This was a very special day as we celebrated our 8th Annual "Home for Christmas" service in partnership with Hines, Norton, and Young & Young Funeral Homes. This year, the Life Care Hospice group also participated with us as we offered a service of hope and comfort to grieving families across our community.
The service is truly a partnership. I preached... our choir sang... Carl Days sang... Scott Norton read the names of those we were remembering... the funeral directors handed out the ornaments... and Wendell Davis prayed over the families. As the family members of the deceased stood in the aisles, our EBC family greeted each one with comfort, hugs, prayers, and words of encouragement. It was a great opportunity to show God's love to hurting people!
Just this week, I met a lady who does not attend EBC, but said she attended the "Home for Christmas" service in 2007. Her husband had passed and she had slipped into depression. She was not going to celebrate Christmas, until she received our letter. When she read the words, "remembering your loved ones who will be celebrating Jesus' birthday in His presence," she said her whole perspective changed. She called her children and they bought the biggest tree, decorated, and celebrated the fact that this man had been saved just a few years earlier.
This has now become a Hartsville tradition and one of my favorite services of the year. The best part is the joy we bring to those who are hurting. That peace they experience is only because of Jesus Christ... the Hope... the One Whose birth we celebrate. Oh, and the best part... 7 people chose to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
We've Got a Great Team
Recently, we were blessed to host our annual Christmas party for our church staff, school faculty, our deacons, and School Committee. As I looked around the room, I was amazed by the wonderful team that God has brought together. It's not perfect, but it's amazing! We now have approximately 50 employees associated with our ministry; plus 12 deacons and 9 laypeople on our school committee. Many have advanced degrees, some are alumni if ECS, others have taught here for 25+ years! There are many people, but one team. The variety of backgrounds and life's experiences are just a few of our strengths; but the greatest strength is the spiritual depth of those in leadership. Together, this leadership team is leading today and dreaming about tomorrow.
I just wanted to give a public "thanks" to my co-workers. We could not accomplish all that God is allowing... without you!
I just wanted to give a public "thanks" to my co-workers. We could not accomplish all that God is allowing... without you!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Valley Haven Christmas Show
Last night, our choir and drama departments put on the most hilarious Christmas program that I have EVER seen! I've always been used to the somewhat somber Christmas pageants (nothing wrong with those and one of my most memorable was Handel's "Messiah); but this Christmas program was the best laugh I've had in a long time. It was as though the script was written around our church members (type casting was perfect) and the entire setting took place in a nursing home. The characters lost everything from their hearing to their minds; but this program kept true to the message of Christmas and did so in a way that kept everyone's attention. I heard people laughing from start to finish and this was truly among the best Christmas programs that EBC has ever presented, and it was all directed by lay-people!
Kudos to everyone who put in the extra time and effort to present such a strong program. God blessed with full house and one new name written in the Lamb's Book of Life!
Kudos to everyone who put in the extra time and effort to present such a strong program. God blessed with full house and one new name written in the Lamb's Book of Life!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sunday Summary 12.6.09
Today, I began meeting with all of our volunteers prior to the start of the Sunday morning rehearsals. I have recently felt impressed of God to ask those who lead our church in worship to examine themselves prior to stepping onto the stage to lead others... to make sure their hearts are right... to confess sin... and to make sure they are truly prepared to lead worship. I enjoyed our time and look forward to these moments in the days ahead. Our Interim Worship Leader started today -- Welcome to the team, Travis.
The service started with two baptisms and four new members becoming part of our church family! Following that, we took time to vote on our 2010 church budget. This may surprise some of you, but the vote to increase our budget during this economic downturn and to raise our support for world missions passed unanimously. It confirmed that our church members are placing their trust in God, and not in the dollar. I know God is well pleased with such a step of faith!
In the morning service, I concluded the sermon series on the book of James with a message on healing. James places the responsibility upon the sick, to notify their elders. Pastors aren't mind readers...! He also tells the sick to examine themselves to see if their illness could be the result of personal and/or unconfessed sin. James then places responsibility upon the elders to pray, anoint with oil (medicinal reference), encourage trust in God, to share salvation, to encourage restoration of relationships, and repent before the Lord.
The Sunday evening service addressed the topic of being lukewarm in our faith. Lukewarm believers are not fully committed to or passionately pursuing Jesus Christ. Lukewarm believers are satisfied with meeting the minimal requirements (i.e. - church attendance, tithing, etc.). They are okay with being "good enough" or at least appearing more spiritual than the next guy. They want to know how far they can go, before a behavior is considered sinful. They want to be popular, rather than Christlike. They live for the moment, instead of eternity. They live for Christ, as long as it is convenient and fits into their plans. Sadly, this describes too many in today's church. Billy Graham said, "The greatest mission field in all the world is the American church." Francis Chan said, "The American Church is a difficult place to fit in, if you want to live out New Testament Christianity." I closed by asking our folks to examine themselves and turn up their spiritual temperature. Will you do the same?
The service started with two baptisms and four new members becoming part of our church family! Following that, we took time to vote on our 2010 church budget. This may surprise some of you, but the vote to increase our budget during this economic downturn and to raise our support for world missions passed unanimously. It confirmed that our church members are placing their trust in God, and not in the dollar. I know God is well pleased with such a step of faith!
In the morning service, I concluded the sermon series on the book of James with a message on healing. James places the responsibility upon the sick, to notify their elders. Pastors aren't mind readers...! He also tells the sick to examine themselves to see if their illness could be the result of personal and/or unconfessed sin. James then places responsibility upon the elders to pray, anoint with oil (medicinal reference), encourage trust in God, to share salvation, to encourage restoration of relationships, and repent before the Lord.
The Sunday evening service addressed the topic of being lukewarm in our faith. Lukewarm believers are not fully committed to or passionately pursuing Jesus Christ. Lukewarm believers are satisfied with meeting the minimal requirements (i.e. - church attendance, tithing, etc.). They are okay with being "good enough" or at least appearing more spiritual than the next guy. They want to know how far they can go, before a behavior is considered sinful. They want to be popular, rather than Christlike. They live for the moment, instead of eternity. They live for Christ, as long as it is convenient and fits into their plans. Sadly, this describes too many in today's church. Billy Graham said, "The greatest mission field in all the world is the American church." Francis Chan said, "The American Church is a difficult place to fit in, if you want to live out New Testament Christianity." I closed by asking our folks to examine themselves and turn up their spiritual temperature. Will you do the same?
Saturday, December 05, 2009
No Such Thing as "Seekers"
On Sunday nights at Emmanuel, I've been teaching through Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love." As I was reviewing the chapter for tomorrow, I noticed his statement that too many churches look at attendance numbers to gauge success. He draws attention to Jesus' example of preaching hard to the multitudes, with the goal of eliminating those who were not true followers. Jesus did not water down the message to maintain the attendance, but few preachers use Jesus' tactics today. Too many preachers seem to focus more on growing their attendance, than preaching truth. They focus on attracting "seekers," rather than growing disciples.
Over the past 20 years, the "seeker sensitive" and "seeker driven" movements have weakened the spiritual depth and core separatist foundation of the church. While this movement has resulted in larger crowds and does have some points of merit regarding relevance, even Bill Hybels, former pastor of Willow Creek Community Church and early leader of the "seeker" movement, has since admitted the weaknesses produced by it. Others who led the early "seeker movement" are also now realizing the shallowness produced by services void of doctrine, which cater to the unsaved and the malcontents. Much time and weakening in the walls could have been saved, if they would have read Romans 3:11 - "...there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."
Don't misunderstand me... I have always been a student of church growth and willing to try many methods for the sake of growing the church and reaching people for Christ. I do believe we must be relevant in order to reach our culture, and change is one of my dear friends. I abhor unbiblical tradition, pious Pharisees, and dead churches. I admire pioneers like Chuck Smith, and preachers like Andy Stanley, Ed Young, Perry Nobles, and Steven Furtick who push the envelope; but also preach sound doctrine. I am simply reminding you (and me) to follow Christ, instead of the latest fad or guru in the church growth movement. Remember, anyone can draw a crowd; but Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone and the sure foundation of the Church.
Over the past 20 years, the "seeker sensitive" and "seeker driven" movements have weakened the spiritual depth and core separatist foundation of the church. While this movement has resulted in larger crowds and does have some points of merit regarding relevance, even Bill Hybels, former pastor of Willow Creek Community Church and early leader of the "seeker" movement, has since admitted the weaknesses produced by it. Others who led the early "seeker movement" are also now realizing the shallowness produced by services void of doctrine, which cater to the unsaved and the malcontents. Much time and weakening in the walls could have been saved, if they would have read Romans 3:11 - "...there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."
Don't misunderstand me... I have always been a student of church growth and willing to try many methods for the sake of growing the church and reaching people for Christ. I do believe we must be relevant in order to reach our culture, and change is one of my dear friends. I abhor unbiblical tradition, pious Pharisees, and dead churches. I admire pioneers like Chuck Smith, and preachers like Andy Stanley, Ed Young, Perry Nobles, and Steven Furtick who push the envelope; but also preach sound doctrine. I am simply reminding you (and me) to follow Christ, instead of the latest fad or guru in the church growth movement. Remember, anyone can draw a crowd; but Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone and the sure foundation of the Church.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Using Your Platform For Christ
Last Tuesday, I attended the annual "Mayor's Prayer Breakfast" in our city. The guest speaker was former Miami Dolphin, Glen Blackwood. I've been a faithful fins-fan all of my life -- through both the good and the bad years. Needless to say, I was excited to hear Glen speak and well pleased with his message. Glen told the crowd of approx. 300 that he was unhappy with what the NFL had become, as guys beat their chests and point to themselves, instead of focusing on the team as a whole. Think about it... a good QB has a good offensive line, running backs gain yards when they get good blocks, and sacks come because of good coverage down field. Football is a team sport and so is Christianity. Every believer has a role to play in the propagation of the Gospel. Best of all, Glen stood before the crowd of approx. 300 and gave a crystal clear explanation of the Gospel. He used his platform to share Christ.
Recently, I've noticed more and more believers using their popularity to point people to Jesus, rather than draw attention to themselves. Tim Tebow (Gator QB) faithfully shares Christ during interviews and the verses under his eyes were read on national television during his final home game. Last summer, our church hosted three-time Olympic Gold Medalist - Leah O'Brien-Amico who tells people that following Jesus is better than winning three gold medals. In October, we hosted Mike Minter (Former Carolina Panther) and he shared the Gospel and the story of how teammate, John Casey, was instrumental in leading him to Christ. Singer, Amy Grant, was on Fox News this morning talking about Operation Christmas Child. Recently, our City hosted the "Hartsville Idol" competition and several tremendous vocalists used this opportunity to share their faith and sing songs that proclaimed Christ.
Not everyone uses God-given opportunities to bring glory to Him. The media is in a frenzy over Tiger Woods squandering of his integrity and forfeited position as a model family man. The media has also enjoyed professing "Christians" such as Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Newt Gingrich, and several television evangelists as they brought shame to their own name and the name of Christ. Sadly, some forget that God places them in positions of influence.
The bottom-line question is this... How will YOU use the opportunities that God allows you? Remember, when we are faithful in the small opportunities, then He can trust us with larger ones.
Recently, I've noticed more and more believers using their popularity to point people to Jesus, rather than draw attention to themselves. Tim Tebow (Gator QB) faithfully shares Christ during interviews and the verses under his eyes were read on national television during his final home game. Last summer, our church hosted three-time Olympic Gold Medalist - Leah O'Brien-Amico who tells people that following Jesus is better than winning three gold medals. In October, we hosted Mike Minter (Former Carolina Panther) and he shared the Gospel and the story of how teammate, John Casey, was instrumental in leading him to Christ. Singer, Amy Grant, was on Fox News this morning talking about Operation Christmas Child. Recently, our City hosted the "Hartsville Idol" competition and several tremendous vocalists used this opportunity to share their faith and sing songs that proclaimed Christ.
Not everyone uses God-given opportunities to bring glory to Him. The media is in a frenzy over Tiger Woods squandering of his integrity and forfeited position as a model family man. The media has also enjoyed professing "Christians" such as Bill Clinton, John Edwards, Newt Gingrich, and several television evangelists as they brought shame to their own name and the name of Christ. Sadly, some forget that God places them in positions of influence.
The bottom-line question is this... How will YOU use the opportunities that God allows you? Remember, when we are faithful in the small opportunities, then He can trust us with larger ones.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
David's Ordination
Ordination is the closest thing the Church has to a professional review board. Several months back, one of our men requested to be ordained, so we called together an Ordination Council made up of local pastors and a pastor friend of the man being ordained. The questioning period included questions about his personal life, doctrinal positions, and ministry experience. My personal opinion is that there are too many "mama called" and "un-educated" preachers who have distorted doctrine and lowered the integrity of the pastoral office, so we approached this VERY seriously.
The questions directed to David included, but were not limited to:
- His salvation experience
- His call to ministry
- His marriage & fidelity
- His family's financial integrity
- His personal walk with God
- Names of people he has recently led to Christ
- Doctrine of God (Theology)
- Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology)
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
- Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)
- Doctrine of the Scriptures (Bibliology)
- Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)
- Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology)
Under each of the categories above, the Council agreed that David had a good knowledge and practical application. They recommended to the church that David be ordained into the Gospel Ministry. A special service was held for such purpose that included a Scriptural charge, prayer, and the laying on of hands.
It was a great for Emmanuel Baptist Church to ordain a man into ministry! We are praying that God will call others from our congregation into His service!
The questions directed to David included, but were not limited to:
- His salvation experience
- His call to ministry
- His marriage & fidelity
- His family's financial integrity
- His personal walk with God
- Names of people he has recently led to Christ
- Doctrine of God (Theology)
- Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology)
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
- Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology)
- Doctrine of the Scriptures (Bibliology)
- Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)
- Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology)
Under each of the categories above, the Council agreed that David had a good knowledge and practical application. They recommended to the church that David be ordained into the Gospel Ministry. A special service was held for such purpose that included a Scriptural charge, prayer, and the laying on of hands.
It was a great for Emmanuel Baptist Church to ordain a man into ministry! We are praying that God will call others from our congregation into His service!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday Summary 11.29.09
Sundays are truly exciting at Emmanuel! Yesterday's service started with video testimonies of 3 elementary children being interviewed about recently leading their friends to Christ. It was AWESOME! Noah, Taylor, and Ray... we're proud of you!
The music was tremendous, the choir did a new song, and a new men's trio was launched! The One Focus Trio blessed us with two special songs. Thanks Brian, Libby and Chrystal!
John and Melissa Bjorgen, our missionaries to Belize, Central America, were with us. They met with our teens that will be going on a missions trip to Belize this summer. They also gave a report in our service. Our church family helped them with some of their moving expenses.
The sermon series continued in James 5 as we discussed the correlation between sin and sickness. I pointed out that sickness and death were never part of God's original plan. Some sickness is due to Adam's sin. Some sickness is due to our personal sin. Some sickness is not due to sin, such as the man born blind, but gives opportunity to point people to Jesus. God is still in the healing business and we will focus on that more this Sunday.
Sunday afternoon and evening included the ordination of one of our staff members. I'll write more about that in the next post.
The music was tremendous, the choir did a new song, and a new men's trio was launched! The One Focus Trio blessed us with two special songs. Thanks Brian, Libby and Chrystal!
John and Melissa Bjorgen, our missionaries to Belize, Central America, were with us. They met with our teens that will be going on a missions trip to Belize this summer. They also gave a report in our service. Our church family helped them with some of their moving expenses.
The sermon series continued in James 5 as we discussed the correlation between sin and sickness. I pointed out that sickness and death were never part of God's original plan. Some sickness is due to Adam's sin. Some sickness is due to our personal sin. Some sickness is not due to sin, such as the man born blind, but gives opportunity to point people to Jesus. God is still in the healing business and we will focus on that more this Sunday.
Sunday afternoon and evening included the ordination of one of our staff members. I'll write more about that in the next post.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday Summary 11.22.09
WOW... what a day! I mean that in every aspect of that statement. We had a great crowd and many guests; we had some of our worst technical difficulties ever; we had a great performance by our children's choir (Kidz Praiz); we confronted one of the most difficult topics - forgiveness and restoration; we handed out our proposed budget for 2010, and we even got out early again. You see why I said, "What a day."
I know it's the plight of many preachers to preach to the topical messages around holiday themes, but I just felt that God would have me continue our Sunday morning series in James. We examined James' instructions in 5:7-13 on how to do right, when you've been done wrong. The Church (at large) is plagued by people who want to kill and destroy their own, rather than restore and reconcile. Interesting... Gal 5 tells us the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Then in John 10:10, it tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So, it should be obvious which "spirit" is controlling people who refuse to reconcile? Neither obedience nor forgiveness are optional among believers (Eph 4:32).
On Sunday night, we discussed God's love for us. The closest earthly comparison would be a parent's love for his/her child. True love is unconditional, loving, giving, forgiving, has other's best interest at heart, etc. Hard to comprehend, but God loves us a million times more than we even love our kids! God's love should motivate us to love Him back, to honor, to respect and to obey Him. God's love for us should be the basis for living out our Christian faith. One final thought... we all know how bad it hurts when our children disobey us. So, if God loves us a million times more than we love our kids, I wonder if it hurts Him a million times more when His children disobey Him? Take some time and try to comprehend the love of God this week.
I know it's the plight of many preachers to preach to the topical messages around holiday themes, but I just felt that God would have me continue our Sunday morning series in James. We examined James' instructions in 5:7-13 on how to do right, when you've been done wrong. The Church (at large) is plagued by people who want to kill and destroy their own, rather than restore and reconcile. Interesting... Gal 5 tells us the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Then in John 10:10, it tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So, it should be obvious which "spirit" is controlling people who refuse to reconcile? Neither obedience nor forgiveness are optional among believers (Eph 4:32).
On Sunday night, we discussed God's love for us. The closest earthly comparison would be a parent's love for his/her child. True love is unconditional, loving, giving, forgiving, has other's best interest at heart, etc. Hard to comprehend, but God loves us a million times more than we even love our kids! God's love should motivate us to love Him back, to honor, to respect and to obey Him. God's love for us should be the basis for living out our Christian faith. One final thought... we all know how bad it hurts when our children disobey us. So, if God loves us a million times more than we love our kids, I wonder if it hurts Him a million times more when His children disobey Him? Take some time and try to comprehend the love of God this week.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Dolphins vs. Panthers
Last night, we took a group of men to the Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers game. Interestingly, 8 of the 10 were Dolphin fans. (And by the way... we won!) We had a great time and God used some VERY generous people to provide tickets and allow us to join in their tailgate party. It was GREAT!
As I was sitting in the stadium, I wondered...
How is that people will drive two hours, pay $70 per ticket, pay $25-30 for parking, spend $20 on concessions, wait in lines, fight the traffic, and will jump seats trying to get closer to the field, and sit for 3 hours -- all for the sake of watching their favorite football team? Yet on Sundays, some of those same people will say they can't afford to tithe, say the church is too far away, they leave early so they can beat the traffic, they sit as far away from the preacher as possible, and they complain if the service goes more than an hour.
Carry the thought a little further... at the ballgames, enthusiasts are called "fans." On the other hand, if we drove two hours for church, dropped $120 in the offering, sat down front, and raised our hands and screamed "Go God," people would call us "fanatics."
I am a die hard football junkie and enjoy most sports, but I wonder how God feels when we get more excited about a sporting event than we do about our relationship with Him. Just something to think about.
As I was sitting in the stadium, I wondered...
How is that people will drive two hours, pay $70 per ticket, pay $25-30 for parking, spend $20 on concessions, wait in lines, fight the traffic, and will jump seats trying to get closer to the field, and sit for 3 hours -- all for the sake of watching their favorite football team? Yet on Sundays, some of those same people will say they can't afford to tithe, say the church is too far away, they leave early so they can beat the traffic, they sit as far away from the preacher as possible, and they complain if the service goes more than an hour.
Carry the thought a little further... at the ballgames, enthusiasts are called "fans." On the other hand, if we drove two hours for church, dropped $120 in the offering, sat down front, and raised our hands and screamed "Go God," people would call us "fanatics."
I am a die hard football junkie and enjoy most sports, but I wonder how God feels when we get more excited about a sporting event than we do about our relationship with Him. Just something to think about.
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