September 2011

Some Reasons to Be Gratefully Cautious

At almost every point in our history, voices have questioned whether the Church of the Nazarene has lost, or is in danger of losing, its way. While most of us would vehemently deny such charges, thoughtful, reflective persons ask questions, seeking truthful answers that can help uncover reality. Following are some questions and thoughts that I believe can help us be gratefully cautious.

Shepherds of the Flock

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

Enlivening Lifeless Religion

Nate cautiously approached his pastor one day and admitted, "I'm not sure what the problem is. I feel empty inside."

This confession concerned his pastor considerably since Nate was one of her most faithful laypersons. Whenever the pastor called a meeting or needed something done around the church, Nate and Nancy always showed up. "Tell me about it," the pastor said.

Enlivening Lifeless Religion

Nate cautiously approached his pastor one day and admitted, "I'm not sure what the problem is. I feel empty inside."

This confession concerned his pastor considerably since Nate was one of her most faithful laypersons. Whenever the pastor called a meeting or needed something done around the church, Nate and Nancy always showed up. "Tell me about it," the pastor said.

Happy 400th Anniversary to the KJV

The year 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. No other translation of the Bible has sold as many copies nor has been read by as many people as the KJV. In many ways it is the most influential translation of the Bible ever made. However, it began in conflict and controversy and its future is not as bright as its past.

Nobody Told Me

"I was wondering if there's any chance of having some counseling or finding some sort of help?" the newspaper reported the young man asking the judge. After two weeks of sensing God's thumb in my back I finally wrote and asked if the young man would allow me to visit him at our county jail. Bryce's* affirmative reply began a relationship that has grown over the last seven years.

In God's Garden: Positioned for Transformation

During the summer, I love to spend time in my garden. Picking off the old, dead flower heads so that new ones can grow or stepping into my flowerbeds, I water the plants the sprinklers don't reach. It is still surprising to me that I can have such fun pruning my crape myrtles and rose bushes. Even weeding every once in a while brings a level of pleasure.

Legacy Churches and Churches with Legacies

The party was huge. It was, after all, the 50th birthday for both my wife and me. We celebrated in our church's gym with our friends. Since that milestone day, I have noticed that I think more often about words like "legacy" than I did previously. Call it maturity, wising up, mid-life crisis or anything else you want, but I believe that what I do today should matter for something years from now.

Many Hands Lighten the Load

In August I completed my first two years as general superintendent. Africa was my initial regional jurisdiction assignment, and I fell in love with its people. The Church of the Nazarene on that continent is growing and maturing, with over 511,373 members not including children and most of the youth. Trained and educated leaders are emerging in increasing numbers.