Pastor Gene's Daily Thoughts

Times of Transition

2008-07-18T09:48:37-05:00

In our life we find many events that create transitions in our lives. As a pastor there is the change of churches, the moving to a different locality, the parting of friendships, and starting again.

By a unanimous vote I have been called to the First United Presbyterian Church of Elmwood, Illinois just a few miles west of Peoria. September 1st is my start date. I have this ying/yang, good/bad, happy/sad grind in the pit of my stomach. It is perpetuated by the combination of the process of moving-getting all your stuff together which entails discarding and rearranging, saying good-byes which I am increasing finding myself a big softy, and anticipation of getting a good start in the new place. Draped over this all is the desire to finish my work here with vigor and fullness.

First Church, Mt. Vernon has been a good group of people to pastor. I love each in spite of whether they love or agree with me. Just because people disagree they should not hate each other. In my time here I have seen 26 adult members added but have buried 19. We still run a few more than when I came 6 years ago. I have appreciated those who have thrown themselves in to the work doing and doing and doing even more. I am a conservative theologian/pastor and it would appear from the Church Information Form that the Pastoral Nominating Committee and the Session desire to go in a different direction. That is it.. a different direction-good people do disagree but don't get disagreeable.

So, it is time for us all to move on...move on to be the people of God in the place God calls us to be. As members of the Presbyterian Church USA we need to remember that we are one (1) church meeting in several locations. Let us rise up and be the Church.

Test Your Faith

2008-06-19T11:06:08-05:00

Rising floods, sinking stock market, rising gasoline prices, soaring electric bills, increased food costs, heating gas whether natural or propane have caused a challenge to one's situation. If you are a Christian with faith in God, led by the Spirit then you are at a cross roads of decision. CHOICES: DOOR #1 Get all worked up over this or
DOOR #2. Ease down on the accelerator of your faith.
Let me build a case for tromping down on the accelerator of faith...

God really is in control; Humankind wants to be but humans are no match for God. What? You can't understand how God is in control? Do you only act on what you fully know?
If/Since He is in control then there is a need to trust him; look for the plans he has for you. Remember that driving principle of Rick Warren's PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE: It is not about you ,it is about God! Maybe you need to be in someone else's life? Adversity may be the street paved to that person?
Christians stick together. We help each other out. That was true of the early Disciples in Acts 2, and should be now.
May be "things" have gotten the best of us. When things fail to whom are you going to turn ? I know a lot of Christians that have an abundance of toys...toys that often keep them from the fellowship with the people of God in church.
For fear of sounding like a Muslim terrorist, A little for you prophecy buffs to chew on: America will not be in the end time picture. Something has to make our demise. Don't be so egomaniical that America must be THE super power. In biblical days, Israel wasn't, Greece wasn't, Turkey wasn't, North Africa wasn't...These were the places that God did some magnificent work.
Just maybe God will use your adverse situation to lead someone to personal faith in Jesus.

So, get the picture? Life's downside is challenging your faith. Buck UP!!! Read Hebrews 11 and be reminded that those in the "Hall of Faith" are people just like you.

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Having a tough time? Need some assistance? Just need to unload? call me 417.466.2404 or contact me fpcmtvernon@mo-net.com

MEETING GOD

2008-05-23T09:01:00-05:00

    Let’s talk about worship. What are you worshiping lately? Yes, I know most of you reading this are Christians and you think I should know the obvious. Ah, that might be the rub. Maybe it is obvious to others that the Lord God is not getting all the worship He could/should from you. Our check books, our calendars and our amusement can often tell us what we are worshiping.
    First, worship is a not an entertaining experience done on a Sunday morning. Too many churches have evolved to be a good show. Worship is about an encounter with God, a holy experience and refreshment of soul.
    Second, Worship is not about a form. We are liturgical people. Question: do we appreciate and understand why we do the various portions of a worship service? Each is designed to bring us into right relationship and right experience with God. Spirited or formal is immaterial to an expression of worship.
    Worship is about God and His transcendent holiness. (Isaiah 6). It is sacred. We call the place of worship a sanctuary. It is sacred space where we come leaving our baggage behind and meet God. He is encountered through prayer, scripture, music and sometimes silence. So many voices speaking at us today leave us almost fearful of silence. Remember the prophet did not encounter God is the mighty rush of nature but in a small still voice. Are we listening for that still voice.
    Many of my thoughts about worship have been ignited from Mark Labberton’s book THE DANGEROUS ACT OF WORSHIP.
    So, next worship experience (corporate) please don’t mumble about the hymn choice or the attire of the choir or whether the preacher is robed or not, rather look and listen for God.

A Tribute To My Mother

2008-05-09T10:17:44-05:00

    She is almost 96, wheel chair bound, grossly overweight, skin shriveling and often just stares out a window or across the room. This snow white haired lady is my mother.
    She was not always this way. Once spunky, filled with a work ethic that would shame the most industrious, meticulous in her accounting of her meager finances has now at best only a fleeing memory. Visits with her are relegated to the same topics and her memory is a thing of the past. She knows me and best of all I know her.
    Having me at an older age than many of her peers she still played catch with me, drove me to ball games and was my chauffeur when I first started dating. She lay awake each night when I was out dating or with friends until I arrived home safely.
    She “drug” me to church where I met the pastor and my first church family but more importantly, I met God and Jesus and learned of the Holy Spirit’s prompting as I tested life in my teen years. It was tears in her eyes, tears of joy, when I made a public decision to follow the call to the ministry. It was the couple extra dollars she sent me to do wash and have a buck in my pocket while in college preparing for the ministry. I knew the few dollars came from the paltry earnings she made cleaning houses 6-7 hrs a day, 4 and 5 days a week.
    On this Mothers Day 2008, I honor my Mother, Almeda Leona Lane Campbell.
She was faithful in the pew and faithful in the planting of good things in my life.

Annual Check Up

2008-04-28T09:52:55-05:00

       Last weekend I was in Kansas City for a Healthy Congregations conference. I went primarily for my own health realizing that I cannot help others if I am unhealthy. It was a check up time because I have been making a conscious effort to be aware of responses and choices.
       We had plenty of interaction but I was most pleased when we roll played a scenerio where I was the Pastor who was making some positive changes and was being "attacked" by some leaders of the church. I wanted to put a bridle on my responses and react appropriately. It was a test. What made my day was the response of one of the observers who felt I had responded in a very healthy manner. Granted it was a "mock up." But it demonstrated some healthy thinking. Since back I have two occasions in which I could have responded in the old unhealthy manner of airing my "two cents" or giving a portion of my mind I could not afford to loose.
       I look forward to increasing the health of our church and leadership through some of the observations garnered at the Healthy Congregations seminar.
       Now, if I could only get some of the same progress on my aching back. The road to healthy is always an on going one.

Making The Bible Come Alive

2008-02-12T10:52:05-05:00

   This year, as a previous year, I am reading through the Scripture in one year using the Message by Eugene Peterson. I don't always agree with his choice of words but do appreciate the vernacular which makes some passages that in other texts, which have a stilted ring, to have a vitality. There have been things that in my almost half a century as a Christian have blown by me.

       The text makes reading go quickly and lingering longer is not a bore. Yes, I said "bore." Sometimes the very nature of content and story line or lack of story line makes the needle point to "Boring" when reading scripture. BUT... then again the Scripture is NOT for my entertainment but for my edification...for my spiritual enhancement.

       We must remember the Bible is not an ordinary book. "Holy men" were born along, carried by the Spirit of God to use their circumstances and their vocabularies to pen the book over centuries. The Bible is not on a par with secular books. It is not some icon to be worship but rather a means to assist our worship and understanding of God.This is the opportunity for not only God to speak but for us to listen.

       You don't have to wait for January 1st to start a "through the Bible " in 1 year. Today is a good day to start. The "One Year Bibles" abound at the Christian book store and you can always do the "day free home trial" which is to take a section like the Epistle of I John and read it through each day for 30 days and then move on to another book. You will read the entire New Testament this way, retaining its revelation in two and one half years. God is alive and He is talking. Are you listening?

Marriage of the Pastor and People

2008-01-31T10:54:49-05:00

Recently I discovered a list 10 things that help make a marriage work. I thought about them in the light of not only my marriage but also the relationship of the pastor and the church...partners together.

Partners are satisfied with communication

Partners handle their differences creatively

They feel very close to each other

Spouses are not controlling

Partners discuss their problems well

They are satisfied with the affection they show and receive in the marriage

There is a good balance of time alone and together

Family and friends rarely interfere

Partners agree on how to spend money

Partners agree on spiritual beliefs

Make the application to partners in Christ's work.Pastor and people...Pastor and leadership...leadership and people.

You, Too Could Loose Your Faith

2008-01-09T10:22:00-05:00

       Recently in our Springfield News-Leader there was an article by a pastor who has been active in the attempt to apply his belief to the issues of the day. He now has chosen to walk away from the beliefs that he affirmed and decry that Christianity has no real practical value. I believe he is wrong. This individual has espoused positions that I tend to agree with...until he had his faith foundation shaken.

       In a conversation with some others who were trying to pigeon-hole my beliefs I shocked them with a term which I would not take credit for. I am an Evangelical Liberal. My theology is soundly evangelical in its framework but often I make liberal application because I believe that Christianity is not about "ivory tower" statements and pompous platitudes. It calls for application to where the rubber meets the road. It screams compassion for those who hurt, and need help. It calls into accountability those who for political, or material gain would endanger others in my society. Evangelical Liberalism bids one to examine issues and principles not personalities.

The "social gospel" cannot preclude the spiritual gospel. Cleaning up the issues of our society apart from cleaning up the inside which can be done by the restorative work of the death and life of Jesus Christ (John 14:6) does not get the job done. It is akin to the idea of cleaning up a pig from mud and slime and then leaving the door open for the pig's return to the stinky, dirty environment. The nature of the pig was not changed. This is the evangel of the church; calling people to personal faith in Jesus Christ.

       My Liberalism does not mean that I accept what all social liberalism or fringe biblical thinking purports. There are life styles that are incompatible with scriptural statement and principle. BUT, that does not mean I demean those who participate in such activity. Being an Evangelical Liberal does not mean I accept all opinions as equal. My liberalism is tempered by my evangelicalism. My Evangelical Liberalism also challenges some of the flawed thinking of those who advocate "health,wealth gospel" thinking which is prevalent in conservative Christian circles. Jesus said "The poor you will always have with you." Yet, I do speak against those Christians who think the world or the church owes them a living. Scripture mandates a work ethic.

      May be you want to join me in my sojourn of Evangelical Liberalism.

Have You Ever Thought of Yourself as a Pumpkin?

2007-10-29T07:27:39-05:00

          Yesterday (Oct.28^th) I preached on the Christian’s spiritual possessions and actions using a pumpkin as an illustration. Consider with me some of those things.

          Pumpkins are secured out of a muddy patch. So a believer has been secured by Christ Jesus out of the messy world, out of the bondage of death and the pull of Sin. (Ephesians 2) Jesus then cleans a believer up- “Now are you clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”(John 15)

          Pumpkins are usually bought. Redemption-purchasing from our sin- has three words to illustrate it in the New Testament. One refers simply to the purchase, the second indicates going into a market and buying and the third indicates going into the market, buying the product or person and taking the purchase from the slave market.

          Next, consider that Jesus –as with the pumpkin- cleans out the “muck within.” Just as the pumpkin, it is stinky, messy, and heading toward decay. The seeds within are the prospects of a future. It reminds one of the Sower and the Seed parable. The conversion taking place was because 1. the seed of God was with in and 2. because as one chooses a pumpkin God had chosen the believer before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:3)

          When one gives some animation to the pumpkin, a face is carved in. So God gives eyes of understanding, a “nose” for discernment and a mouth to speak His praise and share one’s faith as Timothy was reminded “to be able to give an answer to everyone who asks the hope within.”

          Then as in the pumpkin, light is placed with in. “So let your light so shine that people may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Jesus as the Light of the World seeks to shine through.

          Lastly, as the pumpkin, we are put on display. People observe us to the credit and discredit towards Jesus. So, though you might find being called a pumpkin difficult, it illustrates what the working of God is doing.

Let's Call People Names! (sarcasm)

2007-10-03T10:15:40-05:00

            Whether politics, religion, or personal relationships we have lost civility. To disagree has come to be equated with dislike.

          Our denomination has seen an escalation in polarization over difference on a couple issues. The answer has been to turn the disagreement from dislike to departure from the denomination. Where is the civility to Part Company in good and gracious manner? Some of the attacks have shown that disagreement has turned to dislike.

          In politics our leader calls other nations names. I am not debating whether they are evil or not, but am decrying the agitation that such treatments which ensures an “enemy”status.

Our first lady as reported by TIME October 8^th edition walked right by Ahmadinejad at the UN and even used his desk as a lean-on to advance up the stairs. Where was the “Good Morning” demonstration of civility?

          In social settings as we discuss various issues if we don’t agree with someone then walking away will certainly be viewed as dislike. Why not have a meeting of the minds to agree to disagree and find some agreement somewhere.

          Now as Christians we have some biblical directive. We are told to “Love our enemies”, and to pray for them. Matthew 18 gives some help to restoring disagreeing people. It does not say anything about whether an opposing party is deemed unapproachable or not. We, as Christians, are encouraged to have our words seasoned with grace. Kindness is a virtue not a vice. Disagreement does not have to translate into dislike.

CAMPAIGN FINANCING

2007-08-21T10:55:00-05:00

              We are currently geared up for another political campaign. Lost in the sea of issues is the poignant matter of raising the money for these campaigns. What is frightening is the amount raised. These amounts are raised because people believe in the candidate and/or the positions taken.

It is simple - it takes money to run all the facets of a campaign. The gamut runs from ad costs, to expenses of offices, mailings, and personnel. Look at the poll percentages and compare that with money spent. (Exception may be Huckebees 2^nd place finish in Iowa but certainly was not 2nd largest spender)

NOW, the reader should figure by now I am not about to discuss politics but rather want to speak to campaign fund raising in the church. We call it Stewardship. It transcends treasury to include time and talents.

Why does the political campaign get funding? People have commitment as well as see an advantage, personal or benevolent, in doing so. In the church, giving begins with the commitment of our life to our Lord Jesus Christ and with it the realization that we own NOTHING. It is all His and we have been made stewards of the resources.

In part this means a stewardship with Christ’s Church. At some point one committed to Christ and His church must give…not tip…give. The Scriptures talk about tithing, talk about faith giving, and speak to responsibility.

Now follow with me…If Christ owns it all, and the Church is a spiritually energized physical entity to which I have committed myself as a member, THEN I need/must/should/would be prudent to enter into a faith venture with God to see what He will do for and with the church through my giving. That would go for you, too.

So… are you the member of a church and one of Christ’s own? Then it is not an option. It is a necessity to be involved in His Campaign Funding to finance the work of Jesus. If your church does the pledge, then pledge an amount based not on what you have but on what you believe God will run through you to do His work. If no pledge program then enter in to a faith covenant with God to let him do with 90% what you have been trying to do with the 100%.

Yeh, no one likes to hear about money in the church but we are in a campaign to do the Great Commission and it cost energy, and resources and money. Let’s do some Campaign Funding!

THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK...

2007-07-31T10:10:22-05:00
       My denomination is in the throws of consternation on a couple of issues. Those issues are causing cracks and chasms throughout our group. My thoughts are should this be? Most of us have pretty set thinking on these dividing issue. I am not going to enumerate the issues because I believe the real issue is beyond these issues. {wow, that was a double talking thought!}
       Our church (Presbyterian Church USA) has a Book of Order, in addition to the Book of Confessions, which governs our activity. Yes, there is some elongated parts but the real nuts and bolts is stated in the "Great Ends of the Church." These, which appear in the opening portion of the B of O, call us to ministry and to be a people of God. The rest of the B of O is the how and the why. The B of O speaks in clear statements and until changed it is the "law of the land."
   At First Presbyterian, Mt. Vernon we are focusing on doing church as prescribed. Our Session will meet shortly to shore up some loose ends, our committees are progressing to do ministry and harness the potential of our people. As pastor I am even more committed that we deliver a service of worship that honors God but relates to the world in which we minister. To do so I am committed to practical, faithful exposure to the Bible, of which in the B of O we declare to be our authority, and to bring music and activity that makes one glad they came. Disclaimer: Church is not always a place of warm fuzzy. It is also a place of correcting our course of life.
       Years ago in the days of early television Ronald Reagan was host of the GE Theater and when he advertised General Electric he used the byline "Progress is our most important product." At First Presbyterian we are seeking to progress and not be deterred by the fracturing issues.

THE NEW BREED OF VULTURES

2006-12-27T10:56:23-05:00

    There are other vultures circulating overhead and they are not the ugly ones you see in the sky. In the Springfield-News Leader Wednesday December 27th, Rev. Roger Ray again presses upon the consciouness of the society with an article exposing those which unfairly take advantage of the economically challenged. In particular he hit upon my personal sore spot. That would be the "payday loan" establishments.

    These places charge an exorbitant interest and then if the payment is late there are additional penalities which can set the poor person into abject poverty. They know that these "customers" are in dire need or they would not be visiting the loan establishment. The Bank is not going to do business with these poeple.

    I thought Rev. Ray's comments about the fact that these kind of "money machines" have bank rolled the campaigns of legislative representatives adds an interesting twist. Question: "Those in the Legislature do they know what it is to struggle financially?" A person who needs a "money machine" could not begin to mount a campaign for a seat in Jeff City. In fact they often can't afford a seat and that is why they go to the other vulture breed the "Rent To Own" business.

    Here is a possible solution- how about the church addressing this need. I don't want to get into the loan business but people within our congregations who need assistance can contract with the church for a loan. In some cases it may be paid back by work at the church or for some disabled person's needs around their home. Instead of "Rent to Own" how about" Work to Loan." I am priming the pump. People of God think about this issue and talk it up, write your legislative person, and look into just what the interest is on such a "pay day loan." It certainly is not a hand out or hand up, it is a hand shackle.