“All great soul-winners have been men of much and mighty prayer, and all great revivals have been preceded and carried out by persevering, prevailing knee-work in the closet.”
-Samuel Logan Brengle
Listen to today’s Ponder Cast here: Ponder Cast #11
We (my family) are under farewell.
In Salvation Army terminology we were given marching orders, and soon those orders will come to fruition.
It is, as it usually is, bittersweet. It reminds me, as an Officer, that this life and calling is at times very transitory.
It seems that we could claim that famous line from Robert Frost that says,
“But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep”
(Stopping by Woods on a snowy evening)
For it seems to me that this journey within this uniform is often times met with both laughter and tears, sorrow and joy, the swell of jubilation and the crash of brokenness…all rolled into one. Those words of Jesus often resound in my head like I was there that day listening to them, hanging on them, and making them mine – “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)… We as Salvationists who have accepted this calling as Officers of The Salvation Army, literally live within borrowed homes and it seems all so temporary. It is not that we are attempting to do the impossible and assume the very existence of Christ, but within the covenant that we have signed and in the sacrificial lives that we are to accept, there is certainly this element of homelessness that embodies transitions such as these.
I am, perhaps feeling a little bit melancholy today.
For the boxes are piling up in the garage.
The paintings and photographs are now bubble wrapped and in the ready.
The children’s art work that used to adorn the refrigerator and would often times overflow onto the surrounding cabinet in a cacophany of paint splashes and vibrant colors reflecting child-like creative expression, has now been carefully folded and packaged beneath plastic bins containing other family keepsakes.
The quarters, the house that we have occupied for nearly four years is becoming vacant and echos of emptiness fill both my ears and my heart. There are, however, still ghosts which linger here. Mere memories of events hosted, and parties with favors and paper streamers strewn everywhere. These ghosts hover upon my memories today. They fill the void of these now empty rooms as lists of cleanings and briefs and a litany of other concerns flood in before the final goodbyes take place. 
This is, to be certain, a unique calling to undertake.
We can sometimes, with rose colored glasses, peer into “Officership” and see only the adventures and the “win the worlds for Jesus'”, but often times it does come with a price. There are trade offs. We don’t ever take for granted what is provided to us, for certainly we are taken care of (far more than yesteryear where officers wouldn’t even have a paycheck for nearly a year if times were hard) and our families are supported rather well. We are blessed to see this level of support. No, we do not take this for granted, but despite our best efforts, these transitions, these farewells and marching orders do take a toll. The transition (which may as well be some sort of holiness movement’s version of purgatory) can sometimes leave us stepping from one appointment over the deep dark, scary crevice of limbo and uneasiness. It is the letting go of hands that you have ministered to for the last four years and have invested countless hours in…those hands will be holding onto another shepherd (very qualified I am positive of by the way)…and as you let go, there in the other direction is another group of hands of people to minister to lead and disciple (they too have been shepherded by very capable hands as well). This is certainly a unique place to stand at the moment. I am currently staring into the empty room that once occupied so much…our bags are all packed, and yet there is a burden and an ache as I write these words today. 
Some have wisely said that if we didn’t feel this burden and ache as you leave then perhaps there might be something wrong. If this is true, then something is certainly right with me today. Each place of ministry is unique. It is an adventure. It is, often times, a leap of faith. I do sometimes struggle with this full-submission in the calling. It’s not so much that I don’t trust God as to where He will place our next step…but perhaps I just don’t trust people as much as I should…perhaps I am still learning to trust leaders and leadership of any kind.
Honestly, the life of an Officer in the Salvation Army is rewarding, but there are the heartaches as well…maybe that’s what Jesus was talking about when said those words to those He was calling to follow Him:
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Manhas no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:57-62)
I’m really not trying to look back today.
I’m ready…?!?
It’s daunting…But Jesus is strong to deliver, He IS mighty to save, mighty to save!
And so we go, and we go in faith.
This sacrificial life is not easy, but then again nothing is easy if it’s worth it…and I know it’s worth it!
Something more to ponder today as I go back and pack some more boxes.
To God be the glory!
General William Booth’s last words were “Others”.
Give this podcast a listen today “Others” Podcast
May we be continually challenged by the Holy Spirit to serve others and share the good news of Salvation with them where ever we go!
Dear Salvationists, dear fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ…
let me ask you two questions –
Is there a cost to discipleship?
Are we called to make sacrifices?
The answer to both of these questions is “Yes”.
Check out our latest “Ponder Cast” – #9 “Setting Our Sights”
Please share our Ponder Casts, and also please subscribe!
Our Scripture Focus today is:
Luke 9:57-62 “As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the [a]air have [b]nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Let me be vulnerable with you for a moment.
We have a son who struggles with disabilities.
He has some severe educational challenges coupled with ADHD.
One might say, “oh, well they have medication for that kind of thing”…and you’re right, but did you know that usually when providing medications for ADHD it’s a crap-shoot as to what will ACTUALLY work? Did you also know that there are some severe side-effects to these medications? Some even have long term effects that only exhibit themselves later in life through health problems. Our son has always been extremely sensitive to medication. We tried some of the ADHD medications, one made our son as high as a kite. Another led our son to have extreme bouts of anxiety that forced us to consult a counselor.
He’s a great kid. He’s extremely creative, and he’s also very sensitive about it even if he doesn’t let on that he is. He also privately suffers from anxiety and depression because of it.
I don’t say this to make you feel sorry for us, I just want you to understand what I’m about to say.
One moment in particular still strikes the protective parent chord in me. We were attending a required army event. We were all at this meeting including our son. You have to understand that children with ADHD have difficulty sitting still for prolonged periods of time…it gets better with age, but it does take a. lot. of. time. Anyway, back to the meeting. There wasn’t a youth track for this event, and so all of the families were to sit through a three hour meeting…in ADHD time this is the equivalent of a year sitting in an uncomfortable chair.
Our son became rowdy and restless even with various distractions provided for him. Finally, after another restless shuffle in a metal chair and a very loud exhale of frustrated breath, a soldier seated in front of us turns around and looked at us and our son with daggers in her eyes and a dirty look on her face. Not a word was said, but words weren’t needed, we knew what she wanted to convey to us and we weren’t all too happy about the situation either. It was at this point that we took our son out of the meeting despite the “required” attendance. I wish I could say that this was the first time this has happened…it wasn’t. I also wish I could say that it will never happened again…I can’t. We struggle. It’s not easy. Perhaps some of you out there with kids who struggle with ADHD and/or other special circumstances can relate and understand.
Give Special Needs Kids A Break! 
Churches and Corps should be sensitive to families who have children with special needs. Don’t just assume anything. Please don’t judge or condemn. If you happen to have new families come and visit your corps building who have kids who seem disruptive please don’t automatically judge them and assume that their parents don’t know how to control them. Please respond with compassion and care. Perhaps help if you can. Some parents would really welcome the help…trust me on this. Please don’t lecture us either, we are trying, we really are!
Our current corps has a child who attends with his family who is autistic.
His father really, really tries. He’s a single father…and he needs a break.
This child might not fully understand what he does, but he knows that he is loved in our corps.
He might be disruptive from time to time, but our corps members help out with this child.
Are there any churches who are completely capable to handle special needs children? I doubt there are many…but there are many patient, and compassionate soldiers and church members out there who could help, and usually do help.
So What?
Why do I write this today?
What’s my point?
My point is this:
Don’t judge or presume to know what parents with special needs kids are going through if you yourself haven’t been there. Perhaps instead of judging, which takes much less of a concerted effort, you could help. Try to be compassionate and understanding. Yes, we go to church to listen to the message and get blessed but so do these parents who have special needs kids, and most of the time they only get half of a service. Church is not only about the message and “getting blessed” it’s also about being the hands and feet of Christ. It’s also about being a united community helping one another along in the faith.
So I guess what I’m saying is be aware of kids who might have special needs.
Don’t just pigeon hole them and label them as disruptive, disrespectful children.
They need our understanding…and so do their parents.
Give them a break!
Something more to ponder today!
Here are some links to check out:
Church helps Special needs
Additional Helps
Sometimes I wonder if Church, the way it is right now, is the way Christ intended it to be. What I mean is, over time the early “Christians” met in houses and broke bread together, sang some songs of praise and prayed together…but soon the incorporation of “things” and “elements” within those worship settings were added. These things and elements aren’t a bad thing, but what if those things and elements begin to shape our worship so much so that now we have actually lost some of what “Church” was supposed to be in the first place? What if Church has become so mainstream and so institutionalized that we have lost some of its initial significance and power?
Ear Phones, Tangles & Church
If you’re anything like me you probably have some of these:
lying around your home.
They are really pesky to keep straightened out.
They can become easily tangled by just putting them down on the kitchen counter or in the dreaded pocket of your jeans. Undoing the tangles on these earbuds is a necessity in order to use them properly. If we allow them to remain tangled or if we yank them apart in frustration we will most likely break them.
This simple illustration is kind of how I see the Church today.
We’re often times just a big, frustrating tangled mess.
We have allowed some elements and even the institutionalization of the Church to become so embroiled in complications, rituals and non-biblical traditions that these sacred cows have entangled us and restrained us from experiencing what true “Church” is all about.
We think that everything points to what we do on Sunday morning in our very rigid “bulletin” format.
We think that what we do in these elements is what matters most…but if nothing translates from ritual to spiritual disciplines and real life application in our lives, then it is all for naught.
So…perhaps instead of tightening our rigid formats in worship we need to undo them.
Perhaps part of the dwindling attendances on Sundays has less to do with “worship styles” and “cultural distractions” and more to do with our complicated worship practices and formats.
I am not saying that we toss the baby out with the bath water…but perhaps the bath water is tired, dirty and cold, if you know what I mean. Why do we do what we do on Sundays? Is it because that’s the way we’ve always done it? Is it because this is what feels comfortable to us? Is it because we’re mandated by the powers that be to conduct our services this way? Are we so tangled up in complicated knots that we wouldn’t even want our families who don’t go to church to come to our services?
4 Ways we miss the mark:
1. Beating the same, tired, broken drum. 
I won’t beat up on traditional music, there is still a place for it.
Music is vital, but it is not our focal point in worship. It ought to lead the worshiper towards what God is saying…it should never be a performance to show off the talents of the few. The drum we beat that is tired and old actually lies in our format of worship. There is this sort of rigid format that we follow every Sunday where we always have the message at the end, and before that we sing a song, and before that we have the bible reading…and so on. It’s a worn and beaten path. It gets old. It’s a tired and broken drum. Sometimes I believe we lose the significance of our worship if we don’t change things up. I believe that we can lose new comers, not because of the content of our service, but because of how we – the long timers – respond to it in our own hearts and expression. If the drum is broken, if worship is mundane and uninteresting, if we just keep plodding along like a tired mule on a familiar path, then, perhaps it’s time to change.
We also miss the mark many times because –
2. We fear change so we lag behind
We don’t want to upset the apple cart.
We don’t want to “break with tradition” even when “tradition” has nothing to do with the true origins of Christian worship. So, because of this fear of changing, we drag our feet for as long as possible. This is just one more rung in the clumpy, tangled mess of the church. Sometimes it’s not so much culture that is prodding us to change and adapt, but it is the Holy Spirit who is doing the prodding. Even then, the steeped traditions and tired drums keep being played without so much as a cadence change. Our fear of change as a body of believers might be the death of us. I might receive some negative criticism for this, but I believe it doesn’t make it less true. I have said it before and I will say it again that I despise the phrase “We have never done it that way before” …which sometimes translates as “We’re not about to try either!”
Perhaps, in the undoing of church, we ought to be less fearful of change and more fearful of not changing and adapting as the Lord leads us.
3. We fear change in our church because of what denominational leaders might think 
Dare I say that “undoing the church” isn’t only about addressing the fear of change, but it is also about addressing this misguided notion about fear of what institutional and denominational leadership might think. I am not advocating anarchy or rebellion against leadership, in fact, for the most part, God has placed leaders in those positions for specific tasks and they should be honored and respected…but…if we spend so much time pleasing our leaders and worrying about what THEY will think or say, I believe we will have lost our way and will have only added to the tangled mess that is the church today. Yes, denominational leaders set the vision and motivation for the churches but we in those churches must meet the communities in which we live. We must be innovators of the Word of God. We must please God and fear Him above all else. We must move when He asks us to move. We must change when He prods us to adjust.
4. Our focus is inward instead of outward
Another way in which we miss the mark is the internal focus of our mission.
We, as a church, can become so internally focused that we lose the great commission unless it means the “lost” come to our doors. I find this inward focus to be extremely entangling and detrimental to our mission as a church! We must be welcoming of new comers to our worship services, while at the same time be community focused and attempting to serve the needs of others. Sometimes, when our church has been a long-time established we can have this air about us…that we are “amazing” and think “why wouldn’t people want to come to us?“; or even ask condescendingly (God forbid we ever say this) “well those people really wouldn’t fit in here!” Do cliques occur in church? I wish I could say “no” but as sure as they exist in schools, they are in church as well! Sometimes these cliques are inclusive of new members and many times (without saying so) they are not. We miss the mark of true “Church” when we lose the love of the “outsiders” and instead insulate ourselves inside our own glass bubbles.
If we are to “undo” Church, we will need to adjust these issues, and untangle our hearts.
Perhaps we must revamp our worship services even though we fear change.
Perhaps we must question why we do the things we do and what real significance they actually play in leading others to Christ and into a deeper relationship with Him! If we beat the same drum and refuse to undo church, we could face church extinction…I don’t say that as a threat, it’s just simply the truth…and sometimes the truth hurts.
Something more to ponder today!
God bless you!
I am drawn to this vital topic like a bug to a floodlight.
It speaks intimately to my heart.
This topic hits me directly, and at times I am found wanting and in need of some fixing.
Our First Flock.
As a pastor and officer of The Salvation Army there is a lot that goes on in our ministries.
We are busy people and everyone is in need of our time, advice, and shepherding.
Sometimes it can take a toll on your life if you do not take time to replenish and rest.
I am not saying disconnect yourself from the flock, but find intentional times when you can simply get away and rest. Pastoring is not easy. It has its blessings and is certainly fulfilling when lives are touched and transformed…but the pastor’s life is also like having a big red target painted on you as well. If something should happen to go wrong in the church – blame the pastor…if sin is confronted (appropriately and biblically with grace) and some people choose to leave the church because of it – it’s the pastor’s fault that numbers are now down on Sundays. There are times when the flock will take out its pain and distress on the pastor.
Be aware that despite perceived successes and failures in ministries that you have been called not by the deacon or by a supervisor or by a divisional/territorial leader – but firstly and most importantly – you have been called by God. Be faithful to that calling above everything else.
With that clearly said, let me poke at a sensitive topic in my life and I’m sure yours as well.
Your Immediate Family – Is Your First Flock!
Yesterday, I took my boys out to camp.
We are in the process of moving and currently our time is predominately occupied with boxes, transportation logistics, writing farewell briefs…in other words our house has currently been turned upside down. Honestly, I haven’t been thinking much about what my boys might be going through in all of this. I have been so consumed with packing and cleaning and preparing that my children have sort of been forgotten.
Anyway back to camping.
We left the house, got into the van and pulled out of town as we headed out to our divisional Salvation Army camp. (It’s about an hour and a half from our house) That night on the way (I had already packed our fishing poles) I bought some worms and as soon as we arrived at camp we headed straight for the lake. The sun was just setting as a few fire blazed clouds floated through the sky…it was a perfect evening. As I sat there on the dock, by the lake, some of the stresses and concerns just seemed to melt away. I looked over at my boys as they disturbed the tranquil waters with lines baited with worms and neon bobbers, and my heart just swelled with a feeling a love for them. Momentarily, in the midst of all of our pastorly duties, responsibilities, frustrations AND PACKING, we had begun to starve our first flock – our kids. I had been guilty of neglecting their feelings, their concerns, even their spiritual well being. Sitting there on that dock fishing and talking with them about life and what was happening in school, I reconnected with my first flock. I reconnected with my heart again…not that I don’t minister as an Officer with my heart, but when there is a disjunctive note at home, the heart can not fully be in tune. That moment fishing with my boys is something that I will always cherish…and I don’t want to miss out on any other moments that I have with them. I don’t want to starve my first flock anymore.
Before you became a pastor and was given the responsibility of tending the church flock, you had a family as well (at least most of you do, I would imagine). If you are raising children and have a spouse – you cannot neglect this first flock!
Some might argue that we shouldn’t differentiate between the flock at church and the flock at home, but I disagree. After all, for the most part, the flock at church doesn’t live in your house. They are not as intimately acquainted with you as your family is. These important people in your life need to know that they matter to you! If you hole up in your office for 60 hours a week and they hardly ever see you, perhaps it’s time to reorganize your priorities. Perhaps it’s time to get your heart back in tune again. Your first flock needs you! It’s not an ego trip to say that they need you…you aren’t superman or superwoman, but your kids deserve to have a Mom and a Dad who are physically there for them. They deserve to know you care for them, that you take time for them, that you want to be there when they achieve certain milestones in life.
Don’t starve your first flock!
You only have about eighteen years to feed this first flock the appropriate spiritual and physical nourishment that they will need to live godly lives. Don’t neglect this time! Don’t regret not doing enough. Don’t count solely of Sunday School teachers and other mentors to do your job. These instrumental people are a support to the family, but they are not the parents that your children need. Don’t starve your first flock!
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!
A new Ponder Cast is up entitled (here is the hyperlink) “Getting Over It” check it out!
Do you still harbor anger and bitterness towards someone?
Have you ever been hurt by people and you have struggled to forgive let alone let go?
Jesus asks us to forgive our enemies.
Could it be that in our forgiving others we release the burdens and the baggage in our own lives that we have held onto for far too long? I believe that forgiveness is the start of living again. It is when we do not harbor the ugly bitterness and rage that God can begin to fill us once again with something beautiful. Are you prepared to get over it?
Dear Salvationists this applies for all of us today!
We cannot be a functioning Army for the Lord while holding grudges and struggling with unforgiveness in our hearts. We must seek reconciliation, we have to get over it so that we can move on!
Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Dear Bitterness (a poem)
I’ve journeyed with you too long my friend
You have eaten too much of my soul
With great energy I labored on
and you were always a burden on me.
I’ve journey with your icy stare
your knives as sharp as razor blades
I never knew how deep they cut
Nor how long I’ve harbored this rage
I’ve journeyed with your heavy weight
that forced me ever to my knees
I’ve feasted on your bitter roots
my sanguine meal both night and day.
But I’m finally ready.
I’m ready to let this go.
I’m ready to say goodbye
I don’t need you anymore
I’ve clutched too tightly onto this
it has killed my soul
It has poisoned my heart
It has held me back for far too long…
Dear bitterness…you don’t own me anymore
I am no longer your prisoner
I am no longer your whipping boy
And so I say farewell
I choose to forgive
I choose grace
I choose to be free.
Something more to ponder today!
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God Bless you today!
Discipleship leads to holiness.
Holiness is the intentional shift from self to becoming the very reflection of Christ.
If we are to hear the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our lives we need to be discipled into a deeper faith.
The Problem:
There are a lot of baby Christians who have never taken the next step.
Some have decided, whether because of low self esteem or doubts in the possibility of their personal growth, that this is as good as it gets. Some simply get saved and maintain the same level of commitment to Christ. It might not be intentional, as I’ve already stated, it might be because they just aren’t convinced growth is possible for them. Sometimes relinquishing perceived “freedom” is the issue. If the new convert were to commit further they fear they would lose their personal identities or have to give up the things they love to do the most in life.
The Question:
Is Your Corps Designed To Disciple?
I don’t mean is your corps prepared to add another program to its already extremely bloated schedule.
I mean, is it remotely possible that discipleship and/or mentoring younger Christians can happen today in your corps? Are there older Christians who are mature in their faith who can take younger soldiers under their wing? Are we actually serious about training the next generation of Soldiers to become the leaders of our corps…not only to become leaders but to be properly equipped Disciples of Christ?
We are good at talking about discipleship, but do we really know how to disciple?
Sure, it looks great on paper. It tickles the ears of our leadership at DHQ…but are we actually serious about it?
The questions that always trip us up:
Who will teach?
How much time will it take away from our other ministries?
Will it make a difference?
Are we equipped to disciple?
Where do we even begin?
Attached are a few resource links to check out:
Click to access Discipleship%20Handbook-Instructor.1.pdf
Making a Disciple
How To Disciple
What is Discipleship?
Don’t be afraid to keep it simple…we don’t need to over complicate things when it comes to discipling our soldiers and adherents. It’s not that they won’t understand these things, it’s just that by keeping it simple and practical we will show our soldiers and adherents that discipleship is possible!
Discipleship makes holiness possible.
If we have better equipped soldiers in our corps wehave a stronger corps.
If we have committed disciples who are in turn discipling others, we will be laying a firm foundation for the next generation to follow! 
3 Steps To Help Your Corps Disciple:
1. Be in Prayer!
Emphasize prayer for your corps family.
Don’t neglect this vital tool.
Pray in your own personal time with the Lord about discipling and who to disciple.
2. Listen!
Don’t just talk to God, listen to Him.
Hear what He is saying. Listen to those in your corps as well. Hear their needs. Hear the promptings of the Spirit to help you mentor those who need mentoring. When we stop talking and start listening we will find that God has already put people in our path who need discipling.
3. Teach!
I don’t just mean opening up a book.
I mean lead by example.
Take a member of your corps out for coffee.
Spend time with them and share with them the principles of Christian living.
There are numerous resources out there that you can use. There are some wonderful workbooks…BUT KEEP IT SIMPLE! There is no need to inundate your people with overly complicated homework and requirements. Don’t make it a classroom, make it life.
Don’t make it another corps program to attend, make it feel like home as you attempt to lead your corps members into a deeper, more substantive faith in Christ.
Is your corps designed to disciple?
If it is, will you comment on this article and tell us how your corps does it?
If your corps doesn’t, will you also indicate this in the form of a comment?
All questions are welcome, and we can explore the answers together!
Something more for our Army world to ponder today!
To God be the glory!
Dear Salvationists and Friends,
Sometimes we say phrases that perhaps just roll of the tongue.
Sometimes there isn’t much meaning behind them.
It’s more of a cordial welcome phrase “hello how are you” and we never expect much back from the recipient other than “I am fine, thanks!”
Have we ever truly thought about the phrases that we say…I mean really?
Is the phrase – “Everything happens for a reason” really true in all aspects of life?
I recently wrote about this phrase and three others that you can read here: Christian Phrases That We Should Stop Saying
It was also recently featured on Salvationist.ca
Give this Ponder Cast #7 Click here a listen, please subscribe and share it with your friends!
To God be the glory!
Pastor's Ponderings 