I think Who Dat is a question. Who Dat gonna beat those Saints? It is brash, confident, and faith-filled. The fans are believers that their team can win. Perhaps it could be our theme as well. The Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength... Who Dat?
Verse of the Week: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Psalm 37:3-5
Pastor to Pastor
I must confess that I have a hard time reading Leonard Sweet, a very meaningful and popular writer to the Christian church these days. In a little while he is going to be speaking to DS's and we were given the task of reading his newest book prior to our session. It is deep stuff for a simpleton like me. Good, but deep. In the book, entitled "So Beautiful", he introduces the concept of the MRI shaped church (Mission, Relationship, and Incar-national). (He also uses this in a book I recommended earlier entitled, "Postmodern and Wesleyan".) In this book he says the following:
"The crisis of the church today has little to do with dwindling numbers, aging congregations, outdated facilities, financial crises, and lace-by-day, leather-by-night priests. Today's church crisis stems from one thing: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The church's narrative is biblically, theologically, and spiritually bankrupt." The church has been busy telling stories other than God's story, dreaming other dreams than God's dream as revealed in Jesus."
Finally, he says, "Are we 'up to' what God's up to?"
What do you think he means by this? It really makes me think. It challenges me. I want to know what the crisis is, and how to fix it. The challenge is to know how to move our congregations, our districts, through this crisis.
I know this, it will take
- loving leadership: the people of your congregation are the people to whom God has called you to shepherd, and as difficult as they may make it for you, you can lovingly lead them to find a better way to live for and serve Jesus.
- patient persistence: it takes time. Habits are not formed over night and they are not changed overnight.
- masterful modeling: we are to set the example, not give the orders. We cannot expect our people to put Jesus first if we are not, to make disciples if we are not, to win people to Jesus if we are not. I can tell you this...until I get someone to come to church, I'm going to quit expecting my people to get someone to come. Until I am personally discipling someone, I am going to quit expecting my people to disciple someone. Until I start praying for, meeting, and engaging my neighbors for Jesus sake, I am going to quit expecting my congregation to.
We have a Jesus problem. What are we going to do about it?
Excellent Adventures
Last Sunday I had a terrible case of laryngitis. Haven't had it much during my life but after teaching all day at POPS in LA, I woke up horse in MS on Sunday. However, God helped us to push forward and the people were gracious enough to listen to our scratchy voice. We were at Bridgepoint in Brandon, MS in the morning where we helped to dedicate the new sanctuary and the remodeled facilities. It is lovely and Rev. Pocai and his team have done a wonderful job of turning a factory into a church. Following the service Elaine and I had wonderful fellowship with the Pocais, and staff members and wives, the Newmans and Boones.
Sunday evening I preached at Vicksburg First and followed the service with a meeting of the board.
This week we are at Slidell, LA in the morning (helping Rev. Eric Nelson celebrate his 40th birthday) and will be attending the African American church's rally in the afternoon at Hattiesburg First.
Special Notes
Open Churches: (MS) Union, Vicksburg First, and Jackson Emmanuel
(LA) Kenner First and GracePointe
Important Prayer Requests:
- Brother Kuhrman Cox's brother passed away this morning. He and his brother Norman will share the funeral duties in Florida. Pray for him as he travels and assists.
- Continue to pray for Lynn Witbeck (Starkeville, MS) who lost her father, Cheryl Bradley (Crowley, LA) who lost her mother, and Rev, Mike Whitten who lost his father.
- Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), is recovering for surgery at home. Because of the extent of his surgery recovery will take some time.
- 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.
- Brenda Teston, pastors wife at Moss Bluff (LA) had surgery today. She is home recovering.
- Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial.
Good News Reports
- Received good news reports from Rev. Wayne Williams at Laurel (MS) First, and Rob Pocai at Bridgepoint (Brandon, MS). Also from Reggie Gilmore at New Orleans First (LA) Praise the Lord for what He is doing in our midst.
- This Sunday, 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/
Book I am Recommending: "Making Disciples" by Sondra Higgins Matthaei
This book is a study of the writings of the Wesley's, including Charles and Susanna that reflect on the discipleship model established by John Wesley that served as a model for Methodism. One of the benefits of the book is that it reflects on helping someone "know they are a Christian." It also focuses on the community of faith and how it provides opportunities for accountability and responsibility and how both of those are marks of making and being disciples of Jesus. This book was recommended by Rev. David Ching. Very well worth the read.
Website I am Recommending: Pastor For Life www.pastorforlife.org I just discovered this site. It is more like a blog, but it has some helpful writing, some interesting resources and a section entitled, Pastors Gotta Laugh.
Let's Trade Prayers
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