WHO DAT?

I promised the Louisiana pastors (Specifically Reggie Gilmore of New Orleans First) that I would put WHO DAT? as my blog title this week if they won. They won, sending Mississippi icon Brett Farve back to Hattiesburg for a time.
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"The crisis of the church today has little to do with dwindling numbers, aging congregations, outdated facilities, financial crises, and lace-by-day, leather-by-night priests.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.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “Today, by the Spirit’s power, I’ll do the best I can with what I have out of love for Jesus. That’s my definition of success.” Rick Warren

Let's Trade Prayers

What Is Holiness of Heart and Life?

Verse of the Week: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17


Pastor to Pastor
I heard a lay person ask a pastor to explain the distinctive beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene in contrast to a Southern Baptist. How would you answer? Certainly we don't need to compare ourselves to others, but we do need to be able to articulate what we believe, and what is the central focus of our doctrine, which is to be sure the doctrine of holiness.

Could you explain holiness in an elevator? (In other words, in just a few seconds, when you may never see the person again.)
I found this explanation or definition in a little book that David Ching gave me to read entitled, Making Disciples by Sondra Higgins Matthaei. The quote came from another book entitled, Responsible Grace.

"Inward holiness involves total commitment to God, singleness of intention, centering one's life completely on God. It includes believing in, trusting, loving, worshipping, and obeying God. It consists of constant reliance on God's grace and using God's gifts to become what God intends us to be. (Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.)

That is simple, succinct, and powerful. Preaching and teaching this, the essence of the holy life, can be challenging, but it is an encouraging, helpful, and hopeful message.

Go for it!

Last Sunday was a full and fulfilling day. Elaine and I began by driving to Brookhaven First (MS) for the morning service where beside preaching I had the wonderful privilege of dedicating the newest addition to the parsonage, Lillian Marie Rego. what a precious time and beautiful family.
After a wonderful lunch in the parsonage we drove to LifePointe Community Church in McComb and were thrilled to participate in the installation of Rev. Keith Matthews as the new pastor. What a great service, and Keith wife Samantha sang and rocked the house. Wow!
Following the service I drove to Vicksburg First to guide a reception and interview for a pastoral candidate with the church board. All in all a long and rich day.

This Sunday: I will be conducting the dedication of the new sanctuary and improvements at BridgePoint (Brandon, MS) in the morning and preaching and holding a board meeting at Vicksburg First in the evening.

Special Notes

Open Churches: (MS) Union, Vicksburg First, and Jackson Emmanuel
(LA) Kenner First and GracePointe


Important Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray for Lynn Witbeck (Starkeville, MS) and Cheryl Bradley (Crowley, LA) who lost father and mother, respectfully.
Pray for Rev. Mike Whitten and family. Mike's father passed away this week and his funeral was Wednesday.
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) will have surgery in the next couple of weeks on her foot. Please pray for her as she is just recovering from major surgery a few months ago. Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial.

We had a good response to the POPS in MS and are looking forward to our time together in LA tomorrow at Rocky Creek Camp.

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: No one should ever be appointed to a senior position (church board/district board?) unless top management (pastor/DS) is willing to have his or her character serve as a model for subordinates. Peter Drucker

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.

LET'S TRADE PRAYERS

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.

A New Year, A New Week, A New Blog

A verse for the week: “[Be Holy] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”- 1 Peter 1:13


Last Sunday: Elaine and I had a great visit at Senatobia (MS) last Sunday. What a warm and friendly congregation. Rev. Phillip Bumpers and wife Linda are really loved by this congregation. What a joy to worship with them.

This Sunday: Union (MS) Help us pray for this church and for a new pastor. Following the service we will drive to Louisville, KY and join other district leaders for the Leadership Conference sponsored by SDMI.


Did you make any resolutions this year? I'm not sure about resolutions but I set some goals. Here are a few:

1) Read the Bible through using the NKJV. (As a pastor I tried to use a different Bible version each year or a different devotional plan.)

2) Read 58 books this year. (My goal the past 2 years was 52, so I thought I would increase it 10%)

3) Sleep in my own bed 240 nights. (Means better scheduling)

4) Exercise more. (If you never set a goal, you seldom reach it, so here it is.)

5) Journal for 100 days. (Following a suggestion of one of my DS friends I am going to attempt to do this for a season.)



Special Notes:

• January 31 Rally of African-American churches in Hattiesburg at 3 pm. If you are close enough why not dismiss your Sunday evening service and join Dr. Johnson and our other Black churches for this wonderful time of worship.


• Rev. Wayne Stallings has accepted the interim pastorate at Shreveport GracePointe. Rev. Stallings has a rich history of ministry and has served the past several years as an interim pastor in MS and TX.


• Pray for Jerry Hatcher (Rosebloom, MS) who lost his brother, and Rick Boyt (Husband of Rev. Dee Boyt, Cenchrea, LA) whose father is in serious condition.


• Installation for Rev. Lisa McCleese (Gulfport First, MS) was held on Dec. 20. She is off to a great start.


• January 17 I will conduct a Baby Dedication at Brookhaven for Lilliane Marie Rego, daughter of Rev. Chris and Kelli. At 2:30 in the afternoon we will install Rev. Keith Matthews as the new pastor at LifePointe (McComb, MS.) If you are a pastor nearby please plan on attending and announcing it to your people. At 5 pm I will be conducting an interview at Vicksburg First.

Thought of the Week: Defeat is better than sitting around doing nothing. John Adams

Books I Recommend: Our Watchword and Song by Floyd Cunningham, et al. A wonderfully compelling history of the Church of the Nazarene taken from the archives of the church. You will read things in this book you never heard before. Very enlightening.

Books I Recommend: Postmodern and Wesleyan by Jay Ackkerman and Thomas Oord, et al. This is a dialogue concerning the major issues confronting the church and the Christian as we try to formulate an understanding of the Postmodern mind and culture. If you have concerns and questions about the attempts to reach this current culture, or about the Emergent church mindset, this book will help you. It will challenge and change the way you think about things you thought you knew.

Let's Trade Prayers...

Welcome to the Pastor to Pastor blog. I have decided to use a blog to communicate and touch base with all of our pastors and ministers as oppossed to the Connections Newsletters. I will attempt to update the site each week with items that I believe might benefit you. I will include articles, websites, videos, and book reviews as has been the case with the Newsletters. In addition you will have the opportunity to comment and perhaps dialogue with each other concerning pertinent information.
I will also try to include district information and update you on where I have been and what is happening in my world. Since it will be a weekly endeavor I will try to keep it rather brief so as to not take up so much of your time.
Each week when the new blog is posted you will receive an email informing you that new material is available. You will be able to reach the blog by clicking on the web address or by inputting the url address. After looking at it the first time you may want to bookmark it for easier access.

I hope you enjoy this endeavor to better communicate with you and to encourage, inform, and inspire.

As always, Let's Trade Prayers.