CHURCH ON THE HOIST A SIMPLE TALE OF CHURCH REVIVAL copyright Doug Blair, Waterloo, ON, 2017
Setting the Scene Keith was a pastor in his late thirties. Beautiful supportive wife and two kids; one of each, ages 9 and 13. He had been with Christ Triumphant Church for eight years and had learned happily perhaps more than he had taught from the pulpit. He and Becky had approached the people as graciously as they knew how and numbers had shown some promise; also a servant spirit working among some of the people. He had an old friend Cliff Bushnell from seminary who had, for whatever reasons, watched his flock blossom in new promotions and strategies for growth. When they would get together all differences in their pastoral realities seemed to disappear. They had pulled together on a winning sculling team for three of the four years at college. They had done what they could to keep in touch and to meet for recharge purposes frequently. Occasionally spelling each other off in the pulpit. But both men were tired and it seemed that their parishioners got increasingly busy in their double income careers, large mortgages, high maintenance homes and sports leagues that they believed were essential for the kids. For many the Sunday morning thing was the limit of commitment and their personal exercises in the means of grace were waning alarmingly. Both men as shepherds just kept on keeping on, and filling more of the administrative and social roles with the passing of each season. The terms church home or family of faith often seemed most inappropriate. Something would have to change...and God was at work...
Gospel “Salesmanship�
Wait upon the Holy Presence Christ is Lord And not the clock. He is eager to make contact Stop the stories And small talk. You have Gospels full of power And the hope Of Heaven’s joy. (Growth in numbers not the target
Using every Trendy toy.) His this House and meant for praying. In the silence He will move Down these aisles releasing comfort Words in season His love prove. His the moments of deep reverence Using nothing Of men’s hype. And your needs are oh so pressing Just confess His Vine is ripe. Yes just cling unto His goodness There is nothing More required. And the folks will come inquiring In this place Pure faith inspired.
Life Style or Christ's Smile?
Much effort from the pulpit is directed toward putting a Biblical slant on issues of everyday life. Relationships and families. Finances. Child rearing. Dealing with conflict. Dealing with low self-esteem. Forgiving oneself for past stumblings. Dealing with satanic attack. Problematic attitudes. Establishing a balanced work ethic. The intention is to make the sermon "now" and relevant and helpful to the life priorities of the audience. Giving them what they want. The epistles of the New Testament come in handy. The how-to lists are drafted with their alliterated sub-headings. The whole thing has the tone
of a lecture. BUT IT IS NOT BREAD! Christ is the Living Bread. He must always have the pre-eminence as the preacher delivers his burden. The Four Gospels must be the staple (and perhaps the Letter to the Hebrews and Acts). They portray the most compassionate, patient, helpful, authoritative and hope-inspiring of all lives. They put flesh on the concepts of Elder Brother, Rescuer, Shepherd, Rabbi, Priest and Prophet. When the trouble comes one cannot lean upon a lecture of ethics. One must have an overcoming relationship with the Captain of our salvation, the Anchor of our hope, the Firstborn from the dead; and One will remember the faithful preacher who depicted honestly our Elder Brother's expectations, comforts and imparted life. Every believer should have for private use a good exposition of the life of Christ drawing from all Gospels and establishing the overview (Farrar, Stalker, Pollock, MacLaren, Campbell Morgan). The imperative of the Gospel is not "learn this" or "learn that"; rather it is "Come." "Learn of me." "Follow me." The one who gives priority to this imperative will always cause the Master to smile. And that smile felt is worth worlds.
Almost Home
A Wednesday afternoon. Keith ran the stairs two at a time to the fourth floor. He knew the service door push-button combination. No time for the elevator. Stewart and Krista were already there and Nurse Katie, senior woman in George Cromarty's wing. There was evidence that the Doctor had just left. George was one of the old pillars in Keith's church. He had played a large role as elder in the selection of Keith as Pastor. There had been many prayer vigils and visitations together and a strong brotherly bond had developed. But for the past two years George had not been
ambulatory. Keith's visits to this mentor were like oxygen to both men. And now this...
"Hi guys, when did it happen?" Stewart turned slowly from his uncle, "About 9:45. Katie was the first one to know." The nurse put her hand on Keith's shoulder. "He had had a good breakfast. Shared some laughter with one of the newer residents. A volunteer wheeled him back and all seemed OK. I got a ring at the desk an hour later. He was all smiles. Told me that we hadn't had our midweek "chin-wag". Told me a bit about what is going on at the Church, Keith. Then he reached over to the side table for his Bible and handed it to me. Asked me to open it where the paper clip was, and to start reading at the 6th verse through the 19th. There, Stewart the Book is right beside you. It was Psalm 34, I think. 'Scuse me, I'm not quite up on these things any more. The stroke musta' been within the half hour after I left." Stewart took the Bible, faced his uncle again, tried to focus on the one moist eye still where it was supposed to be, and read to the silent Scot: 6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. 11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Krista was holding George's good hand. He slowly withdrew it and displayed his first two fingers. Krista looked puzzled, "Two, the number two. Do you want us to continue with the second Psalm George?" A queer acknowledging smile was made by the good side of the face. Things continued in this fashion for another ten minutes and then the old boy's eyes closed in sleep, one at a time. Others in the room huddled closer, and hugged silently. Katie had remained throughout like a loving sentinel. No one had called for her over the P.A.
A Most Needful Message
It was only two weeks before that rest home visit that Keith had delivered one of the most difficult sermons of his time as Pastor. He had slowly taken the pulpit after what had seemed a typical sort of service, and dropped the bomb:
“Friends I have prayed much and fasted in order to receive solid guidance for what I believe will be happy, productive growth for our faith family. Increasingly I find that I have been asked to take your place to cover the means of grace while you occupy elsewhere. I cannot live your faith walk for you. Come back to shared affairs here!
Things are going to change starting now and it will appear as if I am turning over roughly forty percent of my mandate to you in personal and small group exercises. Progressive independent Bible study yours. Corporate prayer in the sanctuary yours. Budgeting and money management yours. Simple outreach to the un-churched yours. Words of testimony and exhortation yours. Supportive telephone ministry to the shut-in or infirm yours.
I now see my role as coach rather than player or even quarterback. I will work at fostering a sincere atmosphere of prayer and waiting in service. I will invite suggestions on areas of faith and life difficulty that you would like to see developed in teaching series. Surgical preaching I would call it. I will call for reports and prayer requests and testimonies from around the room. I will make a healthy amount of time available for visitation with individuals. But I will not become anyone's providence. That is a matter for individual searching and entrance into the agape love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed in John chapter 17 that it might be so.
I am believing that in this fashion we will grow as family into a much more effective agency for righteousness, peace and joy in the community at large; also taking increasing measures beyond our own bricks and mortar and beyond the present and alarming status quo. God help us.�
Working Papers
It was their monthly lunch at the favourite pasta place and Cliff had arrived early. He was reading the adverts on the place-mat and drumming his fingers in thought. Keith rushed in for the happy handshake
and little time was taken for catch-up news and placing of orders. So tell me Buddy what's this I hear about your sermon and giving away half your job? The face said that the question was in good humour and backed up by honest curiosity. There was a seemingly new vitality at the table as Keith explained his burden and agenda. Although he was going to be relinquishing some of his functions, he knew that he and Becky would have many behind the scenes tasks and prayers in order to initiate.
Cliff had phoned earlier and indicated that he wanted to talk about that very thing. He had a new associate from the prairies, Craig Randall, who could be made available to take two services out of four for the next three months. Would be good for him as he acclimatized to the city and the community of churches. His praise activity and messages and visitation thus far had proved very keen and promising.
It was agreed and Cliff said that he would drop a memo filling in some of the details he had in mind. Folks over at Bethel appeared to like the guy and to receive his youthful slant on some Gospel images.
Cataract Flowing Extempore
Craig was pleasantly surprised by the assignment. He was now a month in. He remained charged up for the help being given Keith and Becky and for new friendships. But there was something causing an edge now as he took the pulpit for Christ Triumphant. He put his notes down on the lectern and lowered his head:
Quietly and to himself a prayer in the Spirit had been offered. Craig in all honesty did not know how to pray here; neither did he know in himself what to say next.
"Good morning friends. It is good to be here with you again and to open up together some of God's truth. Turn with me please to John's Gospel chapter six." Craig noted that many did not have Bibles with them, but he had resolved that there would be no use of the overhead
screen today. He had the King James Version in front of him and began with verse 44. "No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day." He went on with the rest of the chapter (a very long portion it seemed for this group). He paused and looked for about ten seconds at the congregation before reading the following:
63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Another pause. Craig went into prayer aloud. "Father we confess that we have little time for you. We have carved lives for ourselves which seem altogether too important. We have robbed you of opportunities to do as you have wanted with us. We come together and acknowledge that Jesus is the Living Bread, but then we play with other diets, and take in that which poisons. There is too much of the world in us. There seems to be a great divide in our lives between Sunday and the rest of the week. What we do. How we speak. What occupies our thoughts. As in the chapter just read, we have gone away from you. We will not pay the price of being peculiar people before this dark world. We lean on the news, commonplace thinking, and fail to lean on your Spirit. Our eyes are being continually darkened, but we do not even realize the declension.
Lord, break us. Show us that our grasp of your revelation is still pitifully small. Let us smell the aroma of your pastures yet untraveled. Let us see the smiles of the newly redeemed. Make us ashamed. Make us hungry. Tear up our agendas. Make us living epistles. We are simply your property. Come in your majesty and in your purpose to re-make and revive these vessels of clay..."
The prayer went on for another five minutes. The people were both irritated and spell-bound. They had never heard Craig in this fashion (although a couple of the elders had had talks with him after meetings). They had never been together in prayer this long. Then it was over and silence followed for a full minute. This was something entirely different.
A woman's crying could be heard over in the mid-left of the Body. It started softly and progressed to groanings. Then a word of prophecy: "People take heed to the burdens of my son. He speaks my displeasure. He also speaks my plan, and the light which is coming to you in a very few days. Not because of anything you have done. Not because you are exceptional in this City. But rather because I will have it so, that I might receive glory in this place. The hour is late. Prepare to see my love and my outpour. Repent, that the door might open."
Necks were craning that the speaker might be identified. It was Martha, a quiet widow in her early seventies. Not known to be out-spoken. Simply attentive, willing to volunteer, reverent when appropriate and softly smiling.
Craig spoke again. "By now you have guessed that there is no sermon this morning. Apparently we have given place to the Master. He indicates that He is about ready to act. Will we repent of our dreadful mixture? The front of the sanctuary is now open. Come forward for prayer and for washing. Let this be the start of something extraordinary between you and Jesus.
Now friends, who is ready?"
A couple of university students were the first...and it didn't stop.
On Into the Evening
It took about another hour for the praying, the hugging, the confessing and the tears to abate. About thirty-five of varying ages had stayed behind . The corporate movement had separated into little clusters of four or five seated around the sanctuary. Hearts were being opened. Stories and secrets were being told. Burdens were being relieved. Circulating among the groups Craig and his visiting fiancee Michelle could be heard saying things like, "So you're tired of playing church"; "Jesus is really pleased with this"; "Don't hold back"; "He is sovereign"; "Come on back tonight for special Communion". Something provoked Craig to call over one of the ushers and to tell him to get Phil the janitor to change the outdoor sign. "Let it read. Special Communion Tonight. Cleansing. Commissioning. Come." Craig could already hear himself sharing with the people that famous exhortation of M'Cheyne's about Communion: "Just such, beloved, is the meaning of receiving broken bread and poured-out wine at the Lord's table. It is the most solemn appropriating act of all your lives. It is declaring by signs, "I do enter into the ark; I flee into the city of refuge; I lay my hand on the head of the Lamb; I do touch the hem of His garment; I do take Jesus to be my Lord and my God; I hold Him, and by grace I will never let Him go."... The more you feel your weakness, the amazing depravity of your heart, the power of Satan and the hatred of the world, the more need you have to lean on Jesus, to feed on this bread and wine-you are all the more welcome...
It is a solemn declaration that you are one with all true Christians, one in peace, one in feeling, one in holiness; and that if one member suffer, you will suffer with it, or if one member be honoured, you will rejoice with it. You thereby declare that you are branches of the true Vine, and are vitally united to all the branches-that you wish the same Holy Spirit to pervade every bosom. You declare that you are lamps of the same golden candlestick, and that you wish the same golden oil to keep you and them burning and shining as lights in a dark world."
The Children's Bread
Stewart and Krista Cromarty had only been occasional attenders at Christ Triumphant. But recently they had felt a greater compulsion to worship. Perhaps the cumulative effect of Uncle George's testimony for Christ and his recent stroke had impressed them with their need. A men's Bible study which Stewart attended had been investing time recently in new insights into Holy Communion. Both spouses were hoping to see it celebrated more frequently at the fellowship. Stewart had been particularly interested in Paul's teaching of blessings to health and body to be derived from the Sacrament properly taken (1 Corinthians 11). He could not shake the image of that little Gentile woman pleading with Jesus for the "children's bread" that her daughter might be healed (Matthew 15). Of course Krista's long-time fibromyalgia was always on his mind. Pain in hips and lower back often made housework, walking and climbing the stairs intolerable. How could it not be Jesus' will to bring relief to his dear wife?
Sunday evening found the two showing up early at the special Communion called for by Craig Randall; happily receiving his every word on the holy remembrance; delving deep into their hearts for cleansing and thanksgiving; sensing the world-wide reality of this family exercise of hope "til He come". After receipt of the bread and wine the congregation stood for a special prayer of dedication
and a hymn. When they took again their seats Krista remained standing for so long that all eyes turned toward her. Purposefully she excused herself down the pew and headed for the front steps. She climbed them with ease, turned to the congregation and announced, "It's gone...this fibromyalgia is gone. Pain free. Thank you Jesus!" The response in the house was electric.
Mixing With Those Young People
It was a Tuesday morning and Keith was attempting to return to the customary at the church. Back to the morning jog and over to the office in sweats for messages and final strategy for the day. He was looking forward to being "back in the saddle". All reports were very positive about Craig Randall's interim help. From a phone conversation of Monday evening it was clear that Craig was charged up. No one else in the office. Stack of pink messages. Top one was to call Jerry Caswell, long time buddy of George Cromarty. Three rings and Jerry had it, "Haylo". "Jerry, it's Keith returning your call. What's new?" "Oh. that was pretty quick. Been meaning to congratulate you on your initiative of late. Talked it all over with George...You know, before the stroke. Tell me are you planning semi-retirement?" "Aw come on Jerry, you know me better than that." "Of course I do. But here's what I'm calling about. Betty and I have heard that the ideas coming down the pipe include some sort of joint gathering involving seniors and young folks. That one really catches our fancy, and I will tell you why. About three years ago we had a wonderful trip to Britain. Three weeks. Rented car. All up and down the island. Never forget it. We made it to Windsor with two days to spare before flying out of Heathrow. Spent an evening in a traditional pub-dining room. Spirits were up. Place was full. Over in one secluded little corner table, gas lamp above, we saw an unusual duo. A college student was enjoying a pint with a man in his upper seventies. Their conversation was free and
fascinating. Obviously topics were coming up which found mutual interest, as the insights of the generations were being shared. The youth clearly had opportunities to hook up with some of his buddies, but did not budge. I remember commenting to Betty that the sight was a rare one as far as our culture was concerned. How sad. How much wisdom to be passed on, mutual understanding and respect to be gained. Energy and enthusiasm to be absorbed from the young ones. Rather than drawing up walls of distrust or frustration. Being more alone and seemingly out of it. Keith, if it's alright with you, please count the two of us in for contribution, ideas and time in this thing you're calling "Church of the Ages". We like the sound of it very much. Was up to see George. Day before yesterday. Quite a kicker isn't it? No speech. One side all twisted up. But still, he managed a few smiles and kept things going, albeit slowly, with pen and paper. Love to find a way to get him face to face with some of these young people. So many of us could benefit. Thanks for calling back. ...And by the way, I know that retirement is far from your mind these days. Blessings to Becky"
Working Session with Keith and Becky
Midweek evening service at Christ Triumphant. Becky milling about the people with that friendly, encouraging way of hers. Smiles and welcomes all around. Numbers significantly up. Keith taking a wooden stack-a-chair to a point one-third of the way down the centre aisle in the sanctuary. "Welcome friends to a week of bubbling, new considerations, hope...that Jesus might be honoured. I hear that you enjoyed your visit with young Craig from Bethel. That your curiosity is stirred. That this pastor could get out of the way for you to make glorious discoveries on your own. I am thankful. On the way out you should take a copy of the list of suggestions for change being circulated. Right by the back centre door. Harry has a bunch of them. Perhaps you have heard that things are also being stirred at Craig's church. I have met with Cliff Bushnell, back from vacation, and the two of us are considering how the assemblies might operate together in this period of new light. Apparently many living rooms have been opened for discussion and prayer. Many Bibles have been taken off the shelf. Friends and workmates, perhaps unacquainted with church, are now responding to the invitation to "come, see". We are in a time of precious privilege. We will not manipulate it or hype it. We are stepping out of the way for
movements of God. I am reminded of things which I have read concerning other revivals where pastors have left the pulpit, taken an obscure seat at the sidelines, prayed and let the people confess what God was doing. Reports are coming in that right now, as we sit here together, marriages are being healed, parents and children are coming closer, bodies are being mended, abusive habits are being kicked, anxious inquirers are sitting down over coffee to hear the Good News. This is no exaggeration. We must respect this time and keep short accounts with God concerning our stumbling. Right now if you have a word of good report, a striking piece of scripture, a prayer request, a comment on this move of refreshment in our midst, the microphone is yours. I believe that Becky will start us off..."
Gist of “Church On the Hoist�
In the churches there is no simple fix for the problems of stultifying routine and over-dependence upon professional ministry. One cannot point-by-point lay out a format to force increased spiritual zeal and sincerity. Service and evangelistic opportunities will be different in each community. The momentum achieved in "theatrical" worship will be hard to reverse for something more participatory. Words from the floor have their place. Trust will have to be developed before testimony fulfills its powerful purpose in a gathering. Believers are personally responsible for moving beyond the basics in their understanding of God's Word, and the Gospel in particular. Bible study helps abound. Corporate prayer should be developed, and program announcements minimized. Worship time is precious. The rush of service number two at the heels of service number one is dampening. But perhaps I can help in tendering the following comments: 1. God loves to be sought out. 2. God loves to touch the broken and contrite spirit. (Psalm 34) 3. God loves intercession. 4. God loves the five-fold ministry.
5. God loves families. 6. God loves the child-like spirit. 7. God loves His appointed day of rest to be simplified and sincere. (Isaiah 58) 8. God would rather hear from a wounded one than a learned one. 9. God loves to be thanked. (Psalm 107) 10. Treasure "the pearl" (Matthew 13) and speak of it to others (Matthew 28: 18-20). 11. Sing. The day is coming when God will rejoice over us with singing. (Zephaniah 3) It has not been my intention to cast comment on any particular assembly in our little story; rather it is a blend of numerous observations from numerous places.
Down These Aisles
I walk these aisles Inaudibly Invisibly And recall the purity of faith That started this building That acquired the Bibles
That delighted in the little pipe organ And brilliant children’s materials. How simple the approach But full of adoration Those dear folks adored me Appearances were unimportant They approached the Four Evangels As if thirsty desert travelers And I satisfied I did. Not some other tributary Body of “teaching” Not methods Not concert clash-bang Not denominations’ handles. I still come here Looking for the adoration And when I find it The little child/sheep Trembles and weeps With blessing so very non-public. And I whisper, lovingly I Am the Light of the world.