Category: Church Chat

“And You Call Yourself A Church”

Posted in Church Chat, Ministry4 Comments

Today we had a man stop by the church and demand we take care of him.  His demeanor was intimidating and somewhat frightening.  We tried to be gracious and tried to help him, but nothing we did seemed to be enough.  He kept saying things like “you mean you call yourself a church and you’re not going to do this for me?”

Eventually we offered to provide him a hotel room for the night and a meal or two for the evening.  Understandably, the hotel would not assign him a room because he had no personal identification at all.  He called me from the hotel lobby to express more anger towards me because the hotel would not rent a room to him without identification.  He refused my offer to take him to the men’s shelter.  After trying to explain the circumstances to him again on the telephone, he spewed out another “you call yourself a church” and hung up the phone!  Somehow he failed to thank me for the financial  help I had already given him.

I wanted to be angry at him, but I felt sympathy for him.  If it were not for God’s rich grace toward me, I could be in that same position.  When you read this, say a little prayer for God’s blessings toward this man.

The “3-Minute Rule”

Posted in Church Chat, Ministry, Worship2 Comments

Have you ever heard of the 3-Minute Rule?  I believe every church could benefit greatly from practicing the rule after each worship service.  Here’s how the 3-Minute Rule works.  After the morning worship service ends, all the regular attenders spend the first 3 minutes talking with guests, newcomers, or simply people they do not know, before they begin talking with their friends.  If possible, they introduce those they meet during the 3-Minute time to their friends with the hope of including them in the group.  We should always keep in mind that . . . .

We are a culture craving relationship. In the midst of our crowded existence, many of us are living lonely lives. We live and work in a sea of humanity, but we end up missing out on the benefits of regular, meaningful relationships.  (Andy Stanley)

I think we should practice a similar rule before the service as well. We could call it the 2-Person Rule. Strive to meet at least two new people before the service begins. Imagine how many people you would meet after a few weeks. Remember . . . .

People are not merely looking for a friendly church; they are looking to make friends at church.

What do you think?  When’s the last time you met someone new at church and were genuinely interested in getting to know them?  Make a genuine effort this Sunday to connect with others–it will be a blessing to them as well as to you.

Jesus = Happiness!

Posted in Church Chat, Evangelism, Life Happens2 Comments

This Sunday at Shelbyville First Baptist Church I am preaching from Matthew 19:16-30 (see below).  The first portion of this passage (vv. 16-22) relays the story about the young wealthy ruler who asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life”  (v. 16).  Although He had everything his world said that a person needed to be happy, he still sensed that something was missing.  His instincts and the Holy Spirit correctly led him to Jesus, but ultimately, he was unwilling to place God’s will above his own. Tragically, the Bible says that “he went away sorrowful” (v. 22).

I have never been rich; I have never been a ruler; I have seen younger days, but I am happy; I am peaceful; and I am full of joy!  Everything is not “perfect” in my life, but “He” (Jesus) is perfect in my life.  I realize that this all sounds unusual if you are not a Christian.  Although I’m a preacher, I’m not preaching here.  I’m simply saying that my life changed when I met Jesus!  He is my intimate friend and constant companion.  He gave His life for me and I am striving to “give” my life for Him.

If you are a Christian.  Give a shoutout for Jesus and a brief testimony about your relationship with Him.  If you are not a Christian, please consider trusting Him as your personal Savior and following Him as the Lord of your life. 

      16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Matthew 19:16-22 (English Standard Version)

Movie: “The Lovely Bones”

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Last night I went with my family and some good friends to celebrate a birthday and to watch the movie The Lovely Bones.  The movie was certainly not the kind of flick I would normally choose, but I wanted to stay with everyone else.  Just humanly speaking, the movie was just plain weird.  I could have left at any point during the movie and not have given a second thought to how it ended.

Speaking as a believer, the movie seemed to indicate that there is a place between Heaven and Hell where a person goes and spends time before entering eternity.  Although the word purgatory was never used, that seemed to be the clear suggestion.  The Bible is clear that a Christian goes directly into the presence of the Lord when they die and not to a place like purgatory.

Jesus, told the thief on the cross, “today, you will be with me in paradise”  (Luke 23:43).  We decide where we spend eternity when we decide how we will respond to the salvation Jesus offers us through the cross.  Our destiny is determined during this life, not at some location between Heaven and Earth after we die.

Save your money and skip The Lovely Bones.

Annual Theme: “GO”

Posted in Church Chat, Evangelism, MinistryLeave a comment

In all the years I have served as a senior pastor, I have never adopted a church-wide annual theme.  Oh, I thought about it lots of times when I saw others do it, but I just never felt impressed by the Lord to do so.  A few months back, God began to speak to me about adopting a theme that focused on evangelism and missions.

I thought of catchy themes, rhyming themes, and clever themes, but the Lord seemed to say “keep it simple.”  After prayer I chose a one-word, two-letter, church-wide theme for Shelbyville First Baptist Church this year.  It doesn’t get much more simple than that.  Our theme is “Go”!

This year I pray that we will mobilize like never before as a church and as individual Christians.  Personally, I am increasing my evangelistic efforts, I am scheduled to travel to Russia this summer to teach, and I am making plans to lead a trip to the Holy Land.

Please share your “Go” ideas here.