On Preaching and Ministry presented by The Jenkins Institute
In 1983 Anne Murray sang this lament: There's a local paper rolled up in a rubber band One more sad story's one more than I can stand Just once, how I'd like to see the headline say Not much to print today can't find nothing bad to say …We sure could use a little good news today If you’ve been in ministry more than a couple of heartbeats you can, no doubt, join right in with Anne. There are scores of resources to provide us the bad news - whether cultural climates, brotherhood bashers, Chicken Little Trend Watchers, lackluster leaders, latter-day Laodiceans, or determined detractors - they’ll all pull you down. In this issue of ON we choose to focus on the good. On what is right. We see so many healthy, forward-thinking, biblically committed, soul-conscious, mission-focused, creative, healthy congregations that our hearts swell with pride in what God is doing through His People today! May we invite you to rejoice with us? To turn down the volume of the naysayers and listen carefully to the language of the Lamb, a word from the Word: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Either He is right or He is wrong and if He is wrong then He is not Lord and if He is right - we must do our best but we must also remember the church is going to be fine. It’s His and He takes care of His stuff. How’s that for a lotta-little-Good News today? May God bless you in what you do in His service toward glorifying His name. We believe the church is the greatest thing in the world and we hope to strengthen both your preaching and your resolve.
- from The Editors, Jeff and Dale TheJenkinsInstitute@gmail.com
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH? by DALE JENKINS - dale@edge.net
One of the rewarding privileges of being a preacher is getting to know and love older preachers. While he never seemed old I remember one sunny Saturday visiting one of our mentors, Wendell Winkler at his home near the end of his life. His great love for the church was shining brightly that day. Jeff, Russ Crosswhite and I talked about some issues that were concerning us and in his beautiful upstairs office (study) he shared this. He assured us that the church is going to be OK and then said something I do not think I will never forget: “Think for a minute of all the congregations you know that are very liberal. Can you name 20 that you would refuse to worship with? Now, think of all the churches you know that are ultraconservative. Can you name 20 that are so conservative you would refuse to worship with them?” With 12,000 churches in the U.S. and up to 60,000 worldwide that was a pretty big eye-opener. He was cementing the fact that things were not as bad as some would lead us to believe. And I assure you the same remains true. This article grows out of a few months ago listening and thinking - there is way too much bad news. The bad becomes a snowball and brings us down. We begin to have “buy-in” in it and to join the hand wringing. Is it just me, or has the internet and social media seemingly been flooded lately by a whole lot of vocal people expressing just how many things they’re against/upset about/mad at/vocally wanting to bash? In addition to that we are supposed to be about Good News. It is after all, the GOSPEL we preach. That does not mean we are never to acknowledge bad (Jesus did and we are instructed to reprove, etc). I want to present a thought to you - negative is contagious - it spreads like an unchecked cancer. If you are negative in your marriage, toward your children, at work, about future - you pick it - it will bleed over into other areas of your life.
I don’t think (I may be gullible), but I don’t think anyone plans on becoming negative. BUT some are all the time! It is as if a cloud follows them around. Remember PigPen? It seems to be a favorite sport of some to find all the fault they can. This drips over to the church. Yes, I know the imp of being able to laugh at yourself, but if you ever reach the point of meanness or as I heard a Community Church guy said of “us” (churches of Christ) “why do you guys have so much self-hatred when you get so much right?” Then you have crossed a line. We become like Saul when Jesus asked him “why have you persecuted Me?” We have plenty of flaws and weaknesses and at times they are comical. Yes, I’ve seen those “You know you grew up in the church of Christ if…” posts. They CAN be funny - (but I love the church). My Melanie and I have been married for 34 years. I know of no person better than her. But she has faults. How stupid I would be to publicly start listing them!!! No, we do not have our heads in the sand, we know there is plenty to improve on but I suspect that some of both extremes are trying to make a mark by using the negative members and matters of God’s Family as the megaphone. If I’m going to be known or listened to, I want it to be because of what I’m FOR, not what I’m against. Please don’t misunderstand. There are lots of things that Christ-followers should be ardently against. We should be passionately against slavery & human trafficking, genocide, persecution, oppression. We should be against doctrinal error within the church. And we should even be against sin, especially in our own lives. My fear, though, is that the church is often branded, fairly or not, as the people who are against people. There is way too much good about the Lord’s Family and happening in His Family to spend all of our time filling our arteries with the poison drip of constant negative. The church is not dying. It cannot, we have Go’s word on it. No, we are not deriding the statisticians or the experience of some: We understand, empathize with and support those who try to figure us out - but ask one of them and they will tell you that trying to number us is like herding chickens. We don’t answer surveys, there is no carrot, and some are suspicious of statistics. New congregations don’t report, old congregations don’t update - much has to be done by “guesstament.” So what have our brethren done RIGHT? Here’s a few things to get us started: 1. They built into our DNA a desire for the Word: We’re for truth – absolute, eternal truth in a world of uncertainty. Our plea for no creeds or statements of faith, but reliance on the Bible for doctrine & practice. The respect for Word of God that
exists is powerful. The WORD rules over emotions, over the practical, over the form…it has been indicative of members of the churches of Christ. We do not need to leave that behind at any point. If we lose this we lose any reason to exist - we lose any distinctiveness about us. 2. They believed in worship and it’s place and importance to God and in the life of the Christian: Worship brings us together and keeps us together. The Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies released a study about five years ago comparing church membership to attendance. It revealed that Churches of Christ have the highest attendance to members of any major religious body in America. 99.3% (Southern Bap 34.8, Presbyterian 51.3, Methodist 41.9%). Be sure to read Chuck Monan’s article ON this. 3. They did singing right! It seems every denominational preacher who comes to one of our events is astounded!! They report to being amazed at two things. The simple beauty of VOICES blended and that ALL SING (not choir). THERE is more to this than getting the argument right. Check out Larry Arnold ON this. 4. We did young people right: A Campus Minister in Florida said we are loosing 80% of our young people. Factually we loose 40% of those who do not attend a Christian college and 8% of those who do. BUT here is something - if both parents are active members of a local church 80% remain in the churches of Christ. And some have said we are aging - this is nothing new - dating back to - I think 1978 I read an article titled “The Graying of the church.” They say the church is old, graying, out of touch. Today some are saying that unless we jettison some of our beliefs we can’t reach millennials. Well, here’s the fact: A 2014 study titled “Age structure and median age of U.S. religious groups” from Pew Research revealed that 52% of our membership is under age 48 - that in comparison to ALL U.S. adults of age 46. AND churches of Christ are the youngest major “Christian” religious body in America. The bad news guys don’t want to hear it: Not shrinking last MAJOR study grew by 45K members from 1980-2000. We emphasize with those who try to provide statistical data for the church but it is nearly impossible. The fact is there are always specific congregations growing and shrinking. There are congregations being planted and there are ones closing their doors. But while not all is good - we are growing in the US and around the world in some places in amazing ways. 5. They taught GRACE: Not a cheap emotional based grace but a grace that is patient, forgiving, full and based in Christ and His Word.
The Hearts of Our Young People Are Right by LONNIE JONES, lonjones@bellsouth.net
That’s a direct statement about attitude and not just action. The following commentary is in reference to the young people I know who are maturing spiritually. I can’t speak for the church as a whole; nor will I say that my observation is globally accurate. But in my limited sphere of experience here is what I notice. Sit in a room of young people. Listen to them sing. It doesn’t matter if there are 13 or 13,000 you will hear words of devotion, praise and joy coming from their hearts. The “music” is not instrumental but from and of the heart. They are less concerned about the type music and more concerned about the message of the songs. They are not in love with a style of music but sincerely love the God they are singing to. In today’s generation I see the young people of the church more interested in relationship than ritual. Young people today seem to be more concerned with concept and content than a flashy or entertaining presentation. There was a time when youth speakers made an attempt (albeit foolish one) to “connect to young people on their level” or be “relevant” or even fun and engaging. My experience as a presenter is that
young people are looking for a message of maturity and practicality. They seem to be more interested in what God says than what does the latest research, school of thought, popular speaker say. Part of this is due to the fact that in the groups of spiritually mature young people I encounter they have a conceptual knowledge of scripture. They are not afraid to read and use modern speech translations so that they can understand the Bible for themselves. This is the first step in spiritual selfreliance and maturity. (Hebrews 5:11-6:8) As an added bonus the young people are less tied to tradition and more apt to evaluate decisions, choices and procedures based on scripture. Young people are naturally ego centered and selfish. In the main that is normal and expected. The young people today seem to be able to compartmentalize that and in some cases overcome it. Take note of the number of mission trips, work camps, and service projects that our youth groups and teens are a part of each year. In the main our young people are more tolerant and inclusive. They have a better handle on “in the world; not of the world” than some generations. At first glance it may seem that they are not as staunch on morals or seem to be soft on doctrine. My observation is that are actually able and actually do make a distinction between “sin” and “sinner”. We are often uncomfortable that they have gay friends and don’t seem to react to the LGBTQ movement like we do…but they go to school with drug users, drinkers, users of profanity and the sexually immoral. Somehow they are not threatened by one category of sin above all others. They see sin as equal. They seem to see sinners as people who need a savior. That’s not a rules perspective that’s a heart perspective. What impresses me most about our young people are that ones that get it and their Christianity is from a sense of spiritual self identity. It is what they are and not just something they do. They see themselves as Christ’s people, Christ people, sons and daughters of God rather than merely sons and daughters of people who serve God. They seem to want and have a first generation, one to one, direct relationship with their Father.
Our Respect for the Word of God is Right by MIKE VESTAL, m.vestalpreach@gmail.com
What a wondrous thought! God has a special group of people He calls His own (1 Peter 2:5-9; Titus 2:11-14). All are invited, but only those who respond to the gospel in loving obedience of faith make up Christ's church (Romans 6:16-18; 1 Peter 1:22). Being in Christ is absolutely essential if sinners are to be right with God. There's a lot right with the church because the church is people made right with God through Jesus. We must ever keep the following truth in mind - Low views of Scripture do not lend themselves to high views of God, Salvation or the Church. The Bible is a book by God and about God and the relationship He wants to have with us. In a very real sense, we are what we eat! (Matthew 4:4; Colossians 3:16). "Speaking as the Bible Speaks" is more than a slogan for churches of Christ. It is intended to be a way of life. The title of this article brings to mind three truths that have characterized the people of God through the centuries. A Proper Attitude - Respect To respect carries with it the idea of highly esteeming, revering, honoring and looking up to someone or something because because of their qualities, abilities and achievements. One's attitude toward Scripture makes all the difference! If the Bible is indeed "from heaven" (Matthew 21:23-27), then no other book and no other message demands the esteem, reverence, study, regard and honor Scripture does (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). God's word was not written just for our information, but for our salvation and transformation. A Proper Standard - The Word of God In a world that has become increasingly rudderless, the word of God provides just the message needed to deal with sin, to navigate the difficulties of life and to get home to God. Consider just a few implications from the expression, "the word of God." Observe first that the Bible is divine in origin (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21). We are dealing with communication from our Creator, Sustainer and King. Second, note that Scripture is true. This is so because of its source - God
cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18-20). Third, it is important to understand Scripture is authoritative. It is to be properly observed, interpreted, meditated upon and applied (cf. Matt. 7:24-27). It isn't just a standard; it's the standard. We will be judged by the word of God on the last day (John 12:48). Finally, the word of God is perpetually relevant and alive. It never grows old or dull. God has given His word through Jesus and it never becomes antiquated; it never will just be a relic of a bygone age (Matthew 24:35). God's word is powerful and can accomplish all He designed it to do (Romans 1:16-17). Those who preach and teach should always be joyfully aware that, at best, "we simply serve up what God has cooked up." A Proper Reason and Motivation - It Is Right It is right for churches of Christ to have a deep respect for the word of God because when Scripture is properly read, taught or preached, God has spoken. It is right for churches of Christ to have great reverence for the word of God because the faithful of all the ages have - from Abraham to Moses to David to Jesus to Peter to John and Paul. It is right to highly regard and esteem the Bible because we cannot plead with people to be the people of God today without bold, loving proclamation of the message of God. Church leaders, gospel preachers and teachers - one of the most beautiful things about churches of Christ is the sincere desire to be people of the book. Fearing nothing but the awfulness of sin, and desiring nothing but the glory of God, let's fill our pulpits, Bible classes, homes and world with the soul saving message of God!
 
Mike Vestal has preached for the Westside church in Midland, TX for the last 17 years.
WHAT’S RIGHT? THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH The Religion of Excitement and the Excitement of Religion by CHUCK MONAN, chuck@pvcc.org
The acclaimed psychologist William James said, “Your religion is either a burning fever or it is a dull habit.” Certainly there are too many slumbering Christians who go through the motions without any zeal, excitement or profound gratitude for what the Lord has done for them. They could use a jolt to wake them up. At the other extreme are those who turn faith into a feel-good experience. If they are moved emotionally, then it was a great service; if not, then it wasn’t. They could benefit from reading Dr. James Dobson’s Emotions: Can You Trust Them?
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Many Churches of Christ today are being influenced by the emotion-driven displays of Evangelicalism. Instead of worshiping the Father in spirit and truth, they choose spirit alone ⎯ to the exclusion of biblical truth. This is not a new problem. In 1839, Alexander Campbell wrote an article in The Millennial Harbinger titled “The Religion of Excitement, and The Excitement of Religion.” Read what he writes and see the power of following God’s Word instead of emotional excess. In the present day we seem to have more of the religion of excitement than we have of the excitement of religion. The ancient and apostolic plan of first enlightening the understanding by declaring and illustrating the testimony of God seems to be both too rational and slow for the ardent demands of the proselyting spirit of the age. Our Savior and his apostles spoke plain good sense to the understanding of men, knowing it to be God’s chartered way to the heart. Paul teaching that “faith comes by hearing” ⎯ that “hearing came by the word of God” ⎯ and that as he “preached so the people believed,” was only anxious to declare the whole testimony of God, with its innate and cognate evidences of the divine authenticity. His preaching being first understood, and then believed, he knew could not possibly fail to seize the heart with omnipotent power and turn it to God, Christ and heaven. Therefore, he never made any effort to excite the feeling of any audience until he had “declared to them the whole counsel of God.” He threw no artificial, exciting circumstances around them: he never thought of ‘an anxious seat,’ nor ‘mourner’s bench,’ and never called up convicted and trembling sinners to pray with them. These are all of the greenhouse or hotbed appliances of the present day… They have no root in themselves. They are born in the midst of excitement, and soon as it wanes they generally sicken and die…They are deluded by the idea that religion is the effect, and not the cause of the feeling. Religion, with them, is the fruit of excitement, rather that the root and reason for it. The Christian religion is, indeed, a religion of the purest, noblest, and most refined feeling, and excitements of which our fallen nature is susceptible. It exerts a constant power upon all the affections and moral sensibilities of our hearts; but it is itself the offspring not of fancy, but of faith; not of excitement, but of reason; not of visions, dreams, or extraordinary impulses, but of the testimony of God, developed and
confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It is, in one word, the effect of the Christian truth believed, and not the cause of faith: for it is faith, and not feeling, that works by love, that purifies the heart and overcomes the world. ―Alexander Campbell As we join with believers around the world to offer a sacrifice of praise to our Fathers and creator, we would do well to ask a fundamental yet too―often forgotten question: What is the purpose of worship? It is not to make us feel good. It is not to soothe our preferences and predilections. It is to bow before the great I AM and give him the honor and devotion that is due him. And that ought to be most exciting thing we can ever hope to do.
WHAT’S RIGHT? OUR YOUNG PREACHERS ARE GREAT by JEFF A. JENKINS - jeffajenkins@gmail.com
Their names are Jacob, Logan, Chris, Jason, Barry, Wes, Reed, Greg, Clint, Drew, Kevin, Jake, Drake, Travis, Phillip, Robert, Troy, Brandon, Doug, Trey, Blake, Joey, Andrew, Ben, Jordan, Craig, Alex, James, Danny, Anthony, Steve, Matthew, Daniel, Paul, Kirt, Jovan, Wayne, Neal, Wesley, Austin, Brett, Zane, Hinton, John, Chris, Patrick, Spencer, Sam, Garrett, Cory, Jacob, Neil, J.J., Eli, Gantt, Jeremy,
Brendan, Stephen, Jonathan, Chris, Denton, Lindsay, Corey, Will, Adam, Tommy, Dan, Caleb, Richard, Aaron, Tyler, Darrick, Scott, Mark, Josh, Hunter, and Mason. What do all of these men whose names are mentioned here (and a whole host of others) have in common? They are all preachers. They are all young preachers. They are all great young preachers. How young are they? Well, a lot younger than the old guy writing this article. Each of these great young preachers has a number of other attitudes and traits in common. They love the Lord, His Word, and His Church. When these wonderful young men make a commitment to the Lord, they keep it. They are serious about their dedication to His cause. They know the Scriptures, and they proclaim the truths found in God’s word without compromise. They love the Body of Christ, and they have a genuine desire to do what is best for the Church. They want us not just to talk about being the Body of Christ on earth; they want us to “be” the Body of Jesus. They want us to show those around us what it means to be a part of the Family of God. They are interested in providing a loving fellowship of God’s people and a community that welcomes those who are not like us when they commit themselves to Christ through obedience to the Gospel. They have a heart for evangelism and missions. These great young preachers are busy about their Father’s work. They are winning souls to Jesus. They are doing it the old fashioned way of sitting down with people to talk about Christ and His Word. They believe in what some of us old-timers would call “Friendship Evangelism.” They are building relationships with people around them. They are also winning souls in new, uncharted ways. They use social media, a lot, to teach the Word of God because they understand that their generation uses it almost exclusively. They have a genuine desire to help us worship in a way that brings glory to our God. These great young preachers are not tied to many the traditions of the past. It’s not that they are opposed to traditions, it’s just that they know that some of our methods and styles will not connect with their lost friends. Those of us who are older and who are wise will listen to these young men. We should recognize that some of our traditions were new one time as well. These great young preachers are not trying to change the nature of the Church. They do not seek to jettison Scripture. They desire that our worship, be first pleasing to God, then that it will reach those who do not know Jesus. They are passionate about serving the disenfranchised people around them. One of the most outstanding characteristics of these great young preachers is their
passion for helping the hurting. They want us to be involved in reaching out to the masses who are hurting in our neighborhoods, our cities, and around the world. They take to heart the words that Jesus quoted on a Saturday in His hometown synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord� (Luke 4:18-19). They love life and are excited about Kingdom work. These great young preachers have hearts that are filled with joy concerning this life. They are on fire for Jesus. We would do well, not only to encourage them in their work for the Lord but also to emulate the zeal they have for the House of God. I cannot speak personally for everyone, but I know there are many in the Church who will agree with me. We are thankful for these great young preachers. They make us older preachers want to be better. They are doing their very best to draw us close to the Lord. They are wonderful role models for all who would follow Jesus. We should continually encourage them in their work, always keep them in our prayers, and regularly let them know how thankful we are for each of them.
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH? OUR SINGING IS RIGHT By LARRY ARNOLD - larrytnusa@gmail.com
One of the greatest blessings given to us by God through His Word is ‘come together’ congregational singing for the purposes of worshiping Him and encouraging each other. The wisdom of God in providing us this avenue, which can accomplish both goals at the same time, is but another reason to praise Him in this manner. Greater than the instructions and examples of New Testament singing in worship is the privilege each of us has to lift His Name in worship by our very own voices and hearts while encouraging our brothers and sisters with the words of our songs and the enthusiasm and emotion with which we sing them. What is right about our singing is that this privilege isn’t limited to a chosen few but is given, instructed, to ALL the church. Notice Paul’s instructions with regard to singing are found in his letters “to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1: 1 NKJV) and “to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse” (Col. 1: 2 NKJV). “To the saints..” ALL are included. ALL have the responsibility. ALL have the privilege… and what a marvelous privilege it is to participate in this avenue of worship and encouragement! “How can I keep from singing Your praise? How can I ever say enough how amazing is Your love? How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I AM LOVED by the King and it makes MY heart WANT to SING!” (How Can I Keep From Singing)
What is right about our singing is its simplicity. Sing. “…speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,…” (Eph. 5:19 NKJV) Sing. “…teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3: 16 NKJV) Sing. “I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” (1 Cor. 14: 15 NKJV) Sing. “I will declare Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” (Heb. 2: 12 NKJV) Sing. “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” (James 5: 13 NKJV) Sing. As stated in the previous point, the instruction is given to each of us-simplicity – not clouded by division or segregation as to who may sing or who shall not. Sing… as opposed to an unending and complicated list of options that could have been provided by instruction or example such as instruments (should everyone play? if not, why not? which instruments?). What is right about our singing is that this beautiful, all-inclusive, simple avenue of worship and edification is reciprocal in nature, an exemplification of the Christian life. “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20: 35b NKJV) We have ‘come together’ worship to GIVE our God the worship He deserves. We have ‘come together’ worship to GIVE encouragement to our brothers and sisters. Such heartfelt giving through our singing is often immediately returned to our hearts and our spirits in ways that touch our hearts - sometimes convicting us, many times uplifting us – stirring us up to GIVE even more, which stirs us up more. A wonderfully circular avenue where giving leads to receiving, over and over again. “Bless the Lord, O my soul! Worship His holy name! Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship His holy name.” (10,000 Reasons) May we continue to do what’s RIGHT, striving to do so “in spirit and in truth” with joy in our hearts to the Lord whose wisdom provided this great avenue of worship to Him!
THINGS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH…THE SPIRIT OF UNITY By VAN H. VANSANDT, SR - vanvansandt741@icloud.com
There is no doubt that unity is a key component in the expectations which God has for His children. In fact, it is so important in the mind of Christ that He prayed concerning unity. It was the desire of Jesus that the unity which He and the Father had might exist in all of those whom God had given to the Christ. Jesus prayed, not only for those whom He knew right then, but also for those who would yet come to God through the word of those whom God had given Him (John 17:21-23). Most importantly: “That they all might be one, as You and I are one.” This type of oneness is not only prayed for by Jesus, but is also begged for by the apostle Paul. 1 Corinthians 1:10: “I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Like one’s salvation, this unity does not come from the power of man alone. This unity is God powered. There is only one way to be of the same mind and the same judgment. Everyone must be on the same page, so to speak. That one page is found in God and only in God, through his divine word. Unity is one of the intents, on God’s part, of scripture. If everyone would speak exactly what scripture speaks, and only what scriptures says, on any and every given subject, then everyone would only be saying exactly the same thing. The perfect joining together in judgment is sure to follow this perfection is God based, God powered and God possible. This is a very good thing! With Jesus praying for unity, an inspired apostle begging for unity, in fact commanding that same unity, then surely it is possible. I tell you, more than
possible it is probable and fully expected by God. IN fact, over the last several years I have seen it existing throughout the brotherhood. Still, the reason for such unity, however strong it may be, is that it is God powered. Let’s look at some of the needed components of the spirit of unity. The oneness begins with the body of Christ. The Bible is very plain as to the numbers of heads for the body of Christ. There is but one head to go with the one body, and that head is Jesus. The same area of scripture speaks to the number of lords, faiths, baptisms, spirits and even Gods. There is but one. The answer is the same for all, one (Ephesians 4:1-4)! This one body is explained simply and thoroughly in 1 Corinthians 12, especially verses 12-13. The oneness of baptism, the Spirit, Jesus and the body is made plain as well. In these things I find such excitement in the spirit of unity that exists today within the body of Christ. To keep this unity, we must all apply ourselves to the principle parts that God uses to power this unity. There are three to look at for our purpose today, love, patience and peace. Colossians 3:14: “Above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness.” John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13: “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” These few verses merely scratch the surfaced of the love commands which God has set for us, yet these three are integral in explaining the power that love has in the unity process in God’s play. The apostle Paul would state that any great thing accomplished, without love, is the same as doing nothing and valued at nothing (1 Corinthians 13). The patience portion of this power is also seen in how God’s children treat one another. Paul says in Colossians 3:13: “forbearing one another and forgiving one another.” Herein is a powerful picture of the patience of God’s people, in that it shines brightest when times are difficult. The “patience” that exists the life is easy and blessed may not be patience at all. The ability to forbear in difficulty magnifies the patience factor in the unity of God’s people. Stress, faults, and heartaches often cause the need for forbearance and Be sure to check each week on our preacher forgiveness. These, forbearance and polls. Vote and check out past links at: http://
forgiveness, are the very foundation of patience. This bright light shines greatest through this spirit of unity. Lastly, the spirit of unity is strong when there is peace. In fact, it seems that to have one you must have the other. Peace shines brightest when there is unity and vice-versa. Hebrew 12:4: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, withoyught which no man shall see the Lord.” Any unity that “exists” without love, patience and peace is merely a false sense of being one. It does not match with God’s power, plan or purpose. Therefore, it will be short lived, and will show itself to be false. The unity that Jesus prayed for and Paul begged for is definitely one of the things that is right with the Lord’s church today. As our young bother Brandon Edwards, might say: “let’s keep it going, sweet church.” God bless you all as you strive for God’s kind of unity..
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE CURCH - LEADERSHIP by JOEY SPARKS, joey.sparks@gmail.com
The first time I baptized someone into Christ, I didn't study with the young man all alone. I had an elder with me who didn't say much, but cared about and encouraged me as much as he did the young man we were baptizing. I know about an eldership whose vision is to buy the largest church building in town for $1 after they convert all the members there. They care about every soul in their region of the world. A minister was moving from one congregation for another, and an elder from the congregation he was leaving pulled him aside to offer his counsel anytime the minister needed to discuss something he couldn't with his new eldership. He cared about this minister in his new role as much as he did when he worked under his oversight. A young minister sat down with one of his elders to ask for advice about buying a home in the area. The elder's first advice was to consider the home's resale-ability in case he got a better ministry opportunity in the next few years. He cared about the minister and his family as much as he did any other aspect of the church's work. A young church member stood with an elder looking over the new gravel parking area a church had completed. The elder then said, "This is where you guys will build the new auditorium when you outgrow this one." The existing building is less than 10 years old. He cared about the future of the church in that community beyond his own lifetime. A deacon who is also a medical professional calls every one of his patients every week; he challenges ministers and other church leaders to follow that same model in their work for the Lord. He cares about personal connections and relationships. An elder travels around speaking to men's groups of all sizes and age ranges-including teenagers--helping them to search the scriptures and brainstorm solutions to real-life situations elderships have faced. He cares about equipping leaders to lead. A preacher once offered the humble suggestion that the "sheep should smell like shepherds" as opposed to "shepherds smelling like sheep." An elder asked the preacher after his lesson, "What if we all smelled like Jesus?�
The church has the right leadership today because We are blessed with Jesus Christ is her leader. Real-life examples like this--and elders, elderships, I'm certain you have plenty more to add--highlight that deacons, and ministers we have caring and godly men who follow Christ's steps whose currency is as a leader. compassion and whose We don't judge our leadership's effectiveness based burden is souls. on attendance, buildings, and contributions. Jesus didn't charge leaders to navigate every cultural and social issue with perfect "public relations" skill. Leaders of Christ's church don't have to serve on boards in town or lead public and community change. Jesus never connected leadership roles to occupation--today's church leaders are successful businessmen, unsuccessful businessmen, farmers, educators, construction contractors, salesmen, lawyers, and medical professionals. We are blessed with elders, elderships, deacons, and ministers whose currency is compassion and whose burden is souls. We're thankful for men who know they are charged to train members to work and serve as the body (Ephesians 4:11-16). We're thankful for men who nurture their own souls and the souls entrusted to their care (Acts 20:28). We're thankful for men who lead with utmost humility (1 Peter 5:2-3). We're thankful for men who uphold the truth of God's word and protect members from false teaching (Titus 1:9). We're thankful for the reward and recognition these men will receive from the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). 
WHAT’S RIGHT ABOUT THE CHURCH? EVANGELISM: WE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL by BLAKE JENKINS, blakejenkins88@gmail.com
I have always loved to quote from Levi’s account of chapter 9 and verse 37, “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” Or how about this one – “Paul planted, Apollos water, but God gave the increase.” But when I was honest, when I sat down and did some real soul searching and some true evaluation it really got me thinking: As preachers, we encourage and send out and even challenge our people to be soul winners, to go out and teach the gospel, to make a difference in our work places, on our ball teams, in our own families; but how many of us are doing the work? We sometimes can have an attitude that says, well I am impacting people every Sunday, or I speak at different lectures or summer series, or conferences around the world and because of that I have the ability to influence so many more to go out and teach the gospel. While I do not disagree with that way of preaching and living, I have to wonder who is working in your community? Jesus put it this way in Mark the second chapter, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." During this true evaluation I had to say, I preach a lot about teaching the lost and encouraging other to teach the lost, but how many people have I met, have I
studied the gospel with, have I baptized this week? this month,? this year? or even since I’ve began my ministry? Before we begin on “what works for evangelism” and I share some of our story I want to say this: We need less local preachers who are traveling all over the country 12 months of the year to talk to people who are already Christians, or who travel to speak at programs where the rooms for the most part are full of Christians, and more preachers and ministers who will go out of their way and fill up their calendars with appointments for people who are lost! It is my fear that many local preachers have forgotten what we are all here for when it comes to evangelism: to strive everyday to bring the LOST closer to the heart of God. With this mindset began a journey that started about three and half years ago where the Lord answered a very humble prayer which was that I wanted to preach. So many churches told me, “No,” due to me not being married or having experience under my belt. But I kept praying and I kept trying and after about 11 “no thank you’s,” I finally got 1 church to say “lets work together to grow the kingdom.” I don’t know if there has ever been a happier time in my life! As we began this work, my elders and I prayed a pray every meeting that went like this (no we were not using vain repetition (Mt 6)): ☺ But we prayed: Lord we love you, Lord we are willing, Lord we are Ready, let Your Will be done in this place. It has been a prayer that has meant more to this work than anything we’ve done. New Concord is a little-bittie town that if you blink once you will miss it. In fact I drove past it twice on the way to my interview and finally found it on the third drive by. When we began this work the congregation was about 130 people, very few babies, a lot of people who had been there all their life, a very poor location, BUT a heart that was like something I had never seen. We kept praying our same prayer and the next part is really exciting! In the last 3 1/ 2 years we have had two building projects, we have more than doubled in size, and best of all we have had over 130 people obey the gospel. How did we do this you might ask? Well of course we put faith in God, we did outreach programs, we did a work called 100 Days of Hope that was an incredible event, but the best thing we did: We were present in the lives of people in our community. And I don’t mean here and there, I mean we go out of our way to be a part of our community in an impactful way. Be Present, and watch God change your community.
What do you guys at TheJenkinsInstitute do?
An
Interview
Joe Barnett authored the lovely and effective tract “Churches of Christ, Who Are These People” back in 1979. It became an instant classic as in a powerful way Brother Barnett explained what many of us feel and have seen. If we were rewriting it we would add. “They are people with a beautiful heart who respond quickly and powerfully to any need in the world with the love of Christ.” That is one of the “best, right” things about the church today. TJI invited three brothers who have seen this great heart up close and personal to talk about it - we invite you to listen in. Seeing churches beautiful response to needs prompted John Miller to begin a coordinated effort to have brethren ready at a moments notice to role with relief supplies that local churches could use to provide relief. Every year Churches of Christ Disaster Relief provides millions of dollars of supplies to local congregations where a tornado has hit. On April 27, 2011 an EF4 tornado took a direct hit on Tuscaloosa, AL The tornado reached a maximum path width of 1.5 mi and attained estimated winds of 190 mph. It destroyed the building of the Central Church of Christ but provided
them with a great opportunity to minister to their area. Among the tireless workers was Trae Durden. From Ethiopia in the early 1980’s to Haiti today some of our best work has been for those most of us will never meet this side of heaven - but if there is a need - God’s People strive to meet it. Mark Blackwelder has seen it first hand as the Estes church played a major role in relief for earthquake victims in Haiti. They organized and executed a strategy that delivered more than $2.5 million in aid (thanks to the generosity of brothers and sisters around the world) and more than 75 people from the Estes church have gone to assist in those efforts.
TJI: What has the Church where you serve seen from the brotherhood during difficult times that shows the world we are what God wants us to be? MB: Though we don't always get it right, I think the church has often been at its best during times of crisis. The generosity of brothers and sisters toward those in need, especially in catastrophic situations (Katrina, Sri Lanka, and others) has shown compassion and empathy. TD: Within a few days after the tornado destroyed our church building & student center in Tuscaloosa, we had a calendar filled with volunteers from May-August. Our sister congregations housed about 1200 people as they came and worked with us to clean up the damage. It was incredible and the people of our community knew there were Christians who cared. JM: People might collect used clothes and send them. Many, but not all of these were raged, dirty and basically unfit for any practical use by the disaster victims. Many of these have to be buried or disposed at the disaster sight, a job they did not need to have added to their burdens. That is why Christians in middle Tennessee formed an organized response of needed items that has been prepared in advance and ready to go at a moments notice. Trucks often role immediately. TJI: What event/catastrophe has happened in your community and how did your congregation respond?
TD: The tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27th, 2011. We lost our building and student center. We had several members who had extensive damage, and a few who were hospitalized. On April 28th, hundreds of people were gathering at the site of our building & we immediately started to help our neighbors search though their debris for important family heirlooms, special possessions & pictures. On April 29th, Mike Baumgartner (Disaster Assistance) arrived and we started feeding the neighborhood and all volunteers including the national guard & many law enforcement officers. We fed people everyday until September. Our church family worshipped with the Northport congregation until we were invited to use the Alabama Fire College as our building until we could re-build ours. It took just over 2 years. Our church grew in the process!
TJI: What has most surprised you about dealing with brethren in a time of disaster?
MB: I don't know that it has been a big surprise to me, but others might not have expected the level of cooperation between churches. Our emphasis on church autonomy has given some the impression that we are not interested in working together - we've seen otherwise in times of crisis. JM: It is not always easy to find an eldership or church that is willing and ready to respond to the needs of their community when disaster strikes. Some don’t want to be bothered. They will say, “Only two of our members were affected by the storm and we can take care of them”, not even thinking of their communities’ needs. I am glad to say only about 30% will take that attitude. But we do face it from time to time. Most are in shock and disaster-stricken themselves and don’t know where to start. We can come along side them along side them and give them a time proven way to help those in need, to the glory of Christ.
TD: There are positives and negatives but the love and concern far outweighs any other experience. Hundreds of thousands of dollars poured in from all around the world. TJI: How was the congregation organized and galvanized to help during a time of crisis? MB: It is important to have a point person when a major crisis takes place. What is everybody's business becomes nobody's business! Once people know who to look to for direction, their godly compassion can be directed to accomplishing the mission at hand. That's what happened at Estes. From that point, the elders, ministers, an appointed committee, and thousands of donors and workers were mobilized to accomplish the needed tasks. JM: This can best answered by ministers and church leaders at disaster sights. When the tornado struck east Nashville a few years ago, members of our congregation were ready to help with clean up and delivering food boxes from CCDRE (Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort) to needy families. Many Christians are sensitive to needs of others and ready to show the love of Christ. TD: We organized into 3 groups in order to meet specific needs. Hot meals, distribution of canned & perishable goods and debris clean up. We set up huge tents on the "slab" to hold all the food & personal items that we gave away. Much of which was supplied by Bro. Joe Dudney at Disaster Relief from Nashville. There was something for everyone to do, and we made it our goal to pray with every visitor to our site. TJI: Why do you believe Christians are willing to pitch in and help when a crisis occurs? JM: One thing we have taught well in the Churches of Christ is how Jesus reacted to the needs of people and still requires His follower to react in similar situations. The golden rule is well understood. The positive reactions of people in need helps motivate us to keep on helping others. Churches across the country tell us that this
work opens the door to teach people how to become Christians and many are baptized as a result. TD: I like how Andy Stanley worded what we live: "Our love for God is illustrated, demonstrated and authenticated by our love for one another!� MB: Christians are compassionate people. We know what it is like to hurt and we hurt with others. When we understand the mind of Christ, we are shaped by it. I really believe that. TJI: What can the preacher do specifically in a community during a time of crisis? MB: The pulpit is an important platform for rallying the church to any ministry. This is especially true for major relief projects. Motivation, reminders of what is happening (both victories and challenges), and praise to God for His work are important to the morale of the workforce. It is difficult for any ministry to succeed if the preacher is not on board - this is especially true of a major crisis response. JM: Go to the crisis spot and be like Jesus would be to the people. See the needs and take action. Go to the church leadership and get them involved, organize, reach out to your brothers and sisters. We will help you. God will help you. Know you are called to the kingdom for this very time. TD: Go! Get out there & pray with those who are hurting. Help them in whatever way you can. Jump in there & serve! Love people. TJI: Obviously, other than pray, what would be the first thing you would advise a minister to do in a time of crisis? MB: It is important to understand the nature and scope of any problem before you respond to it. Then you must ask, "what is my role." At that point you are ready to work with other church leaders to "get the right people on the bus" and begin developing a strategy to make a difference. JM: Call CCDRE at 888 541-2848. We have been there helping for 23+ years and have suggestions of where to start and will likely be able to help empower your church to serve in numerous ways at no cost to you. Many of the items you will
 
need have already been bought and paid for by caring Christians and churches who contribute to CCDRE regularly for times of need just like yours. Nine million dollars worth of goods have already been sent out this year to local faithful congregations of Churches of Christ in disaster situations. Nearly all of us are volunteers. Only five men in the field, a few in the office and warehouse receive a pay-check. That is why every dollar received turns into three dollars worth of relief at the disaster sight. TD: Call Mike Baumgartner (281) 881-1876 immediately.
Coming in October’s
Preaching On Stewardship