At a planning meeting for upcoming small groups I was really encouraged by something someone said in that meeting, but it also made me think a bit. In the discussion a question was raised as to whether or not the small groups would replace the evening service. Attendance at our evening service isn't outstanding by any means. We average about 30 people who attend the evening service. Which percentage wise from the morning service isn' t that great. We had a brief discussion then about this.
Sometimes as a Pastor I might get frustrated with the lack of attendance in the second service. I shared this a bit. It was interesting what an elder had to say then. He has shared this with me before, and I think I needed to hear it again.
The thing he said went along these lines: There are people who talk about canceling the evening service. It is interesting to note who the people are who want to cancel the evening service. It is usually the people who don't go anyway. So, really, why does it matter to them if we canceled the evening service? He also said, the people who should have a say, or vote whether or not we cancel the evening service should be limited to the 50 or so people that actually come to the second service. The one thing that I was reminded of again is the fact that the people who show up to the evening service want to be there. If we were to cancel the evening service, who would it affect, those who weren't coming anyway? Or would it affect those who really want to be there?
He had a great point and this really encouraged me. Yeah it may seem like a lot of time "wasted" to prepare for "only" 30 people. But would you rather prepare for 30 people who want to be there, or for those who don't want to be there?
This really got me thinking about how Pastors and churches think about success. Last year on my internship I found myself saying sometimes when only 12 kids would show up for youth group, well, this isn't enough to do what I was hoping to, so let's just watch a movie. Why do we think that we need more people to justify the amount of time we spend on something? Some churches only get 30 people in their doors a week.
I found out last year on my internship that no matter how many people showed up for a youth event, we still had a good time and made the best of it. I think we need to think this way sometimes about other things. Even if the numbers aren't that high, I think the quality of discussion or quality of the service is more important than quantity. So as our church begins this new venture of starting small groups, I pray that we don't measure its success purely by numbers. I hope that we can evaluate the quality of the discussions and how well people enjoyed going and how much people get out of the groups.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How to pray?
In the past week my wife's grandfather has taken a turn for the worse. He has had a lot of complications with his breathing for a few years now. A few weeks ago he went on Oxygen, hoping that would comfort him. Then he was rushed to the hospital because his heart was almost out of control. It doesn't seem that he will make it out of this.
Talking with my wife she wondered, "How do you pray for Opa?" (Dutch term for Grandpa) This is a very interesting question. One that I have thought about on different occasions. When you love someone so much, you want them to be with you forever. Unfortunately, we will never live forever, and neither will our loved ones. In a time like this, we want our loved ones to be with us forever. So, we think we should pray for healing. We want Opa to be around forever.
Yet on the other hand he has had a hard time breathing for a few years. Each breath is like work for him. In the hot, humid Summers of Southern Ontario he struggles even more. The last time we visited with him he said he was sick of it. He was ready to go. That was a few months ago already. Now it appears he is close to death. Do we pray that he be healed and return to struggling for each breath? Or do we pray that the Lord would take him home soon?
No matter how many times one encounters death, it is never easy. I have experienced the death of 3 grandparents, 2 uncles, friends' parents, friends themselves, and a number of church members. No matter how many times one is faced with death, it is never easy. Each situation is different from another.
Oma, (dutch term for Grandma) said that Opa is ready to meet his redeemer. As a Christian we have the assurance of knowing Jesus died for us, so we can be with him. No matter how much we know this in our head, it still hurts our heart. Experiencing death always makes me think of the promise that Jesus will come again. At that time "They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!" (Revelation 21:3-4).
In times like these we want to pray for ourselves. But we also pray that Opa wouldnt have to suffer any longer. In times like these I also want to pray, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"
Talking with my wife she wondered, "How do you pray for Opa?" (Dutch term for Grandpa) This is a very interesting question. One that I have thought about on different occasions. When you love someone so much, you want them to be with you forever. Unfortunately, we will never live forever, and neither will our loved ones. In a time like this, we want our loved ones to be with us forever. So, we think we should pray for healing. We want Opa to be around forever.
Yet on the other hand he has had a hard time breathing for a few years. Each breath is like work for him. In the hot, humid Summers of Southern Ontario he struggles even more. The last time we visited with him he said he was sick of it. He was ready to go. That was a few months ago already. Now it appears he is close to death. Do we pray that he be healed and return to struggling for each breath? Or do we pray that the Lord would take him home soon?
No matter how many times one encounters death, it is never easy. I have experienced the death of 3 grandparents, 2 uncles, friends' parents, friends themselves, and a number of church members. No matter how many times one is faced with death, it is never easy. Each situation is different from another.
Oma, (dutch term for Grandma) said that Opa is ready to meet his redeemer. As a Christian we have the assurance of knowing Jesus died for us, so we can be with him. No matter how much we know this in our head, it still hurts our heart. Experiencing death always makes me think of the promise that Jesus will come again. At that time "They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!" (Revelation 21:3-4).
In times like these we want to pray for ourselves. But we also pray that Opa wouldnt have to suffer any longer. In times like these I also want to pray, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Is a Pastor ever "off"?
I just had a conversation with a friend who is also a pastor. We discussed the whole idea of being a pastor and being "off" - that is, not officially working, or preaching. We wondered if that is ever truly possible?
I had been thinking about this for a while. As a pastor in a smaller community, is there ever a time when you are "off"? Even walking in to the Post Office people will recognize me (not to mention, I dont blend in well in crowds, being 6'7" and having red hair) and say hello Pastor.
I also thought about this with regards to my vacation and Sundays allowed "off." This passed Sunday was one of those "off" days. So, my wife and I attended a different church. This church is a church from our denomination but in a different town. Even there, I felt "on" so to speak. Sure I wasn't preaching, but people who know me, or my wife right away recognize me as "pastor." So even in a different church, I still felt like I had to be "on." I guess one way would be to go to a church of a different denomination where people might not recognize me.
But I was also thinking about this with regards to my vacation. I am allowed 4 weeks of vacation throughout the year. So far this year, the two vacations that we took were "working" vacations. I did two weddings and also preached in those two churches the following Sunday. It is hard to keep the balance of working and vacation. It is also hard to face the family pressure of preaching when home. Now don't get me wrong. I do love to preach. But when you are on vacation, it is nice to be "On vacation." It is nice to be able to be myself and not "Pastor" all the time.
With that being said, I do feel like at the church I am at, I can be myself most of the time. Maybe sometimes I should hold back more than I do. But that is what I really love about this church is that I can be myself, a normal person trying to follow Christ, helping others in their walk with Christ as well.
I had been thinking about this for a while. As a pastor in a smaller community, is there ever a time when you are "off"? Even walking in to the Post Office people will recognize me (not to mention, I dont blend in well in crowds, being 6'7" and having red hair) and say hello Pastor.
I also thought about this with regards to my vacation and Sundays allowed "off." This passed Sunday was one of those "off" days. So, my wife and I attended a different church. This church is a church from our denomination but in a different town. Even there, I felt "on" so to speak. Sure I wasn't preaching, but people who know me, or my wife right away recognize me as "pastor." So even in a different church, I still felt like I had to be "on." I guess one way would be to go to a church of a different denomination where people might not recognize me.
But I was also thinking about this with regards to my vacation. I am allowed 4 weeks of vacation throughout the year. So far this year, the two vacations that we took were "working" vacations. I did two weddings and also preached in those two churches the following Sunday. It is hard to keep the balance of working and vacation. It is also hard to face the family pressure of preaching when home. Now don't get me wrong. I do love to preach. But when you are on vacation, it is nice to be "On vacation." It is nice to be able to be myself and not "Pastor" all the time.
With that being said, I do feel like at the church I am at, I can be myself most of the time. Maybe sometimes I should hold back more than I do. But that is what I really love about this church is that I can be myself, a normal person trying to follow Christ, helping others in their walk with Christ as well.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Privilege
I was thinking the other day about the different privileges Pastors have. What brought this on was what happened while golfing with my dad and brother. We were paired up with two other golfers last week Saturday. After a few holes, we were discussing what the others did for work. While walking down the fairway with this one guy, he asked why I didnt drive truck like my dad and brother. I told him I drove during the summers in college, but I am now a Pastor in Canada. He right away said, "I am going through a separation and a divorce right now. I am just praying to God that he puts patience in my heart and strength to get through this."
This really made me think. I met this man, maybe an hour before when we started. Now, because he heard I was a pastor he immediately opens up about his divorce. As Pastors I think this is a privilege. People who might be complete strangers will open up to you, just because you are a pastor.
I also thought of other times where we are privileged. Last year on I was able to go into the ICU at a hospital to visit with someone from our church. Only family is allowed, but pastors are the only exception. This year also, the night of a serious accident I was able to visit with a member in the midst of his struggles.
It is hard sometimes to get my mind around this fact. Now that I am a pastor I am privileged to visit with people in some of their most trying moments in life. What an honor, and a privilege we have. But we dont do this on our own strength, or our own will. We go representing God and go with his message of hope. Being a pastor is not a job that you can leave at the church. But it is something that you are every single day. Which challenges me to represent Christ in all things.
This really made me think. I met this man, maybe an hour before when we started. Now, because he heard I was a pastor he immediately opens up about his divorce. As Pastors I think this is a privilege. People who might be complete strangers will open up to you, just because you are a pastor.
I also thought of other times where we are privileged. Last year on I was able to go into the ICU at a hospital to visit with someone from our church. Only family is allowed, but pastors are the only exception. This year also, the night of a serious accident I was able to visit with a member in the midst of his struggles.
It is hard sometimes to get my mind around this fact. Now that I am a pastor I am privileged to visit with people in some of their most trying moments in life. What an honor, and a privilege we have. But we dont do this on our own strength, or our own will. We go representing God and go with his message of hope. Being a pastor is not a job that you can leave at the church. But it is something that you are every single day. Which challenges me to represent Christ in all things.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Things I enjoy about the Ministry
A few weeks back, a friend/colleague asked me what I enjoyed the most about ministry so far. That to me was an interesting question. One that I had not really thought of so far. Thinking about this I realize that the thing I enjoy the most about the ministry is also what can make the ministry so challenging. That thing is: People.
One of the reasons why I felt called to full time ministry was I enjoyed being with people. I am an extrovert. I love being around people. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and being able to listen to whatever they have to say. I felt God saying, I want to use you to be able to reach out to people. I want you to love people for me.
Being in ministry for an entire 8 months now, I find that I love the interaction with people in our congregation. I love being able to be myself and not having to put on a facade because I am "the minister." I feel people can accept me for who I am, and hopefully that will build trust.
I said this was what I enjoyed the most about ministry, but it is also the most challenging thing about ministry as well. I have always felt that I didnt care what other people thought about me. I mean, I was 6'7" and had red/orange hair. I dont really blend in in a crowd. I thought I taught myself to not really care what people said or thought. But I find that is not as easy as it sounds. In ministry sometimes we have to have thick skin. Sometimes I find that it doesnt matter how thick your skin is, some things will bother you.
With all that being said, I still feel that God has called me to love his people. So to answer my friend's question, the thing I enjoy the most is the people.
One of the reasons why I felt called to full time ministry was I enjoyed being with people. I am an extrovert. I love being around people. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and being able to listen to whatever they have to say. I felt God saying, I want to use you to be able to reach out to people. I want you to love people for me.
Being in ministry for an entire 8 months now, I find that I love the interaction with people in our congregation. I love being able to be myself and not having to put on a facade because I am "the minister." I feel people can accept me for who I am, and hopefully that will build trust.
I said this was what I enjoyed the most about ministry, but it is also the most challenging thing about ministry as well. I have always felt that I didnt care what other people thought about me. I mean, I was 6'7" and had red/orange hair. I dont really blend in in a crowd. I thought I taught myself to not really care what people said or thought. But I find that is not as easy as it sounds. In ministry sometimes we have to have thick skin. Sometimes I find that it doesnt matter how thick your skin is, some things will bother you.
With all that being said, I still feel that God has called me to love his people. So to answer my friend's question, the thing I enjoy the most is the people.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Not that easy...
Wow, I cant believe how fast time can go by. I think the last post was on July 17...I am finding out that it isnt that easy to keep posting on this. One of the challenges I find is that I feel I need to be very profound in what I write. But as I have been told, it doesnt all have to be so profound. I need to just write what I am thinking.
Well, since the last post, a lot has happened. We have been having a good summer so far. Thursday nights we started playing baseball in town here. It is a way I thought to have some good fellowship with people in our church as well as trying to invite people from the community. Some weeks it is hit or miss, (sorry for the bad pun, not intended.) But one week I was really encouraged. We had over 20 people show up, including 5 from town.
One of the people from town was a young woman who has lived here for only about a year. It was encouraging to talk to her a few days later to hear that it was exactly what she needed. She said she had been praying to God about what to do, she had found she was lonely and needed something. She was walking to the post office and saw our invitation, and she joined us. I hope that she will continue to come and that we can get to know her a bit better.
The Gospel Jamboree also took place in our small town. Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people came for this in our small town. Sunday morning our church put on a free breakfast. I guess we served over 600 people. It was also neat to see the tent packed for the interdenominational church service. It was pretty cool to see.
On July 28, Brenda and I left for California. We got up early and left at 4:00 am. We drove 22 hours and arrived in Big Bear California at 1:30 am. We drove 22 hours straight! It was a good trip, no problems. It is really amazing to see the country. We stayed at my uncle's cabin for a few days with my whole family. It was so much fun to see the nieces and nephew again! They grow up so fast it is hard to believe. While up there, the guys golfed one day and we went to the lake to swim. Not to mention the Horseshoe tournament we had, which of course I won, by throwing 2 ringers in the championship game! That was a lot of fun.
Thursday we went back down the mountain and had lunch with my cousin and his fiancee. It was really neat to meet her and her son. I was going to do their wedding on Friday night. I was really honored to do their wedding since he is 10 years older than I am. It was really cool to hear their story of how they met. It was fun to see some cousins I haven't seen in a number of years.
Sunday I was able to preach in my home church, that was a good experience, but it is my vacation, and I really struggle if I should do that while on vacation. We then left again Monday morning at 3:45. We drove for about 12-13 hours to Brigham City Utah. That was a nice day, but it was hot along the way. We were pulling our new tent trailer. We discovered it didnt take that much to set it up, and we did it without ever arguing! After setting it up, we went for a swim. It was fun, but we forgot towels, well, good thing the sun can dry us fast!
We left then Tuesday morning heading home. We had a good trip. Montana is really a beautiful state. Everything was going smooth until we hit the Canadian border. We wanted to import our trailer, which I had registered under my name. Well, I was not the smartest and didnt have the title or the bill of sale, so they wouldn't let it in. So, we had to find a place to park our trailer. We left it behind this shady bar, but it was hilarious to see how many vehicles from California are parked there until they get the proper paperwork. So, in a few weeks, I will be driving back to the border to pick up our trailer!
All in all, it was a very good trip. Only the one small hiccup at the end. I learned again why you should never assume...Now the hard part of trying to adjust back into the work routine. I am sure it will come easy since we have council tonight. Thanks for being patient, I hope to post more often now!
Well, since the last post, a lot has happened. We have been having a good summer so far. Thursday nights we started playing baseball in town here. It is a way I thought to have some good fellowship with people in our church as well as trying to invite people from the community. Some weeks it is hit or miss, (sorry for the bad pun, not intended.) But one week I was really encouraged. We had over 20 people show up, including 5 from town.
One of the people from town was a young woman who has lived here for only about a year. It was encouraging to talk to her a few days later to hear that it was exactly what she needed. She said she had been praying to God about what to do, she had found she was lonely and needed something. She was walking to the post office and saw our invitation, and she joined us. I hope that she will continue to come and that we can get to know her a bit better.
The Gospel Jamboree also took place in our small town. Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people came for this in our small town. Sunday morning our church put on a free breakfast. I guess we served over 600 people. It was also neat to see the tent packed for the interdenominational church service. It was pretty cool to see.
On July 28, Brenda and I left for California. We got up early and left at 4:00 am. We drove 22 hours and arrived in Big Bear California at 1:30 am. We drove 22 hours straight! It was a good trip, no problems. It is really amazing to see the country. We stayed at my uncle's cabin for a few days with my whole family. It was so much fun to see the nieces and nephew again! They grow up so fast it is hard to believe. While up there, the guys golfed one day and we went to the lake to swim. Not to mention the Horseshoe tournament we had, which of course I won, by throwing 2 ringers in the championship game! That was a lot of fun.
Thursday we went back down the mountain and had lunch with my cousin and his fiancee. It was really neat to meet her and her son. I was going to do their wedding on Friday night. I was really honored to do their wedding since he is 10 years older than I am. It was really cool to hear their story of how they met. It was fun to see some cousins I haven't seen in a number of years.
Sunday I was able to preach in my home church, that was a good experience, but it is my vacation, and I really struggle if I should do that while on vacation. We then left again Monday morning at 3:45. We drove for about 12-13 hours to Brigham City Utah. That was a nice day, but it was hot along the way. We were pulling our new tent trailer. We discovered it didnt take that much to set it up, and we did it without ever arguing! After setting it up, we went for a swim. It was fun, but we forgot towels, well, good thing the sun can dry us fast!
We left then Tuesday morning heading home. We had a good trip. Montana is really a beautiful state. Everything was going smooth until we hit the Canadian border. We wanted to import our trailer, which I had registered under my name. Well, I was not the smartest and didnt have the title or the bill of sale, so they wouldn't let it in. So, we had to find a place to park our trailer. We left it behind this shady bar, but it was hilarious to see how many vehicles from California are parked there until they get the proper paperwork. So, in a few weeks, I will be driving back to the border to pick up our trailer!
All in all, it was a very good trip. Only the one small hiccup at the end. I learned again why you should never assume...Now the hard part of trying to adjust back into the work routine. I am sure it will come easy since we have council tonight. Thanks for being patient, I hope to post more often now!
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