Louisa Interim

Sunday article for bulletin

Ken's Korner

Have you seen the story about Reverend Robert Schuller and his retirement? Dr. Schuller has been the pastor from the very beginning of the Crystal Cathedral in California. His Hour of Power television show has been broadcast for many years all across the country. Now, he has handed the official leadership of the church over to his daughter.

Since the announcement, the church has received many emails from people who are concerned about what will happen to them without their pastor. The remarkable thing is that most of the emails have come from people who do not live in California.

A pastor friend asked, "When did a television preacher become a pastor?" Has our view of a pastor become so centered on preaching that we fail to see the real value of a pastor for a church? I know the importance of communication and preaching, but it really does concern me that for many people, the most important thing about the pastor is the preaching style or preaching mechanics.

To me, the most important qualities of a pastor are found around vision, compassion, leadership, and shepherding. Preaching is important because it is the opportunity to impact people with the Word of God and to call forth people to live those other qualities. I know many pastors who are not the best communicators on Sunday morning, but their churches consider them great pastors. What are the reasons for that? I think because the best sermons come out of lived life, not just prearranged words. Again, don't get me wrong. I think preaching is a lost art in many ways. But the best preaching comes from a person dedicated to the work of the Spirit in his or her life.

I pray that Lord helps you see that the real value of a pastor is someone living alongside you, preaching and equipping you to do the Word. I hope you are looking for more than a TV preacher in your life journey.

Welcome Jim Ailor this morning. He is a true man of God and a great friend and colleague of mine. He has also been a big help to your Pastor Search team. Give him a good Louisa welcome.

Helping a 14 Year Old with a Bad Defeat

Jacob had his first basketball game today. His team lost 66-14! Ouch! They played a great AAU team from Indiana, and it was not pretty.

Jacob usually averages 15 points a game and about 10 rebounds. This game, he had 0 points, took only three shots, felt frustrated on defense, and just wanted to disappear.

He was very discouraged and down on himself after the game. What do you say to a young one who has had one of the worst experiences of his sporting life?

I remember seeing an episode of Happy Days many years ago where Howard offered Richie a lifesaver when he missed the last shot. Dads try to do anything.

I had mixed emotions. Part of me was really frustrated that Jacob was not trying harder. But another part of me knew I just needed to encourage him. He was beating himself up enough.

After the game, he was really tough on himself. I just reminded him sometimes you just have to forget the last game and look forward to the next one. And I reminded that we believed in him and knew he could do better tomorrow. It did not seem very comforting, but it is true - we believe in him.

I am grateful God does not give up on me. There are many days I am sure he gets frustrated with me. I never measure up like I should, but He keeps on believing in me . . . and you!

And I can always remind Jacob after the tournament that football season starts soon!!!

What's God Up To?

Sometimes, I just wonder what God is up to my life. We just received word today that our house sell that we were counting on to close in September has fallen through. Of course, this is the second time we have had a major disappointment concerning our house in Raleigh. The couple who were leasing it with the expectation of purchasing it are separating.

I ache for them and their relationship, but I really struggle with what God is up to. It seems that since we have made the commitment to come to Richmond, we have had one test after another. They just keep adding it.

Is there a modern day Job parallel here? I don't really think so. We have may too much to be thankful for, and God has provided in to many wonderful ways.

But I cannot help but wonder if I have missed something in this whole sense of call and relationship. What is God doing?

I do not know what God is up to, but I do know that He continues to try to teach us to depend on Him. He has been so good to us. Maybe we just have our eyes in the wrong place. We have so much to be thankful for compared to so many people in this world. We have jobs we love; a family we love and enjoy; more things than we ever need; and lots of good friends.

God is not laughing or holding us hostage. He is not doing that to the church either. I know that Louisa gets discouraged at not finding a pastor, but God is not picking on you. He is just reminding you to remain faithful in the midst of the journey. Good things will happen eventually. God knows what He is doing.

I just wish He would let me in on the knowledge. Lord, forgive my unbelief, but I have to admit that it is getting harder and harder to understand. Thank you for providing for us. So while I am in asking mode, please sell the house. That house has been a place of ministry and love for the last 13 years. But we are grateful you will keep providing while we wait! I hope Louisa and the Pastor Search Team can do remain faithful and believe "the best days are yet to come."

Church's Involvement in Pastoral Search process

Thanks to those who took part in conversation yesterday about pastoral search process. I do not usually share that information with a large group in the church. Usually we are only invited to share that with leadership groups and those asked to serve. But I hope it was helpful.

Pray for the Leadership Enlistment Team daily. They are seeking the Lord's will and what is best for the congregation. They need your prayer support as they determine the next best steps. And there is not an easy solution to keep the church moving forward. But God has a clear solution. Let’s let Him work through the Leadership Enlistment Team.

A question was raised about the involvement of the church in the process. I undoubtedly was not clear in the rush of getting through so let write down some of my thoughts about how most churches are involved in this process in a healthy way:

• Pray! Pray! Pray!

• Congregation will affirm the selection of the Pastoral Search Team.

• Each member will be asked to share their thoughts with the team about the perceived needs of the congregation and expectations of the pastor.

• Congregation will pray for the team.

• Congregation will receive regular reports from the team about their process.

• Congregation will encourage the Pastoral Search Team through personal affirmations and notes.

• Members will be allowed to submit recommendations of names of pastors they know who could serve as pastor.

• Congregation will keep praying.

• Congregation will approve financial package for pastor.

• Congregation will have opportunity to meet and ask questions of the final candidate that the Pastor Search Team brings in view of a call.

• Congregation will vote to call new pastor.

• Congregation will provide support, encourage, love, and follow the leadership of the new pastor.

What questions remain in your mind about this process?

Two big elements are important in the Baptist way of selecting a pastor - trust and prayer. If either element is missing, most churches are unsuccessful in creating a good match.

Five Enemies of Unity - Enemy Number 2

I took a detour last week from talking about Dave Ramsey’s Five Enemies of Unity due to Veterans Day, but let’s move to Public Enemy Number #2 – Unbridled Gossip. Ramsey is convinced that gossip can kill an organizational spirit quicker than anything else. In fact, he states in his business organization, sharing gossip is a reason to be fired. WOW!

 

What is it about gossip that makes it so prevalent in the Baptist church? Gossip destroys. Here are some biblical references to the power of gossip in Proverbs:

·         Proverbs 11:13 - A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

·         Proverbs 16:28 -- A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

·         Proverbs 18:8 - The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

·         Proverbs 20:19 -- A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

·         Proverbs 26:20 -- Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

 

Paul lists gossips alongside slanders and God-Haters in Romans 1 as he describes the depraved condition of humanity. When he reprimands the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 12, he writes, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”

 

So beware! If you want to destroy the church, allow gossip to reign in your journey. If you want the church to be united and live out its mission of God’s community, then change your language.

 

How do you stop it? Pray that God will help your language be clear. When you hear someone else disparaging someone else, speak the truth the love and remind them that disciples are called to live differently. Paul reminds us of the importance of our language in Ephesians 4. Gossip destroys! Don’t let it have sway in your circles of friends, even at the church.

 

Just a reminder – following the 11:00 worship service November 23, we will meet in the fellowship hall to talk about the steps of the pastoral search process. Several have expressed interest in understanding more about what takes place in this process. Join us if you can.

For What Are You Thankful This Year?

Thanksgiving brings fond memories for me. It has always been a family gathering point for the Kesslers. While I must admit we would gather around the dinner table or the TV to watch football, I will always remember my mother’s smile and my dad’s laughter around our gathering. We would always take time to say one thing for which we were thankful before we ate lunch. Over the years, we five boys grew from answers like our dog or our baseball glove to remembering friends or a special family member or even the price Jesus paid for our lives.

 

I guess Paul would have been good at the Thanksgiving table. When he was remembering his friends in Philippi, he shared with them, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

 

I am thankful for you as a church. 2008 has been a difficult year for you as a congregation, but you have kept the faith and continue the partnership that God has called you to. So I encourage you to claim the promise that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.

 

What are you thankful for this year?

 

Next week, we begin our celebration of Advent. It’s my favorite time of the year. We will celebrate together the coming of our Lord. I hope you will plan to be here each Sunday and Christmas Eve as we celebrate as a community. Invite a friend to join you for our celebrations.

Apologies to the Choir . . .

It won't be the last mistake I make, but I really blew it in 11:00 service yesterday. The choir was poised to sing, and I just got up to preach without even acknowledging them. It was a big mistake because I know that they had given good preparation for leading us in worship.

I have asked the choir members for their forgiveness and also those who rushed up to me yesterday to remind me that I had left the choir out.

You know, some days you would just do better to stay in bed - even if you did get an extra hour of sleep.

Trunk of Treats - Great Way to Connect to the Community

I regret I could not make it back from North Carolina in time to be at the church Wednesday night. I always look forward to visiting and catching up with what is going on. It is especially great to see the young families and youth present. I only wish more of the congregation would participate in the fellowship time that Wednesday night provides.

A great opportunity to connect to the Louisa community comes Friday night with the Trunk of Treats. I hope you have participated in some way. I look forward to seeing many of you there as we just share a little bit of compassion and care with the young families of the community.

Blessings!

Time for tests

Jacob, my thirteen year old, has been studying for his nine week exams this week. Teachers have been giving him guidance into what to study and how to prepare. It's a new adventure for him.

The church in many ways is undergoing its own "tests:"

• The test of unity during these trying days of pastoral transition. Many churches struggle with staying focused on what is most important when they are looking for a pastor. It is easy to get sidetracked down rabbit trails and emotional journeys. There is nothing wrong with sharing emotions, but it is important to remember John 13-17 during these days. The disciples were about to lose their leader, and Jesus's charge to them in his prayer in chapter 17 is to stay focused on the one purpose for which we are called - be one!  

• The test of financial commitment when it is without a pastor. It is not uncommon during days without a pastor that people think not much is happening without a pastor so we can just stop giving or at least cut back. I always remind people that the test really is not about your financial commitment to the church, but your commitment to what the Lord is doing in your life and how your gifts to the Kingdom work of the church are expressed through that commitment.

• The test of participation - I am surprised how many people think that since the pastor is gone, their participation is not that important. But really you are tested as a church the most during these times. Worship and Bible study become invaluable.

• The test of consumerism - Many of our churches are caught up in trying to become all things to all people, but God really calls us to be the church He has gifted us to be. it concerns me when people come to church with the attitude of what has the church done for me lately. What is a better question? What am I doing with my gifts and abilities to build up the body of Christ?

• The test of seeking God's direction and face - When will we ever learn that it is not about what "I want," but instead who is God leading us to become?

 

I know there are lots more tests going on. I have two questions going on in my mind - What are the tests Louisa is facing during this interim time? What tests are you facing personally? How are you doing with your tests?

Roaming thoughts for October 26

What a joy it is to serve alongside you during this time of transition for the congregation! I enjoy your positive spirit and your encouragement for each other and for me.

I will only be with you on the Sundays and Wednesdays, but you are “in good hands” during the week. Paige and Murphy will be providing excellent leadership and pastoral care to you. Please do not hesitate, though, during the week to email me at ken.kessler@vbmb.org or even call my office at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, 804-915-2454. I may not be able to answer immediately, but I will get to you as soon as possible.

I heard some great words from Dave Ramsey, the Christian financial leader, when he spoke at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta two weeks ago. He spoke about The Five Enemies of Unity. Ramsey stated that the five enemies are:

·         Poor Communication

·         Unbridled Gossip

·         Unresolved disagreements

·         Lack of Shared Purpose

·         Sanctioned Incompetence

I want to explore each of these five in the weeks ahead in this column. As we work together over the next few months, we want to keep these “enemies” away.

For those of you who are into computers, I plan to establish a blog for our time together also. I will give you the web address next week, and hope you will contribute comments as the weeks go by.

Blessings!