by the Lord to have a beautiful campus with all of the recent upgrades and improvements. EBC is also blessed to be at a point of financial excess. Many, if not most, churches have experienced contribution declines and there are very few facilities that compare to what God has blessed EBC with (260 acres, pond, gym, abundance of athletic fields, etc.) BUT, facilities and finances are NOT the reason the church exists! The Church exists to "Exalt the Lord, Encourage Believers, and Evangelize the World." So, if we're going to talk about buildings and budgets, we also have to talk about butts (you know... the people).

The Church is about the people. Jesus didn't die for the buildings, grounds, programs, potluck suppers, softball teams, of any of the other things we often bring up when we talk about the Church. "For God so loved the world (the people) that He gave His only begotten Son..." It seems to me that too many pastors and parishioners forget what the Church is all about. It is God's vehicle for impacting the world and making, training, and sending disciples!

In this final review post, I want to take time to talk about the spiritual blessings and community connections that God blessed EBC with over the past 14 years:
- Since November 2002, over 1,200+ people have been saved in the services and guest followup at EBC.
- In that same time, over 3,200+ people were saved through Judgement House and various community events/outreach efforts. These decisions may not have all impacted EBC directly, although some did join our church family; but there were many, many stories of other churches being blessed and revivals starting as a result of our efforts. We all recognize that as Kingdom work!
- During the past 14 years, over 500+ people were baptized at EBC. That's amazing in such a small town!
- We were blessed with approx. 1,000 new members added to our church family in 14 years. That's an average of over 1+ per week (every week) for 14 years. I wish we could have kept them all, but Hartsville is so transient. I remember a 12 month period in which we had 184 members either die or move away. Of those that moved, only 3 of those families stayed in the state of South Carolina. In addition, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, Coker College, Duke-Progress, Sonoco, and other primary employers seem to train people in Hartsville and then send them off to other larger facilities; and of course some who remain end up transfering to other churches.
- Our high average attendance at EBC was 630 up from 305, and our high enrollment at ECS was 459 up from 215.
- Missions has always been important to EBC. With some extra emphasis on missions, God blessed through increased missions giving. In addition, we shifted some focus from state-side missions to foreign missions,we placed an emphasis on training national pastors, took several short-term trips, sent our 3 missionary families from EBC in the past 2 years, and created an internal emphasis to raise missions awareness.
- Through our cooperative efforts, EBC helped to plant churches in Clover, SC; Gilbert, SC; Greensboro, NC; Summerville, SC; two in Wilmington, NC; and others.)
- EBC got reconnected with the local Welsh Neck Baptist Association, began supporting them financially, and participated in the various community efforts.
- Bridges were built across a racially divided community through efforts such as the annual "Home for Christmas" service.
- Relationships were built through community events such as Judgement House, Trunk-or-Treat, Extravaganza, Concerts, First-Responder events, and MANY, MANY more!
- Partnerships with other churches led to coordinated UPWARD efforts in our community: Lakeview hosted Basketball, Kelleytown hosted soccer, and EBC hosted flag football. Churches working together has to bless the heart of God.
- EBC networked with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to host the "July 4 Family Fireworks Festival" for 10 years!
- EBC was the catalyst for starting 3 crisis pregnancy centers (Hartsville, Darlington & Dillon).

With each of the items mentioned above, faces and names come to my mind. I remember the home and hospital visits where people came to know Christ; the counseling room at Judgement House where people came to know Christ; the EGGtravaganza's where people came to know Christ; the Extreme Sports outreaches where people came to know Christ; the parks and events where people came to know Christ; the School chapels where students came to know Christ; the community revivals where people came to know Christ; and the list goes on! That's what the Church is about and why it exists! Jesus Christ died for the souls of men; not for the buildings, grounds, budgets, or programs.

Thank you, God, for using our EBC family to accomplish YOUR work in Hartsville, SC.