Easter Pressure

This Sunday, Easter Sunday, many Pastors will be feeling the pressure to deliver a sermon that will reach the masses, and hopefully bring people back. The idea is that many visitors will be present on holidays like Christmas and Easter that otherwise would not be. So if the Pastor hits a home-run, people will come back the next week, and more likely, stay long-term.

Obviously, this isn't quite accurate. In fact, Lifeway Research has found (see article linked at bottom) that most churches only get their occassional attenders (those who attend one or two times per month) on Easter Sunday instead of the visitors that many think are there. So the Easter crowd...is actually filled with unfaithful church attenders. Certainly a great holiday for everyone to show up.

As a Pastor, I believe our job is to be faithful to the Word... regardless of who's there. Using gimics to get people will only necessitate more to keep them. How you get people is how you will have to keep people. If Christ is the focus, and His Word the motivation, then transformation will be the result.

So Pastors...don't put pressure on yourself. Preach the risen Christ and let Christ do His resurection work in the lives of the people who enter your church's doors. Call everyone to deeper commitments.

For a great article on CEO (Christmas/Easter Only) Christians by Thom Rainer click here

Haiti: The End

Haiti Missions Team Friday:

It's hard to believe that the end is near. It has been an amazing week of ministry and service for the gospel. God has indeed blessed in abundance the work through the team. It has been an absolute honor to serve the people of Haiti.

Today was a day to tour the city of Port-au-Prince and spend some time of relaxation. Though I must be honest, this day may have only increased the effect on our lives.

We were able to go to the heart of Port-au-Prince and see the major devastion caused by the earthquake. There are tent cities (or refugee camps) all over the place. Mind you 1.5 million people lost their home during the quake. With no where to go people have been given tents by foreign governments (most from the US) to live in any space they can find. Even the collapsed Presidential Palace (seen on the left), can barely be noticed by the thousands of tents just outside it's gates.

But the moment that grips us to tears, even now if I think about it long enough, was going to the poorest area of the city. When Pastor Luc said that we were going to the poorest area I thought, "Could it get any worse?" Wow...were we shocked to see the area. There are literally 100,000 people in this area that live in tents or tin houses. Trash was everywhere...the stench was unbearable...and people were depressed beyond despair. We were choked up just driving through. We stopped along the side of the road and was able to visit a church that Pastor Luc started in this area. The church is known less for the worship, than it is for the location near the major source of food for these poor people. Just to the side of the church building, people were making mud cookies. Yes...you heard that right...mud cookies. Mud, salt, and butter. We watched these people making thousands of cookies out of mud (you can see some of the work on the right). And this was seen as a luxury.

We honestly felt bad for even going there. We felt we embarrased these people. I mean I always heard the joke, "God made dirt and dirt don't hurt!" Except for these people... it is what they eat for breakfast, or lunch, or dinner. The reality is the only thing that are norms in this are malnutrition and death.

In spite of the difficulty of work, and the burden of the task, the team has had an absolutely fantastic time together laughing and talking about life and Christ. As we were sitting at dinner tonight (at the compound), we were having this exact discussion. We came to serve the people of Haiti...but in the process, we became a band of brothers. I know that may sound cliche, but seriously, this has been an amazing opportunity to build into the lives of each other. Each part of the team added greatly to God's plan on this trip. And to each of them I say, "Thank you!"

Honestly, we are ready to come home...but definitely changed because of it. We will never look at rice and beans...or cookies the same again. Our faith has been challenged and built. We have been broken at times and encouraged greatly at times. We came to Haiti to be the hands and feet of Christ...we leave Haiti having seen Christ.

Moving Piles in Haiti!

Haiti Missions Team Update for Thursday:

Another scorching day in Haiti. High 90's with a blistering sun. Another day of work on Pastor Luc St. Felix's church. With the roof being done, we were sequested behind the church to make concrete for the walls of the church. If you have ever made concrete in a foreign country (or your old enough to remember a pre-machinery country) you know how difficult it can be. They take a pile of rocks and sift it, not once, but twice. The first time to get the small peices...the second to get the refined sand. This meant we had to move piles of rocks...not once, not twice, but three times until it was mixed with concrete, which of course was mixed by hand. We then carried the buckets into the church so it could be "slapped" on the walls. Amazing, difficult process.

We were able to get everything set up at the church for them to finish the concrete in the building. It is a beautiful building, especially by Haiti's standards. It will eventually be able to hold up to 800 people. If you have never met Pastor Luc...that man will fill that building. He has a great passion to reach the lost of Haiti. It is such privilege to be a part of not only what the Lord is doing in Hagerstown...but the influence that we can have around the world. Here in Haiti...that impact is profound. We look forward to future trips and deeper relationships.

The highlight of the day was the service tonight. I always am profoundly amazed when the Lord puts the worship service together in a very pointed way. Our preaching actually began before we left for the service at the church. One of the guests at the compound is from Holland. He and a team are here working to help the Haitian people rebuild their country. As we were sitting at dinner with our Bibles we began to have a conversation about the reality of God, specifically the existence of Christ. What an opportunity to share the gospel with someone from Europe. Unfortunately, the conversation confirms the feeling of sadness I have felt about Europe. Europe truly has become a post-Christian region...where even the idea of Christ's existence comes into question. And to think that he attends a church in Holland. A church where Christ isn't seen as real. Can you imagine? A well educated man, but lacking greatly in understanding. We weren't only able to share Christ, but also to give him some proofs in regards to the truth of Christ. I praise the Lord for a great apologetics ministry (TruthBomb Apologetics) at FCF. Much of what has been learned was able to be used. Please pray for Johann...that he would be willing to research truth and not just give into a humanistic philosophy with no basis of reality.

The worship service was phenomenal. We were able to sing Amazing Grace together (I know you might laugh at that if you know any of us :-) We are actually thinking about starting our own band...The Missionstrippers). Rick Everett, Richard Heller, and Mike McNamee all shared their testimonies. It was amazing how the Lord worked each testimony to build on each other and allow the church to hear a clear presentation of the gospel. I was then able to preach from Hebrews 4...reminding them about Jesus our High Priest. The entire service the people were very intent on what was being said and many comments were made about the challenge that they heard.

Following the service, on our way back to the compound, Pastor Luc said that the people listened intently to what we shared...that there was hunger for the teaching that was given. Let me be straight...this was a huge encouragement to me. It would be easy to get bunches of people to make a decision and tell you the stats. Many Pastors and church leaders do this. But tonight, the people were taught the Word of God (through both testimony and message) in an accurate way...and they loved it. They were challenged...yet not manipulated...and God moved piles of lives. I can't tell you the altar was packed...that would be too easy. But people's idea of Christ was transformed. Transformation mission...that's the call of the church.

Raising the Roof in Haiti

Haiti Mission Team Wednesday Update: 

Well it's official! Pastor Luc St. Felix's church building has a roof! It was such a blessing to see the finishing piece go on the roof. The work ethic of the Haitian people is amazing...especially when it comes to their church. Clearly, they didn't need us to build anything. But the greatest blessing was working with them. Learning how to use minimal tools to do great work. Rick Everett was instrumental in getting the roof on. He actually spent hours with the roofers today. In fact, without Rick, the roof would have probably been lacking structural ability.

The rest of us mixed concrete and moved piles of stone around. All of us tried to put the concrete on the cinderblock walls...only Richard Heller had the ability to sling the cement on the wall with the Haitians (the rest of us got more on us than on the wall...I guess you could say we never got hired for the job :-).

Most of us have had a little taste of the stomach sickness. Nothing that hasn't been overcome. Today was more difficult than expected due to the intense heat and force of the sun. Even with sunscreen...we fulfilled our Tristate area reputation of becoming "red necks" :-). It's amazing to think that it's snowing at home.

We did have a minor accident. Chad Vaughn stepped on a nail while carrying concrete. All the way through his shoe. Thankfully, after a short surgery, he is doing ok (this is a joke...he didn't have surgery, but is doing fine) :-).

After returning to our guest house this evening, we decided to journey to the local market place. It was an eye opening experience to see their lives from their perspective. The poverty is huge. Walking through the marketplace confirmed this with great imagery. The food looked horrible and rotten...the people depressed. The only smile we could find was when Brian Hoffman bartered for a pair of sandals (Brian is a master at bartering). It was a huge reminder, not that these people have great need, nor we have abundance, but that the darkness of a life without Christ leaves emptiness. A huge diachotomy for sure. Seeing children and churches with smiles as big as the sea praising Christ with all of their hearts, not for what they don't have, but for what they have spiritually...to people depressed in their work with nothing to praise in life. That's Haiti! Great want...Great need!

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice!" David Livingstone

From Haiti...with Love!

Our FCF team has been in Haiti for the last three days. It has been an amazing opportunity to see the Lord at work...not only in the lives of the Haitian people but our lives as well. Here is a quick update of what we have done thus far:

Sunday: We arrived in Port-au-Prince after a tiring morning of travel (we met at 3:15 am...thank you Lyle Dixon for being insane enough to take us to the airport). We were able to make it to Haiti in time to join Pastor Luc St. Felix's church in Port-au-Prince. As a supporting church, it is amazing to see the work that this man has done...not only rebuilding his church after the earthquake a year ago January, but planting 44 churches throughout Haiti. This man has a huge heart for his country.

We were able to introduce ourselves to the church and I had the privilege of preaching a message of salvation. The people were very receptive and responded well to the message. Obviously, the Lord knows hearts...but there were quite a few who accepted Christ. Praise the Lord!!

Monday: We traveled 3 hours to two remote villages in the mountains of Haiti (near the Dominican Republic border). We were able to share many supplies and goods to these churches, schools, and feeding centers, thanks to the many who gathered items for these children. They thoroughly enjoyed the soccer balls and clearly had skills we could not match. It was amazing to see churches in very remote places absolutely filled with people because these churches are sharing the gospel in their own communities.

It was a great joy to share, not just one meal, but two meals with the Pastors of each of these churches. But the thing that stood out most was the joyful singing of these dear children. Something of which I have never heard before. They sing as if Christ was right there. I know this may sound cliche...but I have had the privilege of being in many different countries...and have never seen worship from children like this.

Tuesday: We traveled 1 1/2 hours to another village...this time in the desert area. While poverty is the norm, this village was extremely impoverished. We were able to give out many more supplies (toothbrushes, toys, and vitamins). Once again the singing was spectacular. It's amazing to think that these children who have absolutely nothings...even meals are a commoditity...sing as if they had everything.

One of the doors that was opened to us was to help people with medical needs. Having Brad Ingram on the trip brings a medical expertise to our mission. Brad was able to check many different people with medical issues. The highlight of which was a man who had two fingers amputated by a motor scooter chain. Understand, there is not a medical facility anywhere close to this village...and if there was it would be virtually impossible to get there by foot. Myself and Chad Vaughn had the privilege of assisting on the procedure of cleaning and giving medicine to this man (I've always wanted to scrub in on a surgery :-).

On Tuesday evening we once again joined Pastor St. Felix's church to serve their people. All seven of us, sang How Great is Our God (not quite my style...rap...but a great song nonetheless :-). Brad, Chad, and Brian Hoffman shared their testimony and I preached a message of encouragement to the church. The guys did a great job ministering to these people...the testimonies powerful...and the songs moving.

So far a great trip...more to come. It has been both humbling and powerful to see God at work. To see smiles over a dum dum lollipop or a dollar store doll...it truly gives a new meaning for contentment. I can see in us the wrestling of these realities. How we view the world...or even more...how we view our world.

The Bible as Novel?

Once a month there is a gathering of Evangelical Pastors in the Tri-State area (calling ourselves the Evangelical Christian Leaders Network). This is a great time of food, fellowship, and encouragement from other men in the trenches of ministry for the same area. Usually we have a few different guest presenters sharing their ministry or concept. Sometimes a counselor sharing needed skills for counseling, other times it's a Christian School sharing their vision for connection with local churches.

Today was a presentation by representatives from Zondervan Publishing about their new resource called The Story. Their advertisment says,  "The Story is an exciting all new church-wide experience that unites and equips participants, as they engage the Bible, reading like a novel as a seamless, compelling story." With the book you can get a plethora of information to use in small groups, Sunday School, children's ministry, and youth ministry. There are even sermons that you can use along with the book.

Let's make sure we understand this...this is a book that reads like a novel but is to help people engage the Bible. While this is definitely an interesting concept, what struck me most was the reason for this book...Bible illiteracy...that people actually aren't reading the Bible. Some find it too difficult, others boring. So this book is supposed to help those people be engaged in the Bible.

But things got difficult for me when local Pastors using The Story curriculum and book started describing their experience. For some it was an "awesome experience watching their church fall in love with The Story." Or "people that would never open their Bibles are now reading The Story." In fact, every Pastor pointed out that they loved the sermons that were based out of The Story curriculum.

I left there totally confused...We actually help Bible illiteracy by giving them a novel? Instead of teaching people how to study the Bible or what actually is in the Bible, we use a novel based "Bible" to make it easier for them to understand. It's like giving a teenager a picture book to read for English class. The way to help Bible illiteracy is to actually teach the Bible. Tell His Story...not preach a novel called The Story.

Please understand, i'm not saying there is anything wrong with creativity and helpful Bible aids. And honestly, I believe Zondervan probably has pure motives behind this book (it was originally tested by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee). In fact I actually love the flow of the topics of the book...it truly is a journey through the story of the Bible. This sounds great as a small group or Sunday School, but using this as a main source of the teaching ministry of the church...I believe lacks greatly. What do you do when you finish the 31 week study? Where do you turn then? Back to the Bible no one understands? Maybe the better option is too actually teach people the Bible. In fact, maybe that's why there's Bible illiteracy...because they aren't learning from the Bible in the first place. Instead we should teach them how to fall in love with the actual Book. Yes, appreciate the novel, but love the Book.

Hebrews Bible Study: Heb. 12 - Friday

Friday – Fire!

Focus passage: Hebrews 12:29

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 3; Malachi 3

My family and I came home the other day to find out that we had no heat…we had run out of oil. Twenty degrees outside, maybe fifty inside, and we had to wait twenty four hours to get the oil delivered. Thankfully, we had a working fireplace in our living room and a great deal of wood to burn in our garage. We decided to make it a family campout in the living room. So we started a fire, raised the temperature and bunked out in the living room.

Honestly, I slept horribly. I was so focused on keeping the family warm. I was amazed at how quickly the wood burned in the fire…every 45 minutes another piece had to be added. This of course doesn’t make for a restful night. At one point, I sat there by the fire and watched in amazement that the fire was burning through the wood so rapidly but wasn’t burning the fireplace insert…at that moment it hit me…it all comes down to the substance of the material.

It was a great reminder of the picture painted of Christ in Hebrews 12. God is a consuming fire. A fire that will consume the substance unrelated to Him. What will be burned away and what will remain for His glory?


1. What amazes you most about fire? How does this description paint a clearer picture of the Lord?
2. How does the fact that God is a consuming fire affect your worship?

3. It’s interesting to note the connection between consuming fire and judgment. How does this fit the context of Hebrews 12? Why end this section referencing judgment?