I thought I would be a pastor of a church all my life. I just did not see any other options. This was my call - pure and simple.
So I admit it. I was a bit surprised when God began to guide this 50-something body toward the college campus back in 2009. I was not sure it would be a "fit" for me. Wasn't this the kind of ministry that was relegated to the young?
But it did turn out that there was plenty of room for those of us that are "young at heart" as well as those dedicated to preparing the next generation to lead the church.
It was reinforced by one of the college students at UB when I made the comment, "I'm just a guy who is old, fat, bald and ugly."
She quickly responded, "You're not old!"
Thank you...I think...
09 April 2011
24 March 2011
A Snowstorm, A Sliding Jetta and A Good Word
It’s the end of March, and Mother Nature seemed determined to shower western New York with another snowstorm. I reacted as most did as the 8-10 inches of snow was landing. I screamed. I am tired of winter. Oh please, global warming aficionados, tell me it is going to get warmer. I fear I have come to a conclusion that Al Gore invented global warming. I am tired of his fiction.
I was on the road during this storm. I had been invited to speak at the CA group at Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester. It was hard driving on the Thruway. I was not going fast, but as I was going by the Batavia exit, I moved into the passing lane to make room for cars coming onto the road. About a mile later, I moved back into the right lane, but the Jetta did not cooperate. I began to fishtail and I was looking straight ahead at Genesee Community College. That was a problem.
It is interesting the thoughts that come into your head when you lose control of a car. It becomes surreal and time seems to go slower. My first thought was, “I guess I am going to be late for this meeting.” So as I prepared to go off the road, the Lord enabled me to do the right thing, gas and steer (front-wheel drives are interesting creatures).
The meeting at MCC was a God-event. Following the principle of never wasting your pain, I once again spoke on the topic of Where Faith and Depression Meet. Afterwards, many of the students came to me to discuss their struggles. I could tell liberation was taking place as the truth was setting young men and women free. God was on the move.
It brings such joy to bring hope to the hurting. The opportunity to bring a good word – truth to those in pain is a blessing beyond comprehension.
The following verse comes from one of my favorite hymns, May the Mind of Christ My Savior, and it is my prayer…
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing
I was on the road during this storm. I had been invited to speak at the CA group at Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester. It was hard driving on the Thruway. I was not going fast, but as I was going by the Batavia exit, I moved into the passing lane to make room for cars coming onto the road. About a mile later, I moved back into the right lane, but the Jetta did not cooperate. I began to fishtail and I was looking straight ahead at Genesee Community College. That was a problem.
It is interesting the thoughts that come into your head when you lose control of a car. It becomes surreal and time seems to go slower. My first thought was, “I guess I am going to be late for this meeting.” So as I prepared to go off the road, the Lord enabled me to do the right thing, gas and steer (front-wheel drives are interesting creatures).
The meeting at MCC was a God-event. Following the principle of never wasting your pain, I once again spoke on the topic of Where Faith and Depression Meet. Afterwards, many of the students came to me to discuss their struggles. I could tell liberation was taking place as the truth was setting young men and women free. God was on the move.
It brings such joy to bring hope to the hurting. The opportunity to bring a good word – truth to those in pain is a blessing beyond comprehension.
The following verse comes from one of my favorite hymns, May the Mind of Christ My Savior, and it is my prayer…
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing
02 March 2011
Dollars. Deficiency. Discouraged.
"Are you discouraged about finances?"
Hardly. Yeah, I mean that.
"But, after one year, you are still short of the 50% mark. Sounds to me that God is not blessing, doesn't it?"
It is a legitimate question, and though I have had seasons of doubt, I look at our situation and I am in awe of the God who supplies. Consider this...
Some might think we are okay because of Dondra's job. The reality is that Joel is okay because of Dondra's job. The vast majority of her paycheck goes to a city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore so that Joel can keep spitting into his mouthpiece.
So, we basically live on what I am able to bring in financially. And, here is my testimony:
The bills are paid.
We are eating well.
The cars are running.
And though we are running "lean and mean," we are happy.
These have been days of faith. For thirty years, I have been used to the "weekly" paycheck from the church where we served. It has always been there.
Raising support is a different animal. It is uncertain. It is hard at times. It is humbling.
Yet, I am grateful - so grateful - for those who have come alongside financially. It brings tears to my eyes. I am reminded of the apostle Paul when he said...
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.19, NIV).
Enough. Enriched. Encouraged.
That would have been a better title.
Hardly. Yeah, I mean that.
"But, after one year, you are still short of the 50% mark. Sounds to me that God is not blessing, doesn't it?"
It is a legitimate question, and though I have had seasons of doubt, I look at our situation and I am in awe of the God who supplies. Consider this...
Some might think we are okay because of Dondra's job. The reality is that Joel is okay because of Dondra's job. The vast majority of her paycheck goes to a city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore so that Joel can keep spitting into his mouthpiece.
So, we basically live on what I am able to bring in financially. And, here is my testimony:
The bills are paid.
We are eating well.
The cars are running.
And though we are running "lean and mean," we are happy.
These have been days of faith. For thirty years, I have been used to the "weekly" paycheck from the church where we served. It has always been there.
Raising support is a different animal. It is uncertain. It is hard at times. It is humbling.
Yet, I am grateful - so grateful - for those who have come alongside financially. It brings tears to my eyes. I am reminded of the apostle Paul when he said...
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.19, NIV).
Enough. Enriched. Encouraged.
That would have been a better title.
15 January 2011
Tis the Season
It was the Sunday before Christmas, and this was the third time I visited the post office near the airport to attempt to mail some packages. Obviously, I was not the only one with this task in mind.
My third time was the charm. There was only about 30 people there and the line was in the shape of a snake once you got inside. I thought it was great - it was the shortest line of the day. Why the others did not understand their good fortune, I don't know.
I dutifully went to the end of the line, but I was confident I would not be there long. And I was right. More people were coming. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the Christmas spirit was severely lacking that day. There were a lot of grumpy people there. If you know me, you know that I am not against whining, but I am against grumpy.
I began by talking to the people in front of me. After I got a few smiles out of them, I worked on the grumpier people behind me. They were an unusual couple. He was African. She was Scandinavian. They were carrying about 50 packages. I was kind of glad that they were behind me.
But then the fun really began. A person came in the door and looked at the line and you could immediately tell what she wanted to do. It was in her eyes. She wanted to cut in line. Oh, what a devious thought it was. And I admit, I sensed the injustice in it, so I said out loud, "To the end of the line with you!"
Well, as audacious as that might be, a lot of other people were thinking the same thing and broke out laughing. And so did the person in question - a big smile came across her face and she dutifully went to the end.
That was not the end of it. Every person was now greeted with "To the end of the line with you," with a subsequent series of laughter and smiles.
Thirty-five minutes later, I was finally paying for my packages and as I turned, the room was full of smiles and laughter. I could not help but think that God's grace had extended to us that particular afternoon. Joy! Christmas cheer. It made me realize that we take that joy wherever we go - if we would just live it.
"I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people."
Postscript: I spoke an untruth earlier in this story. I am against whining - unless I am doing it.
My third time was the charm. There was only about 30 people there and the line was in the shape of a snake once you got inside. I thought it was great - it was the shortest line of the day. Why the others did not understand their good fortune, I don't know.
I dutifully went to the end of the line, but I was confident I would not be there long. And I was right. More people were coming. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the Christmas spirit was severely lacking that day. There were a lot of grumpy people there. If you know me, you know that I am not against whining, but I am against grumpy.
I began by talking to the people in front of me. After I got a few smiles out of them, I worked on the grumpier people behind me. They were an unusual couple. He was African. She was Scandinavian. They were carrying about 50 packages. I was kind of glad that they were behind me.
But then the fun really began. A person came in the door and looked at the line and you could immediately tell what she wanted to do. It was in her eyes. She wanted to cut in line. Oh, what a devious thought it was. And I admit, I sensed the injustice in it, so I said out loud, "To the end of the line with you!"
Well, as audacious as that might be, a lot of other people were thinking the same thing and broke out laughing. And so did the person in question - a big smile came across her face and she dutifully went to the end.
That was not the end of it. Every person was now greeted with "To the end of the line with you," with a subsequent series of laughter and smiles.
Thirty-five minutes later, I was finally paying for my packages and as I turned, the room was full of smiles and laughter. I could not help but think that God's grace had extended to us that particular afternoon. Joy! Christmas cheer. It made me realize that we take that joy wherever we go - if we would just live it.
"I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people."
Postscript: I spoke an untruth earlier in this story. I am against whining - unless I am doing it.
03 January 2011
Xavier
This time, I am watching more closely - really trying to pay attention.
When you are a dad, there is so much responsibility and stress - make a living, be a good dad, meet your wife's needs - and it all goes by so fast. Soccer. Recitals. Concerts. Graduations. Bam! Empty nest.
As "Pops," I find myself intently watching little Xavier. Right now, I am watching him discover that his arm and hand are actually connected to him and that they just might serve a purpose. He is discovering if he maneuvers his arm in just the right way, the desired object will end up where he wants it - his mouth.
Fully absorbed, I find myself looking into Xavier's face. What is going on behind those beautiful blue eyes? He fixes his eyes on lights and colors and movement and...and then he looks at me...and smiles and talks. I admit. I am not sure what he is saying, but I am fairly sure it is about how good looking his Pops is.
How marvelous is God's design! How marvelous is God's image! I know I will be seeing more of it as this little guy grows.
When you are a dad, there is so much responsibility and stress - make a living, be a good dad, meet your wife's needs - and it all goes by so fast. Soccer. Recitals. Concerts. Graduations. Bam! Empty nest.
As "Pops," I find myself intently watching little Xavier. Right now, I am watching him discover that his arm and hand are actually connected to him and that they just might serve a purpose. He is discovering if he maneuvers his arm in just the right way, the desired object will end up where he wants it - his mouth.
Fully absorbed, I find myself looking into Xavier's face. What is going on behind those beautiful blue eyes? He fixes his eyes on lights and colors and movement and...and then he looks at me...and smiles and talks. I admit. I am not sure what he is saying, but I am fairly sure it is about how good looking his Pops is.
How marvelous is God's design! How marvelous is God's image! I know I will be seeing more of it as this little guy grows.
24 November 2010
"They" - A Rant
"They" are at it again.
I was talking to a friend in North Carolina yesterday, and he told me "they" had come to their church. I was disappointed to hear that news. It has been my experience "they" exclusively go to churches. I was just sorry "they" moved south. I guess "they" are not a northern phenomenon after all.
The context of my friend's story was about music in the church. It is a church that has musical talent, especially among its young people. But, the teenagers are not given much opportunity to participate or lead in worship because of "they."
What would "they" say?
"They" are angry!
"They" are threatening to stop giving.
"They" annoy me. Mostly because their objections are based on their comfort level, not on their mission. Tradition overrules. And instead of hearing the command to go, "they" just sit.
I confess. I wish "they" would get going, or go sit somewhere else.
I was talking to a friend in North Carolina yesterday, and he told me "they" had come to their church. I was disappointed to hear that news. It has been my experience "they" exclusively go to churches. I was just sorry "they" moved south. I guess "they" are not a northern phenomenon after all.
The context of my friend's story was about music in the church. It is a church that has musical talent, especially among its young people. But, the teenagers are not given much opportunity to participate or lead in worship because of "they."
What would "they" say?
"They" are angry!
"They" are threatening to stop giving.
"They" annoy me. Mostly because their objections are based on their comfort level, not on their mission. Tradition overrules. And instead of hearing the command to go, "they" just sit.
I confess. I wish "they" would get going, or go sit somewhere else.
12 November 2010
Is This a Joke?
It looked like the beginning of a joke.
Three pastors sat together in a room. An Anglican. A Pentecostal. And a Baptist.
Except, it was no joke. Three men. Three theological persuasions. Three different pastoral roles. And...one Lord!
I have always found it fascinating when we keep our hearts focused on Jesus, that many of the things that seemed so important before, seem less important.
It's not that I don't believe what I believe is important. I think doctrine is huge! I hold on to many of my doctrinal positions with great fervor. They are so core to who I am.
I rejoiced for the three of us that day. We were planning a worship service that involved all the evangelical ministries on campus. We discovered with ease that we had much more in common than what was different. Our mission was the same: Worship. Unity. A campus that needs Jesus.
Three men in a room. The Holy Spirit in our midst. It was a holy moment.
Three pastors sat together in a room. An Anglican. A Pentecostal. And a Baptist.
Except, it was no joke. Three men. Three theological persuasions. Three different pastoral roles. And...one Lord!
I have always found it fascinating when we keep our hearts focused on Jesus, that many of the things that seemed so important before, seem less important.
It's not that I don't believe what I believe is important. I think doctrine is huge! I hold on to many of my doctrinal positions with great fervor. They are so core to who I am.
I rejoiced for the three of us that day. We were planning a worship service that involved all the evangelical ministries on campus. We discovered with ease that we had much more in common than what was different. Our mission was the same: Worship. Unity. A campus that needs Jesus.
Three men in a room. The Holy Spirit in our midst. It was a holy moment.
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