Kingdom Pastors

A verse for the week: " Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message, so that I may proclaim the message of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. Be wise in the way that you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:2-6

Pastor to Pastor

Several of your district leaders returned late last night from Louisville, KY where we participated in the District Leadership Conference. It was a fantastic three days of inspiration, encouragement, and challenge. You will hear more about it at the POPS taking place in MS this Saturday and in Louisiana next Saturday.

While some of it was geared to management and finance, some to discipleship, youth ministries, and missions, the clear challenges from the Word of God were powerful and convicting. Here is a three point outline from Philippians 2:14-18 by Dr. Bob Broadbooks, Regional Coordinator for US/Canada Missions:

1) Kingdom people don't live it up, they lay it down.

2) Kingdom people don't sit back, they rise up.

3) Kingdom people don't die in place, they press forward.

You can go a number of ways with this, but the essential truth is that Kingdom people are sold out, turned-on, committed disciples of Jesus who have a different worldview than non-Kingdom people. Dr. Broadbooks reminded us of the directional journey of Kingdom people versus non-Kingdom people. See it? Non-kingdom people: live it up, sit back, and die in place. Kingdom people lay it down, rise up, and press forward.

Which direction are you headed?

Last Sunday - Elaine and I had the pleasure of attending the Union (MS) church on Sunday morning. I really enjoyed preaching to this group. This small church has been without a pastor for well over two years, but they are hanging in there. Rev. Donnie Carpenter is filling in. We had a great service and stayed around for soup and snacks before heading to Louisville.

This Sunday - We will be at Brookhaven First (MS) in the a.m. where I will not only preach but will dedicate the Rego's new baby girl. At 2:30 in the afternoon I will officiate the installation service for Rev. Keith Matthews at LifePointe CON in McComb (MS). I will then drive to Vicksburg First (MS) for a church reception and interview of a pastoral candidate.

Special Notes:

• Important Prayer Requests:

1. Lynn Witbeck (pastor's wife at Starkville Wesley, MS) lost her father due to a fall on the ice from which he did not recover. The funeral was this week in Georgia.
2. Cheryl Bradley (pastor's wife at Crowley First, LA) lost her mother. Her mother was in her 90's and Cheryl had cared for her for a number of years. Her funeral was today in Louisiana.
3. Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), has been in the hospital having gone through an appendectomy, hernia repair, and pneumonia. He is home after being several days but will take months to recuperate.
4. Dee Boyt's (pastor at Cenchrea, LA) father-in-law, Houston Boyt is in serious need of prayer. He is a lay person on the Louisiana district.
5. Rev. Ruby Walters, pastor of Lucedale, has suffered paralysis of her vocal chords due to some recent surgery. She cannot speak and obviously cannot pastor/preach. She is taking a leave and the Dr's. are hoping she will regain use of her voice in about 6 months. Please pray for this precious lady.

• POPS is scheduled for MS pastors this Saturday from 10-3 at Jackson Emmanuel and next Saturday, Jan. 23rd for LA pastors at the campground. (Again 10-3) Among other things we will be talking about the new budget system and the new pastors report. It is vital that you try to come. You are encouraged to bring your treasurer's with you.
• January 31 is the date for a wonderful time of celebration with all of our African American church from both district at Hattiesburg First at 3:00 pm. If you are within driving distance why not cancel your evening service and come to Hattiesburg to support this great service of inspiration and encouragement.
• PALCONS are scheduled for Trevecca (TNU) Region May 11-14 and Southern (SNU) Region June 28-July 1. These are going to be incredible events and you are encouraged to start planning now to participate. As we enter a new year please put this in your budget. If one doesn't work in to your schedule try another. Dates of the other events are at http://www.nazazrenepastor.org/

Thought for the week: " A ship in harbor is safe, but then, that's not what ships were built for." John Shedd

Books I'm Recommending: John Adams by David McCullough. This is a great book that reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. The same issues that we debate these days were in many ways the same debates that took place at the founding of our nation. If you are not interested in history you may not enjoy this much, but I found it inspiring and encouraging. The birth of this nation was with accomplished with great pain and at the cost of many lives. The reality of our constitution, our economic plan, certainly a Puritan faith cannot be denied as a means of our great success as a nation.