Pastor there is a problem with the toilets

Lately it seems I have been in a bit of a battle spiritually speaking. Ever since we moved into our new facility on June 1 we have been under a bit of an attack. From my son's accident to the possibility of losing my job it's been sort of hard to focus on (and enjoy) the new facility and ministering to the people. Now yesterday about 5 minutes before service I hear "Pastor, there is a problem with the toilets. They won't flush" So after about 3 minutes of trying to clear them I realized we had to go forward and assigned some of the men to try and work it out. Ten minutes into worship one of them whispers in my ear that they were unsuccessful in fixing the problem but they could still be used on a limited basis. He suggested I make an announcement. Understand that we serve coffee prior to service that many enjoy. So now I am faced with how to honor God on the Lord's day but shorten the service before anyone has an accident. And believe me that was no easy announcement to make. It was also not easy to focus on God and worship with all these thoughts going through my mind.

I cut the worship by one song, made the most tactful announcement I could and we got through it. Yet here I thought was yet another attempt to distract us from the task at hand, spreading the gospel in our community. All I can conclude is that we must be on the verge of something big. Although this is no where near what happened in ACTS it was with persecution that the church grew. If that is the case I say bring it on. We're ready for it. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

For now,

Paul

The Measure of Success

What is the measure of success for a church? Like it or not in America today it is the Sunday morning attendance number. Followed closely behind by newer, bigger and more ornate buildings. But should that be how we define success for a church? Let me propose this measuring stick. Impact. How are we impacting lives? How are we impacting our community for Christ? Does the community know we are there because we have a fancy new big building? Or do they know we are there because they know us personally?

If we impact our community in a personal way lives will be impacted for Christ. The other things like attendance numbers will follow. Our goal should never be to grow our church but to grow His kingdom.

So let's go out and make an impact for Christ

Until next time,

Paul

I'm Back and other stuff

Well vacation time is over. How quickly it went. Due to Mike's accident our plans changed and we stayed in town, mostly for follow up doctor visits. We thank God everything is going well with the help of a little surgery. It appears we are returning to some degree of normal (whatever that is) Which sparks a thought. Since this is amusement park season allow me to use this example.We are such creatures of habit and for the most part love our routine and the security it brings. Yet as Christians we have stepped onto the greatest thrill ride of our lives. Steven Curtis Chapman labeled this life best in the title of one of his songs"The Great Adventure" God walks with us and sometimes carries us through some wild things in our lives. So why do we want to cling to the routine? Why be bored? Maybe it's time to just strap ourselves in and enjoy the ride. There may be some twists and turns, a few bumps along the way or a shaky moment. Our lives could even be turned upside down. But with Jesus at the controls we can ride safe and secure. Then at the end of it all we can look back and say, "WOW! That was awesome!Let's ride again"

Until next time,

Paul