As I write this letter from France (where I’m attending an annual GCI worship celebration), my thoughts and prayers are with the many people who have been devastated by what is being called “monster storm Sandy, which traveled through the Caribbean, then up the US East coast with landfall in New Jersey. Dozens of lives have been lost, millions are without power and the property damage is unimaginable.
Please pray for all those suffering in Sandy’s wake, likely including some GCI members and pastors. As reports come in, we’ll update you on their circumstances and any needs for help (watch the comments section).
Before traveling to France, I was with Gary Deddo in England. We attended a European ministry leaders’ meeting, an Elders’ conference and services in area GCI congregations (see pictures below). We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our brothers and sisters in jolly olde England!
Pastor appreciation
As you probably know, October is Pastor Appreciation Month in the US and Canada. I hope all of you reading this who are pastors know that you are deeply appreciated—every month of the year!
Peter Drucker, who spent much of his life studying leadership, once said that the four hardest jobs in America are the US President, a university president, a hospital CEO, and a church pastor. Though some might disagree with Drucker’s assessment, I doubt that many of our pastors would.
Being a pastor is a high calling. However, it is often a great challenge—one that is sometimes made even greater by unrealistic expectations placed upon them (as humorously illustrated in the cartoons at left and below).
According to the Barna organization, about 85% of the churches in the US have less than 200 people, 60% have less than 100 and the average size is 89. But even in small congregations, the demands placed on pastors are experienced 24/7.
It seems that pastors are expected to be theologians, Bible teachers, accountants, vision-setters, counselors, public speakers, worship directors, prayer warriors, leadership developers and fundraisers. Given these expectations, I’m sure that those serving as pastors closely identify with what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth:
Copyright 1984 Nick Hobart & Christianity Today International BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Used with permission.
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken…While we’re going through the worst, you’re getting in on the best!… So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us (2 Corinthians 4:5-17, The Message Bible).
I don’t know whose idea it was to designate October as Pastor Appreciation Month. Some say in jest that it was the apostle Paul or Hallmark Cards! Maybe it was Focus on the Family. In any case, I think it’s a good idea, and before the month is over, I want to express to all our pastors my deep appreciation and thanks for all that they do in service to our Lord and his children. My feelings about our pastors are expressed eloquently by Paul in his letter to his coworkers in the church in Philippi:
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now (Philippians 1:3-5, NLT).
One of the challenges faced by pastors and other church leaders is teaching the congregation about financial stewardship (including generous giving). Here are some helpful online resources (and a couple of cartoons for a little levity about a serious topic):
GCI.org articles about personal money management (listed at www.gci.org/series/money). These articles would make a good curriculum for a series of discipleship classes or small group meetings on this important topic.
Do you ever play Monopoly? This board game has two stacks of cards from which to draw when your token lands on the right space. One of the cards is the “get out of jail, free” card shown below. In Monopoly, an unlucky roll of the dice lands you in jail and this card is your pass to freedom.
I often think of this card when reading certain Bible verses, perhaps because I used to have a stack of similar size cards that helped me memorize scriptures. Looking back, this approach may have been less helpful than intended. Many of the scriptures that became embedded in my memory gave me a wrong understanding, because the scripture cards isolated these verses from their context. When we do this, we run the risk of proof-texting – using a particular verse to support a predetermined conclusion or belief.
Many of the verses that I committed to memory now make a much greater emotional impact on me. For example, today when I read 2 Corinthians 5:17 I feel both joy and sadness. It says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (ESV). In union with Jesus Christ as Lord, the Christian has been made into something new.
I feel joy reading this verse, reassured that before we have even tried to live well, before we became one of his disciples, Jesus extended his life and forgiveness to us. The author of life, who we killed, was resurrected and gave us new life. The Father handed us the masterpiece of his Son and told us that when he looks at us he sees perfection. By the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit we are given the gift of participating in the relationship between Father and the Son.
As the apostle Paul explained, all things have life, breath and movement in Jesus. He also explained that when Jesus died, all died. Now he is resurrected and we all have new life. He has reconciled us and we can now share actively in a relationship with God through Jesus. Jesus has freed all humanity, even though not all know it or live it out yet. Knowing that anyone can walk out of that prison gives me great joy.
Reprinted with permission – click to enlarge.
When Jesus redeemed us, he returned us to our original and rightful owner. Salvation is sharing in the life—the communion—that Jesus has with the Father. We miss out on the peace, joy, love and other benefits of our salvation if we resist or deny that reality. And a fact that should not be overlooked is that we cannot reflect the relationship with God that Jesus has with the Father if we don’t live in that relationship. Jesus’ whole saving ministry is to take us to the Father and send us the Holy Spirit so that we might live in the fullness of life and fellowship with God that he gives to us.
But my joy in this is mixed with sadness. I remember how I used to understand scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17, having learned them as proof-texts used to reinforce legalism. Sadly, many do this—teaching that our relationship with God is like a business transaction that must be negotiated and then constantly maintained by our good behavior. People who embrace this false idea are like the poor guy in the cartoon above—sitting in jail, not realizing that Jesus has given them a “get out of jail, free” card. As a result, they remain in a prison of ignorance, disbelief and, at times, rebellion against their own freedom.
As it says in the book of Revelation, Jesus stands at the door and knocks. But he is knocking at a door that he has already unlocked. Our mission is to join the Holy Spirit who is with people in prison and help them see that the door is open so that they might walk out into the light and life that is theirs in union and communion with our Triune God.
Your prayers are requested for Grace Stokes, wife of retired GCI pastor Jim Stokes. Grace encountered problems with a defibrillator/pacemaker installed in late September below her collar bone. She recently was admitted to the hospital with blood pressure problems. Though her blood pressure, blood-oxygen level and pulse are back to what they should be, her heart is working at only about 20% efficiency. Unless God intervenes, this apparently will not improve. She is not eating much and sleeps quite a bit.
Cards may be sent to:
James and Grace Stokes 5115 Beechmont AvenueSarasota, FL 34234-3054
New Life Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in Baltimore, Maryland, gathered recently to proclaim the gospel with their hands—packing gifts in shoe-box size containers for 100 orphaned, abandoned and disabled children living in Cameroon, Africa. According to senior pastor Timothy Brassell, “The love of the Triune God was flowing!” Here are some pictures:
This update is from Kalengule Kaoma, one of GCI’s national and missions directors serving in Africa.
I traveled earlier this month to Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo where our national leaders and members warmly received me. They send warm greetings to all.
Pastor Agness Balinga with Limbe and Yaounde members
I arrived on September 28 in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. Pastor Jean Mvondo and Andre met me at the airport. Refreshed by a good night’s rest, I attended an enthusiastic worship service the next morning after which all of us shared a delicious meal. On September 30, I visited the homes of our resident pastors where I fellowshipped with small groups of members. Later in the afternoon, we traveled to Peace Center in Balmayo for the fall convention.
Kinshasha convention praise team
During the convention I spoke first on the convention’s theme: “consecration and communion” of the saints. The second time I spoke about “God’s purpose for us.” Communion followed both of these sermons and was a highlight each day of the eight day convention with about 90 people attending. Another convention activity brought members together for an evangelism drive in the town of Balmayo. We hope a new church plant will result.
Members at Kinshasha convention
Later in the week, our two senior pastors in Kinshasa, Pastors Mvita and Mpinda met me at the Kinshasa airport and took me to a hotel in Kasa-Vubu, Kinshasa. A two-day church pastors’ and leaders’ training seminar began there on October 5. Pastor Jonas, who was translating for me from English to French and Lingala, was so thrilled with our seminar that he expressed interest in becoming a GCI member.
Church pastors’ and leaders’ training seminar
I will be conducting five more conferences in Africa this year. Please remember our African missions in your prayers. We appreciate your support.
Jim Roberts’ passion is jewels, both kinds. “I’m a serious rock, mineral and crystal collector and hobbyist. Also the people of God, which are described by Peter as ‘precious stones’ making up the building of God, are a chief joy.”
Jim, pastor of GCI’s congregation in San Leandro, California and his wife, Hazel have been married for 42 years and have one daughter, Rosie, who “gifted us with two perfect granddaughters, Shannon, 10 and Morgan, 6, just 100 miles away.”
Jim was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. “Due to economics, I spent my pre-school years on a semi-primitive farm with my super grandparents who grounded me well in the ground, in the Baptist faith, and in not quite fitting in with my immediate family when I moved back to town with them.” It was on the farm that Jim developed an interest in earth science and went to college to study geology. Because of his Baptist background and creationist point of view, Jim said he was struggling in his geology major. It was about this time he started listening to The World Tomorrow broadcast. “In early 1965 The World Tomorrow radio broadcast was doing a series on creation vs. evolution. I was struggling with that question; the position taken seemed most intriguing. I sent for literature and soon accepted the church’s various doctrinal positions and really felt drawn by God.”
Soon Jim was about to make a big change in his life. “At age 19 I began to attend WCG and determined to apply for Ambassador College in Big Sandy.” He applied in 1967, and though he said he never dreamed of moving to California, when he was accepted, “I found myself headed for Pasadena instead!” Jim remained in California except for a stay of 18 months in Ohio. “I have spent 45 years in California and feel certain I was planted in California by the good Lord.”
Jim said he felt a calling to become a pastor while still a Baptist, but went into the field of earth science instead. “I then felt called to attend Ambassador College and study theology instead of geology. I was not hired into the ministry upon graduation in 1970 but I spent about 20 years doing ministry on the side while working with the computer department at Pasadena. Late in 1994 I got interviewed for full-time ministry and decided God was still moving me in that direction.
Jim’s first assignment was quite a challenge. “I was the only new hire that arrived at his first pastorate in the same month that the doctrinal changes took place. I had to go from assistant pastor in two churches to pastor of six churches in just five months. I had to grow into the job and grow along with the members in the new understanding. God was gracious.” Jim continued to serve full time in ministry for 17 years. “In 2012, I ‘retired’ and was re-hired part-time and I’m still at it.”
Jim shares two highlights about being a pastor. “One is teaching. I am not nearly as much preacher as teacher, which seems natural. I love helping people unravel the meaning of Scripture and making the gospel clear. The other is the joy of watching people respond and grow in faith and bear useful fruit in their lives.”
His most memorable moment as a pastor happened shortly after being hired full time. “It was an 8-day ‘moment’ in 1995 in Dayton when as a green emergency pastor I had to coordinate my first Feast of Tabernacles in nearly impossible conditions and watch how God worked through my wife and a bunch of great folks who hardly knew each other.”
Jim talks fondly of being part of GCI. “I love the commitment of GCI and its leadership to truth. The huge sacrifices made for new covenant truth in 1995 testify to this, as well as constant growth in new directions of grace, such as Trinitarian theology. I really respect the humility of Joe and the leadership.”
When asked when he feels closest to God, Jim responded, “Other than when I am alone in the wilderness, I think it’s in the pulpit. I think about what I’m doing and wonder who am I to do this and how awesome it is to be a mouthpiece for Jesus and just sense his power and presence.”
This update is from GCI Canada national director Gary Moore.
It was a privilege and joy to attend recently the annual weekend worship celebration hosted by the Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada congregation. This year, about 60 of our members attended (see picture at right). They came from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
There was a happy buzz of fellowship before and after each service. A lovely chicken dinner was enjoyed on Saturday night, followed by a sing-a–long led by Jim Noseworthy (see picture below).
Jim Noseworthy leads the sing-a-long
During the celebration, the Moncton congregation presented a gift to Eric and Edna Vautour to commemorate their 30th anniversary in ministry. The Vautours are wonderful servant leaders of our New Brunswick churches who have yielded themselves to Jesus Christ in a wonderful and fruitful way.
Facebook is a great tool for building and maintaining relationships with people both inside your church and within your community. However, in a recent ChurchLeaders.com article, Paul Steinbrueck shares some of the risks that Facebook use presents, including the risk of hurting your own reputation.
Click here to read Steinbrueck’s article, “18 Ways to Ruin Your Reputation on Facebook.”
Phillip Hopwood, GCI Australia pastor in Hobart, Tasmania was born and raised in Launceston, Tasmania. Phil said he had a “simple but positive upbringing attending church and Sunday school and Scouts every week. We had no Scout leader for several years, so my dad and those of us who were older ran the troop, which provided lots of leadership experience, fun and adventure.” When Phil was 16, his father was killed in a tragic accident while on a Scout activity.
Motorbikes were a highlight of Phil’s young adult life. “At one stage I had 13 motorbikes in various stages of repair, including Harley Davidsons and Triumphs. I entered a 1938 Harley with a sidecar in a race to help get sidecar racing re-established in Tasmania around 1970—lots of fun!”
Phil was brought up Methodist, “but was looking for answers about God at a time when most churches were liberal and the God is Dead movement was at its peak.” In 1965 he heard The World Tomorrow program and became interested. “I sought help regarding conscientious objection status from the church during the Vietnam War, and ended up with my first visit from a WCG minister.” This led to Phil attending church services in 1971 and being baptized a few months later “in a very cold river near Launceston. It was so cold my lungs partially collapsed, which gave a heightened sense of meaning even as I was under the water.”
Phil spent 1972-3 in the UK and Europe working and travelling. “I thought it might be the last chance to see Europe before the end time!” Phil made his base near the Ambassador College campus in Bricket Wood so he was able to attend services and Bible studies there regularly.
Returning to Tasmania in 1973, Phil attended and served in WCG local churches in northern Tasmania during the rest of the 70’s before going to Ambassador College in Pasadena in 1980-83. “My college years were among the best of my life. At one point I was head usher at the Auditorium and I loved attending the concerts. It was a great feeling having the keys to such a magnificent building in my pocket.” During his senior year of college, Phil worked in Personal Correspondence answering letters, which he calls “a great experience.”
After college, Phil was hired as a ministerial trainee in Vancouver, BC, Canada. “I spent 7 years pastoring in Alberta before returning with a family to Newcastle, NSW in late 1991 and then home to pastor the three Tasmanian churches in 1997.”
Phil shares that one of his toughest times was going through a divorce. “It was a very difficult experience to find a way through. I was helped greatly by close friends and family.” He says that it can be challenging being a single pastor especially in a small island state with limited social opportunities. “Thankfully God is merciful and gracious.”
What Phil enjoys most about being a pastor is the camaraderie and “having friends around the world who share a common theology and Christian journey. I enjoy the fellowship of members and fellow pastors.” Phil said he loves to watch people learn and grow in their understanding of what it means to be free, to live in peace, to be loved and to be embraced by the Father. “Preparing sermons and teaching about who God is, and who we are because of who he is” is something Phil holds dear to his heart. One of the highlights of his year is the annual Tasmanian church camp where “we spend a week in a beautiful seaside location studying through one of the books of the Bible.”
At the present time, Phil pastors part time due to limited local income. To supplement his income, he runs a small computer business and serves as a lecturer/evaluator for Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM). Phil sums up his life by saying, “what a journey it has been!”
Phil’s passion is engaging with others and sharing good theology. “I love the heart and wisdom of Karl Barth’s writings, as well as many others. I share my sermons on line, and recently helped put together the new GCI Australia website (at http://www.gci.org.au) to share more of the gospel with our increasingly secular nation. I believe it is important that we continue to use our denominational gifts of teaching and publishing to spread the gospel through modern media.”
When asked about his most memorable moment, Phil said, “I relish the time of helping members through the changes in the 90’s, including engaging with many locally who were personally emotionally impacted. I also enjoyed developing and overseeing the internet forums to help answer people’s questions, with help from Ted Johnston and technical help from Bret Miller.”
Phil said he feels closest to God “when reading a profound scripture or inspiring statement from a theologian, particularly if I am sitting outdoors in a sunny and inspiring location.”
As I write this letter from France (where I’m attending an annual GCI worship celebration), my thoughts and prayers are with the many people who have been devastated by what is being called “monster storm Sandy, which traveled through the Caribbean, then up the US East coast with landfall in New Jersey. Dozens of lives have been lost, millions are without power and the property damage is unimaginable.
