Is Past Performance An Indicator of Future Success?

Does a successful past help a church navigate through a difficult present and keep moving into the future?

If the church has always made it through all difficult times in days gone by do the stories of those bygone days inspire confidence in handling the present concerns?

What stories does a church have that help it remember its record of faithfulness as a way to assure them for the future?

Members Only?

Should any church event be a members only event?

A Calm Hand at the Tiller

The Pastor is often called to be the calm hand on the tiller.

The healthcare debate, despite last night's vote, is still raging on. Senator McCain promises a stunning midterm defeat for the Dems and a quick repeal when the GOP is back in the majority. Immigration reform is on hand now and there is that little row with Netanyahu to figure out. Closer to home people continue to lose their jobs, family members fall ill and the rising costs of tomatoes have gotten us all stymied.

I am not one of those Pastors who goes in for the grand political stage. It's my humble opinion that the pulpit should be as clear of national politics as possible. I further believe that Christian people can hold opposing opinions socially and politically, and hold them passionately, while passing the bread and the cup of our Lord to one another.

The key for Christian people, it seems to me, is to hold the enemy in prayer. That is what Jesus taught isn't it? Rather than revile or judge or stone or damn the one who is on the other side of the opinion fence, doesn't Jesus instead instruct us thus, (I think these are his words), "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." -- Matthew 5:43-45

That, dear friends, is the definition of a calm hand at the tiller, and an example this Pastor hopes to follow.

The Missional Church - Luke 10

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”* But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

Church of the Smorgasbord

I don't think the church has a responsibility to become a smorgasbord of goods and services, programs and social services which can then be marketed to a target audience to maximize new consumer potential.

An Amazing Journey

I just wanted to point to another blog and an exceptionally courageous young woman. Check this out when you have time.

http://abbysunderland.com/