A blessed pastor

As I get ready to head home after spending time at our annual pastor's conference, I've come to realize once again just how blessed I've been in over 17 years of ministry.

This week I heard how one pastor was run out of his church by a few folks who were wanted the pastor to know who was boss.

Another pastor told of how his church council attempted to remove him because he was making "changes."

There was the pastor who shared that he had to resign from a call because of all the pressure a few leaders place on his wife.  The church thought that they were getting two church workers for one paycheck.  When it didn't work out that way, the leaders made life miserable for the pastor and family.

As for me, the leaders at Life in Christ have been nothing but supportive.

They've been willing to make changes when it seemed that the changes would help our church to better serve our people and community.

They've never expected my dear, sweet wife to be an unpaid employee or to teach Sunday school, lead VBS, organize every pot luck, etc.  They've allowed her to simply find her place in the church and to joyfully serve the Lord where it seemed best for her.

How blessed I am to be able to serve at a church where there is mutual respect and love and a desire to witness Christ to our community and world.  Praise the Lord - I have no horror stories to tell.  Yes, I am a blessed pastor.

A holy place no more

I attended a worship service last night at a church in Southern California.

From the outside it was a very nice looking church facility.

But I was so discouraged when I went inside the building.

The chancel, the place where the altar usually resides, had been turned into a stage of sorts.

There were all kinds of guitars, keyboards, drums and at least 3 mic stands for vocalists.

The altar? It was sitting in the front of this area, lost in the midst of all the other stuff.

Now, I'm not against using other musical instruments in worship.  It doesn't have to be an organ or nothing.

But to take an area which in the church serves as a reminder where God comes to us and distributes His precious gifts to us and to turn it into a place for performance was really discouraging.

I pray that such a thing never happens at Life in Christ.

A sentence I wish I'd wrote

Life's value is most apparent when I look at the price God paid for it.

Richard Lauersdorf, "Together with Jesus," September 22 devotion

Trahms-atized!

Have you been Trahms-atized? It's what happens when you are filled with the joy of witnessing Christ Jesus to other people.  Pastor Vernon Trahms, who helped to shepherd the congregation I serve in its early days, has made it a centerpiece of his ministry to help and encourage believers to witness Christ Jesus so that more come to know and trust in the Lord's forgiveness, mercy and salvation.

This Sunday, during our Bible class hour at 9:20 am, I'll lead a series of studies on how to witness Christ in every day life.  Come and check it out.  Sunday school, Confirmation classes and Hi School Youth meet at the very same time.

Also, on Sunday, our new Associate Pastor, Marcus Breitbarth will preach for the first time at LICL.  We are looking forward to his preaching ministry at our church.  Sunday services take place at 8 and 10:45 am so come and worship with us.

Or, if you prefer a Saturday service, join us at LICL at 5 pm for a Matins Service.  Deacon Jerry Klink will be preaching.

Enjoy your weekend! Come and see us at Life in Christ!

When did God think of you?

From eternity, before the universe was formed and there was not even a single angel to give Him praise, God thought of us.

John A. Moldstad, "Predestination," page 27, Northwestern Publishing House

Heart-felt words

"Oh, what a merciful God! I am saved, my transgression is forgiven, my sin is covered, I have been reconciled to God in Christ, my mediator and redeemer.  Jesus, You are mine forever - heaven is mind!"

From the 1926 devotional, "Daily Bread," by F.E. Pasche

Don't worry!

Ain't no sense worrying about things you got control over, because if you got over them, ain't no sense worrying.  And there ain't no sense worrying about things you got no control over either, because if you got no control over them, ain't no sense worrying.

Former baseball player, Mickey Rivers