ministrystaffingsearch.org BLOG

Racism is a Giant Industry

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 22:50:00 +0000

There is no question that the recent comments made by veteran radio talk show host Don Imus were unacceptable!

As I followed the story of Don Imus and his firing and as I heard the comments made by all sides it raised a few questions in my mind:

Spokespersons for both networks (CBS/NBC) mentioned that Don was known to have made offensive remarks on the air before in his career.

That raises the question:

In what moral mindset were the executives at that point in Imus’ career?

It seems hypocritical to react as a network to a demand not by the offended, but by self-proclaimed spokespersons . . . namely Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Can we conclude that if advertisers hang in there; nobody in the audience complains, and ratings are up it is “OK”?

-Racism is an industry!

That brings me to the self-proclaimed spokesperson Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jackson. In an interview by the “Today Show” host, Rev. Al Sharpton was NOT willing to forgive Don Imus. (Even though Don apologized several times and asked for forgiveness). Looking at Rev. Al Sheraton’s career as a civil rights activist, I remember the following incident:

In 1991a Hasidic Jewish driver in Brooklyn's Crown Heights section accidentally killed Gavin Cato, a 7-year-old black child, and anti-Semitic riots erupt. Sharpton raced to pour gasoline on the fire. At Gavin's funeral he railed against the "diamond merchants" -- code for Jews -- with "the blood of innocent babies" on their hands. He mobilized hundreds of demonstrators to march through the Jewish neighborhood, chanting, "No justice, no peace." A rabbinical student, Yankel Rosenbaum, was surrounded by a mob shouting "Kill the Jews!" and stabbed to death.

It seems that this former Presidential candidate is the equal of a David Duke in his attitudes. Neither one of them seek reconciliation between races or people, but pour gasoline on hurtful moments that divide us. Individuals like Rev. Al Sharpton need these moments, because it offers them a lifestyle, and financial support as a career civil rights leader.

- Racism is an industry!

Then there are the advertisers like P&G, Staples, American Express, etc. who pulled there ads from the Don Imus Show in response to “ ? “. Well, I really do not know the answer! Because, as mentioned before, Don Imus made unwarranted remarks before and I guess it was OK then, but it is not OK now. Hypocritically their ads run on networks like BET, etc., where women are depicted in music videos with (sexual) words that I do not want to repeat on this Blog. The same advertisers sponsor shows on TV that portray adultery as a common part of our society.

- Racism is an industry!

Finally, there are those who produce music videos that have crossed far beyond the lines of decency and common respect for gender and race. Those responsible, like Russel Simmons (who I watched recently on the Oprah Show), explain the artist’s behavior with stories like: “It reflects the upbringing of the artist and the expression of needed change.”

WHAT???

Mr. Simmons [Russel], you make a living from these artists. You make a living by allowing those artists to proclaim words of degradation, sexual obscenity, violence and promote and reinforce racism.

- Racism is an industry!

I say: “STOP!”

We as Christians need to live our values! What Don Imus did was wrong, and there should be an appropriate punishment. What he said should not be forgotten, but must be forgiven. We as Christians must step in and tell Rev. Al Sharpton that he also needs to ask for forgiveness, and that he should set his path on reconciliation. The Gospels tells us of the love God has for us. The Gospel tells us that we are forgiven, once we understand what brought us to the place of needing forgiveness. The Gospel tells us that we must seek peace. Peace in our families, and our communities.

We, as humankind (not as divided races) must bring the industry of Racism down with love and compassion.

Wedding Policies for Churches . . . Do you have one?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:48:00 +0000

A pastor recently received a call from a young woman who wanted to get married in the church he served. The young woman explained that years ago, she had attended the church and that it was her and her future husband’s desire to have their wedding performed where their parents got married as well; and where their parents attended.

The pastor asked if both of them were believers (meaning if they believed that Jesus Christ gave them eternal salvation), and a after brief pause the young lady answered: “I am a believer, but my future husband is not.”

The pastor asked, if they would be willing to meet with him, especially since one of them is not a believer, and that he requires counseling before any marriage.

The woman became somewhat upset and replied that all she wanted was a wedding in the church.

You would think the story ends here, but not so. Soon after, the pastor was reminded by some Deacons of the church, that he should give in and marry them, since the parents, who were attendees heard about the conversation from their daughter and were very upset. The Deacons concern was that the entire family may leave over this “hard-headed” behavior of the pastor. The parents of the young couple also told the Deacons that another (willing) pastor should perform the wedding in the church if their pastor was not going to do it.

. . . I will leave you in suspense how the pastor reacted, but maybe this Blog is the place where we can raise and ask the following questions:

1. Is marriage a sacrament in the church you serve?
2. Will you as a pastor marry individuals, who are not saved?
3. Do you have a church policy in place? Could you spell out the key issues and points?
4. How would have you reacted to the Deacons response to the problem?

Pat Robertson: A Prophecy by God . . . or what?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:05:00 +0000

Pat Robertson said Tuesday God told him a terrorist attack on the United States would result in "mass killing" late in 2007.
"I'm not necessarily saying it's going to be nuclear," he said during his news-and-talk television show "The 700 Club" on the Christian Broadcasting Network. "The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that."

And that raises the following question for me as a Christian: How does Pat know God speaks to him? I am not judging Pat, but what will happen if there will be no attack as prophesied by Pat?

What will be the conclusion for the rest of us? Did Pat or God lie to us?

Darwin and Intelligent Design

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:57:00 +0000

There are many heated discussions in our churches about evolution vs. creation. I recently was introduced to a book published by Fortress Press, which I found very interesting:

Darwin and Intelligent Design by Francisco J. Ayala. In this short piece, world-renowned biologist Francisco Ayala addresses the notion of intelligent design—the notion that individual species are too complex to have developed through evolution and therefore must be the work of an intelligent designer, God.

Ayala shows first just what the theory of evolution claims, and the range of questions it can answer. He then turns to the notion of intelligent design, as it is expounded today, and its weaknesses as a scientific or even a theological explanation of the complexity of the universe and all its creatures. Fully affirmative of religious conviction, Ayala’s treatment is especially valuable for its clarity about the respective roles of science, faith, and theology and the questions they pose.

Fortress Press made six FREE copies available.

If you are one of the first six church leaders to respond to the topic "Evolution vs. Creation", on this Blog . . . and define what your position is and why . . . . I will send you a free book.

Just write me a note, with your name and address, after you published your thoughts about the subject on this Blog, and I will mail it off to you.
(Sorry I will only mail it to you if you live in the USA)

AIDS - Silent Killer among Blacks & the Response of Churches

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:32:00 +0000

Yesterday I watched a very interesting documentary on ABC. On that show they analyzed the AIDS epidemic in the USA.

Here are some statistics that should send chills down your spine:

(1) There are currently ONE MILLION people in the USA living with HIV

(2) HALF MILLION of them are living with AIDS

(read on . . . )

(3) Approximately 15% of the US population are black Americans

(here is comes . . .)

(4) 50% of all HIV infected people in the US are black Americans

more info at: http://www.avert.org/statsum.htm

In the documentation the interviewer talked to several black church leaders like T.D. Jakes (http://www.thepottershouse.org/), Jesse Jackson, etc. and their response (in almost unity) was: "Since there are so many issues in the black culture/community it is not worth honing in on this issue in worship, etc."

( . . . say what?)

Now, there were other pastors of black churches who indeed addressed the issues in their congregation, but why in the world would spiritual leaders. like T.D. Jakes not address this issue in his mega conventions as he has the ears of those who see him as a true spiritual leader for the black community?

(I will send this Blog entry to T.D. Jakes . . . and we'll see if he responds.)

So . . ., what do you think the obligation of the (all) church is, what actions should we take and most of all, what should the message be in repsonse to the statistics?

Previous Work - Life Experience

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:16:00 +0000

Well, I trust you all had a good summer. And as the summer slowly comes to an end, I will start the Ministry Staffing Blog back up.

How important, in your experience as a church or pastor, is it to have previous work - life experience before entering the ministry?

Having been in the ministry for over 15 years, I was an entrepreneur before I entered the ministry. And coming to the ministry in my late thirties, I thought has helped me to understand life situations, relationships and situational issues much better . . . so I thought.

I recently met with friends who were all pastors and went straight from college/seminary into the ministry and their argument was, that being in the ministry from the beginning (without any life -work experience) offers an untainted journey.

So, what do churches look for in your pastoral experiences? How do you feel about the issue?

The voice of the church on the issue of immigration

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 10 May 2006 12:44:00 +0000

The hottest topic in all of the media is currently the topic of immigration. You can read letters to the editors, listen to call- in-shows, and listen to the opinions of varies politicians.

The topic is indeed debated everywhere . . . but the debate is missing in our churches. And the voice of the church in any media is missing. Is the general consensus of the churches and ministers that this issue is not a social justice issue?

Do we have a right (in this century) to determine that people belong where they were born and that those who are born in the wealthiest nation, who enjoy (and demand) cheap products and are more then happy to use the cheap labor, also have the right to deny them the benefits of the wealth they gave?

Make no mistake, we all understand the financial hemorrhage on our social system and infrastructure, but we as the church have to be prepared to give answers to our parishioners and more important to our God.

What do you think?

NAMBLA . . . say what?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:05:00 +0000

Last week I had breakfast with a friend of mine (a minister), and we talked about the growing number of pedophile cases in our society and their (often) lack of punishment by the courts. As the conversation continued, he asked me if I could make others aware of a "trend", since I am in touch with thousands of pastors and Christians via my sites.

He told me about a website and an organization that has been in existence for quite some time and seems to gain continued acceptance. Not only is the site a highly visited site, but the idea is defended by the ACLU.

So I did some research and I could not believe my eyes: "I Was In Shock"

As I visited the NAMBLA site , and read the pages of the site I wondered where we as society have gone wrong. . . . ?

I wondered what I can do as a minister to reverse such trend of acceptance. (read the ACLU position in a case against the organization)

We, as the church, often quarrel about the issues of our faith and we sometimes forget the hands-on (important) opportunity to serve our God when it comes to social justice, and moral issues like this. . . . and what will be next, if we do not do anything?

Who will loudly proclaim that this behavior is morally wrong, when NAMBLA cites research such as A Meta-Analytic Examination of Assumed Properties of Child Sexual Abuse Using College Samples, which was published in the Psychological Bulletin in 1998. NAMBLA devoted a web page to a brief overview of the study under the heading "The Good News About Man/Boy Love," and claimed the study showed, "On average, nearly 70% of males in the studies reported that as children or adolescents their sexual experiences with adults had been positive or neutral."

. . . Well are you in shock yet?

Age, gender and theology . . . don't mix?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:48:00 +0000

Without arguing IF someone is called. . . assuming you are called, there is tremendous prejudice in the church for gender, age, education, experience, doctrine, etc. It seems that pulpit committees are not trying to find the right person, but rather the person who meets the criteria of their little club.

Oops, didn't mean to sound bitter! My husband and I have been called to the pastorate. We both have many years in non-pastoral church leadership. I have a Ph.D. in theology. My husband is a successful marketing man with a wonderful track record in church growth. I am, according to my students, an excellent Bible/Doctrinal teacher.

We have, between us served in all areas of the church. We have helped three new church plants get started. We 'aced' a church planters boot camp. Although we have made it through several rounds with pulpit committees, we are ultimated not chosen and have been told it was for the following reasons:

1. They don't accept female pastors. (Me)
2. They don't accept older men as pastors. (My husband is 61)
3. They don't accept charismatics. (Even though we're considered conservative and balanced in application of the holy spirit in church services)
4. They don't recognize the institution where I received my degree.
5. They don't want the wife to be so involved, just the husband. (We are a pastoring couple, co-pastors)

The American church is extremely divided for too many reasons. We're all about rejecting what God has accepted. Seems like the same problem Peter had. So, we work tirelessly building and growing ministries and churches for others, never receiving an opportunity to do exactly what we are called to do. . .Pastor.

This, we believe, is the reason so many independent non-denominational churches have started in this country. The church won't let us in, but we must do the work to which we are called.

by Dr. Linda Smith and Robert Smith

At what age do you recognize and accept a calling in life?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:44:00 +0000

By Michael Henderson

At what age do you recognize and accept a calling in life? I have met a man whose experience suggests that you are never too old. He wouldn’t describe himself as a Christian, at least not yet. But he is already, he confesses, a ‘lapsed agnostic’. Bill Porter is now 85 and for 15 years he has followed a star, the reform of the world’s media. ‘I have this inner compulsion,’ he says cheerfully. ‘It’s a wonderful thing to be given a sense of purpose that lasts you all your days.’
Porter is the founder and spark plug for the International Communications Forum (ICF), a loose network of professionals in all branches of the media who want to accept as much responsibility for the effect of their work on society as they do for its quality. His expressed aim is to build up a world-wide core of media men and women who believe in ethical values and apply them in their lives.
Porter describes the Forum as a conscience to conscience activity rather than an organization. To him the conscience is ‘a remarkable piece of high technology that is inside us, albeit often covered over with the compromises of a life time, but which enables us to choose right from wrong, truth from falsehood.’

Fifteen years ago, Porter concedes, his conscience had been covered over. After wartime service in the army he had risen to be chief executive of a large international academic and business publishing house but had never given thought to his responsibility for the wrongs in the world. He was happy to leave that to the politicians or even the clergy.

‘I was prepared to vote through dishonest accounts, to sanction deceitful promotions and to support products and policies that I knew to be wrong and not in the best interests of our employees and audiences. But I would complain about danger in our streets, theft from our homes, being pestered by drug addicts and beggars, and about the indiscipline of my children and others.’

When he was seventy and successful and ready for a comfortable retirement with his Jugoslav war hero wife, Sonja – they had been married nearly thirty years - he read that the mass media had become the largest industry in the world and asked himself whether it was the most responsible. This caused him to rethink his own motivations which had been limited to making money and becoming important. Porter talked over this new found conviction about the state of the media with Sonja. Her response, ‘If you are thinking that way, why don’t you do something about it.’* Within a few weeks Sonja had died of hepatitis but her challenge lived with him.
He told a few friends of his ‘inner compulsion’ to bring a new thinking to the media. To his surprise they were not dismissive but rather encouraged him. And so began the ICF which has now held conferences on four continents and has involved more than 2,500 media people in 116 countries.

Its Sarajevo Principles, formulated at a conference in Bosnia in 2000, have been described as ‘a document of historic importance’ by Jay Rosen, the ‘father of community journalism’. Signatories agree to undertake to demonstrate in their own lives the values that they hope for, and often demand, in others. They are committed to confronting hypocrisy, oppression, exploitation and evil, firstly by their own clarity and straightness and then through the means by which they reach their audiences.

A profile in Australian’s leading daily ‘The Age’, concludes, ‘Porter is a modest man of remarkable candor and genial humor. His life is something of a puzzle to him. He wasn’t born into a religious family and for most of his working life the principles that he is now advocating lay dormant within him. He is not sure whether he is a spiritual person, but he does know his strong, purposeful wife is part of what he is now doing.’

Porter has sometimes been asked how he would have lived his life if the ICF had not happened. He usually responds, ‘Playing golf and bridge, going on cruises and choosing comely widows.’ Why him? ‘I do not know the answer to that question, but I do know that when I decided to take this road I experienced a sense of inner compulsion that has never left me. Where does it come from, if not from some superior guiding force in the universe?’

He regards the last fifteen years as the most satisfying and effective time of his life. Each morning he seeks to discover what he can do ‘progress the forces of good’. ‘Everyone can have that experience,’ he told me, ‘and as more of us do then we shall build a world where poverty is history, justice is universal and peace is permanent.’

*Bill Porter’s autobiography is called Do Something About It – a Media Man’s Story
International Communications Website: www.icforum.org

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Michael Henderson is a friend of mine who has written books like: "Forgiveness, Breaking the chanin of hate", "Forgiveness", etc. He has been writing great articles for my site spiritrestoration.org for the past three years.

Feel free to share with us about your calling . . . .

Clokes, Books and Parchments

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 14:32:00 +0000

In a letter written to Timothy, while Paul was incarcerated as a result of the Roman persecution, he makes a poignant and personal request of Timothy.
In II Timothy 4:13 he wrote, "The cloke that I left at troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

Lets have some fun in adapting some of these terms to each of us today!. Each of you possesses favored clokes, books and parchments that you utilize in ministry, or in the study of the Word.

Tell us about your favorites, or some of your habits? Your cloak could be a garment that you use to stay warm with, or a garment like a robe, rabat, suit or other garment that you feel comfortable in when you minister. Also on a more serious note, tell us which cloak, books and parchments you would request to be brought to you, if you were ever locked up, God forbid, in a dungeon for preaching the Gospel?

Example: During my devotional readings I love to lay on my sofa, underneath a black, hooded, floor-length, heavy wool black friar-looking house robe; the robe must literally weigh about 40 pounds.. I wear my black minister's robe occasionally when ministering or performing ceremonies, however, as a rule, I minister in a suit'; I prefer either my Italian black or blue pinstripe suit; occasionally I will wear a rabat. My study helps are many, and they are varied, however, I usually start out with my Gableein set of enclycopedic commentaries when I begin researching a topic. With regard to the Bible, my favorite is still Scofield, although I have used Thompsen Chain, NIV and currently the Ryrie Bible for study and for ministering.

If they were to lock me up in jail for the cause of Christ, bring me my hooded black floor-length robe, my Gabelein commentaries and my current Ryrie Bible, and, "especially, the key to the dungeon if you can get it.

topic contributed by: Rev. Cornelius Solomon

How do we handle Church discipline today?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 20:25:00 +0000

Matthew 18 seems to appear as a simple process to those who are in Christ . . . but is it really?

I have spoken with many ministers who are too aware of the consequences it has brought to their faith community and to individuals.

Entire families who attended a faith community left, because one of their family members was addressed by Elders or Deacons. Congregation members take sides on addressed issues that are (and should not be) not as transparent as they are made out to be.

What are you currently doing as a minister in your church to teach church discipline? What have you done in addressing church discipline in the past? What is your vision of church discipline in the 21st century? Allow us to hear your experiences . . . and if you can please give us case studies.

Benny, how long will this go on?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 18:38:00 +0000

I understand what religious freedom is, but I also recognize what religious freedom (or should I say 'charlatanry') can be like. For the life of me I am not able to understand that Hundreds of Thousands place their belief in a ministry that time after time has made false promises & prophecies. And what is worse is that all others (like us) seem to be quite about the issue. Here is a ministry that refuses to open their financial books (the ministry received 89 Million in donations in 2003); a man that lives the lifestyle of a diplomat (Hinn's house costs $3.5 million to build, has 7 bedrooms, 8 baths, and includes 6,000 square feet, a view of the Pacific and room for five cars in its underground garage for his preferred car the BMW). He is a preacher who has NOT healed anyone yet (if I am wrong please send me evidence) and a "man of God" who gives prophecies that don't come true:

"Ladies and gentleman, Jesus is shaking the world! Now something else is happening that is to me awesome! Absolutely awesome! The Lord is physically appearing in the Muslim world. I'm telling you, Paul, I am hearing it now more and more and more. Since we preachers cannot go there, Jesus is - just going there Himself. Since we preachers are not permitted to go in, He is just showing up - Himself. You know the Scriptures says clearly that the Lord did appear, did He not? Ah for forty days, isn't that right? And the, and the, and the Scriptures says he, he, he even, he even appeared to Paul. Now we are always thinking, well Jesus can't really preach, preach the Gospel. Who told you that? He was the first one to preach the Gospel. In fact He is the one who came to Paul and said, Paul, I am Jesus. He, He didn't send no angel to do that job. He did it Himself. If Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, why not reveal Himself to a lot more than just Paul? And He is doing it! The reason the Lord had to appear to Paul is because He knew Paul wouldn't listen to nobody else. Now in the case of Cornelius, the angel said send for Peter, 'cause, because Cornelius was, was ready, his heart was right, he'd been in prayer. But here's Paul killing everybody, causing 'em to blaspheme, Jesus said this man won't even listen to an angel, so I'll go do the job myself. So He went and knocked him right off his horse and preached the Gospel to him. He's doing the same thing today in the Muslim world. He's appearing, hear this, He is appearing to Muslims, saying I am Jesus of Nazareth! And they're coming to know the Lord! Why are those things happening? It's the last days! Saints, this is why we need to give to the Gospel now more than ever. You know naively say well I gave last year. Forget it! Last year it's gone! That cycle is over with! Seed time - harvest of last year is gone. Every season is a fresh season. We are in a fresh season. What, what you gave last year will not reap you anything this year. What you gave even a few months ago is gone, you got the harvest for that."
(April 2nd, 2000 - TBN Praise-a-thon, Benny Hinn)

When will we speak up? Does the 'world' not deserve to know that we are apart from a ministry like that of Benny Hinn? Are we not afraid that we are placed in the same framework by those who are "seeking"? Or have we decided to leave those who trust Benny and allow them to be led astray with false hope?

Freedom of Speech or Respect?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:09:00 +0000

For the last two weeks or so you have certainly heard all about the outbreak of violence initiated by a Danish cartoonist. I have listened to the opinions of government representatives, the press, citizens from far and near, . . . but what I missed hearing in all of the discussion and opinions . . . were the opinions of Christian leadership. Maybe I missed the voice of Christians, but if it was out there is was not very vocal.

What should be the response of Christians? (Should we speak up?) Should we agree with the intrinsic right of the Western World who holds "freedom of speech" as one of their shining banners? Or should we align with those who say that we should offer tolerance to other cultures and religions and not defame their faith?

All this seems to me a great paradox in the world we live in.

Masonic Lodge vs. Christian Faith?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 18:06:00 +0000

In a recent conversation a colleague impressed upon our group that the Masonic Lodge contradicts all that we believe in, and that we can only be faithful to our God. Since the Masonic Lodge asks for loyalty, teaches wrong doctrine and is incompatible with our faith we should encourage our faithful members to abstain from membership in an organization like that. Then suddenly a pastor in our group admitted that he was a mason . . . and from then on a more then heated debate about the issue began to evolve.

During the discussion (if you want to call it that) it became somewhat clear that the "accuser" had only 'third hand' knowledge of rituals, beliefs, but every assurance that our faith and being a mason does not contradict at all (from the pastor who was a mason) meant very little at that moment.

Let me hear from you . . . are you a mason? What is your response to the issue? What would you tell a member of your congregation if he was ready to join a Masonic Lodge? What are your facts and how do you arrive at your decision?

With age comes wisdom, and . . . discrimination?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:12:00 +0000

Recently someone posted on our Blog that there are sometimes hiring discriminations practiced in some churches because of age . . . that he had personally experienced such practices . . . and needless to say he was devastated.

I tell you the truth, of all tings it had never come to my mind that ministerial settings are looking for younger, vital minister with a beautiful wife and preferably two children. (Is that the picture most churches hold in their mind?)

- Another member wrote me, that he had a very difficult time in finding a position, because he was single. He explained that he was looking for the right woman (to come along), but that that just had not happened yet.

As always we are looking to hear from you about your experience and advice

As we walk away from the Old Year . . .

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 20:12:00 +0000

As we walk away from the Old Year, we have time to reflect upon our ministry experiences and (most) all of us make new promises for the New Year. If you could tell us one event that shaped your ministry experience in 2005, what would the story be? Tell us and share your story, so we may all learn.

If you wish not to reveal your name, you always have the opportunity to post your story anonymously on our Blog.

May all of you and your family have a "HAPPY NEW YEAR"!

Football Practice or Youth Group Meeting?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 02:28:00 +0000

As I was recently in a 'circle' of pastors, the discussion centered around "how churches and their events have to compete against secular events."

Many smaller churches (120 members or so) today struggle especially with their youth groups, because often their youth are required to be regular attendees at extra curricular school events (sports, band, etc)

So, one of my colleagues was ready to send out a letter to his congregation members in which he explained the importance of regular church attendance . . . especially of the youth, etc. and he argued in his letter that parents have the responsibility to guide their children on a journey of faith.

As he presented the letter to his board for approval he was told that the letter was too pointing, that it may agitate congregation members and that a letter like that would sound like as if parents who decided against events at the church are labeled as bad parents.

Needless to say, he was frustrated, because he felt as he did nothing more then to remind people of faith to be faithful to their faith community.

I know that some of you may have to offer some comments about this very subject, because you may have a similar experience or maybe you can offer a solution?

What is up with Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 18:17:00 +0000

What is up with Christmas?

For the past two or three weeks I have listened to hot debates on radio talk shows and television shows how a Christmas greeting should be received by customers of department stores.
Should we be politically correct and receive a :"Happy Holiday" or should we demand a : "Merry Christmas" from department store clerks? I don't want to offend anyone, but may I just say that this is the Christian proclaimed day Jesus was born. If you disagree with the event, fact, or feel offended then please don't say it. Very simple! As a department store or a corporate citizen you have the right to tell your employees what to say and what not to say, but it seems very odd to me that you always pick on Christians.

The Document in Memorial of St Charles Borromeo:

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 02:31:00 +0000

The Document in Memorial of St Charles Borromeo:

No other discussion has brought such diverse opinions as the discussion about homosexual ministers on our Blog. The Catholic Church has recently offered a clear and direct statement regarding the very subject which you may read here on our other web site spiritrestoration.org.
I also encourage you to read a very interesting article by Sonia Balcer on our site that will make us all think deeper about the subject.

Even with the statement of the Catholic church the discussion will not end and I wonder as both sides argue from a convinced and convicted heart (so I hope) if God will forgive us if we are in error. One would assume that there is only one Truth.

Somehow things are messed up:

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 15:39:00 +0000

During my time as pastor I had the opportunity to visit with many who suddenly became very sick and their health situation escalated into the (sometimes long) process of dying. However, in almost each one of the situations I can clearly remember that the task of the health profession was not to bring necessarily closure (not only to make dying comfortable) , but to employ a giant maze of tests, prescribe mountains of medicine, etc. and to see the patient as one of the "cases". . . with the result of no changes in the condition of the patient.

I recently visited with an individual who was diagnosed with cancer about one year ago. After a period of radiation and chemotherapy the cancer was still progressing. The individual (by now very weak) finally asked the doctor, if the body was giving up. . . . and to the individuals amazement the doctor did not answer. That leaves the question: Do we not deserve to know? Why are we so afraid to bring peace to us in knowing that life will end?

As a pastor I feel that our healthcare system is too (only) task oriented and is unable to see the whole person. Have we as society lost our ability to deal with death? Are we (the health profession) not able to tell those who suffer that "Yes we can do 'that radiation and that treatment' but the chances of healing are slim!"I more and more get the feeling that many in the health profession work the giant machine of medicine as an industry, rather then one of the healing mechanisms. So, that leaves the question: "What is our Christian response to a system that (I feel) takes advantage of those who are confronted with the reality of life and death?

What have been your experiences and how do you feel about the subject as a pastor, patient . . . ?

Thanksgving is coming up

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:23:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is coming up:

Thanksgiving is coming up soon and we are reminded how good God has been to us through everything. We do not always feel that way, because sometimes we just feel as if God has left us where we believe we should not be. But I recently checked out two very moving flash presentations and I again was overwhelmed and ashamed by the circumstances God allows me to live in. Please check both of them out at:
http://smart.tin.it/luccacos/miniatureearth/miniature_earth.htm

http://www.luccaco.com/wewerehumans/WWH_ingles.htm

Depending on what meaning you attach on your life, I would like invite you to reflect and make the changes necessary for yourself and better yet, for those who have less then you have.

Leading Women and Leading Men

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 12:37:00 +0000

I recently received the following email from Cliff Black, Elder/Associate Pastor, King Hill Baptist Church, St. Joseph, Missouri:

"I have not been a subscriber for very long, but I suggest an article (discussion) on the differences in leading women in the church as opposed to leading men. Are there differences? "

Well, Cliff (this is a HOT topic) I hope you'll get a great response to your suggested topic!

Are you along for the Ride?

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 21:42:00 +0000

I believe that it is important that we are not only 'bystanders' but that we as leaders of the flock are (remain) important decision makers. Especially in the realm of spiritual truth.

I sometimes think that some pastors are just along for the ride. They see the pastorate as a fulfillment of their own personal desires (similar to a doctor who wants to find a cure for his/her own disease) , rather then a calling from their inner soul and the calling from God. Most pastors leave their congregations, because 'truth' becomes personal and over time it was spelled differently. Many pastors that left felt helpless and almost isolated . . . Some allowed themselves to go along for the ride, but gave up on directions, vision, etc. Let us all hear from you, why are you seeking new employment?
(As you leave your message on our Blog, you do not to reveal your name or even you email address. May this exercise show that we are not alone . . . that there are others who experience the very same.

The issue of gay pastors and churches

noreply@blogger.com (What is in a name?) — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 13:35:00 +0000

What is the right direction?

Last week our site ministrystaffingsearch.org received some very emotional emails from some of you and I would like to share their thoughts with all of you and then I would respectfully ask you to share your opinion about the issue with all of us.

Recently our site received a posting of a (gay) church that is seeking a gay pastor. This posting on our site prompted some of you to send me emails and to ask me in so many words: "How I could allow such posting?"

(Let me make clear that I do not read every profile/opening that is posted on our site . . . so I truly did not see this opening)

All of us have been confronted with this theological issue in our ministry. We have listened to all the biblical arguments, we have prayed, we have tried to align with God's will, etc. But for all of us the issue is never as close to the subject until we HAVE to confront the issue when it 'touches' our lives or our comfort zone.

I remember the story of a 'pastor' friend who's wife had left him. His wife left him and she filed for a divorce. Both were Southern Baptist . . . And you may know what was coming next: According to the biblical interpretation of Southern Baptists the congregation asked him to leave as a (senior) pastor, because he is was now a divorced man. He never found another calling from a congregation.

What has this to do with homosexual pastors? Well, how do we mark the line in the sand for the church and for this site? Is it for some of us that we should not post profiles of ministers that are women? Or should we not post churches that seek a minister that is a women? Is it for you that we should not post divorced pastors on our site? . . . Or should we ask that those who allow divorced pastors to apply take their opening down?

I would like to invite you to share your opinion as a pastor. I believe that it may be a very interesting exercise for all of us if we stretch our theological interpretation to a real life application like this situation.
Be faithful in your comments, but I beg you with all my heart do NOT be hurtful to others.

I am looking forward reading your opinion on this Blog.