The church is as much relationships as anything. And with those relationships come the ebbs and flows of life. I am coming up in my sixth year at Calvary Baptist Church, the fellowship I love to pastor. I can tell I am starting into some seasoned years because some of the folks that have come since I arrived are leaving due to the Almighty’s moving. I was heard John Piper opine that a church in the city needs a long term pastor because of so much transiency. I am seeing that first hand at Calvary. Our church has said ‘goodbye’ to two staff ministers this summer as they have sensed God calling them elsewhere. My feelings are bittersweet. They have both given themselves to the people of Calvary, and I personally hate the fact of trying to “replace” them, but I also rejoice and am humbled that at the end of the day it is Christ’s church, not mine, and that everyone including myself will depart someday.
Having said, I would like to highlight one family. Kevin, Jan, and Robbie Hale came to us in January 2007, and it really seems like yesterday. Kevin served here as music minister which is always a delicate position in any fellowship. I have very much appreciated Kevin’s servant spirit. And we shared early Tuesday mornings together (like 6 am!). Those moments we prayed, talked about worship, talked about families and the ministry. It was a wonderful time. I saw how Kevin and Jan ministered in ways that we wouldn’t really see at first. They have gone to a fellowship in Oak Grove, Missouri to minister there. May God bless them as they blessed us. Begin to pray for our fellowship and specifically our elders as we labor over our coming days with the music ministry.
Speaking of worship, one of my dear friends that I have spoken of here at this blog and in many other arenas at Calvary is Tony Felich, pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian.
Tony is a kindred spirit, pure and simple. There are moments in one’s life when there is an instant connection with a fellow brother. Tony is one of those guys to me because of the gospel. A few months ago, I had the privilege of learning and being ministered to the saints at Redeemer. Well, Tony returned the favor. He is on a summer long sabbatical, and decided to worship with us one Sunday morning. Now he is a true friend because he came to the early morning service, and only the real people of piety roll out of bed to attend that service. But he came and he has made comments of the occasion as well as other fellowships he has worshipped with on his blog.
I think it is good to get an outsider’s perspective on our worship and how we treat others. Coming from a friend and godly man like Tony, we would do well to listen.
Okay for something off the wall (hence nuts and bolts), here is a commercial that promises to do two things: make you laugh and force you to watch multiple times. I generally don’t get into commercials because I rarely watch T.V. anymore. But I saw this on an internet program I was previewing, and it had me rolling. I was in five different full length dramas and musicals in my life so I know a little bit about stage presence. These kids are incredible actors. And the end of the clip teaches a biblical principle. Enjoy!
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