Pastors' Journal Magazine

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The Audacity of Perseverance Vision to Serve Healing Anxiety Father Force

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CONTENTS

LEAD THE WAY38 4 24

4

LEADERSHIP On Mission

32

by Jeff Shipman

Pastors’ Journal 7 IForNSPIRATION Christian Leaders Magazine Welcome to PJM, a christian print magazine dedicated exclusively for the empowerment of christian pastors, christian leaders, and the organizations they serve. PJM strives to address christian leaders in the church, community, and marketplace.

Each issue is complete with valuable biblical and leadership information for christian leaders, as well as additional features and departments, to include: •Christian Leaders Highlights •Christian Organizational Highlights •Christian Business Practices •Christian Small Business Information •Christians in the Marketplace •Christian Universities Information •Church Administration Guidance •Various Christian Vendors •Travel & Living Information •Money Matters •Wellness & Nutrition •Information on Church and Leadership Conferences and Much More!

Subscribe Today!

www.PastorsJournalMagazine.com You may also submit articles, poems, announcements and conference information you would like featured in PJM to pastorsjournal@gmail.com.

8

KNOWLEDGE

3 Lessons I Learned...

PERSERVERANCE

34

HEALTHY LIVING

36

COURAGE

38

The Audacity of...

INFORMED

24

DISCIPLESHIP SERIES FEATURE

28

FINANCE

18

SPECIAL FEATURE Dawndy Mercer Plank

by Kiosha Gregg

42

Call of the Church

by Adullum’s Place

The Carol Harmon Story by

by Anne Buck

16

Healing Anxiety

by Carmella Broome

by Derwin L. Gray

12

HEALING

EMPOWER Vision to Serve

by Jeremy Kingsley

44

LEADERSHIP II Making a Comeback

by Dr. Michael Yousef

18

Shepherding Our Youth

by Marcus Benjamin

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

3

OPENING LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

On Mission by: Jeff Shipman

E

very man, woman and child reached with the Gospel. Say that over and over, and you will get a sense of awe. You will also get a sense of the heart of the Father.

II Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

This particular passage in Second Peter breathes the air of God’s lungs and gives us a glimpse into His heart. He desires to redeem people. He desires to redeem every man, woman, and child. It is unfortunate that not all will respond to this breath, but it is amazing that the grace of God reaches for all to breathe deep and take in His redemptive gift of salvation.

God is on mission to give not only every man, woman and child an opportunity to hear, reflect and ultimately respond to the Gospel. He is on mission for each man, woman and child to have that opportunity. God is involved in the lives of people in much more detail than any of us can imagine.

God is not taking a census of how many He can get converted and into the Kingdom door before it shuts at the end of the age. He cares about the suffering child, the single mother, the lost dad and every other human story and condition that you can take time to imagine.

God is concerned about each. Each one in your household, each one in your neighborhood, each one at your workplace, each one in your town, village, hamlet or city, each one in your country, each one in the world. God desires that each one would breathe in deep the gift of salvation that He has provided through the sacrifice of His own Son. The Gospel is personal. The Gospel is powerful. The Gospel must be proclaimed to each man, woman and child. Where do you and I begin to join God and cooperate with Him in this mission?

I Timothy 2:1,3-5 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for ALL PEOPLE... This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus.”

II Chronicles 7:14 says, “...if my people who are called by name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND.” Reaching each man, each woman and each child with the Gospel begins with prayer. It begins with a burden for our family members, coworkers, neighbors, city, nation and world to come into a relationship with Jesus.

It grows as deep intercession groans and cries inside each of us for God to prepare the soil of hearts, the soil of every heart to at least listen to the good news about Jesus. It continues to grow as prayers are offered up as an offering to the Lord for Him to prepare laborers who are willing to live their lives daily in the field of harvest.

Our prayers to God are for open doors of opportunity and utterance to proclaim Christ and the cross each day to those that we encounter, and prayer is the fuel from which this flame of revival will be ignited.

Just as in Second Peter, this passage in First Timothy reveals God’s heart to save people. Has his heart impacted us in such a way that each day is lived out with a desire for all men, women and children to be saved?

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

...if my people who are called by name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND Have I picked up the heartbeat of the Savior where the redemptive work of God in others is concerned? Have I allowed this mission to become personal? Do I care about what happens to each man, woman and child? Am I so connected to the heartbeat of the Lord that I find myself yearning and expecting a daily harvest?

These are thought provoking questions that must be answered if we are going to be on mission with God. Being on mission with God is about God. He is glorified as He is shared and talked about with others. His redemptive plan exalts Him and glorifies Him as men, women and children experience the joy of salvation.

Heaven rejoices, angels rejoice, others rejoice, but most importantly, when one of the “each” experiences redemption, God rejoices. I desire to hear the laughter and joy of God as more of the “each” come to know Him .

When I think about the passage in Luke 14 where Jesus gave instructions for His servants to go out to the hedges and highways and compel them to come in, I sense the weight of God’s heart. He wants all to be pressed on with the Gospel.

Being on mission with the Lord is not a passive thing. It is a life lived to go and compel, looking for every God-ordained opportunity, whether collectively as a body or individually as a believer, to be involved with the work of redemption in another’s life.

John 3:16-17 says, “For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” This passage becomes almost too familiar. It becomes a common piece of our religious vernacular. Yet I am afraid somehow we become incubated from the reality of its intention. God loves the world! Not the carnal, sinful cravings of the world, but the people that make up this world.

God loves the people of the world. He loves every people group; He loves every tribe, every tongue, every nation. He loves Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists, as well as Christians.

God loves gay people; God loves pro-abortion people; God loves the drug addict and the drug dealer. He does not condone or approve of the destructive behavior that sin has enslaved them to. But God loves them. He loves them each as an individual. He does not just love them because they are human. He loves them as a person, as one that He formed and created. He knows their name.

God loves us all, and He desires that all would come to salvation.

I understand that this stretches each of us. It stretches me. But until my heart beats with the awareness that God is on mission in the cul-de-sac and the ghetto, in the country and the inner city, in America and Iraq; I will never truly join in that mission.

I want to take a few moments and encourage you with these closing words. Except for the grace of God, you and I would still be dead in our trespasses and sins. Thankfully, someone joined with Jesus on mission and was sent into your life as a missionary. You heard, reflected and accepted Jesus as your Savior.

May you and I accept the call to be missionaries sent to share the Gospel so that each man, each woman and each child might have a chance to know Him as we do.

Jeff Shipman Columbia Crossroads Church, Columbia, SC

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

5

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INSPIRATION For Christian Leaders

Our Deepest Fear Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

“We are powerful beyond measure”

“…who are you not to be?”

“It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.”

7

KNOWLEDGE

3

Lessons I Learned from Jerry Rice about Preaching by: Derwin L. Gray

F

rom 1993–1998, I played in the NFL during one of its greatest eras, against some of its greatest players, like Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions. I’ll never forget how, as a member of the Indianapolis Colts defense, we shut the great Barry Sanders down. He only gained 215 yards!

I’ll never forget playing against one of my childhood heroes, Dan Marino. On October 8, 1995, as a safety for the Colts, I actually hit him so hard on a blitz that he missed a month of action. I wonder what the 14-year-old Derwin would have thought about the 24-year-old Derwin after he jacked up his hero.

I’ll never forget playing against Hall of Famers Steve Young, Jim Kelly, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, just to name a few. But I’ll never forget playing against the greatest of all, Jerry Rice.

Jerry Rice has NFL records that will never be broken: 1,549 receptions, 197 touchdowns, and 22,895 receiving yards. Plus he is a 13-time Pro Bowl selection, 11-time 1st All-Pro selection, and a 3-time Super Bowl winner. In my humble opinion, he’s the best to ever lace up a pair of cleats. What made Jerry so great? And what can we preachers learn from Him?

Lesson One: The

Passion

Former Denver Bronco and current Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan unlocked the secret to Rice’s greatness when he wrote, “Most people, for whatever reason, think natural ability is the most important power a person possesses. It’s not. People who achieve the highest level of success have an unbelievable work ethic, the desire to sacrifice. Everybody thinks Jerry Rice is the best receiver out there. He certainly is talented, but I guarantee you he’s not even close to being the most talented. He’s not the strongest or the fastest. But he is the most determined. Jerry’s mind was set that nobody was going to work harder, prepare better, or sacrifice more. He convinced himself that he was going to outwork every receiver who came into the league relative to conditioning, lifting, studying—everything.”

Why did Rice have a fanatical commitment to football that compelled him to work harder than anyone else—in everything? Because football was the supreme love of his life.

Preacher, do you love the sacred vocation of preaching? Because the One you preach about cares for you with a love that is constant, unending, unfailing, life-giving, and soul-satisfying! Or has preaching become a job? Have you gone from being overwhelmed by God’s love to being overwhelmed by the ministry?

We must preach out of the incomprehensible love of Jesus that God our Papa has lavished on us in the Spirit’s power. In this moment, receive the words of our Papa through Paul: I pray “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19) Preacher, as you stand between heaven and earth, boldly proclaiming the Gospel by the Spirit’s power, may your congregation see a person fantastically overwhelmed and rooted in God’s love.

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

Lesson Two: The

“You”

Ten times between 1989 and 1996, Rice faced Deion Sanders, arguably the greatest cornerback in NFL history. In those games, Rice caught 60 passes for 1,051 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. How was he able to be so effective against an elite cover specialist like Sanders? He was effective because Rice knew himself. He knew he was not the fastest, so he did not try to outrun Sanders on long routes. Instead, Rice played to his own strengths and ran intermediate precision routes. Rice did not try to be someone he was not. He did not suffer from an identity crisis; he played to his strengths.

Preacher, do you compare yourself to other communicators? The Spirit of God did not make you Dr. Tony Evans, Andy Stanley, or Matt Chandler.

A while back, I was at a conference where Matt Chandler was preaching. After he was done, I was blessed. I also said to myself, “After hearing him preach, I can’t preach.” And God, who is forever in the business of giving grace, whispered in my soul, “Derwin, if I wanted you to be Matt, I would not have created you. Son, be you.”

God has given the world a gift, and that gift is YOU! Unwrap the gift and bless people! Preach out of who God has shaped you to be through your life experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—be that person.

Preacher, as you stand between heaven and earth, boldly proclaiming the Gospel by the Spirit’s power, may your congregation see you secure in who the Spirit of God has forged you to be. May your listeners clearly hear from the dep depths of your soul that the Gospel you preach is the Gospel that sustains and transforms you. Be the best “you” that Jesus and the Gospel have shap shaped you to be. No one can be a better you than you.

Lesson Three: The

Hero

Jerry expected to be the hero of every game! When Wh the game was on the line, he wanted the ball. Against aalll odds, he knew that if he had the ball, his team would win, because he was going to make the big play! al In Super Bowl XXIII, Rice came to the rescue w when the 49ers needed him most. In a Super Bowl for the ages, Rice caught 11 passes for 215 yards and a ttouchdown, catapulting the 49ers to a narrow 20–16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His heroic 11 catche catches and 215 receiving yards were both Super Bowl records, and his epic performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.

Preacher, do we preach that Jesus is the Hero of oour story? The people we shepherd hunger to not just hear about how God rescued the children of Israel at the Red Sea. They want to know if that Hero still exists and could make a big play in their lives. They wa want to know if God can transform them so they can live a heroic life of sacrificial love for our broken world world.

Do we preach in such a way that our congregations long for and love Jesus? Do our congregations hunger to live a life of adventure and risk just so Jesus can sho show up and be the hero? After we preach, are congregations thrilled by Jesus’ greatness so much that they rejoice to share in His sufferings in order to reach a lost world?

Our culture is longing for a hero. So let’s passionately point them to the true Hero: Jesus. Prea Preacher, as you stand between heaven and earth, boldly proclaiming the Gospel by the Spirit’s power, may your congregation desire tto live adventurous, risk-filled, Kingdom-sacrificing lives to th the glory and mission of God, our Papa.

Derwin L. Gray is the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church (www.tc521.org), a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community that loves God completely (Upward), ourselves correctly (Inward), and our neighbors compassionately (Outward) in Indian Land, South Carolina, near Charlotte, North Carolina. He and his wife Vicki have been married for 18 years and have two children, Presley and Jeremiah. He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (Summerside 2009).

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

9

PJM BOOK & AUTHORS’ SHOWCASE

FATHERLESS

S

by Pastor Renaldo Turner

tatistics tell us that, in America, more than 24 million children are currently growing up without their fathers. This number has been increasing for decades. But what does that mean? What effect is it having on us as individuals, and what effect is it having on society at large?

This book addresses not only the scope of this great pandemic, but also how we can begin to tackle the problem. Using his extraordinary testimony and surprising candor, Renaldo speaks to fathers and sons about the true nature of a father.

He discusses the treasures of the father-son connection and urges men to improve and restore their relationship.

We must enter into dialogue about this social ill called “fatherlessness.” The time is now. We as the church must go beyond our Sunday worship services which are leaving fathers and children unchanged, crying for help.

Let the dialogue begin so that healing can take place in the lives of sons and fathers, and we will see lives change in our communities, cities, and nation.

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

PERSEVERANCE The Audacity of by: Anne Buck

R

ecently my two friends Jacquie and Fran accompanied me to the MD Anderson Cancer Clinic where we waited for my oncologist, Dr. Green. “I see you brought your entourage again,” joked my doctor as she entered the room. My guess is another presence—unseen and unwelcome—was also lurking in the room completely annoyed by the perseverance God has worked in me.

Dr. Green was privy to information freshly uploaded by the radiologists who read my bone and CT scans. We were especially expectant about the condition of my liver and lymph nodes which only one year ago were peppered with tumors, metastasized from an aggressive form of breast cancer.

“Your scans look gorgeous!” she said with a big grin as she entered.

My friends and I lit up as we heard the news, once again thanking God for allowing the cancer to be kept at bay.

After six months on chemo and the drug Herceptin the tumors were nowhere to be seen! It had been five months since my last scan. The last three months I was not on chemo or Herceptin because the chemo rounds were over and the Herceptin temporarily damaged my heart.

During this time my continued progress depended on the ongoing prayers of family and friends, as well as a whole new way of eating.

Prior to my diagnosis in June of 2009 I, like many others, enjoyed a SAD diet, otherwise known as the “standard American diet.”

Desserts…fried, processed and genetically altered foods…fast food…. You name it, I ate it unaware that three times a day I was feeding ravenous cells raging out of control under my skin. As nutritionists put it, I was damaging my “terrain.”

Perseverance or Brent? Brent is my husband of 26 years. Sugar and sodas or my sons who needed their mother? So out went the city tap water, sodas, refined sugar, boxed snack foods, red meat—and bad cooking oils that I never knew cause inflammation and help the cancer right along.

By the following spring I was eating mostly raw foods—and loving it. Fresh blueberries, strawberries, papaya, plumbs, lemons, kiwi, cantaloupe, grapes and watermelon are among my favorites. My salads are now loaded with different textures, flavors and vivid colors: deep green lettuce, red and green onion, avocado, red and green bell peppers, purple cabbage, sesame seeds, brown shitake mushrooms, and white cauliflower. I top the colorful works of art with a seasoning blend or fresh herbs and olive or flaxseed oil drizzled across the top.

I bought a Green Star juicer and began to play around with raw vegetable and fruit combinations. Carrots, beets, kiwi, ginger and Granny Smith apples…. Lacinto kale, cilantro, lemon, wheat grass, celery…. When I juice the colors of the rainbow I feel as if I am pouring pure health and little soldiers in the form of antioxidants and what I call ”fighto-chemicals” into every rogue cell in my body. “Take that!” I say as it goes down. I have a peace as the fresh juice scatters throughout my body like soldiers who have planned a surprise attack against their enemy.

But God, in His mercy and grace, sent a visitor to our Sunday school class. It was early last fall, the day I shared the news of my diagnosis with our class. Afterward, he pulled me aside and began to pour into me a wealth of information on disease and how it is often linked to poor nutrition. My odds were pretty bleak. “Statistics show that roughly 20 percent of those with stage IV cancer make it past five years,” he said. “Yeah, I read that,” I replied. But with a reassuring smile he added, “But you can greatly improve your odds if you develop a new way of eating.” This caring man followed up with emails, web sites and lots of helpful information.

In spite of his data and my bleak dilemma, I was at first a bit uninterested. Health nuts always annoyed me. I assumed they ate strange, tasteless foods. Admittedly, their skin had a healthy, smooth glow, they were often slim, and always seemed to be in a state of peace. I assumed it was because they also smoked marijuana. “Only hippies eat like that,” I thought. I’m just being honest.

In spite of my stupidity, God began to convince me—practically overnight. He sent others to back up what the man in my Sunday school told me. I had to make a decision. Was it going to be brownies

12

Pastors’ Journal Magazine

I assumed they ate strange, tasteless foods. Admittedly, their skin had a healthy, smooth glow, they were often slim, and always seemed to be in a state of peace. I assumed it was because they also smoked marijuana.

“Only hippies eat like that.”

I began to research cell behavior and the components in the plant kingdom. I learned that components in plants can sweep metals out of the body, kill bad cells, cause others to become healthy, and even cause naughty cells to commit suicide.

There were times when I wanted to fall on my knees in worship. For years many plants our loving Father created had existed under my radar, in a part of the produce department I never ventured toward. Suddenly their flavor, structure, color and role in disease prevention and reversal captured my interest and curiosity—and my heart. I love this new healthy lifestyle! It even enabled me to work full time while I was on chemo.

Some say they’d rather die than eat whole, fresh foods. But they also say they admire my courage and perseverance and commend me for my discipline. It took some getting used to but now I crave these foods.

A cancer diagnosis purifies your perspective and priorities in a way that is unimaginable! Fruits and vegetables are not the only things I now crave. I have a renewed hunger for the deeper things of God, and to know what pleases Him and to obey Him. I have a tenacious drive to finish this race—this Christian walk—in a way that brings Him glory and ministers to others. I have begun to have a distaste for pride, self, and independence (from God) even more than I have a distaste for certain foods I know are destructive.

Fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, whole grains and nuts help to keep me alive so I can continue to exalt and serve the Lord. We know that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Since my diagnosis I crave His Word even more. So it would not surprise me if the devil were to say, “The very audacity of that woman to persevere!”

Anne Buck is an administrative assistant for the Vice President for Christian School Education at Columbia International University. When asked to speak at churches and for women’s ministries, she shares her journey with cancer and how Christ transformed her life after multiple abandonments and severe trauma in her childhood. Anne may be reached at www.caringbridge.org/visit/buck or abuck@ciu.edu.

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

13

Who We Are

Who We Are

Columbia International University is a biblical university. What does that mean?

CIU’s first President Robert C. McQuilkin put it this way: “Neither a Bible institute nor a liberal arts college, Columbia International University offers a curriculum with the spiritual advantages of the former, cultural advantages of the latter.”

Here’s the way CIU’s current president, Dr. Bill Jones explains our purpose: “CIU educates people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.”

CIU students are challenged to achieve academic excellence, grow in character formation, and refine their ministry skills to make a difference for God wherever He calls them. With over 17,000 alumni ministering in nearly 150 countries, CIU is uniquely positioned to impact the world for Christ.

Core Values

Core Values

In a world full of shifting beliefs, when truth is a moving target, when the voices of the culture conflict – what’s at the core of CIU does not change. What we believe is set in stone! Literally!

There are five stones on campus that represent our Core Values: t Authority of Scripture At CIU you’ll learn to understand the Bible and apply its teaching. t Victorious Christian Living You’ll be encouraged to strive for academic excellence but also personal growth, relying on the Holy Spirit to make you more like Christ in daily living. t World Evangelization You’ll be prepared to reach the world and those around you with the gospel and make a spiritual impact through your career, local church and potentially as a missionary. t Prayer & Faith You’ll be part of a community that seeks to be marked by joyful reliance on God for material provision, victory over sin, growth in Christlikeness, and fruitfulness in ministry. t Evangelical Unity You’ll learn to live in unity with Christians of various evangelical convictions, as you encourage and edify one another and share in the work of ministry.

To learn more about Columbia International University or to schedule a visit, contact us today!

Philosophy

Philosophy

CIU’s philosophy is based on an integrated education for the whole person as illustrated by the Educational Triad. This approach ensures that our graduates are equipped and confident for their professional workplace or ministry. There is no match for the stability that comes from combined development in Academics, Spiritual Life, and Ministry Skills.

Head (Content)

Heart (Character)

Effective ministry begins with Academic EExcellence, ll ffounded d d on kknowledge l d off SScripture i and knowledge of the world. You will be challenged academically by your professors and your classmates.

Programs

Effective ministry is the fruit of discipline in SSpiritual i i l Life Lif Formation.

F i FFrom curriculum i l development, to advising students, to activities, to chapel programming, prayer days and conferences, we desire for our students to continue to mature in their knowledge and love of the living God, and to experience His grace and power.

Programs Undergraduate Programs

When you walk across the stage on graduation day at CIU, the diploma in your hand will represent a double major. You’ll have a major in Bible and an academic/ professional major. You’ll be double prepared to change the world!

Degrees and Certificates t 0OF :FBS #JCMF $FSUJöDBUF t 5XP :FBS "TTPDJBUF PG "SUT t 'PVS :FBS #BDIFMPS PG 4DJFODF "SUT

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Our programs iinclude internships and other opportunities to ensure your readiness for the task to which God has called and equipped you.

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Graduate School Programs

Seminary & School of Missions Programs

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t #JCMJDBM .JOJTUSZ $FSUJöDBUF t #JCMF BOE 5IFPMPHZ $FSUJöDBUF t "DBEFNJD .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFFT Concentrations: Theological Studies, Intercultural Studies, Muslim Studies t 1SPGFTTJPOBM .BTUFS PG "SUT %FHSFFT Concentrations: Bible Exposition, Educational Ministries, Global Studies, Leadership for Evangelism & Mobilization, Pastoral Counseling t .BTUFS PG %JWJOJUZ %FHSFFT Concentrations: Ministry Leadership, Academic Ministries, Bible Exposition, Educational Ministries, Global Studies, Pastoral Counseling t %PDUPS PG .JOJTUSZ %FHSFFT Concentrations: Leadership, Member Care, Military Chaplaincy, Missions, Preaching

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www.ciu.edu | (800) 777-2227 | yesciu@ciu.edu

INFORMED

Call of the

Church by: Adullam’s Place Leaders

I

n the world today, the church must take a critical stand by voicing her concerns and take steps to exemplify the power of God in ways that the world has never seen. One battle the Body of Christ must take authority over is the battle against HIV/AIDS. Known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, which has lasted for 29 years, has escalated from an epidemic to a global pandemic. In 2007, it was estimated that 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide, and that AIDS killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children. Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in Sub-Sahara Africa. Upon first hearing of HIV, it was said to be a White male gay disease and over the last 29 years has transcended to an African American heterosexual disease. Statistics indicate that over 80% of infected females are AA and over 70% of the males are AA. We will focus on three southern key states: South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Statistically speaking South Carolina is ranked 8th in the nation in the rate of new AIDS cases annually. The numbers for our state are staggering, our capital city ranks 9th in the nation while Richland County is #1 in the state. South Carolina currently ranks 1st in the nation in percentage of cumulative cases of AIDS from heterosexual contact. North Carolina reported 19, 539 cases of AIDS through December of 2008 and ranks 12th in the nation for the spread HIV/AIDS cases. Georgia reported 38,300 cases through December 2008 and ranks 6th in the nation for Cumulative AIDS cases. When we make a decision to step outside the realm of GOD, the enemy is waiting to impose his wrath. Scripture says, “my people perish for lack of knowledge.” We must realize that, if we fail to reach souls, it could be potentially fatal. One can carry this virus for 7 to 10 years without signs or symptoms. Statistics show many carriers are spreading the virus with no knowledge of having it themselves.

“The church must be the inclusive voice crying out in the wilderness to touch the infected”

In the Word of God, Jesus came to save the lost by offering a more abundant life. As the body of Christ, we are called to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by demonstrating his love by drawing souls into the kingdom of God despite their gender, race, history, or circumstance. It is only in the kingdom that one can find peace, joy, healing, comfort, and protection. 1 Samuel 22:1-2, teaches us how David escaped to the “Cave of Adullam” (a place of refuge), for his own sake; however, his escape to “Adullam” drew souls that were in distress, in debt, and discontentment to come and receive healing. Much like David, the church has to offer a refuge for those dealing with HIV/AIDS. We have a wonderful opportunity to minister to their needs by teaching people about the disease (i.e. diminishing the stigmas and clearing up some false understanding concerning this disease), engaging in more outreach/evangelistic activities, providing support groups for people that are infected and affected, and offering testing and spiritual counseling for this disease.

The church must be the inclusive voice crying out in the wilderness to touch the infected and those affected so they won’t feel stigmatized or set apart. Apprehending the cause of Christ, Word of God Church and Ministries has established Adullam’s Place Ministry. With the vision and mission of providing a safe place for families and individuals who have been affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS, those impacted can find love, support, hope and healing through this ministry. Word of God is striving to establish a vital network with churches and health organizations to help bring awareness, exposure, and knowledge to the community and the church body. The church plays a crucial role in today’s society. Due to the power God has invested in us, we must do everything within our capacity to ensure that the assignment God has called us to is being accomplished successfully. Will you rise to the challenge?—THE HARVEST IS RIPE AND WAITING!

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine | “The Chrisian Leadership Magazine”

ERIES : A Call To...

Radical Commitment Written By Dr. Peter Law © “Do you remember how it was when you came to faith in Christ? There was a freshness and vitality born of renewed life! An unyielding desire to witness! Your resolute determination to compromise no truth and fear no reaction coupled comfortably with your undaunted zeal and deepening delight with what God was doing in and through you. Cloaked in a faith bolstered by your confidence that God’s call firmly rested upon your life, you dismissed all risks, faced the challenges head-on and boldly walked right out into your community, brandishing the life-changing gospel of good news. Together with other Christians who invested equally in that same personal commitment, you worshiped, prayed and went forth! You truly were God’s people in God’s place for His purpose in His time. This was a movement of God –something He orchestrated and used mightily to restore and reconcile rebellious, lost children to His principles. The church functioned according to her calling. God’s kingdom was extended and His name consistently glorified. That was then. But what happened?”

— For a complete copy of this article, please send an email request to: pastorsjournal@gmail.com

”But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33)

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

ERIES :

A Call To... God’s Word: Our Firm Foundation by: Dr. Peter Law

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od needs us to be men and women of prayer and men and women of His Word: to stand firm in the conviction that His truth is the only truth, His revelation complete in Christ, His words eternally abiding and His salvation sure. Anything less provides no firm foundation and no lasting hope - anything else is merely dross that will wash away with the tides of time.

“The picture they desire to display bears little resemblance to the Godinspired, historic masterpiece we know and value as the biblical scriptures” In other words, the Bible and all that it contains represents the foundational structure upon which faith is built, the Church is established, human hearts are changed and hope both for our present and future relies. Yet even within the Church where we have traditionally embraced the Scriptures as the undisputed revelation of God’s word to man, propositional truth is being replaced by what Roger Oakland defines as human consensus. (1) In an effort to replace God’s revelation with newly discovered understandings of God and His world, proponents of such teaching not only set the message of scripture aside in favor of man-conjured theories, they in fact change the message itself.

The picture they desire to display bears little resemblance to the God-inspired, historic masterpiece we know and value as the biblical scriptures – God’s normative foundation for faith and practice for every believer. Undermining the truth is the inevitable consequence of elevating the thinking of man (men and women) over the revealed will and character of the living God – exchanging God’s word for the utterances of man.

One reason man’s thinking is preferred over the utterances of God is that man, in his finite wisdom has traditionally offered alternative paths by which to reach God. Such alternatives to God’s plan of salvation as revealed in scripture provide options more attractive to those wishing to set aside the challenges of the Bible that hold us accountable to a righteous, holy God and provide no possible means of self-induced salvation. In reality, these same human-postulated paths that supposedly lead to eternal deliverance guide the unsuspecting and

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undiscerning to a complete and utter state of confirmed ‘lostness’ and spiritual death.

The message perpetuated by those who want to discard God’s propositional truths is powerless to transform one single life from the devastating consequences of sin and helplessly impotent for the kingdom of God. How could any message, so totally ransacked of gospel truth and unashamedly impregnated with benign theories gathered at the tables of theologically syncretistic conversations, offer hope to a lost and dying world?

Millions flounder in Asian and Eastern cultures, gasping for spiritual life in the smothering, life-extracting contexts of mystical philosophies already proven in every preceding generation to be empty of saving grace and bereft of saving power. Such theologies and the practice of Eastern mysticism are capable only of holding the hearts and minds of their victims in debilitating bondage, robbing them of the refreshing truths that can liberate captives and set prisoners free. Yet, by embracing and enfolding these same inane teachings into the new mix of Western Christian thought – designed to reach sophisticated post-modern consumers of things spiritual, with a more palatable message of “salvation” – advocates of this new theology seek to by-pass challenging biblical injunctions, having assessed them as essentially passé and without relevance in our day.

When writing to the church in Rome, Paul assured his readers that faith comes from hearing God’s Word, not from the words of men.

Words uttered by men may be captivating, entertaining, and even persuasive. But only those words that come from the mouth of God can transform a life – indeed, resurrect a life – from spiritual darkness and death (see Romans 10:13-17) to bring that person into the fullness of life as God intended.

We have a distinct calling as pastors, missionaries and Church leaders to proclaim God’s truth to this and to the coming generation. May we be found diligent in the task, reliant on His Word and faithful in declaring His message.

(1) Roger Oakland, Faith Undone, Lighthouse Trails Publishing, Silverton, Oregon, 2007.

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ERIES : A Call To...

Prayer: Our First Choice by: Dr. William H. Jones

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rayer & Faith – reminds me of something that happened to me 30 years ago as a young businessman. While operating a couple of successful tire stores, my partner and I decided to also begin manufacturing recapped tires. As it turned out, we should have stuck to retail. Our manufactured tires piled up in our warehouse; no one wanted them. I understood why. Though 25 years-of-age at the time, I looked 17 at the oldest. Would you buy a recapped tire made by a 17-year-old? After losing tens of thousands of dollars, we found ourselves down to $3.50, with payroll for both stores and the manufacturing plant due in 24 hours.

Right there in our warehouse, surrounded by hundreds of tires, I knelt to pray about our dire financial situation. Moments after praying, a man who owned a chain of tire stores around the East Coast entered our showroom. I knew that if he purchased our tires, it would help us not only make payroll the next day, but give us the credibility needed for other stores to buy our tires.

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defeated Assyria and spared Jerusalem from devastation.

When we make prayer our first choice, and not our last chance, God promises that we will walk in peace (Philippians 4:6-7), grow in our understanding of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 27:1-7), and allow people who need God to see the difference Christ makes in our lives (Matthew 5:16).

As Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Recall that faith drove a small group of praying women over 85 years ago to look ahead and see the impact a Christ-centered college would make on the world. Without the foundation of faith, CIU would not exist today.

Charles Wesley wrote a hymn of 11 stanzas about faith.

The most popular stanza has provided an anthem for the Victorious Christian Life (another CIU core value) movement for a hundred years: Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, And looks to that alone; Laughs at life’s impossibilities, And cries, It shall be done!

After giving the man a tour of the plant and our inventory, he said, “I’ll take them.” I asked, “How many?” He said, “All of them.” From that day forward, the plant operated profitably.

Yes, God answered my prayer. But this story illustrates what I have warned the CIU student body NOT to do: I made prayer my last chance, not my first choice. I had put my faith in the past success of the business and not in the present daily care of the Father God.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY FEATURED IN CIU’S CONNECTION MAGAZINE.

Though I did not get it right, King Hezekiah of the Old Testament did. In 2 Kings 18-19, the cruel Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem.

Hezekiah, however, made prayer his first choice, not his last chance.

Read his magnificent prayer in II Kings 19:15-19. God miraculously

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

ERIES :

A Call To... Praise: Our Declaration by: Pastor Andre Melvin

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How You Can Truly Bless the Lord at All Times A Devotional from Psalm 34.

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s it really possible to bless God at all times? King David who wrote Psalm 34 began with this bold declaration – that his intentions are to bless the Lord continuously and without fail regardless of his circumstances.

To bless God means to praise Him, to adore and honor Him. It is a public display of thanksgiving, gratitude and appreciation for who God is and for what He has done. David says that he will always praise God. But the question must be raised, how can this practically be done? Although many of us have made this declaration with David, how do we, like David, keep this commitment to God when faced with the many struggles we experience in life? What about when you are heartbroken or when you are sick in your body? What about when we are disappointed by an unrealized expectation or dream? What about when a person is depressed? David too had experienced difficulties in his life. As a matter of fact, David wrote this Psalm after he escaped from being captured by Achish, king of Gath by pretending to be insane (1 Sam. 21:10-15).

Even through his difficulties and failures, David still declares that he will bless God at all times. As we study Psalm 34, we find several principles to help us be people whose mouths are continually filled with praise (v. 1).

First, we must understand that blessing the Lord has little to do with how we feel, but more to do with who we know God to be in our own experiences.

David shares in verses 4 though 8 that it is our personal experience with God that causes us to praise Him. David experienced the Lord’s deliverance when he cried out to Him (v. 4). God can change our outlook on life from gloomy to “radiant” and no longer feel ashamed (v. 5). David says in verse 7 that the Lord protects those who belong to Him and then exhorts us in verse 8 to try the Lord for ourselves, that “He is Good!” The reason why many are unable to bless God is because they have not tried Him for themselves. You cannot bless God at all times if you are recanting someone else’s experience. It has to be your own. When you have found him to be faithful in your darkest moments, then you have something to praise Him for, and you would have concluded that He deserves your praise no matter what! Our knowledge about the Lord would inform our will to choose to praise Him. So whether you feel like praising God or not, think on what He has done for you. Your response will be to bless Him for His goodness.

Second, to bless the Lord at all times requires maturity. In other words, not

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only have you experienced his presence and power for yourself, but you have learned to trust Him over a variety of situations and in various circumstances as you have walked with Him over time. Verse 17 says that the righteous cries out and He hears them and delivers them from all their troubles. And again, it says in verse 19 that many are the afflictions of the righteous, “but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Over time, after we have seen God faithfully and consistently take care of us in a wide spectrum of situations, we are strengthened, and it causes us to realize that God truly is good all the time. But this maturity has less to do with age as it has to do with how much we exercise our faith in God in difficult circumstances. It’s how often we have stepped out and trusted God when we could not visibly see how He was going to fix our situation. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to either trust God, which strengthens our faith, or to not trust Him, which weakens our faith. Those who do the latter, even though they have been in church for years, can never get to the place where they can bless the Lord at all times.

David invites us to “Magnify the Lord” with Him (v. 3) as he endeavors to “Bless the Lord at All Times.”

Finally, you will be able to bless the Lord at all times when you believe that God keeps His promise to take care of us and those who oppose us. Again in verse 7, David says that the angel of the Lord will encamp around us. But verse 15 tells us that God’s eyes are always on us and His ears are always attentive to our cry. He is always watching out for us and available to us when we need Him. He will protect (v. 20) and redeem us (v. 22). We will not be ashamed (v.5) nor will we be condemned (v. 22) if we turn to Him. But for our enemies, God’s face is against them (v.16) and they will be condemned (v.21). So whatever we are facing, God is watching over us, and those who are our stumbling blocks will have to contend with Him, face-to-face.

David invites us to “Magnify the Lord” with Him (v. 3) as he endeavors to “Bless the Lord at All Times.” We can continually do so if we are mindful of what He has already done for us, how He has been faithful, and His keeping His promise to watch over us. Take the time today to bless the Lord. He’s worth our praise!

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ames Brown Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands

By Marcus Shiver

Shepherding Our Youth

For over 30 years, James Brown has served in the capacity of a shepherd. The organization—The “Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands,” his pulpit message—faith, hope, and love, his pew—thousands of youth in Columbia, S.C. and throughout America. Recently, Pastors’ Journal Magazine had the opportunity to have a oneon-one conversation with James Brown. He shared his wisdom and insights on everything from life lessons to overcoming obstacles. James Brown epitomizes the true nature of a servant leader and he encourages us all to run the race that is set before us.

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Life Lessons: I believe the most important thing you can do in life is help someone. It was instilled in me at a very young age, by my parents and grandparents, that God wants us to help someone along the way. They would tell me to help my fellow mankind. Another life lesson is to have the highest integrity possible. It is important to do what you say you are going to do and treat all people with the utmost respect. Being honest and treating people fairly is one of the greatest things that you can do to be successful in life.

Defining Myself: I am a Christian that has a strong faith in God. I am a very caring and understanding person that is concerned about all people being the best they can be. I am a person that believes in agape love, which means to love people unconditionally in spite of what they may do or say. I am blessed to have very good human relations skills that allow me to interact comfortably with anyone or any group of people. In addition, I am a person that feels very strongly about physical fitness. God blessed us with a precious body and he expects us to do our best to take care of it. As my mother always said when I was growing up, “God will bless you to be your best, but you have to make some effort to be your best.”

Education: I believe that education, with God’s blessing, is the key to our success in life. My wife, Joyce, is a retired school teacher that had a slogan posted in her class room for most of her 33 years as a teacher: “Hard work + Education = Success.”

I truly believe that regardless of the environment you come from, if you stay focus on education, you can overcome all of the challenges and obstacles in your life.

Choosing a Career: I believe that all of us are born with special talents that will help shape the future and which careers we chose. I believe that careers have to be guided by the things that we feel most passionate about. Many people believe that their careers should be guided by the opportunity to make the most money. Earning money to have a decent living is very important, but I believe that one should feel that whatever they are doing is a calling from God. The most important thing in choosing a career is to begin preparing yourself early by doing well in school and getting the education that will put you in the best position possible to be successful. In any career that you choose, peace of mind in what you do is very important.

Healthy Relationships: Healthy relationships is one of the most important things in our lives. My relationship with God is first and foremost in my life. Secondly, my relationship with my family. I take great pride in the relationship I have with my immediate family. I have been married to Joyce, my Jr. High School sweetheart for almost 40 years. Without God’s blessing and her support, I would not be where I am today. She has always been very supportive of me in my career and that has allowed me to be successful. In addition to my wife, I have a very healthy relationship with my son Jamie and my daughter Jennifer (Nikki) who I am very proud of. I also have a great relationship with their spouses and our granddaughter Gabriella (Gabby). Healthy relationships are also very important with my other family members, friends, work associates, and Pastor and members of the Church. I believe that all of the relationships within these institutions are vital to the quality of life that I live.

Overcoming Obstacles: I’ve had to overcome many obstacles in my life. I believe that obstacles are placed in our lives by God to test our faith in him. I have a saying that I always say to my family, friends, and other associates: “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” I believe that if we believe in God, regardless of what obstacles we face we will be able to overcome them. As I mentioned earlier, I have overcome many obstacles in my life, but there is one that I’d like to share. In May of 1999, I made a visit to my doctor’s office because I wasn’t feeling very well. I was diagnosed with a blood glucose level of 834. I was informed by my doctor that I could go into a diabetic Comma at anytime. Initially, I was very afraid of what might happen to me. To overcome this obstacle I made a total change in my eating habits and began an ongoing regular exercise program. Within two months, I was back to work with an average daily blood sugar reading of 110. My point is that you have to believe that God will bless you to overcome any obstacle that you face. The scripture tells us that, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”

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FINANCE Part P art II: II:

God Doesn’t Expect Pastors to be by: Marcus Benjamin

Financial Advisors

1 Chronicles 12:32 (New King James Version) “the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;” There are several functions which constitute a strong church. I call them Ten Layers Deep®

The degree of reduction in giving is significant for churches. Among people who have decreased giving to churches and religious centers, 19% dropped their giving by as much as 20%, 5% decreased their generosity by 21% to 49%, 17% reduced their giving by half, and 11% sliced their provision by more than half. In addition, 22% said they had stopped their giving altogether.

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Now, according to a Barna Research Article published in April 2008 (please note this article was published during the economic boom and research was conducted during the height of The Dow) Among all born- again adults, 9% contributed one-tenth or more of their income.

Clear Vision inspired by the Holy Spirit Sound, yet relevant, preaching and teaching Consistent Faith-filled Prayer Organized Discipleship Proactive Leadership Development Systematic Evangelism/Outreach Genuine In-House Fellowship Skilled Organization/Administration Competent Economic Development Intentional Ministry Collaboration

As we continue what we discussed in our last article, I want to focus on the Ninth Layer—Competent Economic Development. If the Body of Christ as a whole and our local churches are to be strong, we must have competent people who are intentionally developing the economics of the membership and the church organization. We mentioned in the previous article how Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are the two most recognized faces for the advancement of capitalism worldwide. Due to this reality, news outlets work tirelessly to get their commentary in front of the masses. Why do they do this? The answer is simple. Since the media outlets are a product of capitalism and survive by capitalism, it would only work to their advantage to have the icons of capitalism speak their wisdom to the masses.

As mentioned in the previous article, every system must have three minimum characteristics…

1. A believable, competent spokesman 2. A belief in the system and 3. An investment understanding The world’s system of “Big Business” and “Small Business” is modestly recovering, but notice the word recovering. The Dow (Wall Street’s name for the Dow Jones Industrial Average) provides stock evaluation for 30 significant companies traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Analysts use it as a measuring rod for the strength of capitalism. If the number is high, capitalism is doing well; if the number is low, capitalism is not doing well (for all the financial guru’s out there, please excuse my simplification). According to an article published Monday, August 2, 2010 by Yahoo Finance, the Dow was at 9,286 in August 2009. Today the Dow is at 10,467. The Dow is not at its pre-Great Recession height of 13,058 in May of 2008, but it is recovering. Sadly, we generally see the church is not.

According to a Barna Research Article published December 1, 2008 (please note this article was published during the onset of the Great Recession)

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Here is my point. Prior to the recession, 7 out of 10 churches were underfunded by 60% or more! According to Barna, a church of 250 people has an average church budget of approximately $500,000.

This would mean, on average, less than 50 people in this church are authentic “tithers” (I am being a little more generous than Barna’s research). According to the US Census, the average household income during the same period of Barna’s research was $50,233.

So, on average, 50 tithers would have contributed approximately $250,000, or half, of the churches budget by their giving (remember I am being generous with 50). Now we see the Pareto Principle at work. This principle states that 20% of people will accomplish the work of the remaining 80% of the people. During pre-Great Recession days, the average church was financially riding the commitment of less than 20% of the people.

Using this average church as our example, what would happen if this 250 member church had 50% of its members tithing? Look at the difference using pre-Great Recession numbers. 125 people giving $5,200 each year would contribute $650,000 to the churches budget.

So if the remaining 125 people continued to give at their normal level of $1,250 each year (200 people divided by the remaining $250,000 of the original budget) the total church budget for this revised church is $806,250! (125 people multiplied by 1,250 equal 156,250). This is a 61% increase. I will state my point again. Prior to the recession, 7 out of 10 churches were underfunded by 60% or more.

With all that said, referring back to the premise of this article, God does not expect pastors to be financial advisors; however, He does expect pastors to recognize the “sons of Issachar” He has strategically placed in His body. He has anointed and gifted men and women to carry out this function. I Corinthians 12:14 states, “For the body is not one member but many…”

The world has recognized who their spokespeople are, but the Church appears to still be confused—especially in what is commonly called “black churches.” I estimate that approximately 60% of all African American churches do not have any ongoing financial ministry, nor do they have periodic seminars or conferences teaching comprehensively on the subject. As church leaders:

Pastors’ Journal Magazine

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We cannot continue to declare Malachi 3 over the heads of congregants for 10 minutes before the offering is received and truly expect the rich generosity promised in the Word of God. 2. We cannot continue the pattern of receiving two or three offerings in a service and expect congregants to give liberally and without compulsion.

3. We have to stop believing and saying privately or publically that “black folks don’t want to give.”

4. We have to show our congregations that we care about their house by recognizing and releasing the sons of Issachar to train and teach them.

5. We have to be examples of righteous living.

6. We have to be examples of giving.

7. We have to spend uncommon time in prayer and speak from that investment.

We cannot go back to the pre-Great Recession numbers mentioned earlier; we must have competent financial leaders who can take us beyond them. The pre-Great Recession numbers may have seemed great on the surface, but underneath they lack spiritual substance. Pastors must focus on leading people into an authentic encounter with Christ and discipleship into that life while releasing or recognizing sons of Issachar to make the people biblically and practically competent in economics. These sons of Issachar will be believable and competent in the system, but the church leader must decide to make the investment.

Did you know that people give or don’t give as a habit because of an internal perspective of value? When people ask me about tithing, I have never quoted Malachi 3. The reason is that I understand why people give or don’t give. The person is really asking me, “What is the value of tithing?” I can show someone five scriptures in the New Testament alone about tithing, but if they do not see the value in it, they will not do it long-term. Think about this. Do Wal-Mart, Target, Barnes and Noble, or Joseph Banks ask people to give money to them each day? No, they do not. What is it that they do which is the same? They provide value to a customer and the customer exchanges dollars for perceived value.

This is the reason I have always said John 3:16 is the greatest scripture in the entire Bible on the subject of tithing. It reads, “For God so loved [valued] the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth [perceives the value] in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (emphasis mine) Tithing is a response to value—nothing more, nothing less. Those who do it see the value, but those who do not either don’t or refuse to see the value. It is our job as church leaders not to be financial advisors but to be financial assessors.

In response to the Ninth Layer, we are those men and women sent by God to: 1.

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Assess the value of His kingdom in the lives of His children Recognize and release the sons of Issachar in our midst Live the value of the kingdom so that our members may see these works and do likewise

The Jews are talking about economics. Muslims are talking about economics. The Chinese are talking about economics.

Release the sons of Issachar to do the same—our purpose is truly eternal. *Ten Layers Deep® is taken from the church planting seminar conducted by Marcus Benjamin.

Marcus Benjamin Senior Pastor: Champions Faith Center CEO: The Benjamin Consulting Group

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FINANCE

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TIPS ON BUDGETING

*Taken from questions asked at a recent financial seminar facilitated by Marcus Benjamin.

1. What is a Budget? A budget is a financial roadmap—it tells your money where to go.

2. Why do I need a budget? You only need a budget if you are serious about becoming financiallystrong. Anyone serious about gaining control of their finances should have one.

3. Where do I start? Start by reconciling your income and expenses for the last 90 days (MicrosoftMoney, Quicken, and Mint.com are good programs for this). After you do this, see what needs to be eliminated, reduced or increased.

Also, read the book Your Money Matters by Dr. Larry Burkett.

4. What if my expenses exceed my income? You only have two options: increase your income immediately, but legally, or decrease your expenses.

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TTHINGS H IN N G S TO T O KNOW K N O W ABOUT ABOUT RETIREMENT RETIREMENT

1. Traditionally, retirement has been defined as the period of your life beyond 59 ½ where you live off the investment decisions you have made over your working life. So, if you are going to retire the traditional way, you need to make wise investment choices during your working life.

2. The stock market is volatile, but historically it has produced strong gains over time. Most people who have made great gains through stock or mutual fund investing were investors of 15 years or more. Do not try to fund retirement income in less than 10 years from the stock market—the market works best over the long haul.

3. Do not underestimate the value of having a financial advisor who shares your convictions. If they share your convictions and are the right fit for you, you can make arrangements for the fees. Most financial advisors charge a “per visit” fee or an annual fee for ongoing advising.

5. My spouse thinks budgeting is a waste of time. How do I help

Choose which option is right for you.

him/her see the value in doing it? Marriage is about being “one,” and it sounds like there is some discussion you two must have about your financial future. a budget never really “works.” The person implementing the budget is the one who “works the budget.” If the budget seems to not work, it is because the person is not doing the work required.

4. For various reasons most people today are retiring much later than 59 ½, so if you are in that boat, do not be alarmed. If you are over 59 ½, focus on paying off your debts while contributing to a revised retirement plan. You typically should not have the same investment allocation as you had a few years ago with the change in the economic environment—see your advisor or investment company representative for details.

7. Our schedule is hectic. How can we find time to budget our

5. Invest in entrepreneurship. I have been saying for

income? If you are too busy to manage your money, then you are too busy.

the last 10 years that we need to do more investment in the starting and growing of small businesses, and people are finally catching up. Financial commentators only propagated stock and mutual fund investing, but they have changed their language over the past two years.

Start off part time and grow into a full time small business owner. At least if you are working beyond 59 ½, you will be doing what you want to do versus what you have to do.

6. I have tried budgeting, and it just doesn’t work. Quite frankly,

10

Pick one morning where you spend about 3 hours with your finances. Another option is to allocate 1 hour a day for three days each week.

8. I have a budget but I am not getting ahead with it. I am still in the same position I was two years ago. Is something wrong?

That is a loaded question. Remember a budget tells your money where to go, so are you sending money to savings and investments? Are you paying additional on the principle of your home, car or credit cards? If you are doing these things, then you should be getting ahead.

9. I know someone who is very successful financially, and

they do not budget. What’s up with that? In every scenario there are seemingly rare, atypical exceptions. This person is probably not financially successful but simply has a high income and an above average standard of living.

If they are legitimately successful, somehow they had to send money to certain investments or accounts to get to that position; therefore they were budgeting.

10. I hate the thought of budgeting. What can I do? You can renew

your mind. You may hate having mud dumped all over you, but if the reward was $25,000, you would do it. Every action is started and continued based upon actual or perceived value.

30

*The suggestions given above do not constitute specific investment advice. Please see a financial advisor for specific investment advice.

3

SIMPLE STEPS TO EVICT THE MONEY MONSTER BY YEAR’S END

1. Read Chapters 1-3 of the book Thou Shalt Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin 2. Subscribe to Black Enterprise, Success, or Entrepreneur Magazine 3. Memorize Isaiah 48:17, Deuteronomy 8:18 and Proverbs 22:4

Pastors’ Journal Magazine

HEALING

More Than Worried: Understanding Anxiety by: Carmella Broome EdS LPC LMFT/I

Disorders

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) Stressful life events such as a child leaving for college, concerns about money, or an unexpected illness are causing many people to worry right now. Trouble sleeping, a nervous stomach, and trouble concentrating are feelings most of us experience when we’re worried. Anxiety, when it is not too severe, can motivate us to seek solutions to problems and to do our best. It can alert us to danger and help keep us safe.

For many people, though, anxiety is a much bigger problem. It doesn’t just cause discomfort; it disrupts daily life. Eighteen percent of the population, or forty million Americans, struggle with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions. Children and adolescents can experience anxiety disorders. They are also common in the elderly. Young adults and those in mid-life are not immune. People from any and all backgrounds can experience anxiety disorders, including those who are Christians and actively involved in their church.

There are various types of anxiety disorders. Most people have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which involves someone repeating behaviors or getting stuck on certain thoughts or ideas. We are hearing a lot lately about post traumatic stress disorder due to military personnel returning from deployments and experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and other reactions to being in a dangerous environment. Panic disorder involves sudden attacks of intense fear that lead some people to think they’re having a heart attack. With social phobia, people are afraid of public speaking, being in crowds, or making telephone calls. Specific phobias involve avoiding certain things, such as elevators, out of intense fear.

Some people become too anxious to leave their homes.

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is perhaps the most common anxiety disorder. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic or exaggerated worry about everyday things. People with GAD have brains telling them to expect the worst in any situation. They are overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. They experience racing thoughts that include lots of “what if” and worst case scenario situations. They feel unable to stop or control their worrying and are often in an internal state of “fight or flight.” They feel overwhelmed and have trouble making decisions. Symptoms of GAD also include fatigue, restlessness or feeling edgy, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and problems eating or sleeping. Physical symptoms include tense muscles, stomach problems, or headaches.

While situational and environmental influences are important, a true anxiety disorder also involves biological factors related to brain chemicals.

This is why telling an anxious person to just “give your cares to God” or “just stop worrying and calm down” are not always helpful. While prayer and meditating on Scriptures that emphasize God’s care and love are important, there are times when these are not the only kinds of help a

For many people, though, anxiety is a much bigger problem. It doesn’t just cause discomfort; it disrupts daily life. Eighteen percent of the population, or forty million Americans, struggle with anxiety disorders.

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

person needs. Many people who are experiencing an anxiety disorder are also struggling with depression, substance abuse issues, or other mental health problems. The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable. The best approach is usually to combine work with a qualified and licensed counselor with an appropriate course of medications.

Counseling helps the person to learn different ways of thinking and behaviors that will help them manage anxiety symptoms. Counselors often teach anxious clients about exercises such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery. These exercises help anxious people to sit quietly, focus on their bodies and minds, and relax physically and mentally. Journaling can help an anxious person get their worries out of their own head. Prayer and releasing concerns back to God are also helpful, as is talking worries over with someone trustworthy. It is important to listen, offer support and distraction, pray with and for that person, and help them make contact with a Professional Counselor or other mental health professional for an evaluation.

exercise is very important to manage feelings of being keyed up and restless. Avoiding too much caffeine is also important as it can increase anxiety.

Medications help regulate the chemicals in the brain that are off balance. GPs and family doctors are often comfortable prescribing appropriate medications. The same medications used to treat depression are often used to treat anxiety. Other medications may be used as well. Counseling and medications won’t make anxiety go away completely, but they can help it to be much less severe and easier to manage.

Counselors also teach clients how to challenge their anxious thoughts.

Questions like, “How do I know that will happen?” or “How else can I think about this?” are often helpful. Helping clients understand that losing sleep and getting physically ill won’t prevent the feared event is also an important job of the counselor. Counselors also encourage distraction activities such as playing with a pet, reading, sewing or tinkering with tools to have something to keep hands busy, counting change, thinking of things to be thankful for that start with each letter of the alphabet, or watching something funny on TV. Regular

“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

33

FIT FOR LIFE

Believe

for a Healthier You by: Paul Lomas and Rosanna Winters

I

ntimidation is the top factor keeping people from going to the gym.

By all means, put it aside. Here at Doctors Wellness Center, we provide a non-threatening environment where family values reign and where a family atmosphere is enjoyed by staff and clients alike.

As God provides support for all His children, so we endeavor to give unbounded support in overcoming your greatest challenge. Visit us, and we will help you to a healthier, more peaceful life.

With the Presidential election complete, one of the biggest challenges facing the Obama administration is the current healthcare crisis. What would God have our President do? While experts disagree on the solution to this complex issue, everyone agrees one big step in reforming the current archaic healthcare system is to shift from a reactive “sick-care” model to a proactive preventive model. Chronic disease such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon account for 70 cents of every healthcare dollar spent. Trillions of dollars will be spent in the next decade on preventable chronic disease. This is a tremendous burden on the nation’s economy and a direct result of Americans not treating their bodies as holy temples, as God has outlined for them in His Holy Word.

Americans need not wait for their elected officials to come to their rescue. Each American should take personal responsibility in making lifestyle changes to prevent or reverse the effects of our current habits, namely, a high fat, high sugar, high calorie, low nutritional diet and sedentary lifestyle. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do those things that are pleasing in God’s sight.

The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) The following are ten steps everyone can take to optimize their health: 1.

Eat whole foods as God has given them to us. Whole foods provide all the nutrients needed for optimal health without the chemicals that belong in a lab, not your body.

2.

Consume a diet that is primarily plant based. Plant based foods such as fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants which help our bodies fight disease while being low in calories.

3.

Consume a diet low in animal products. Animal products have been linked in studies to cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and certain cancers. They tend to be high in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol.

4.

Maintain optimal weight. Being overweight and obese

34

is associated with increased sickness and death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes, and cancer.

5.

Don’t smoke. Enough said.

6.

Drink six to eight cups of water a day. Water removes toxins from your body while improving kidney and digestive function.

7.

Perform regular cardiopulmonary exercise.

Aerobic exercise performed 5 or more days per week for 30 minutes reduces risk of the above listed diseases and helps you to lose weight.

8.

Strength train two days per week. Strength training reverses the effects of aging by increasing muscle mass, metabolism, bone density, balance, joint function, and blood sugar metabolism.

9.

Visit your physician and know your cardio vascular risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, while also screening for breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

10.

Manage stress. Through quiet time with the LORD and studying His Word, we learn that God is in control. He knows us all individually and has a plan for every one of us. Let go and let God. Trying to live by each of the ten rules given above may be a challenge for most humans. The first step in accomplishing these steps is to believe that you can. You must have faith! God will help you. It has been said that willpower for the Christian is My will and GOD’s power. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3) means “Believe in Me.” Then you can get on with the rest of the Ten Commandments and get started with the ten steps above. Remember the Holy Spirit dwells in you, allowing God to work in you, making all things possible. Romans: 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

In refuting someone in the Corinthian congregation whose claim was that eating and drinking had no bearing on one’s inner spiritual life, Paul states that the body is meant for the LORD. Everything you do should be for His glory. While you have the freedom to eat anything you want and to treat your bodies any way you want, it is the Holy Spirit that would guide you to the decisions that, in the end, will glorify God. You become enslaved, not freed, when you give in to the cravings of your body.

Praise God we have a Father who will see us through all immeasurable difficulties…should we do it for His glory. Become dedicated to spiritual and physical cleansing. Support each other, as “we are part of a whole.” Every morning give the LORD your first fruit in your quiet time and pray for guidance and strength through your day with food and exercise as you strive to become the mirror-like image of Christ.

Pastors’ Journal Magazine

FIT & THIN by: Thomas L. Hundley Everything you need to know about living fit and thin can be found in the Bible. You don’t even have to go digging through the entire Bible to find this important, invaluable and all inclusive information. All you need to do is go to the beginning, the book of Genesis and read the story of Adam and Eve. If you have your Bible’s, you can turn to Genesis 2:15. That verse states that God took man and placed him in the Garden. After placing him in the Garden, God then gave Adam three specific instructions or commands that were meant for him to live fit and healthy for the rest of his life. Okay, pay close attention and commit these to memory :

God has laid out the formula for living a long, healthy, and prosperous life. Remember to do something physical every day.

1.

First God instructed Adam to work and cultivate the Garden. This was God’s way of providing Adam with his physical activity for each day. Just as God created the heavens and the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh, you too should do the same. That is your formula for success.

2.

The second instruction God gave Adam was in the next verse Genesis 2:16 which was to eat freely of every tree in the Garden. God was placing great significance on those foods which are grown. You too should incorporate an abundance of fruits and vegetables in your diet each day.

3.

The final command God gave Adam was to be disciplined and obedient. In Genesis 2:17, He tells him not to eat from the forbidden tree. Along your fitness journey, you will also encounter many forbidden trees in your Garden. I’m talking about those fried chicken and pork chop trees, those potato chip and honey bun trees, and those sweet potato pie and chocolate cake trees. Just remember to exercise discipline in your eating and in your physical fitness.

God has laid out the formula for living a long, healthy, and prosperous life. Remember to do something physical every day, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and be disciplined and obedient in all you do. This is your God-given formula for being fit and thin. Be Blessed & Be Fit!

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COURAGE The

Carol Harmon

Story by: Keosha Gregg

O

n January 26, 2007, Carol Harmon woke k up ready d to hhead d to work. k As she motioned to get out of bed, she fell to the floor. The right side of her body was paralyzed from head to toe.

Using the left side of her body, Carol crawled to the telephone in her living room. She called her youngest daughter, Josetta. Though Carol was barely able to speak, Josetta knew something was wrong and informed her two siblings. After Carol hung up the phone, she pulled herself to the front door to unlock it. There she collapsed to the floor. That is where her children found her.

A widowed mother of three, Carol was living by herself after her husband died. To make a living, each day she cleaned four houses, one being the Governor’s mansion. Monday of that same week, she had been feeling light-headed and fatigued. She diagnosed herself as being sleep-deprived. On this night, she had gone to bed feeling normal, oblivious to the journey awaiting her.

When Carol’s children arrived, they took her to the hospital. Once in the hospital room, the doctor told Carol that she had experienced a stroke. She was also informed that her weariness from earlier in the week was from a silent stroke. Because Carol didn’t have health insurance, she felt the doctors were shortchanging her care.

“The doctor and nurse came in the room and told me that I wasn’t going to make it,” Harmon says. “They said if I did make it, I was going to be a vegetable.”

“I could hardly talk, but I looked at that man and woman and said, ‘Send me home, so I can live.’”

After 12 days in the hospital and still paralyzed, she was released in a wheelchair to care for herself at home. With no money or healthcare, Carol could not receive physical therapy. Her children tried to persuade her to live with them, but Carol said no. Respecting their mother’s wishes, Harmon’s children came to her visit every day and helped where they could.

“I didn’t know why,” Harmon recalls. “But I knew I had to do it and that God was involved.”

“I knew that if anybody was with me, I would not have been able to do it the way God wanted me to do it,” Harmon adds. “My faith [in God] is what saved me.”

This

is an ironic testament of faith for a woman who—at the time—had not been to church in over 23 years.

Carol stopped attending church after her husband passed, which occurred the same day as her stroke 20 years prior, January 26th. Carol and her husband, Richard, were married for nine years. When Carol was eight months pregnant with their youngest child, Richard went into the hospital to have outpatient surgery to remove kidney stones. While Richard was being prepped for the procedure, Harmon remembers sitting in the hospital room and feeling “a cold gush of wind.”

“My husband asked me if I was cold, and I said yes. Seconds later, my husband died,” says Harmon.

On her way home that same day, she had a seizure. She was rushed to the hospital, and the doctors performed an emergency C-section.

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Pastors’ Journal Magazine

“That was a hard time,” Harmon says. “I had just lost my husband; then I was about to lose my baby and my own life.”

Following her husband’s passing, Carol went to their church for assistance. Instead of helping her make arrangements for her husband’s funeral, Carol says the church tried to take her husband’s insurance money for themselves. When she fought for the money, the church turned their back on her.

“After that, I stopped going to church. I didn’t lose faith in God; I lost faith in man,” Harmon recalls.

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you

Following her stroke, Carol spent the next six months performing her own physical therapy.

“I would get up in the morning and go through my day falling,” Harmon states. “I kept falling, and God would keep picking me up.”

“Finally, I got strong enough to do little things and felt [my] energy coming back,” Harmon says.

Soon she could wash herself, put on makeup and get dressed each morning.

“I didn’t have any bad days, no doubts, no tears, no sadness,” Harmon says. “I knew there was a light at the end of the road; I just had to get there.”

From January to June of that year, Harmon worked to regain her muscle strength. As Carol was strengthened physically, she was also strengthened spiritually.

“I said, ‘God, If you get me out of this, the first place I’m going is to church,’” Harmon remembers.

And in June of 2007, Carol, with her ability to talk and walk with only a minor limp, went to church.

Now, three years later, Carol, 50, has gotten her life back to normal. She drives, lives on her own and has returned to cleaning homes. Only now, she cleans one home a day, rather than four. Even with her limp, she has the ability to drag mop buckets up and down steps to clean floors and rooms. Carol even cleans at her church and at her daughter’s salon.

Carol regards the three years since her stroke as “the happiest years in [her] life.” She believes the stroke to be God’s way of “getting [her] lpin others experiencing similar situations. She uses every opportunity to share her attention,” bringing her family closer to God and helping y testimony with anyone she encounters.

The

ople alw “People always ask me what happened to my leg,” Harmon says. “I say, ‘Honey ‘Honey, it’s a story behind that leg. Do you have time?’”

Carol views her limp as a temporary ailment.

Carol Harmon

m going to get my body back 100 percent,” Harmon says. “I am waiting on that day.”

“I know I’m “Inside I’m already running; my body just hasn’t caught up with me yet.”

“The Chrisian Leadership Magazine”

Story y 37

Faith

In The Mainstream

by Kiosha Gregg

Dawndy Mercer Plank 38

In a two-piece suit sculpting her willowy frame, Dawndy Mercer Plank hurries down a flight of stairs into the WIS News 10 newsroom. She sits behind the news desk, grabs a pen and shuffles, once more, through her papers detailing the day’s news. Soon, her commanding voice is heard in thousands of homes throughout the state.

Mercer Plank has anchored at WIS News 10 since 1992. She serves as a co-anchor at the station on the 5, 7 and 11 o’ clock news.

The Indianapolis, Indiana native knew this was her calling since the 6th grade, originally for her love of current events and writing. “Once in the industry, I found it offered far more,” Plank said. “One day I’m flying in an F-18 fighter jet, the next I’m in the operating room standing over a patient undergoing open-heart surgery.”

Her journalism interest has taken her into other arenas as well. In 1996, she ventured away from WIS News 10 and worked freelance with Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency starring in commercials, print ads and industrial films in Houston, Texas. She also spent time at Houston’s KNWS News, KTRK TV, KSBJ Christian Radio, and later hosted both a horse and travel show. In 2001, she returned to WIS News 10.

Behind the anchor desk, sits a woman with much more than a striking face. In a interview with Pastor’s Journal Magazine, the talented Mercer Plank reveals information about her career, life and faith.

The Health Advocate On “Live at Five,” Plank anchors as a health and medical reporter.

“I’ve always been fascinated in how the human body works and I enjoy studying health-related topics to stay up on the latest discoveries and advances,” Plank states.

“Since health is a subject that affects all my viewers, it’s been a pleasure staying well-versed in the health field so I can educate the public,” Plank adds.

A marathon runner and triathlete, Plank’s community activities also reflect her passion for fitness.

“By far, one of my favorite events to promote each year is the Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler,” Plank said.

The Providence Heart & Sole Women’s 5 miler was initiated

by Plank and her two best friends—and running partners— out of the need for an all-women race in the state. Each year about 1,500 women enjoy a morning of exercise. Men cheer the women on from the sidelines and at the end of the race, the women are given roses and chocolate-covered strawberries.

“It’s so exciting to see women who thought they could never do a road race experience the joy of accomplishment,” Plank recalls. Plank’s love for fitness was honored when she served as the torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

More Than Meets The Eye Unbeknownst to most viewers, Plank is very active in the community, which explains why she’s usually sporting running shoes behind the anchor’s desk. She frequently speaks for churches and women’s seminars. Currently, she assists the Oliver Gospel Mission, the Women’s Growth Center, Columbia International University and Women in Philanthropy. “I try to help several organizations and causes for which I’m passionate, like those that prevent child abuse and cancer, promote healthy living and help stray animals be adopted into good homes,” Plank said.

With a “minute-to-minute to-do list,” Plank is the first to let you know it is not an easy task. “Whoever said ‘you can have it all’ must have had a maid, a secretary and a personal shopper,” Plank said. “As much as I love my full life, I don’t think you’re supposed to be doing major grocery shopping at 10:30 p.m. or having to apply makeup during commercial breaks to get it all on.”

Plank’s husband, Craig, is very supportive. “Thankfully, I am blessed with a very supportive, Godly husband who despite having his own [insurance] business to run, helps me in every area he can, including our sports activities,” Plank said. “We find ourselves forgoing a night of dinner and a movie to instead train for a marathon or triathlon.”

Faith In The Mainstream Though Christianity is not encouraged in the mainstream community, Plank as made an effort to acknowledge her faith in her career. “My faith in God is everything I am,” said Plank, a member of Shandon Baptist Church.

“My desire is to live my life based on the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Because of her faith in God, Plank assumed that she needed to go into ministry rather than going into media.

“Little did I know at that time that God had a huge plan for me to have a ministry because of being in the media,” Plank said. “Television has opened so many doors to tell others about the Gospel.”

Her faith often times bring her discomfort in the media. “I’ve been quite alarmed at the times I feel we don’t tell the “whole” story,” Plank said. “There are reports that show one small aspect (usually a negative detail) of a much bigger story where the positives are overlooked.”

Based on her experience in the media industry, Plank encourages all Christians in the mainstream workforce to remain firm on their stance for Christ. “You have to decide ahead of time what you stand for and whom you serve,” Plank said. “There are always going to be pressures that could persuade you to give in and act in a way that would be a poor witness.”

At this point in Plank’s life, she feels she is right where the Lord wants her to be. “I will continue as an evening anchor for WIS News 10, unless He calls me into a new direction,” Plank said.

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EMPOWER

Vision Vision Vision sion nto Serve by: Jeremy Kingsley

W

hat makes a great leader? It seems that in recent history, so many well-known Christian “leaders” (pastors, musicians, and authors) have fallen into scandal and public sin. Why? There may be a number of different reasons, but I believe that one reason is that many have lost the vision to serve.

If the greatest leader of all time had a vision to serve, we would be wise to learn what he says—and the greatest One who has ever lived has spoken about the subject. The King of kings and Lord of lords has told us how we should approach the journey toward service. So just like golfers who pay thousands of dollars for instruction from Butch Harmon or computer software engineers who listen intently to Michael Dell, we should drop everything and tune into Jesus’ vision of service.

The King of kings and Lord of lords has told us how we should approach the journey toward service.

In John 13 we find Jesus around a table with his disciples for the Last Supper. They have all just come in from a day of ministry in the dusty streets of Jerusalem. Their feet are dirty, and there is no servant to wash the filth from them. So Jesus picks up a towel, gets some water, and decides to be the humble servant among his disciples. Now the other men in that room knew how inappropriate it would be for any of them to touch one another’s feet, much less the One who had angels created to praise him! The job of foot washing was saved for the lowest of the low, the servants of the servants. Only the least important, most underprivileged people—in other words, those who had been born poor, among a bunch of farm animals—got stuck with that duty. In fact, rabbinic documents show that rabbis and Pharisees in the time after Christ would force their disciples to serve them in every way that slaves would serve their masters except for one thing: They were never, ever to touch anyone’s feet. That was simply too demeaning for any “respectable” human being to endure.

So the statement Jesus made by washing his disciples’ feet would have been profound. He had said before that greatness came from humbling oneself. He had said, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first” (see Matthew 19:30), but now he was showing it by serving. He was getting down and dirty. Aren’t Kings supposed to get served? His greatness would not be achieved by working his way up through the political or religious ranks. He did not try to schmooze powerful people so they would give large amounts in the offering plate or gather an armed crowd that could rise up against the establishment and make him king. His vision was being worked out as he went out of his way to serve those around him.

Christian Speaker and President of Onelife Ministries Author of Be Last – Descending to greatness Published by Tyndale House For more information: www.jeremykingsley.com Jeremy Kingsley Oneilfesc@aol.com www.jeremykingsley.com 803.315.2788

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“The Christian Leadership Magazine”

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Closing Leadership Message

Making a Comeback

by: Dr. Michael Yousef

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” -Romans 12:11 Do you live in a state of regret over how your life has turned out? Do you wonder how things would be different today if you had only followed God’s path yesterday? If you have missed God’s opportunities in your life because of fear, timidity, lack of faith, or even apathy, you may be tempted to keep punishing yourself for your mistakes.

God does not want you to feel constant regret and misery. He wants you to be forgiven, restored, and renewed. With God, it is never too late to be used for His kingdom. The same specific opportunities may no longer be available to you, but you can still be effective for Christ. He wants you to serve Him willingly and obediently today—no matter how you may have failed in the past.

We can find inspiration in the believers in Philadelphia, who wholeheartedly pursued God’s opportunities for them. They faithfully served God’s kingdom, and Jesus commended them for their commitment: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).

The city of Philadelphia was the crossroads of the world and called the Gateway to the East. The Philadelphians sought to use that gateway to propagate the Greek culture and language to the rest of the world. They had a great mission for themselves—but Jesus had a far greater one for the believers in that city. Jesus honored the Philadelphian church with unique opportunities to spread His Gospel.

The believers in Philadelphia had many obstacles and weaknesses, but instead of neglecting their opportunities, they embraced them. They did not want to miss out on anything that God placed before them. They would not ignore God’s open door. They would not trample upon or squander the rare opportunities that Jesus was giving them to spread the Gospel message. They knew they were in a unique position in that gateway city, and they did not take that privilege lightly.

The church in Philadelphia knew that serving God is not a chore or a burden—it is a gift and a blessing. Because of their faithfulness and loyalty, Jesus gave them an opportunity to do great things for God and He promised great rewards: “Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new

He will provide us with the right people with open hearts who are ready to hear the Gospel message. He will open doors that no one else can shut.

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Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name” (Revelation 3:12).

Jesus is also calling today’s church to serve Him. He wants each of us to share our faith with others. He will provide us with the right people with open hearts who are ready to hear the Gospel message. He will open doors that no one else can shut.

Before we can share the Good News we must have the spiritual sensitivity to perceive those open doors. We must be ready to act in faith when God gives us an opportunity. We must have the spiritual eyes to watch for His open doors. We must be willing to serve God wholeheartedly in whatever He calls us to do.

What open doors has God placed in your life? What spiritually starving people live on your street or work in your office? How long will those doors be open to share the Gospel with them? If you have neglected God’s opportunities, turn back to Him today—it is not too late to serve Him. Printed with permission © 2010 Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, www.leadingtheway.org.

“The Chrisian Leadership Magazine”

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Professor Andre Rogers Director, Pastoral Ministries Program Pastor, Concord Fellowship Baptist Church Columbia, SC

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