Forgiving Grace

I'm sure some of you that have read my posts regularly have wondered where I went for 3 1/2 months.
Well .....
I had a wild ride and then took some time off. I'll start with the wild ride first.
It's no secret that I have been open to pastoring a church again, and in the February/March/April range there were several churches that had contacted me about taking on the senior position of either music minister or pastor. One seemed very promising and it came down to the time of the trial sermon to be given. Then BAM!
Out of nowhere I was blindsided.
I've never hid my feelings and beliefs on the Holy Spirit (and many other topics) in this blog and on my webpage, http://www.upsidedownchristianity.com. Yes, I have served in some conservative churches, and yes I have served in some that were more open to the Holy Spirits leading.
See this previous Post (I want order in this house)
Well, for those of you who have never been through the search committee process, I'll give you a bit of the process. Applications are accepted and reviewed. Interviews are given, sometimes over the phone if long distance. Research is done by interviewing/questioning people who have served with the pastor and with people who have been a regular part of the congregation of his former church. (It is a little different for recent graduates of seminaries.) The list is narrowed down and questionnaires are sent out to the few pastors remaining as possibilities. People that they don't like then are ruled out, leaving hopefully only one or two for the final process, the trial sermon and vote by the congregation.
Well, one church in a northern state (they are known for their cheese) contacted me. They had found my website, read quite a bit of it, read part of the blog site, and wanted me to consider coming and taking over for their pastor who was leaving.
I researched the area, asked questions that were pertinent to our moving so far away, and decided that the church would be a good fit. It would be a bit of a rebuild since there had been some strife with the previous pastor, but I love challenges and have some knowledge and experience to tackle the job.
Well all of the above happened and then it was time to bring me in for the trial sermon. (they had already heard a pre-recorded one earlier.) A week or so before I would have gone, I was notified that they weren't interested in me anymore.
Now, they had gotten the questionnaire, had a VERY lengthy talk over the phone, and they knew pretty much every belief that I hold, especially in worship.
Then they started wanting to add more and more from me and previous congregations. I put my foot down and said it's either do or die, but this is enough.
A day or so later I get the email that they are not considering me because they do not want anything to do with speaking in tongues in their service, and I had stated a few months back on the questionnaire that I would allow it under certain circumstances. (See previous post link again if you haven't read it yet.)
You know what I said.
BS. (yep, that is what I told them, BS.)
It had become a game of find the dirt on me because the committee vote was 4-3 to bring me and they wanted a 7-0 vote (never EVER heard of that one before) from the search committee. So the 3 nays/borderline yes's tried to find something to rule me out.
After having a similar experience with a church that wanted me to rebuild their music program not too long before that, this was the last straw.
I've never seen committees act like that before, but then again, I've never dealt with long distance churches until the past year. (always local ones that welcomed me.)
Well, I pulled my resume' from all of the pastoral search sites and told God that I simply couldn't take it anymore.
Hmmmmmm ...... Silence........ (though it wasn't golden I don't think.)
A month passed and my nerves had started to come back to normal. Then something happened that caught me off guard.
Craigslist.
Most people either love it or hate it. My son spends some time on there surfing the ads and so I had started checking it out. I found the "Musicians" page and one day when I pulled it up, there was an ad for a bass player for a new group that was forming. The plan for the group was to do Christian Contemporary music, mainly their own songs with a few covers thrown in from time to time.
I sent an email saying that I was interested and a reply came back that same day.
I met with the man who was forming the group and we clicked instantly. We talked a little about our pasts and neither one found judgement with the other. Finally, a true Christian exists. (was beginning to wonder for awhile.)
Soon the group met at an outing to get to know one another and then we went back to a building that had been secured for us to be able to practice in each week and not have to tear down the equipment after every practice.
Everyone hit it off with each other. This was in the latter part of May '12 and with one addition and one subtraction, we're moving along at a pretty good pace. We have already put together a half dozen songs with some more in the works and hope to have a demo CD available soon, with a full release to follow.
Finally, I feel like I can minister again. No one is trying to trick anyone (Monroe neighborhood, you know who you are!) or dig up their pasts. We all have a past, but thank God, with Him we have a wonderful future with Him for eternity if you have been saved.
Well, all this said, now you kinda know what has been going on in my life. The hurt is still there (though weakening from day to day) from everything that I experienced with the committees, and I've pretty much decided that if/when I do have a church, it will probably be one that I have started. No BS, no back stabbing (Monroe, you poor terrible people). A church that is run with God as the figurehead. A TRUE Christian church where no one is judged, everyone is welcomed into His house and worship can take place without many restrictions.

**** NOTE TO ANY SEARCH COMMITTEES****
I am not saying I won't consider your church, but it is like this.
Read my blog. Read my site www.upsidedownchristianity.com
If you have a questionnaire that you would like me to fill out, then send it and I'll gladly return it to you when I've completed it, usually within 24 hours, unless it's the weekend.
If you would like to meet with me to see if we're compatible, fine.
But you either want me or you don't. No games. No trying to make buddy-buddy and then stab me in the back with your lies that you told me and twisted facts that you've given.
I'll do a trial sermon and I'll be glad to send you a .wav file of me giving a sermon.
But don't play games and drag me and my family down to the mire.
I won't tolerate it!
****END NOTE****

So until that happens, I'll continue to worship, fellowship and minister to others through the talents my Lord and Savior has given me through music, using my voice, my bass guitar and any keyboards when called upon..
Oh yeah, one irony to all this is the name of the group: Forgiving Grace (site is still being developed, so it's still in it's raw stage at the moment, the facebook page is more current right now https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forgiving-Grace/184059025055793)
Forgiving Grace. Think about those words. Forgiving ... to hold nothing of ill towards another person, Grace ... only something that God can bring upon His people that can lead to any hope of an eternal life in Heaven through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son.
Forgiving Grace ... something I have yet to see out of a search committee. (Sometimes I think they would find something wrong with Jesus if He was a candidate for their leadership. (read a funny email on that years ago.)
I do look forward to what God will do in my life and in the life of my wife. We have some ministries that we are still praying about that we would like to be able to do one day if the funds become available.
Several people have told me in the last few months that I'll still be a pastor one day (one person I had just met) so I know that God is still reassuring me that there is a plan that I can't see but that He has control over.
But for now I have made some wonderful Christian friends with the band members and their families.
And I am keeping up the faith that my God shall supply all my needs, that He shall watch over me, and that one day this will all be over and I'll finally be with Him and all my friends and loved ones that have gone before me.
Thanks for being a faithful reader of this blog, and I plan to start to post more regularly from now on.
Love in Christ,
Rev. Keith

My Testimony Part 2: Where I'm At Now

Having been through a lot in my life and being a victor in conquering things that could have and maybe even should have been the end of me, I am ready more than ever to lead a congregation to what should be it's ultimate purpose: True Worship.

My health has never been better. I take some vitamins to make sure my body gets all of the nutrients it needs, but otherwise I'm in great health, both mentally and physically. I have an appreciation for being able to go and do on my own but I can understand the lives of others who are not as fortunate as me and hopefully I can be an encourager to them.

My faith is also at it's strongest. My adversities have played a big part in that, but my wife also a LARGE part. She is an encourager, a believer; both in God and me. As I wrote in an earlier blog, To Sheri, With Love, she has been an important part of my life and she will continue to be. There is nothing better than a godly wife who has a dedicated prayer life and can recognize the voice of God, spoken through the Holy Spirit.

All of the years of experience that I have gained by serving on various committees, as well as having been an integral part in starting and building music ministries and churches that were ready to close their doors has given me an insight that I feel few others have who have just entered the ministry or have only served in a staff position. God has equipped me to be able to serve Him, and I am looking forward to where He would send us next.

I have not hid nor will I ever hide my past. As one person recently put it, "Everyone has a past, it's what they do with the future that is most important." I agree, but you also have to learn from your past and not repeat any mistakes you made along the way.

I also have learned that old dogs can learn new tricks. I like to try things and I'm not afraid to go in a new direction after prayer and consideration. Such was the case 3 months ago when I taught myself the bass guitar. I have played piano for 40 years and for many years I wanted to learn the bass guitar. But because that goes from one type of instrument to the other, I was never sure if I could do it. Well, I have and in 3 months I've already completed a lesson book, I play weekly in the praise band and I look forward to being able to find new ways to use my new found skill in the future. It makes me especially proud of the fact that I went from not being able to stand for more than a few minutes back in the 90's to being able to stand on stage for hours with no problems. To God Be The Glory For The Great Things HE Has Done! (I'll always love that old hymn!)

So I'm proclaiming to the world and to God, Here I Am, Send Me. Let me be an example of what God's love and grace can be for anyone out there who will only seek Him.

Thanks for stopping by to read this blog and may God bless you richly in your life!

A Need to Know

From Previous Blog:

      Pass out a form with a list of the committees and their responsibilities to the congregation for them to read at least a month before nominations are held. Have interested individuals indicate which committee that they are interested in. Sometimes you may have someone with resources that fit a certain area that you are not aware of. It also gives people a way to drop off of a committee and serve in another capacity without having to request such an action.

Depending on the size of your church, you may or may not know what resources that you have available from the congregation of your church. Especially if your newer members have not expressed anything about themselves that told of their hobbies or past careers. Many people have career changes these days because of the economy and the shutting down of manufacturing facilities.

And sometimes a new or newer member of your church may not be aware of all of the things that happen “behind the scenes” on a continual basis. Some committees never get mentioned unless a current project needs help or resources from the church.

Make people aware of what your church is doing. You may have a committee that has become stagnant (see earlier blog) but could be revived and prove to be helpful in your ministry. 

So if you haven’t already, make a list of the committees on a paper or a document on your computer. Then start with the top one, and put all of the requirements for the committee, if any. Then put in plain words what is expected of each committee member. Then at least a few weeks, preferably a month before nominations, pass out the sheet to the entire congregation. (If you give out bulletins, this is an opportune time to include a sheet in each one.)

Tell you congregation that if anyone has questions about any of the committees, that they are to contact the chairperson. And if the chair has questions, they need to come to you as the pastor for clarification.

Tell everyone to consider where they can serve the best, and then they are to contact the nominations committee members (it may help to list them on the sheet somewhere) to inquire about being put on the committee. The committee members should make sure that they are aware of that persons qualifications so that they can present them as a candidate at the next meeting.

This way people who need to serve in a certain area are given the chance to serve on that committee, and from their qualifications, you can determine who is the most qualified to serve as chairperson, and not just a buddy or favorite of someone that is put there.

I'm a child of the King

From Previous Blog:

Children and Youth committees need to have someone who has a child that is full time in their home in that age group. A senior or junior in high school should serve on the committee (rules can determine if they have a vote or not) so that the young people have a voice in what happens in their ministry. Kids know what kids want. Adults can decide if it is appropriate or not.

I have known churches where the only people on a Youth/Children’s committee were on Social Security already, and some didn’t even have grandchildren active in the church. The problems manifested themselves tremendously and they showed like eyesores. Activities from 50 years ago were suggested and given, and the attendance lacked because of it. Young families pulled out and took their kids to another church where the offering was more up to date.

Now I’m not saying that you can’t use the things of old. I think some things should be put back.

For instance, bible drills. One of the best ways to get a child to learn the books of the bible is to have them do bible drills. In case you are not familiar with them, this is what you do:

Have the children/youth line up in a row facing you. One hand is underneath the bible, one hand is on top of the bible. The adult calls out a book, chapter and verse. When you say the info, the child/youth searches for the scripture and when they have it, they step forward. Give a few of them time to find it, and then call on one of them randomly to read it. That way you know that they have found the actual correct scripture and it also gives them practice speaking in public. Two great lessons, and hopefully something about the verses will stick with them too.

Okay, back to the topic. Find out what children/youth like and incorporate it into your time with them. The best way to know what kids want is to have a parent/guardian on the team/committee that works with them. They see what their kids spend time doing, and they know what will reach out to them.

And kids/youth aren’t stupid either. Put an older youth on the committee. Let them have a voice in ideas that you may not think of, especially if it has been awhile since you were in that age group. They do not necessarily have to be given a vote, but draw ideas and input on your ideas from them. Two things are accomplished.

They learn how committees work. They feel that they are being a part of the church, and not just an attendee. This also gives motivation for others to aspire in the church so that they can serve as well.

Our children/youth of today are our leaders tomorrow. Don’t keep them in the dark until they get a plate full shoved at them with no utensils to use or choose from. Quality leadership is taught, not given. Let’s start now before it’s too late!

Rock On

From previous blog:

      Nominations committee should have people on it who have been ACTIVE in the church for several years. By active I mean, that they have done more than sat on a committee and showed up at meetings. Someone who leads a group, and/or is involved in an active part of a ministry of the church. These are the people who will be aware of others that have the drive and desire to further the ministry of the church.

Many times churches face a situation where nobody wants to work or serve on a committee that actually does something. As long as you have to show up for the meetings once or twice a year, and get patted on the back for doing so, may people are content with their “service to God.”

These same people put the same kind of people on the other committees, that way no one makes them look bad. And it is always the same ones that serve, because no one else will step up to the plate, and people are too scared/shy to approach the ones who would be beneficial to inquire if they would serve.

These are the people who need to be motivated. Committee chairpersons need to assign tasks for them to complete. If they still don’t, then they should be removed at the next term of office. Every committee should be accomplishing something for the betterment of the church. If not, the committee and its purpose is either unnecessary or the members  of the committee are. We need to get churches back to the point where goals are set, and committee members understand their role in reaching the goal.

So how do you change things? Put active people in places where activity is needed. You can put a rock on a hillside. Walk away and expect it to roll downhill, because that is what gravity does. It causes things to go downhill. But most of the time, if you don’t nudge or bump the rock, or the ground doesn’t shake below it, there will be no movement of the rock, no matter what you think it should do. So go nudge the rock. Start a movement that will continue until its goal is reached.

Then when these people get moving and decide that they want to keep on going, a lot of times they will want to serve in positions where they can motivate others, or at least have some control of who they have around them to motivate.

And make sure that these people understand what all of the committees roles and tasks are. When someone is suggested for a position, require them to back that up with how they think that person is qualified for that position. This will stop the cycle of people being put on committees or places of leadership where they are not qualified to serve. It doesn’t mean that they are not capable of doing something else in the church. But make sure the leader can do the job!

How to hammer out your problems

I want to break the previous post down over the next few blogs and show how and why this will work.

1.     Find people that are an appropriate fit for your church committee:

a.      If you have a Building and Grounds committee, put your carpenters, plumbers, electricians, contractors, painters, roofers, landscapers, etc on the committee. That way if you need something fixed, you know who is a possible source in your church, plus you can use their expertise to verify what the repair person is telling you.

Now pastors, this is not for you to get a bunch of free work from your members. I believe that one way people can give to their church is to do things that they are good at for no charge for any labor. The church should still pay for materials. But if you know a trade and you see the paint peeling off of the wall, take a day off or use a Saturday (or whatever your day off is) and repaint that area. Make sure that you touch base and get the okay from the committee, that way duplication is not planned and feelings hurt. If you do not see anything in the church or on the grounds that you can tell are in need of repair, ask the committee. Sometimes they are aware of things that are ongoing that they have not brought to the church because of taking bids, or waiting on funds to become available in the budget. Your offer of labor may make the project affordable now and it can be taken care of, and they will provide you with the specifics of what is needed and how they want it done.  One warning with this: Let it be the committee’s vision of how they want it done. If there is nothing structurally or local code that is wrong with their choice, remain quiet and perform the task or ask to find someone else. This is not an opportunity for you to insert your wishes if you are not on the committee. You’re the instrument by which the task is accomplished. Your tools can’t talk (although in these days, it won’t be long before everything can) and neither should you.

The finance committee should operate on the same principle. People who are used to crunching numbers and handling money in their employment are the people who should be handling the church money. If businesses think that they are trustworthy to deal with the vast income that they receive, surely they can be competent to handle the churches finances.