Brett’s mom was doing better earlier this week. She had pneumonia and a strep infection, but she had been moved out of ICU. I talked to Brett on Tuesday, I believe, and he was flying home that day.
Hello everyone. I have worked third shift since late October, and I am still adjusting. On the bright side, Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have missed the daily interaction I enjoyed on this blog for well over a year.
Hey guys, I just finished a new intro for my videos and wanted to see if I could get some opinions from you- good, bad, ugly- just looking for something that makes it appealing. Here is the link: Intros
(there are 2- one is my old one and one is the new). If you feel like watching them (less than a minute long each) just email me your opinion at intro_review *at* jrazzcreations:com
Tim, thanks for giving the update. Mom came home from the hospital yesterday and is improving every day. It was a scare, but she pulled through by God’s grace. Thanks everyone for the prayers.
I briefly alluded to this in another post but have any of you pastors ever get starved out of a church - meaning some disgruntled families withheld tithes and offerings till the well dried up, forcing you to leave?
T Miles,
The last church I pastored had a situation similar. We were located on a street that saw over 5,000 cars a day pass by, but our sign was so small and ugly, no one noticed. I recommended to the church that we start a fund to buy a new sign.
There was a group of seniors in the church that wanted a new steam table for the fellowship hall, so the food at our Wednesday night meals would be kept warm until they arrived to eat it. Each item would cost $5000. I said that there was no reason to argue over it, that we would start a fund for each, and people could donate to either one as they felt led. The old people stopped tithing, and put their tithe into the steam table fund, so that within just a few months, they had their new steam table over in the fellowship hall. We never did get that sign.
But there was a sign. These people are not interested in growing the church, only with feeding their faces, and that incident was a sign to me that nothing really good would come of it.
But I’m not bitter ;>)
Did anybody catch the Anderson Cooper program (is that CNN or MSNBC? I don’t remember) about “Christianity….” They had a little segment on Osteen and Creflo Dollar and the prosperity “gospel.” I almost threw up on the TV. Then they had Richard Land (SBC guy), Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, and Dwight Hopkins, an American Baptist (African-American) theology professor from Chicago. All 3 spoke against the prosperity gospel, with Jim Wallis taking the slant that “you only hear this in America.” I disagree with that because I’ve heard it (prosp. Gosp.) promoted elsewhere, but the US probably has the worst offenders. He then used the word “heretical.” Richard Land chimed in with some good points, then used the word “blasphemous” with Wallis being heard in the background saying “that’s right.”
If anyone is still looking for that perfect gift for the MLB fan in their family, I have some beautiful undgraded 1955-1958 Topps baseball singles. These are superstars, folks. I’ve got Mantle, Berra, Williams, Koufax, Reese, Mays…just to name a few. I also have some obscure commons if you’re looking to fill a set. Just let me know. I’m sure I can get these to you by Christmas if I hear from you by Wednesday next.
Bill, I tried to look this up on Cooper 360 but it was a no go. Do you have a link? I know you watchted it on T.V., but I would think a transcript would be online somewhere.
Thanks, Jason for responding. We are in a similar situation and trying to not be bitter, either. Three years ago I told a deacon that using money as a weapon in the church to get your own way (or force out a pastor) is a strategy right out of the pit of hell. He disagreed and now he and his wife have done it, among others. Probably enough to get us through December, but January is another matter.
Church Discipline is a wonderful tool if used correctly. I do not know the whole of the situation, but open, unrepentant sin is not allowed in the church. Church discipline is never used in any context other than for the purpose of restoration; in hopes that one will come to the realization of the truth of scripture and turn from their sin (repent) and rejoin the fellowship of believers as well as re-enter the fellowship of God.
T Miles, I think too this is why a plurality of leadership is paramount for healthy churches. I am not saying that a church cannot be healthy without, but it appears God set churches up to have a plurality of leadership. This means elders, not a board of deacons. Deacons should do deaconly duties and elders, elderly duties (Acts 6).
Now, what can be done at this time? I am unsure as I do not know the whole of the situation nor am I a part of your congregation, but if you would like some encouragement and scriptural guidance in this area, I can set you up with some godly men who are elders of a church who immerse themselves in the word. Just email me if you are interested.
Thanks forthe update Tim. I’m glad to hear that she is getting better.
I agree with you completely on the plurality of elders jrazz. Thereis definitely a difference between Elders, Deacons and Evangelists. I find it interesting that Paul was so intent on establishing Elders in churches as soon as possible.
j razz,
Thank you kindly for your insight and encouragement. I have pastored for 17 years and have never served a church with that type of set-up. Probably because these are all Baptist churches. I tried to instill church discipline several months ago for a member who was being very divisive and the deacons decided against it, One reason we’re in the current mess.
God is faithful. We got paid yesterday!! Check back in 2 weeks.
In the meantime, I am in dialogue with two churches out of state but both are in hiatus for the holidays.
T Miles,
I have a friend who is both a deacon, and treasurer of his church. He always says that people vote with their money, and I believe he is right.
I had a situation years ago where the deacons did not want the youth to go on a mission trip. We took it to the floor of the business meeting anyway, and it passed. They were quick to point out that it was the first time in fifty years that a motion passed in a business meeting after the deacons had refused to recommend it. I thought we had won a victory, but we didn’t. Those same deacons held back their giving, and the mission trip never materialized. And so it goes…
I wish that when I was still in the ministry, I had exhibited more openness and transparency. Once I finally had had enough, and resigned the ministry, never to return, I had people tell me that they never knew the deacons were pulling this kind of crap. Had they known, they would have used their vote to deal with it. You may be more popular than you realize, and if you can stand up in front of the church and ask why certain members of the leadership would refuse to tithe in an attempt to force the pastor out, it might just cure the problem. Of course, it might just get you fired and put out on your butt too, but if that is going to happen anyway, what have you got to lose?
Its like a pre-emptive strike! Brilliant!
You will be in my prayers, friend. I know what you’re going through.
I think it is notable to point out that regardless of what happens in this situation, your ultimate goal should be to see that God is honored through your actions (as you will have to give an account for them) and that you do well by the church in which you serve as she belongs to Christ and much respect is demanded in that area. Regardless of the blemishes or problems, she is a part of the bride of Christ and should never be treated differently.
Your two main goals involve asking yourself the questions: Am I glorifying God in this situation and as overseer of this congregation am I overseeing in such a way as to stand confidently before God and give an account for the way I pastored the flock intrusted to me (as you will have to give an account for the souls of those under your leadership, including the deacons).
If you are honest about these and act on them accordingly, I think God will be glorified and the Church will be all the better for it.
I had no idea church member or deacons for that matter, would do such a thing! That makes me mad. How do you keep from blowing a gasket T Miles or anyone for that matter? If I knew of that happening in my church I’d definitely up my tithes all I could afford!
I’m not sure where the passage is, but didn’t Jesus ride an ass into town or something. Aren’t asses stubborn? Don’t you think Jesus had to kick it? Would that not set a precedence for some kicking of your own on some stupid stubborn people T Miles?
Is that Amazon search bar in the upper lefthand corner too annoying? I’m getting a few commissions for Amazon.com referrals, and I thought I might try putting the box up there to see if that helps any. But I don’t want it to be a nuisance, and will remove it if most of you think it is.
Tim,
If I have any stock in this blog, I would rather see it down under the search bar. I think its current placement gives too much prominence to the ad. That is just from a design perspective and from me so take it for what its worth.
I think it’s fine. I also didn;t know that you get commissions from all who buy via the link even if it’s not the product listed. So I’ll be putting my links back up!
Why aren’t there any comments yet?
Has anybody heard anything out of Brett about his mother?
Brett’s mom was doing better earlier this week. She had pneumonia and a strep infection, but she had been moved out of ICU. I talked to Brett on Tuesday, I believe, and he was flying home that day.
Tulsa weather two weeks ago today: 12 inches of snow on the ground, wind out of the north at 10-20mph, high temperature, 27 degrees.
Tulsa weather today: clear visibility, blue skies, wind out of the south at 15-20mph, high temperature, 72 degrees.
Today’s the day the Bill of Rights were ratified, with Connecticut, Massachussets, and Georgia holding out and not ratifying until 1939. From wiki.
Hello everyone. I have worked third shift since late October, and I am still adjusting. On the bright side, Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have missed the daily interaction I enjoyed on this blog for well over a year.
Hi Bob!
Here’s one you Cards fans will enjoy: Apparently Cubs manager Jim Hendry says Jason Marquis is worth his weight in gold because he eats up innings.
The only innings I think he’ll be eating up are the bullpen’s because they’ll be in their early and often in his starts.
Also, if you have interest I think I have a good post on Allen Iverson over at my site.
PBTG.
Hey guys, I just finished a new intro for my videos and wanted to see if I could get some opinions from you- good, bad, ugly- just looking for something that makes it appealing. Here is the link:
Intros
(there are 2- one is my old one and one is the new). If you feel like watching them (less than a minute long each) just email me your opinion at intro_review *at* jrazzcreations:com
Thanks,
j razz
Tim, thanks for giving the update. Mom came home from the hospital yesterday and is improving every day. It was a scare, but she pulled through by God’s grace. Thanks everyone for the prayers.
I briefly alluded to this in another post but have any of you pastors ever get starved out of a church - meaning some disgruntled families withheld tithes and offerings till the well dried up, forcing you to leave?
Jus wondering.
J Razz, does the music stay the same for every intro or is it specific to the project?
Either. It can change and is very easy to change with Cinescore by Sony. Mainly whatever matches the project.
j razz
Brett, I’m glad to hear your mom is doing better.
T Miles,
The last church I pastored had a situation similar. We were located on a street that saw over 5,000 cars a day pass by, but our sign was so small and ugly, no one noticed. I recommended to the church that we start a fund to buy a new sign.
There was a group of seniors in the church that wanted a new steam table for the fellowship hall, so the food at our Wednesday night meals would be kept warm until they arrived to eat it. Each item would cost $5000. I said that there was no reason to argue over it, that we would start a fund for each, and people could donate to either one as they felt led. The old people stopped tithing, and put their tithe into the steam table fund, so that within just a few months, they had their new steam table over in the fellowship hall. We never did get that sign.
But there was a sign. These people are not interested in growing the church, only with feeding their faces, and that incident was a sign to me that nothing really good would come of it.
But I’m not bitter ;>)
Thats awesome Razzman! You do fine work!
sykicks are stupid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBNp1Y7fiwA&eurl=
Whale explodes in Taiwanese city
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3437455.stm
CNN Report: 4 year old suspended for sexual harassment?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knDz4YRVDf4&eurl=
Have a great weekend everybody!!! Tony, tell Chad I said hello!
What are you editing on JRazz? I am a producer–just curious. Looks great!
Sony Vegas 7.0c is my NLE. I utilize Macromedia Studio mx 2004 for a lot of the graphic work along with Micrografx Picture Publisher 10pro.
j razz
Did anybody catch the Anderson Cooper program (is that CNN or MSNBC? I don’t remember) about “Christianity….” They had a little segment on Osteen and Creflo Dollar and the prosperity “gospel.” I almost threw up on the TV. Then they had Richard Land (SBC guy), Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, and Dwight Hopkins, an American Baptist (African-American) theology professor from Chicago. All 3 spoke against the prosperity gospel, with Jim Wallis taking the slant that “you only hear this in America.” I disagree with that because I’ve heard it (prosp. Gosp.) promoted elsewhere, but the US probably has the worst offenders. He then used the word “heretical.” Richard Land chimed in with some good points, then used the word “blasphemous” with Wallis being heard in the background saying “that’s right.”
I wonder if Osteen will respond? Hmmm.
Is it just me, or did that coat that Matsuzaka had on earlier in the week remind anyone of the coat that George wore on Seinfeld….Gortex!
Remember that episode?
At least he wasn’t wearing a pirate shirt. I would have had to break the back window after smacking the red Sox sticker on my car with a blunt object.
If anyone is still looking for that perfect gift for the MLB fan in their family, I have some beautiful undgraded 1955-1958 Topps baseball singles. These are superstars, folks. I’ve got Mantle, Berra, Williams, Koufax, Reese, Mays…just to name a few. I also have some obscure commons if you’re looking to fill a set. Just let me know. I’m sure I can get these to you by Christmas if I hear from you by Wednesday next.
Bill, I tried to look this up on Cooper 360 but it was a no go. Do you have a link? I know you watchted it on T.V., but I would think a transcript would be online somewhere.
j razz
Thanks, Jason for responding. We are in a similar situation and trying to not be bitter, either. Three years ago I told a deacon that using money as a weapon in the church to get your own way (or force out a pastor) is a strategy right out of the pit of hell. He disagreed and now he and his wife have done it, among others. Probably enough to get us through December, but January is another matter.
T Miles,
Church Discipline is a wonderful tool if used correctly. I do not know the whole of the situation, but open, unrepentant sin is not allowed in the church. Church discipline is never used in any context other than for the purpose of restoration; in hopes that one will come to the realization of the truth of scripture and turn from their sin (repent) and rejoin the fellowship of believers as well as re-enter the fellowship of God.
T Miles, I think too this is why a plurality of leadership is paramount for healthy churches. I am not saying that a church cannot be healthy without, but it appears God set churches up to have a plurality of leadership. This means elders, not a board of deacons. Deacons should do deaconly duties and elders, elderly duties (Acts 6).
Now, what can be done at this time? I am unsure as I do not know the whole of the situation nor am I a part of your congregation, but if you would like some encouragement and scriptural guidance in this area, I can set you up with some godly men who are elders of a church who immerse themselves in the word. Just email me if you are interested.
j razz
Thanks forthe update Tim. I’m glad to hear that she is getting better.
I agree with you completely on the plurality of elders jrazz. Thereis definitely a difference between Elders, Deacons and Evangelists. I find it interesting that Paul was so intent on establishing Elders in churches as soon as possible.
Baby got Book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avd2-QM6vtI&eurl=
j razz,
Thank you kindly for your insight and encouragement. I have pastored for 17 years and have never served a church with that type of set-up. Probably because these are all Baptist churches. I tried to instill church discipline several months ago for a member who was being very divisive and the deacons decided against it, One reason we’re in the current mess.
God is faithful. We got paid yesterday!! Check back in 2 weeks.
In the meantime, I am in dialogue with two churches out of state but both are in hiatus for the holidays.
T Miles, be encouraged and stay in the scriptures. By the way, the elders I was speaking of above are members and overseers of a Baptist Church
j razz
T Miles,
I have a friend who is both a deacon, and treasurer of his church. He always says that people vote with their money, and I believe he is right.
I had a situation years ago where the deacons did not want the youth to go on a mission trip. We took it to the floor of the business meeting anyway, and it passed. They were quick to point out that it was the first time in fifty years that a motion passed in a business meeting after the deacons had refused to recommend it. I thought we had won a victory, but we didn’t. Those same deacons held back their giving, and the mission trip never materialized. And so it goes…
I wish that when I was still in the ministry, I had exhibited more openness and transparency. Once I finally had had enough, and resigned the ministry, never to return, I had people tell me that they never knew the deacons were pulling this kind of crap. Had they known, they would have used their vote to deal with it. You may be more popular than you realize, and if you can stand up in front of the church and ask why certain members of the leadership would refuse to tithe in an attempt to force the pastor out, it might just cure the problem. Of course, it might just get you fired and put out on your butt too, but if that is going to happen anyway, what have you got to lose?
Its like a pre-emptive strike! Brilliant!
You will be in my prayers, friend. I know what you’re going through.
I think it is notable to point out that regardless of what happens in this situation, your ultimate goal should be to see that God is honored through your actions (as you will have to give an account for them) and that you do well by the church in which you serve as she belongs to Christ and much respect is demanded in that area. Regardless of the blemishes or problems, she is a part of the bride of Christ and should never be treated differently.
Your two main goals involve asking yourself the questions: Am I glorifying God in this situation and as overseer of this congregation am I overseeing in such a way as to stand confidently before God and give an account for the way I pastored the flock intrusted to me (as you will have to give an account for the souls of those under your leadership, including the deacons).
If you are honest about these and act on them accordingly, I think God will be glorified and the Church will be all the better for it.
j razz
I had no idea church member or deacons for that matter, would do such a thing! That makes me mad. How do you keep from blowing a gasket T Miles or anyone for that matter? If I knew of that happening in my church I’d definitely up my tithes all I could afford!
Newman must not be a Southern Baptist :>)
Freewill Baptist BABY! Booya!!!
I’m not sure where the passage is, but didn’t Jesus ride an ass into town or something. Aren’t asses stubborn? Don’t you think Jesus had to kick it? Would that not set a precedence for some kicking of your own on some stupid stubborn people T Miles?
Is that Amazon search bar in the upper lefthand corner too annoying? I’m getting a few commissions for Amazon.com referrals, and I thought I might try putting the box up there to see if that helps any. But I don’t want it to be a nuisance, and will remove it if most of you think it is.
Am I the only one that doesn’t see it? For that matter, I don’t see the Google ads anymore. ???
Do you have Adblock enabled on your Firefox browser?
That’s it. Must have clamped down when I updated it.
Tim,
If I have any stock in this blog, I would rather see it down under the search bar. I think its current placement gives too much prominence to the ad. That is just from a design perspective and from me so take it for what its worth.
j razz
I think it’s fine. I also didn;t know that you get commissions from all who buy via the link even if it’s not the product listed. So I’ll be putting my links back up!
Hey sports fans! Fantasy football fans to be exact.
Check out this link on my blog and comment. Need some advice.
http://pastortony.wordpress.com/2006/12/27/a-fantasy-football-trade-to-end-all-tradesmaybe/