Interesting Morning

I am late to the blog. I know it & you know it, but I have a good story. Honest!

Before I get into today's story I have to mention a little bit about our service this past Sunday. (It all ties together)

One Sunday I shared with the church a message entitled "A Lesson in Praise." I told you all last week that I was going to be preaching this sermon and it was one I truly enjoyed. It seemed as though almost everyone was touched in some way by the entire service. During worship I felt impressed to share a "word" with one of our members (Kristen) who had been going through some difficulty as of late. The word was: "The victory is in the praise." Below is Kristen's testimony as she gave it on Sunday.

"As some of you know I have been going through a lot of physical problems lately. It has gotten to the point that the sickness had been affecting me mentally. I was so scared because God had brought me so far from where I used to be and I didn't want to go back. As we were getting ready for church, I couldn't find anything to wear (There was literally nothing to wear). The Lord just spoke to my heart and said, 'Put on your favorite sweatshirt', so I told Kevin (husband) to grab the kids and that I was coming. We talked about this on the way to church and I couldn't understand why it was so difficult trying to get to the one place that I want to go so bad...As I came in I was trying really hard to worship but it was difficult. Then you {that's me} came over and shared that you were told to tell me that the victory is in the praise. After you said that everything that I was feeling just fell off of me."

Little did Kristen know that there were 2 teenage girls that were in the congregation that God would speak to directly from her testimony. These two girls (18 & 16) went home and spoke to their parents. According to Bryanna, the oldest, she said that, "she had never left church with the feeling she had this past Sunday." My reason for being late to the blog today is that I was able to sit down with both girls and share the Gospel with them one on one. Both accepted Christ as Lord and Savior! Both are to be baptized on resurrection Sunday! Bryanna & Kelseigh were saved as a result of an outpouring of love to God through worship. Redemptive worship happens when God's people simply pour out their love to Him and His presence becomes so manifest that He draws the lost to Himself. This isn't a result of preaching...it's the result of the presence of God.

To continue to help us in this matter I'm going to post the 7 Hebrew Words for Praise that I shared on Sunday.

YADAH - To worship with the extended hand. The giving on oneself in worship and adoration. To lift you hands unto the Lord.

TEHILLAH - To sing, to laud. A spontaneous new song. A song from the heart. (This is the praise that God inhabits - sits enthroned upon)

BARAK - To kneel; to bless the Lord.

HALAL - To be clear, to shine, to make a show, to be (clamorously) foolish, to rave.

TOWDAH - An extension of the hand in adoration & thanksgiving.

ZAMAR - To touch the strings. To sing with instruments.

SHABACH - To address in a loud tone, to shout.

Remember: Worship is a spiritual response. Praise is activity. When God's people begin to praise Him for who He is and what He has done we can expect to experience Him on a whole new level. Praise can be used to express your love and adoration, it can be used to bless God, and it can be used as a weapon to defeat the enemy (read the OT). God can also use it to draw the lost to salvation.

God is great and greatly to be praised!

PBC - Part 2

As I mentioned yesterday, what we have seen God accomplish has been amazing. Who would have thought that a church with 100+ members would be able to go on 4 mission trips last year, feed over 1,000 people in a community event, or see almost 200 people in attendance? It blows my mind. I remember when there was only 60 in worship and we were trying to figure things out!

I told you that a few years ago we took our 1st trip to Ukraine. Now...we did it a little different (go figure) than a lot of churches. There wasn't an organization that we went with. We were able to work with an individual who had been planning trips for a while and learned a great deal about missions work. Looking back on that experience is what I believe opened us up for greater opportunities. The 2nd year in Ukraine I had to do a lot of the organizing, calling, etc. We still worked with the same individual but because of health concerns in his family he wasn't able to put as much time into the project. It was a crash course in missions that let me know quickly how much time goes into these plans.

During the close of 2007 God began to put into my heart the need for a Missions Pastor. I wasn't really sure why...I mean we only took 1 trip a year. It didn't matter. God had spoken and I started sharing with church leadership what He was saying. There was one individual that God tagged for this role. It was Ron Gibson. Ron was already serving as a part-time (is there such a thing) Worship Leader. He had been on both trips already and was an intricate part of everything we did. Ron also possessed great administrative skills that he learned through his secular job. He was organized, trustworthy, reliable, and had a heart for missions. So, during the 1st business meeting of the year - with a budget already set - we proposed an amendment to the budget to include another part-time salary for a missions pastor. Ron was presented to the church and it was passed unanimously. Oh, it wasn't without some questioning. We really didn't have a protocol in place for this type of move but I was confident that God had led us in this endeavor.

It's 2008 and Pioneer now has on staff a full-time Pastor and a bi-vocational (though Ron hasn't had to seek supplemental income) Pastor who serves in the area of missions and worship. Just a few weeks into this new role and mission opportunities started falling in place. The trip to New Hampshire that I mentioned yesterday; it came about (I believe) only because we had Ron in place. Planning for Alaska was easier for me because Ron was able to focus on Ukraine as he would prepare to lead his very 1st team without me. That was huge because we had always worked together. Of course he did a fine job and the team was able to see a great number of people accept Christ. Then to top it all off our church received an offer to go to South Africa! We accepted and Ron led another team on a pioneering adventure. Isn't God amazing?

As I share all of this with you, Ron and I received some support money for Ukraine from friends of PBC. Clay and Laura were strong members of this body before moving back home. He served as the overseer for our building project, a deacon, and even after moving went with us on the NH trip. Laura sang in the choir (back in the day), played trumpet on occasion, was faithful in prayer meetings, and also served as Treasurer. Here is Clay had to say in his letter: "I am very proud to know what God is doing through Pioneer Baptist Church. It is amazing to think where we were and where you are now. Pioneer Baptist Church body is a perfect example of what he will do when the people listen and are obedient to His Word."

What God has done at Pioneer shouldn't amaze us really. It's what He promised would be done in the life of a church that seeks to honor Him. Going with God is never without a struggle though. We are human beings trying to serve a holy God. Not only that but you have to factor in the fight with the enemy. But God is faithful! He will finish what He starts.

I hope that this little bit of info about our church is encouraging to you. It's not meant to draw attention to us. It's really an effort to chronicle some of the things that we have witnessed God do in our midst. For those of us who love Pioneer and her people we understand and say: To GOD be the glory, great things He has done.

*Just one note: If you are going to hire a Worship Leader or Missions Pastor - make sure that you can put him in an airplane spin if needed. It helps keep him in check! LOL

Pioneer Baptist Church

Let's talk church shall we?

Pioneer Baptist began as a small Bible Study in Max Meadows VA during the summer of 1990 organized under the direction of Wytheville Baptist Church, Highlands Baptist Association, and VA Baptist. The first worship service was held in the Max Meadows Head Start building on October 14 of that same year. As Pioneer was seeking God's will for the new church plant it wasn't until November of 1991 that they called their first pastor - Allen Mahan.

Under Mahan's leadership the church body would grow and eventually construct a building to house the young congregation. It was on December 4, 1994 that they were able to move from the Head Start building into their very own sanctuary (which we now use as a fellowship hall). On October 1, 1995 the church became "official" as they adopted a constitution and took on the name of Pioneer Baptist Church.

Max Meadows new church had "arrived." Mahan would pastor the congregation for a few more years until God moved he and his family on to a new work. It was October of 1998 that PBC called their 2nd pastor - Larry Eakes. It has been a little over 8 years since that 1st Bible Study and the church would experience some growth but also endure some difficult trials. Eakes left the church after a couple of years of pastoring and according to some reports the church rallied around some of the more influential leaders to keep things going.

In January of 2001 PBC called me as their pastor. I was grateful for this opportunity. After spending the last few years in youth ministry, God had impressed it upon my heart to begin looking into pastoring again. After 5 years of marriage and 2 children in the home it was our desire to find the church God has set aside for us and look for an opportunity to minister. We had found that place and God allowed us to be in that work.

Over the first 4 years we saw this congregation go through a lot of changes. It was my thinking that this church body should reflect who they were rather than simply following the pattern of other churches. God blessed and we were able to see many people saved and baptized, the church body began to grow, and God started putting things into action.

In January of 2005 I was able to move into full-time ministry and we began construction on the new facility that opened for worship on Resurrection Sunday of 2006 with 179 people in attendance. 2006 would prove to be an interesting year for our congregation as we started doing missions rather than just giving to missions. This one trip would catapult us to a place we never envisioned. 2007 we went back to Ukraine with the understanding the God had placed within us the Acts 1:8 strategy of being His witnesses in our hometown, state, nation, and the rest of the world. Last year we sent out 4 mission teams: New Hampshire, Alaska, Ukraine, and South Africa. 20 new faces along with some others who had been on missions before hit the field with great excitement and anticipation. God was calling out laborers into the field and this little church in Southwest VA was a part of His work.

However, it's not simply missions that has set this church body apart. There are several things about PBC that make us unique:

#1 - Worship
PBC has sought to be unique in our worship "style." We don't consider ourselves "contemporary" or "traditional." What you see is what you get. We are a blend of people who enjoy what God has done through worship in the past and yet seek to join God in what He is doing now. Moving from strictly piano to a live band aided us in the attempt to take on this new style. This new format changed the way we worship considerably. However, it wasn't simply the change in music. Our worship services became a time of engaging with God. It's joyful, celebratory, intimate, moving, and full of praise. As a pastor I simply long to worship God with these people.

#2 - Fellowship
Pioneer has sought to be a place "Where Relationships Matter." What we have tried to develop in every member is the understanding that relationship with God is our ultimate priority and allow that relationship to filter into our relationships with others. We have taken on the simple church mentality of "Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both." The love and unity of this congregation has astounded me. I often tell them that "...people do not come to Pioneer because of the pastor. They come because of you. It's with you that they sense genuine love, warmth, and acceptance."

#3 - Evangelism
One of the most interesting aspects of this congregation is that we do not have in place a particular tool for evangelism. We have trained individuals with all types of "methods" but also preached on the necessity of them carrying the Gospel into their workplaces, schools, and communities. The response has been nothing short of miraculous. So many here are burdened for their lost family members/friends and actually look for opportunities to share Christ with them. We carry the Gospel message into the community through various methods as well as missions all over the globe. God has given the increase!

#4 - Ministry
Most of the ministry done through this church is led by individual members. They aren't paid staff. In fact there are only 2 of us currently on the payroll. We are looking to add a 3rd member as the need for youth has grown with the influx of families coming into the church. But by in large our ministries are member led. Kidz Zone, Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry w/ an upcoming Sportsmen Ministry, Pioneer Kids on Wednesday nights, GA's & RA's on Sunday night, Food Pantry - these are all led by individual members. It's our philosophy that members are the ministers which gives us pastors the opportunity to feed and lead.

#5 - Discipleship
This is our opportunity to educate God's people in His Word. This is done through Sunday School, Small Groups, and Prayer. We are a little different than most churches in this regard since we only have 1 preaching service during the week. Sunday nights we meet in small groups to teach on marriage, lifestyles, doctrine, etc. We have also led teachings on Financial Peace and Recovery. Through these groups our church has seen tremendous spiritual and numerical growth. In fact, the last Experiencing God class saw 7 of its 10 members go into the mission field this past year!

Why am I sharing all of this? Simply put, I am the fortunate pastor of a growing congregation. I have witnessed God doing amazing things. I don't attribute any of it to me. To be honest with you, it wasn't until I got out of the way that God began to do all of this. If you are looking for a church that isn't at all interested in playing church - this is your congregation. If you are tired of dry and passionless church - this is your place. If you are seeking opportunity to follow God's leadership for your life - we want to help in that process.

Thanks for allowing me to share a little info about our church. If you are interested in joining us we meet on Sunday mornings for Sunday School at 9:30am, Worship/Celebration at 10:30am. Small Groups are on Sunday night at 6:30pm and Prayer Meeting on Wednesday night at 7:00pm. We look forward to seeing you!

In Christ Alone

Michael English is one of my favorite Christian artists. I thought about saying "was" and realized that I would be lying.

Why was I going to say he "was"? Well...

Michael English was on top of the Christian music scene. He had just collected 6 Dove Awards when he broke the news of misconduct in his life. Though he did not openly say at the time of the announcement it didn't take long for the story to spread of an affair with another artist. Both were married. His confession and return of the awards shocked all of us. Christian radio started pulling his songs off the air, music stores pulled his albums off the shelf. His career was finished.

Not long after he released a song with Wynonna Judd called "Healing." It was a great song and I remember aching as I heard him sing. It's an interesting note to consider that not long before English confessed his wrong-doing that Wynonna had announced that she was pregnant out of wedlock with no intent to marry.

Over time Michael did make it back into the music scene. However, after being restored he had to face another problem: Drug Addiction. I can tell you that he has been through detox, is seeking the Lord daily for victory, and is continually trying to use his gifts for the Kingdom.

Now I will tell you why I didn't say that English "was" one of my favorite Christian artists. "Was" would infer that he no longer sings for the Lord. "Was" would mean that he is washed up. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory. God has restored Michael yet again. Sure - Michael's story is messy. However, God isn't finished!

One of the most powerful songs in English's music career was "In Christ Alone." This song was written by Shaw Craig from Phillips, Craig & Dean. I'm sure Michael would say (if he hasn't already) that He now understands the words he sang so beautifully. As I share them with you today I hope that you will find the source of your strength in Christ Alone.

In Christ Alone - (Shawn Craig/Don Koch)

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I overcome

Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hand
But those trophies could not equal
To the grace by which I stand

Chorus:
In Christ Alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ Alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
Now, I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses
And to the glory of my Lord.

Chorus

Praise or Worship...or Both?

Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about worship. In particular I have focused on the praise aspect of worship. You know, for someone coming into the church for the 1st time this may be a confusing subject. Some people in the church view praise and worship as just a type/style of music. So...when we say lets worship the Lord - what does it mean and what does it look/sound like.

To get the full answer to all of this you will need to hear my sermon on Sunday. However, I will give you a couple of items to chew on.

Worship is a spiritual response. It's how we are to respond to God on a daily basis (not just on Sunday). He is the Creator, therefore, I worship Him. He is my Salvation - I worship Him. God is worthy of worship...that is, our spiritual response to Him.

Praise on the other hand is always associated with a body function. Singing, dancing, shouting, lifting hands, bowing down, or playing an instrument. Praise is activity!

So in whatever you do today - WORSHIP HIM! But if you are going to praise Him then you better get moving!!!

Have a great week.

P.S. The Evangelism Conference was great. If anyone is interested in hearing the messages that were preached they can be downloaded from the website: www.sbcv.org