Pastor's Blog

I don't know if it is because I am a father of 3 kids that are 4 years of age or under.  I don't know if it's becuase I like the cold.  I don't know if it is because I like Christmas tunes; but what I do know is I LOVE Christmas.  Always have- it's my favorite time of the year.  As a church this Christmas season is going to be exciting on a few different levles:

1. Celebrate:  This season we celebrate the God who rescues, the birth of Jesus our deliverer.  (Isaiah 7:14)  Don't get caught up in the pace, the presents, and the parties.  Those things are all good; but all lacking and really not what the celebration is about!  I listened to a message today that said, "dont let the shadows become the substance."  All the things that surround Christmas don't compare to the child of Christmas!

I try to surround myself with men who are further down the road in ministry than I am.  A couple of reasons I do this but the most resounding example is that it is bibilical.  I know I have so much to learn and so I hav 3 or 4 men outside of Bethlehem I try to have lunch with or at least a phone call with once a month.  It is honestly the most refreshing thing I do.  One of the best advice I have gained is the art of learning to pace yourself.  I love to teach but the role of lead pastor encompasses so much to serve the church well I have to take breaks from teaching and just be a part of the body.  I did that yesterday and I loved every minute of it.  I met so many new couples and families that I had a chance to actually talk to and hear how they found us.  And the best part of the morning was hearing from my good friend and ministry partner Joel.  Joel is not only a gifted musician but also a gifted teacher.  Joel's personal journey of battling the idol of success was gripping and so timely for our church.  Bethlehem we are privileged to have a man like Joel on our team.  

This week we bring an end to our fall series called Empty Promises.  If you wanna read the text we are going after in preparation hop into Romans 1(especially 21-26).  Our hearts our "idol factories" and the depth of that calls us to constant response and awareness of "drift" that takes place in all of us.  I am expecting God to seal many things in our hearts.  Come ready!  

Well obviously the world needs another blog?  Right?  Not so much.  This blog is dedicated to keep people up to date and informed of all that is happening at Bethlehem FBC.  My hope is not to bore, rant, pontificate, or pretend and for those reasons I hope you will at least be encouraged to glance occasionally.  For those that are in other areas of ministry and stumble across this...enjoy!

I am in my 7th month in my first senior pastorate and it has been nothing but a thrill ride.  We've seen many people come to know Jesus, join the team, begin serving, marriages restored, and scores of people go public with their faith through baptism and all glory for that goes to Jesus.  My honest belief is we haven't even got going yet and each day I am excited the new possibilites before us.  Two quick thoughts for inaugural entry: