Pastor’s Perspective

by Pastor Jason Selman, AIM Church

Are We Being the Church?

Are we being the Church? This is a question we must ask ourselves as we see world conditions rapidly changing around us. I have attended church faithfully almost my entire life and have seen many evangelistic events, revivals, and good deeds done through the church, but are we effectively reaching the lost and discipling those within the church? Are we just another church, or are we being the Church?

Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV): 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

There is an abundance of churches in our nation, yet you rarely see churches evangelizing neighborhoods and public areas, especially those areas we deem unsafe or undesirable. Jesus said in Luke 19:10 (NKJV): 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We are not to wait for the lost to come to us, but we are to go to them. We are to model our lives after Jesus and seek out those of society that the world has rejected and written off. The church’s work is far beyond the four walls of a building, and for that church to flourish with His presence, it must fully engage in the great commission.

Schedule your retirement review today.

It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement. Let’s set aside some time to create positive change for you and the people you care about and understand:

• How much you’ll need to retire

• If you are on track for your retirement goals

Every born-again believer has been called to go! You don’t need someone to give you a title to be a witness for Jesus Christ or to be used by Him. Many people believe it’s the job of the pastor and the church staff to do these things. Paul said to the Corinthian church that we are many members but one body, and how can any part of the body say I have no need of thee? Every person within the church has a purpose! For the church to reach this world in desperate need of Jesus, we must challenge ourselves and those in our churches not to grow complacent.

• Which IRA is right for your retirement needs – Roth or traditional

• The importance of asset allocation and how it can help as you work toward your long-term goals

It’s more than just money. Investing is about realizing the possibilities of your future.

Sang Y Chung, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor 1951 Berry Chase Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-9573

The job of a pastor is to disciple the people within the church that they may be thoroughly equipped and prepared to go. You cannot go out into the world as a babe in Christ and expect to be very effective. This does not mean

God cannot work through a new believer, but there must be a constant longing to be closer to Him each day, which produces a mature Christian. A close relationship with God is developed through prayer, study ing His Word, and obedience to His Word. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, our actions will become good deeds with no life-changing experiences. The real victories are changed lives! Peter said to the lame man in Acts 3:6 (ESV): 6 “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Peter gave that man something much greater than money...he gave him Jesus!

When the Church is doing what God has called it to do, there will be growth and excitement in the people. As our church started to go into places that seemed insane to many others, they were presented opportunities to minister to people in broken and hopeless situations. It was amazing to observe 30 people from our church flood the streets and begin to display the love of Christ. I was overwhelmed as I watched our people listen to the brokenness of their lives and then begin to pray passionately with them. Tears were shed on both sides as the presence of God was moving.

Many people will hand someone money or an item or two, but will you slow down and sacrifice your time to listen to them and give them Jesus? As a pastor there is nothing more encouraging than seeing the Church in action as His love pours out of their lives into others. The fields are ripe for harvest; we must go!

Jason Selman is senior pastor at Adullam International Ministries Church (AIM Church) in Wetumpka, Alabama. He took on this position in June 2021 and recently retired from Montgomery Fire Rescue after 20 years of service. The Lord led him to retire at 39 years of age to fully engage himself in ministry. Jason is married to RuthAnne and they have two amazing children: Isaiah (7) and Scarlett (6).

Busy

by Ian Carmichael

It’s probably more than a little cliché to point out that we are a busy people who live in a busy time. And while we tend to think there is something unique to the modern context that pushes us especially hard toward overwork, as I have read the books of previous eras I have come to see that the issue transcends the trappings of the world as it is today. There may be some unique components to today’s context, but the issue is much deeper and much older. I dare say it is universal.

It is little wonder that we have a host of books meant to relieve our busyness, or at least to focus it. Many of these books are tremendously helpful and many of them offer useful guidance. The best of them go beyond technique to diagnose and correct the issue from a spiritual perspective. New to the field is a unique and uniquely challenging book from Ian Carmichael titled Busy: Tackling the Problem of an Overloaded Christian Life.

It bears mentioning from the outset that this is not a book that teaches processes or techniques. It is not meant to introduce a new system of productivity. Rather, it is meant to “avoid magic bullets and instead look with you at what God has to say in the Bible about busyness. By which I don’t mean looking for a verse in the book of Proverbs that says something vaguely connected with productivity and using it as a pretext to say what I wanted to say about productivity anyway. No, I mean going to the Bible in search of answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our life’s meaning and purpose—what God created us to do—and seeing what implications that has for our lives.”

Carmichael introduces the Bible’s great metanarrative which he summarizes as going from Point A (creation) to Point B (new creation). Knowing that we are saved by grace frees us from the need to try to earn our salvation and frees us to obey God in leading others from Point A to Point B—to essentially be busy in this crucial work that God has assigned to us through both evangelism and discipleship. This is work we engage in through the local church and through our private lives—work which needs to play a key role in the decisions we make in life.

Busy offers a unique take on busyness and one that strikes to the very heart of our God-given purpose. It is a book that blessed and challenged me and, I trust, one that will bless and challenge you as well. I am glad to recommend it.

A Divine Tapestry

by Ryan McGraw

Sometimes it’s simple enough to know what a book is, but a little more difficult to know what it’s meant for. Understanding a book’s contents is sometimes a bit simpler than knowing how to use it. And I’d say that’s exactly the case for A Divine Tapestry by Ryan McGraw.

A Divine Tapestry is simply summaries and memory verses from every chapter of the Bible. In other words, it is divided into 66 chapters, one for each book of the Bible. Each of these is divided into as many sections as there are chapters of that biblical book, and for every one there is a summary and a suggested key verse (or, sometimes, several key verses). And that’s it—that’s the book. Simple enough. But what’s it for and how might you use it?

To answer that, it would be helpful to understand its genesis. In the Introduction McGraw (who is a professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) explains that it began as a means to introduce children to the Bible and its big story, first by memorizing some of its most important verses, but also through brief summaries of each of its chapters. But then seminary students heard about the resource and began to ask for it as they prepared for their ordination exams. And then church members requested it so they could come to better understand the Bible. And eventually it grew into this book.

The best way to use this book is to have it open while reading through the whole Bible. Each chapter can encourage readers to keep going as the summaries and memory verse train them what to look for and how to read better. Reading through the Bible in families, with this book as a companion and guide, can also help parents pass along what they learn to their children. Older children and students can work through it themselves.

If there is likely to be a common critique of the book, it is one the author anticipates in the Introduction: the use of the NKJV. I will not summarize his defense except to say he believes its consistency with the KJV represents a more faithful translation and that using a derivative of the KJV provokes clearer connections to the historical creeds, confessions, and catechisms. Either way, it does not significantly detract from the book.

And so A Divine Tapestry is a book that demands just a bit of explanation. But once you understand what it’s all about, you can’t help but be impressed both by its scope. If you buy it and use it I think you’ll agree that it’s a wonderful resource.

RRC: As the Executive Director for Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation, what does your position entail?

SF: My position entails setting a vision for the organization and helping ensure it fulfills its mission. I’m also in charge of establishing high-impact programs that change the trajectory of life for hundreds of at-risk youth S.T.E.P. serves. Lastly, it allows me to build partnerships and alliances with our Board of Directors, community stakeholders, elected officials, churches, volunteers, school officials, etc.

RRC: How were you called to serve in your current position?

SF: During my college years at Alabama State, I began as a volunteer for S.T.E.P.playing the keyboard at block party events in public housing communities. After college,

I enjoyed serving youth as a public school teacher for MPS. while landing a part-time job with S.T.E.P. as its choral director. I was able to personally touch the lives of 700 youth and their families for a decade through the S.T.E.P. Choir program. I would eventually have the opportunity to join the staff full-time as a Violence Prevention Educator in 2001, and in 2010 I was called to serve as Executive Director after the retirement of S.T.E.P.’s first Executive Director, Lee Baugh, which has been an honor!

RRC: The South is considered the Bible Belt. You’re from Evergreen, AL. Was a strong sense of faith instilled in your childhood or adulthood? What did that process look like for you?

SF: I grew up in the church. I was baptized at age five and served as a junior deacon, youth Sunday School teacher, etc. My parents were God-fearing. They taught me according to biblical standards and instilled faith within me and my older brother.

RRC: You’ve been married to your wife for 24 years, a congratulatory milestone. How has your faith sustained your marriage?

SF: I know it is a marriage ordained by God and blessed by Him. My wife and I both are believers in Christ. We are best friends, and we’ve always relied on our faith to take us through stages of growth in our marriage over the past 24 years. I am looking forward to making memories later this year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.

RRC: You embrace the concept of “relational evangelism.” Could you explain what that means?

SF: In the Bible, Jesus was a real relational God who relocated from Heaven to walk with us and talk with us even as sinful human beings. I saw Jesus build relationships with folks nobody else even wanted to be around, like Matthew- the tax collector, a sinner. It was all to introduce everyday people to “The Faith.” Many we serve, especially today’s youth, may not enter a physical church to hear the

Good News. However, by building interpersonal “relationships” first and developing an established trust, there will inevitably be an opportunity to share Christ with them.

RRC: As a father of two daughters, how do you talk to them about God and faith?

SF: I often talk to my daughters about God and faith in the context of their everyday lives. If they are anxious, I tell them scripture instructs us to “be anxious for nothing,” and if they lack confidence or feel inadequate, I remind them of the scripture that says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” and that in their weaknesses, “His strength is perfected.” Whether it’s about school, friends, or life, I try to find time to talk about faith and live it out before them.

RRC: Many Christians feel secure in their faith until something challenging happens. Then the question becomes painfully relevant, why did God allow that to happen? What advice would you give to someone struggling with this?

SF: After being struck by lightning, thrown from a car, and nearly drowning, I would advise people to embrace the fact that they still have a purpose beyond their pain. We can’t see faith, but we can see faithfulness. If you think about the previous episodes of life’s challenges, God has ALWAYS restored light after darkness and sunny days after rainy days. My advice would be don’t give up at midnight before seeing the new daylight in your situation. Keep the faith. He promises never to leave or forsake us.

RRC: How have the profound life transforma tions from your organization impacted your life personally?

SF: They have helped me to endure the hard ships associated with ministry. It rejuvenates me when I hear testimonials from those we serve on the impact the organization has made or is currently making in their lives.

Sederick Fluker is married to his wife, Sametta Fluker. They’ve been married for 24 years and have two daughters, Serenity (14) and Samiya (12).

Steven Curtis Chapman at MPAC

Thursday, March 30, 7:00 pm

Steven Curtis Chapman is bringing brand new music on his upcoming tour, “Still”. Join us this Spring as SCC encourages you through his music and inspires you through his stories. But don’t worry, in addition to new music he will “still” be playing some of his well-known favorites you’ve enjoyed over the years! For tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org.

Frazer Church Welcomes Chris Tomlin and His Stories of Worship

Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, is excited to host Chris Tomlin and his STORIES OF WORSHIP tour! Tickets for the March 25, concert are on sale at christomlin.com. Enter the code ALWAYS for $5 off your ticket. For questions about tickets or seating, please contact kaitlin.harper@premierproductions.com.

Child Evangelism Fellowship Clay Shoot

March 17 from 8 am to 12 pm

Join us for our seventh annual clay shoot event benefiting summer missions for CEF of Central Alabama! Not only is it a great way to start your Friday morning of St. Patrick’s Day, you will also get to hear about the wonderful things CEF is doing to lead the next generation, eat amazing barbecue from our good friends Sean Miller and Matthew Kemp, and get bragging rights for being the best shot! $125 per shooter: Includes 100 shells, ear, and eye protection.

Lunch served at 11:30, followed by ministry update. $15 for nonshooters who want lunch (5 and under free). Please contact the office at 213-7388 or visit www.cefcentralalabama.org/events/7clayshoot.

Abiding in Christ Women’s Conference

Mark your calendar for this annual event for all Montgomery-area ladies and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome our speaker TaraLeigh Cobble, host of “The Bible Recap.”

Event to be held at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, March 31-April 1. For more information, please call the church office at (334) 272-0604 or email the Women’s Ministry Servant Team at ehbcwm@gmail.com.

Compassion International will present

Casting Crowns Healing Tour

Compassion International presents Casting Crowns The Healing Tour: An Awakening FNDN Event on Saturday, March 11, beginning at 7:00 pm. This event will be held at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Downtown Montgomery and will feature Casting Crowns, with We Are Messengers and Ben Fuller. Visit www.mpaconline.org for tickets.

Words and phrases come and go. Both within the church and without, they often rise for a while, then quietly slip into decline and disuse. It is an annual tradition for dictionaries to announce the new words they are adding as well as the antiquated ones they are removing. I’ve repeatedly heard the phrase “self-care,” or one of its many synonyms.

I’ve heard it used in church contexts and in secular ones. I’ve seen Christians and non-Christians alike laud it or lament it, describe it as a key to health or bash it as a frivolous waste. I’ve heard many wonder: Should Christians emphasize self-care?

As is so often the case, I think the answer is both yes and no. There is a sense in which self-care is one of our most basic responsibilities before God and our fellow man. Yet there is another sense in which it can be in direct opposition to our most basic responsibilities before God and man. Definitions and proportions make all the difference.

Bound up within the second great commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself,” is the duty of care.

A basic tenet of the Christian worldview is that we are to care. To care is to provide “what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or some - thing.” From the very beginning, human beings were charged with caring for God’s creation and everything in it. And while even the somethings are important, we have a special responsibility toward the someones, for it is the ones who bear the image of God. We see the provision of care as essential to the Old Testament Law and the New Testament church alike. We see care as essential to family and social relationships. Bound up within the second great commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself,” is the duty of care.

Yet also bound up within it is the acceptance of some level of self-care. After all, we are not to love our neighbors instead of ourselves but as ourselves. We need to be careful here. We are naturally self-infatuated and prone to elevate ourselves over others, despite the Bible’s calls to radical self-denial. I don’t see this commandment calling us to self-obsession. But I’d still maintain there is an appropriate form of self-care.

The Bible makes it clear that we are more than mere body or mere soul, but a mysterious unity of both (and so much more). We know there are close ties between our physical and emotional health, or between our emotional and spiritual well-being. We quickly learn that we have more quantity and quality of care to give others when we have taken care of ourselves. This makes sense, since our care flows out of our very selves. What we express outwardly is a reflection of what’s going on inwardly. When we self-care, we are caring for the most basic stuff God gives us to care for others.

Thus, we best extend care to others when we have cared for our own physical health (How can we walk the second mile with someone when we are so out of shape that we are huffing and puffing after the first few steps?); when we have cared for our own mental health (If we are workaholics and have neglected sabbath, putting ourselves deep into burnout, how can we bear the burdens of another person?); when we have cared for our own spiritual health (If we have grown cold and distant from God, what hope and help can we offer a wavering believer?); when we have cared for our relational health (A brother is born for adversity, but if we neglect our friendships, how can we know or care about another person’s grief or pain?). In so many ways, the care we offer to others flows out of the care we’ve taken for ourselves. It was not apart from, but because of, Jesus’s love for others that he sometimes walked away from them to spend time with his friends and Father.

Our challenge is to radically love others more than we selfishly love ourselves.

It does not take great self-knowledge to know that in most cases, our temptation is to love ourselves too much, not too little. In most cases, our challenge is to radically love others more than we selfishly love ourselves. There is a balance we need to maintain, and though it would be foolish to assign exact standards or ratios, it seems to me that this self-care should be enough to equip us to properly and dutifully care for others, but not so much that it tips over into obsession with ourselves or neglect of others. This kind of self-care should be aimed not just at personal fulfillment but the fulfillment of our God-given duty toward others.

We are to care for others because care is love, care is essential to our Godgiven calling as humans and as Christians. Yet we cannot adequately care for others unless we care for ourselves. We rest and read and retreat so we can care more and better. We build habits and patterns that make us more faithful servants. We sometimes put ourselves ahead of others in our schedules so we can put others ahead of ourselves in our lives. Self-care is a necessary means of protecting and furthering our others-care.