Made for Ministry

This one will challenge you! You were made for ministry, not to sit on the sidelines. Christians are called to be servants. Listen and let me know what you think.

Made for Ministry

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Vacation Surprise

          Vacation is a great time of relaxation and renewal.  It is always good to get away from the normal routine, spend time with your family, and recharge the batteries.  My family along with Mom and Dad just returned from vacation Saturday.  We expected to return relaxed and renewed, however, what we found upon return left us humbled.  You see we missed the big storms that rolled through Waynesboro this week.  We had talked to several people back here at home and knew the extent of the damage left in the storms wake.  Fortunately, our homes were spared any damage from the winds, however, we expected to come home and have plenty of work to do cleaning up from all the scattered debris.

            We were absolutely taken aback when we pulled in to our driveway and saw that all the branches blown from the trees had been removed!  As we began to question our neighbors about what had taken place we soon discovered that members of our GREAT church family had taken it upon themselves to clean up for us while we were away.  You guys are awesome and an example of what church actually means.

            Thank You to the Sam Haines and Ronnie Mathis Families!  (For those of you who don’t know, these great people are Sam, Angel, Samantha and Cooper Haines, Ronnie, Shelia, Zack, Cassie, and Dawson Mathis.)

You make me proud to be a part of the family of God in Waynesboro.

Pure Religion

One fault of mine is the tendency to want to complicate things. I see a problem and immediately seek to solve it with some grandiose plan of action when often the solution is simple and not so glamorous. We see this in government a lot, some issue comes before our consciousness, and our leaders immediately want to add new cabinet position or appoint a czar to oversee the issue. We have this tendency in the church as well, each problem demands a committee with deacon involvement and elder oversight with the preacher extolling its virtues from the pulpit. James’ view of the work of the church was much different. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”(James 1:27) According to James, if we are serious about our commitment to God then when we see a need we take measures to fill that need. A widow who is in need of food doesn’t have time to wait for the committee to be formed, she needs food now! A homeless child shouldn’t have to spend one more night on the street if a Christian man or woman becomes aware of their plight.

Religion that God accepts is faith in action. Paul puts it this way, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6b) Our love for God and our faith in Christ is shown by how we care for those around us. It matters how we treat one another and it matters how we treat those in our community. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him?” (James 2:14)

Programs and committees are necessary for the church to function and carry out the mission of God.However, we must never be lulled into a state of personal inaction because of their presence. Christians are called to act! “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:18)

Mitchell

GraceConversation.com

A new blog that should interest everyone, especially those of you who are members of the Churches of Christ, is GraceConversation.com.  This blog is self-described as "A conversation regarding the disagreements that separate the conservative and progressive branches of the churches of Christ." 



It's participants are Jay Guin, an elder at the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, AL and author of the blog One in Jesus; Todd Deaver, (son of Mac Deaver and grandson of Roy Deaver) minister for the Oliver Springs Church of Christ, author of the blog Bridging the Grace Divide and the book Facing our Failure: The Fellowship Dilemma in Conservative Churches of Christ; Phil Sanders, author of the blog Phil Answers and evangelist with In Search of the Lord's Way; and Gregory Tidwell a columnist for the Gospel Advocate and the minister for the Fishinger and Kenny Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio.



The conversation has already started so check it out.  You can even get in on the conversation yourself by commenting on each of the posts.

Technorati Tags: blog,debate,unity,fellowship

Perspective

We have all been there, you pass someone in the hallway on the way to bible class, you flash them your best “have a great day” smile and nothing, they act as if they didn’t even see you! My favorite is when you have been up all night with a sick child yet somehow find the strength to go to worship only to have someone snidely remark, “Man, you look awful!” THANK YOU!

It would make a huge difference in how we relate to each other if we all had an electronic sign on our forehead that flashed a status report of how we were feeling and why. This way as I approach you in the hallway I would know that you were preoccupied because you just learned a friend had been diagnosed with cancer. Instead of flashing a smile and expecting one in return, I could offer a reassuring hug and promise of prayer. Instead of telling someone how bad he or she looks after pulling an “all nighter,” we could encourage them by commenting on their dedication for even making the effort to show up.

Very rarely does a person set as their goal to hurt another’s feelings, especially in the church family. Yet it happens all too often. The reason is perspective. We cannot see things from another person’s perspective unless we actually know what is on their mind and even then, it is extremely difficult.

Stephen Covey, author of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” uses this story about himself to illustrate how getting to know someone changes your perspective of their behavior. As he was traveling home on a commuter train, he noticed a father and three small children enter the train at one of its frequent stops. The father sat down across the aisle from him, leaned his head back against the window, and closed his eyes. The children, however, never took a seat and commenced running up and down the aisle and generally terrorizing the entire train car. Having been “bothered” by their behavior for too long and the father seemingly ignoring their antics, Covey spoke to the man saying, “Sir, don’t you think you should control your children? Some people have had hard work days and would like some quiet time before facing their own children.” The man woke from his daze and immediately apologized saying, “I’m sorry. We just came from the hospital and I guess I am a little distracted. Their mother just died. I don’t think they quite know how to act.” Everyone on the train who, moments before, were bothered by the children were now actively trying to help this man in his time of need.

What a difference it makes when we know the “why” behind the way someone is acting. The next time someone passes you by, makes a snide comment, or just makes you mad, ask yourself, “What could possibly be going on in their life that I could do to encourage them?” Instead of burning with anger or feeling slighted, make it a point to pray for them.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

"New" Ministers at Waynesboro

During the past few months we have had several men interview for the position of minister at Waynesboro. I have no doubt that most of these men will go on to other congregations and make great ministers in God's kingdom. However, God seemed to have different plans for the Waynesboro church of Christ. Our community has already been hit hard by the current recession and the members of our congregation are no exception. The elders are acutely aware of the current situation and desired to come to a solution that would continue the forward progress we have experienced in our congregation as well as address the realities of current economic conditions. The overriding theme in all the elders discussions was how do we fill our needs for a new minister while continuing to minister to our community at our present commitment level in the face of ever increasing need. Sunday the elders at Waynesboro officially made a decision concerning the future of the church and who will lead its ministry. Instead of hiring one person the elders hired two men who will each serve in their own niche of ministry.

Three weeks ago the elders hired Bobby Pinckley to serve as our Visitation Minister while we searched for a new minister, this ministry was made a permanent position on Sunday. As many of you know, Bobby served as the Pulpit Minister at Waynesboro for many years before retiring; after a period of retirement Bobby became restless and began preaching again at the Beacon congregation. A few months ago Bobby retired again and returned to Waynesboro only to be offered his present position. We are blessed to have Bobby Pinckley serving in Waynesboro again and I look forward to working with him into the future.

Also on Sunday, the elders made the announcement that I would become the Pulpit Minister. The elders desire that I continue the Family Life Ministry that originally brought me back to Waynesboro while assuming the responsibilities of the pulpit. I grew up in Waynesboro and this congregation is my home. I am so excited about this new opportunity as well as for the future of the Waynesboro Church of Christ.

Bobby and I are excited about the future of the Waynesboro Church of Christ. Working together for the past three weeks, we have seen the possibilities that this type of ministry arrangement can produce. Together we ask for your help and your prayers.

Mitchell

Technorati Tags: evangelism,Family Life Ministry,Waynesboro,visitation,church of Christ

CYC '09 - Fellowship, Friends, and Fun

Christian Youth Conference is an annual event that takes place in Gatlinburg, TN put on by members of the churches of Christ.  This year was my first year attending CYC and the first year that the church at Waynesboro has ever sent a group, it will not be our last.  CYC was a positive and motivating experience for everyone who attended, not just the young people.  I highly recommend that you make plans now to attend next year.

Our trip afforded us with many opportunities I never imagined at first.  My first surprise was running into so many of you who are regular readers of this blog.  It was great to finally meet you all!  Blogging has added a new dimension to my ministry and has expanded my circle of friends (more about blogging in a few days).

We left Waynesboro on Thursday afternoon immediately following school, with the time change encountered as we hit east Tennessee is was past midnight when we finally got to our cabin.  This was the first "bonus" of the weekend, our cabin was awesome!  This thing was nice, it was big, and it had a pool table, air hockey, and foosball table; the kids (and some of the adults) kept those things hot all weekend!  Friday morning we all got ready and went to eat breakfast at the Log Cabin Restaurant (I recommend the Caribbean pancakes).  Following breakfast we went up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg for some ice skating, we had a blast.  The rest of the day the kids and ladies all walked the streets of downtown Gatlinburg for the all important shopping session.  My friend, Sam Haines, and I hung out in lieu of shopping and just talked; we learned a lot about each other and became closer friends as a result.  Friday night was the first session of CYC and it started with a bang!  My favorite part was the singing, very moving!

Saturday was an early morning as we were in session by 8:00 AM for more motivational speakers and awesome singing until the lunch break at 11:30 AM.  We were so wore out from the day of travel on Thursday and our all day fun fest on Friday that we went back to the cabin, ordered pizza for lunch and basically "vegged out" the entire afternoon.  Saturday nights session of CYC was the best, more great singing capped off by a sermon by Lonnie Jones.  Lonnie is always great and this night he was exceptional.  I don't think I'll ever forget his story about the snake and the .45 pistol!  Hilarious! (Ask me or one of the others and we will be more than glad to share it with you.)  After the session we were invited to one of our Wayne County sister congregation's cabin for a devotional. (Collinwood's group was also invited.)  This was a great way to cap off the night, Clifton was a great host and this was a spectacular way of promoting unity within neighboring congregations.  I love all the brethren at Clifton and Collinwood, both congregations have been good to me and I always love speaking for them.  Hopefully, our efforts toward unity will continue and God will be glorified as a result.  Jake Wilbanks, one of Collinwood's teenagers and my cousin, spoke at the devotional.  I was taken aback by Jake's speaking ability!  He did an outstanding job and I pray that he continues to use his talents for the Lord.

Sunday Morning we again woke up early as we were hosting a worship service at our cabin.  Clifton's group came over to join us in worship as well as Will Tidwell and three students from Heritage Christian University.  Wes, one of the HCU students led singing for us, Jeff, another HCU student, led us in prayer, as well as Chad Love from Clifton.  I enjoyed speaking for the group in such a loving atmosphere.  We shared a meal and laughter before worship and the family feeling just seemed to carry over into the service.  It was great!

CYC provided an awesome opportunity for everyone involved to grow spiritually.  The structure of the conference provided the main spiritual food, however, the part I enjoyed the most was the fellowship with friends and learning more about my brothers and sisters in Christ.  If your congregation doesn't attend CYC then take it upon yourself to organize the trip next year, I guarantee it will be a huge success.  If you had the opportunity but didn't take it this year be sure not to miss it next year.  Just some "sage" advice from a one year CYC "veteran!"

Technorati Tags: blog,faith,Family Life Ministry,unity,youth,worship

Forward Progress

In ministry the constant struggle is to maintain forward progress. As an old friend of mine was fond of saying, "You are either green and growin' or you are ripe and rotten." This is especially true in the life of a congregation of God's people, once you stop moving forward the downward spiral soon follows. The elders at Waynesboro are especially aware of this and as a result they have always been vigilant about maintaining the forward progress of the congregation.

This past Sunday the elders made a decision which will help keep the congregation moving forward during this interim period while we search for a new minister. As most everyone knows, when Matthew moved the elders appointed me as the interim Pulpit Minister asking me to continue in my role as Family Life Minister and taking on the responsibility of filling the pulpit each week. This was a role that I gladly accepted however, it still left a large portion of our regular ministry concerns unmet. It was out of concern for this unmet need that the elders have hired Bobby Pinckley as our new Visitation Minister. Bobby will serve in this position until a final solution is arrived at concerning our ministry situation.

I am so excited about the prospect of working with Bobby! Bobby has been a great influence in my life as well as countless others in this congregation. Bobby's focus as Visitation Minister will be to visit all those in our congregation and community of friends who need encouragement. He will be visiting in the hospitals, the nursing homes, and in the homes of our sick and discouraged members on a regular basis as well as following up with others through telephone calls. The addition of Bobby to our staff will enable the congregation to continue its forward progress.

In order for Bobby to do his job effectively he will need your help. If you know of anyone in the congregation (or connected to our congregation) who needs a visit of encouragement then let him know. Too often people fall through the cracks because no one took the time to let someone know a member or loved one was sick or hurting. If you know someone who is in need of a visit, please don't assume that we already know because we probably do not. You can easily keep us informed by calling or emailing Bobby, Sheryl, or myself. Let's keep moving forward!

Contact Info:

Sheryl - Church office	Bobby Pinckley	Mitchell Skelton
931.722.5520	931.722.3563	931.722.8227
waynesborococ@tds.net	pinckley@netease.net	mskelton@live.com

Unity in Diversity

Conflict and controversy are two sure-fire ways of exciting people into Bible study. Sadly, this kind of fire seldom resolves anything, rarely incites people to go into the world to save the lost, and most often causes division and even congregational splits. Words like "liberal" and "legalist" are discussed in church meetings and brotherhood papers so much that they seem to outnumber words that should be considered like "missions," "saving the lost," and "fellowship." Brethren become "experts" on the topic of discussion, and very often they become "one issue" Christians. If you do not believe as they believe then you are a liberal and therefore must not be fellowshipped. Soon, these brethren try to force their issue into every situation possible and onto every person possible.

Brothers and sisters, it is time for this to end! It is time for the Lord's church to stop majoring in minors. It is time for the Lord's church to complete the mission Jesus set for us and "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

Will there be a time when doctrine is assaulted and needs defending? Sadly the answer is, "Yes." When these cases arise we must unite and defend the faith, but not every issue discussed is a matter of faith or fellowship. Jude wrote to the early Christians concerning this issue saying, "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3). Jude wanted to write a letter of encouragement to Christians to inspire them in their evangelistic efforts, however, because of certain people and problems he was forced to write a letter urging them to be unified.

Unity is not giving up the fight, as some perceive. Unity in diversity is often a phrase that gets tossed around like a hot potato. We should never compromise on the doctrine of Christ, yet who would claim that the Lord's church is not made up of a group of people with diverse beliefs? Paul urged the Christians at Rome to have unity in diversity. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters" (Romans 14:1). In other words, Paul says, accept your brother without giving thought to his differing opinion.

If Christians would strive to do as Jude commands and "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints," then we could do away with much conflict and controversy. Later in Jude, those who cause division are said to have gone the way of Balaam's error. It is interesting that even Balaam, when he listened to God, got things right. "How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8).

When one is seeking to please God and is not violating God's commands, then how can God's people denounce him? Paul says the same thing, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).

Do you agree or can we agree to disagree?

Men's Meeting or Congregational Meeting?

Sunday night the church had a men’s meeting following services. I always get a little nervous before a meeting like this because you never know what might happen. When you meet with the elders, you pretty much have an idea how each one will feel on a given subject but with a group of people this large, you just never know. We have all heard the horror stories of men’s meetings going bad, I once read a newspaper article chronicling the story of one church’s men’s meeting that ended up in a fistfight and people going to jail! Although I have never seen a meeting go wrong like that, and pray that I never will, I have seen people get pretty upset and men leave with hurt feelings that took months to repair. The men’s meeting Sunday night was an example of how Christians should act when we meet together. One of our elders, Terry Bryant, led the meeting and did a fantastic job of relaying information from the elders. Terry also made sure everyone in attendance had a chance to speak. During the course of the meeting there were many great suggestion made and even some thoughts on how to improve some existing ministries. The best part of the meeting which was constant through the entire hour was all the praise and “pats on the back” given to various people for their efforts in working for the Lord. In my opinion, we do not encourage each other as we should. Some people are better at this than others are but we all have the ability and we should not be shy about doing it. All in all this was a very beneficial meeting. The men left with a clearer vision of where the church is heading and people left the meeting feeling appreciated for their efforts.

Some questions I have and would appreciate your thoughts on is, why do we have men only meetings? Do some of you have congregational meetings? Are there any reasons (biblically) why we do not invite women into the meeting? If there are not biblical reasons why, then are we acting properly toward women when we do not invite them? I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Circle of Protection

The Musk Ox seems to have more sense than God's family at times. When faced with danger, musk oxen form a circle with their heads and horns facing outward. In the center of this circle of protection, musk oxen place their young and weak. They gather for mutual protection rather that trying to go out on their own or running away. We can learn a lot from the Musk Ox. When things get tough, we have a tendency to withdraw from those who care for us the most. When trouble comes, instead of coming together to draw on our mutual strength, we stray from the pack and conjure up lame excuses to justify our actions.

We should all remember the old saying, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." As long as we are on this earth, Christians will make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes will be embarrassing, not only to the person themselves but also to the church. Our tendency in such cases is to distance ourselves from the situation. We leave the weak ones outside the circle of protection to fend for themselves. Scripture tells us that we have an obligation to our brothers and sisters in spiritual need. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1, 2).

Young Christians are especially vulnerable to being abandoned in their time of need. Mature Christians should be the first to stand beside a fallen brother or sister. We need not be afraid to admit that we too have stood where they are standing. By doing so, we are not condoning their sin, but rather we are protecting them in a time of weakness. We are showing them that while perfection is not in our lot as humans, maturity is.

Jesus was not afraid to stand beside those who had fallen prey to temptation. In the case of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus stood beside her and became a one man "circle of protection." Not once did Jesus say her actions were acceptable, yet not once did Jesus act as if she was unworthy of his presence. On the contrary, once the protagonists had disappeared, those who delight in the fall of another, Jesus was able to show her the way to repentance. "Jesus declared.”Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11).

Helping God's children in their darkest time of need is as close to being Christ-like as one can get. It was for this purpose that Jesus came to earth, and it is because of our sin that he suffered death on the cross. "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" (1 John 3:16).

Some Things You Just Don't Do

There are some things that you just don't do. "You don't tug on Super Man's cape. You don't spit into the wind. You don't pull the mask off the ole' Lone Ranger and you don't mess around with Jim. (or is it Slim?)"

Seriously, the apostle Paul warned the church in Corinth about a solemn matter that they were to avoid at all costs.

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple" ( 1 Corinthians 3:16,17 NIV).

The Corinthian church was experiencing one of those things you just don't do. You do not destroy God's temple. The devil himself does not have the power to do what man can when it comes to this sphere of influence ( Matthew 16:15-18).

Unity among believers is paramount to Christ, and, therefore, ought to be with us as well ( John 17:21). However, we can entertain a divisive-minded brother too long. Sometimes, as foreign as is may seem, separation from one or a few is necessary to the unity of the many.

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned" ( Titus 3:9-11).

Paul charged the Roman church, concerning matters of opinion, to get along. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" ( Romans 14:19). Therefore, whether it is matters of opinion or matters of faith the biblical response is "do not destroy God's temple."

This seems complicated. We are commanded to separate to preserve unity on one hand and put forth effort to get along on the other. How are we to apply this today?

Notice the words used to describe the situations and persons involved in each situation. On one hand, there is foolish controversy and argument leading to division; the command is to warn once, then a second time, and then avoid. On the other hand, you have a person "weak in faith" ( Romans 14:1) with whom we are commanded to "make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Christians everywhere need to stop and think what is at stake when division or schism arises in the church. "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple" ( 1 Corinthians 3:17).

There are some things you just don't do.

Is that a Hook in your Mouth?

Have you ever noticed how easy being mad at someone is when they are not in your presence and how hard it is to stay mad at them once you come face to face? How many of us have spent countless minutes even hours rehearsing the perfect line that expresses our anger, only to toss is into the “scrap pile” when we finally get the opportunity to deliver?

Perhaps this is why the Hebrew writer encourages us not to “give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25). Even more, he gives us the charge to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). Staying mad at someone is hard as you are simultaneously trying to encourage them. When we practice true fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we also begin to learn more about them. During this learning process we gain valuable knowledge about their conduct and moods. In essence, “We know where they’re coming from.” We are not often too critical of people for irrational or abnormal behavior when they have good reason to act in such a manner.

Imagine a group of fish swimming together in a school. All of them are moving in the same direction with comparable style when suddenly one of them starts destroying the unity. He begins to twist and swerve from side to side with precarious moves. The older fish are annoyed with the nonconformity of this immature adolescent. They show their disapproval while voicing disgust, “We don’t swim like that around here.” Turning to their offspring, they declare, “That type of behavior is totally unacceptable.” Before they can take action against the renegade fish, his thrashing tail disappears at the surface of the lake. A hook in his mouth rather than rebellion in his heart was the cause of all his distasteful activity.1

Sometimes it is hard to accept the actions of another person especially when what they are doing “just isn’t done.” If we follow the advice of the Hebrew writer then we will not have to question the persons’ motives, we will already know about the hook in their mouth.

1 Illustration from “And God Wants People,” Mary Lou Lacy, 1962, p. 35

Waynesboro church of Christ: Full of Faith

This past weekend was quite busy for the Waynesboro church of Christ. Four huge events converged into the “Perfect Storm” of church activities. Kicking off the weekend was a surprise birthday party for Obie Duncan. Obie’s family had a great party to celebrate his 95th birthday. Obie is one of a kind and he deserved that party. Occurring simultaneously with the birthday party was the Mobile Pantry. The Mobile Pantry has become a regular occurrence for the church through our Benevolence Ministry and our partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank. The result of this partnership and the work of our volunteers was that about 150 people from our community were given over 10,000 lbs. of food! Our Benevolence Ministry is the most active ministry in the church as they are constantly helping people in the church and the community who have fallen on hard times. Richard McNabb, Jeff Duren, Charles Hunt, and Jerry Hollis are the deacons who work in this ministry, when you see them give them a pat on the back because they deserve it. As soon as the last boxes of food pulled away from the Fellowship Center, we shifted gears and started working on the next event. Our annual Veterans Day Remembrance was Saturday night and it was a huge success! Over 180 people attended the event highlighted by the fish fry. After eating, we honored the Veterans in attendance with a program put on by our children and each Veteran received a Flag lapel pin as a token of our appreciation. After only two years, this event has become a favorite among our members and the community. One woman told me that her husband (a Veteran) had been looking forward to this event for two months! Sheryl did a phenomenal job in putting this event together, it would have been a good event no matter who did it but because of her, it was great.
After the flurry of activity on Saturday, you would think that everyone would have been excited about going to worship Sunday, not so. Saturday’s excitement turned to Sunday’s gloom in a hurry. No one wanted to see the Morine’s leave Waynesboro and this day evidenced that feeling. Matthew’s sermon on Sunday morning walked us down memory lane bringing laughter and tears. It all ended on Sunday night with a good-bye meal for the Morines. Matthew and Charity loved the scrapbook (thank you Kim Bell and Kristen Duren!); it will bring back great memories for years to come.
I am so proud to be a member of and minister for the Waynesboro church of Christ! This congregation is full of faith as evidenced by the love that we show. This past weekend was a great example of our love for our neighbors as well as our love for each other.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him. “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Stop "Going to Church"

I read an article this weekend written by Al Maxey titled "Being the Church" that got me to thinking about the vocabulary we use to describe things religious. While I don't always agree with Brother Maxey he does place things in front of you that force you to think. This is not a review of his article, just the result of the contemplation it spurred in my own mind.

Undoubtedly you have used or heard used the phrase, "going to Church" or its various forms. We know that when people use this terminology that they are most likely referring to the worship services. Growing up we always "went to Church." It wasn't until I went off to college at Lipscomb that I heard someone (a roommate) consistently identifying the worship for what it is. He was always going to worship or inquiring what time I wanted to get up to get ready to go worship.

I never have thought that getting the terminology correct was that important. My thought has always been that if the people with whom you are communicating understand you then there is no problem. For example, where I live, in Tennessee, if you invite someone to dinner then you have just set up a lunch date. The reason being is because it is common usage in our area to have breakfast, dinner, then supper. But if you ask someone unfamiliar with our regional terminology to go to dinner, they may assume you mean the evening meal. This thought has caused me to reconsider the language I will use when referencing the church and the worship of the church.

You may find yourself asking, "What is the big deal?" Well, it's not a "big" deal but it is a deal. It is not an issue of salvation but proper terminology certainly could give birth to fuller understanding and fuller understanding can lead to a stronger faith. Church is important. In fact, one cannot be saved and be outside the church. All the saved of the world, past and present, make up the church. Man has no say when it comes to the makeup of the church, the bible tells us that those who accept the gospel and are baptized are added to the church. (Acts 2:41) The church's worship of God is necessary but is only one action a Christian participates in as part of their walk with God.

When referencing the church their are several truths we can proclaim; we are the church, we can be a church, the church is made up of the saved, the church can "do" certain things but church is not something we "do," church is a living organism of which we are a part. Worship is one of those things that the church does, We (the church) worship God.

In the mind of many people, the church does not exist outside the confines of the four walls of a "church building." How sad! In actuality, the overwhelming majority of the works of the church takes place (or should) outside the confines of the building. Notice that I inserted the word "should," this is because some congregations (local churches) have either fallen into or purposely followed the way of the language we speak. These congregations indeed "go to church" twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday but when it comes to "being a church" their worship services are often the only evidence to which thay can point. When church becomes something we do instead of something we are, or when worship is the only practice we regularly take part in then we are in a pitiful condition.

Am I naive enough to think that our language is the sole cause of this attitude among us or that a change of terminology alone will miraculously solve the problem? Of course not, but there is validity to the saying, "as a man thinks, so is he." When we "go to church" then what we do when we get there becomes, for some, the very definition of church itself.

Let's stop "going to church" and start worshiping God. Let us stop playing church and start being church.

Meet in the Middle

Just the other day I heard an old song that was once one of my favorite tunes. The song was "Meet in the Middle" by Diamond Rio. The chorus of the song goes something like this (forgive me if this reads a little off key but I have to sing the words in order to write them!);

"I'd start walking your way, You'd start walking mine, we'd meet in the middle 'neath that old Georgia pine. We gain a lot of ground when we both give a little, ain't no road too long when we meet in the middle. I love the way we work it out , thats what love is all about."

As I listened to the song I began thinking about something very near to my heart, the church. I know it might seem strange that a country music song would turn my mind toward the church, but it's true. This song extolls the lengths one will go to to be united with the one they love.
Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus prayed for the unity of believers in that time as well as those in ages to come. Jesus' prayer for Christians was that we would be one so that "the world may believe that you (God) have sent me." (John 17:20-21) I fear that we often ignore, dismiss, or refuse, to work at what Christ deemed to be a vital part of Christianity.

If we truly love each other and the church that brings us together then we will, at the very least, work toward unity. When Paul lists the "seven virtues" in Colossians 3:12-14, he concludes with this statement concerning love and unity; "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." The other virtues we are to put on as Christians are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. It doesn't take too long browsing the various Christian websites, blogs, and message boards on the internet to realize that compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness are all in short supply. If these virtues are missing then it is obvious that love, "which binds them all together," is missing as well. You can find a lot of "lip service" paid to love in these places but what you don't find is the is the evidence of this proclaimed love. Instead of compassion you will find a lack of understanding, instead of kindness there is a mean spirit, instead of humility is pride in position, gentleness is replaced with aggression, and patience with a quick temper. This lack of unity is fostered on both ends of the theological spectrum, conservatives and liberals alike are guilty. Before anyone starts digging into some of my older writings, I will freely admit that, in the past, I have exhibited the same attitude and lack of love that I am presently writing about and I have a great deal of regret concerning this. So what are we to do? Is Christian unity one of those proverbial "pipe dreams" only good for theorizing but not actually achievable?

I submit that we can find the answer in the song I just sang to you, we need to meet in the middle. Our love for Christ and his church should compell us to hit the road walking to meet our Christian brethren in the middle. The middle need not necessarily signify compromise, we cannot compromise concerning the gospel. However, meeting in the middle will require all of us to compromise in things that don't concern salvation. It takes more effort to be a unified body but, if this is what Christ desires, we should all be willing to extend the effort. "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification." (Romans 14:19)

Wouldn't it be an amazing and historic day to see proudly self labeled "conservatives" and "grace-centered" Christians singing, "I love the way we worked it out, that's what love is all about." Let's set aside our labels and work toward unity

Compassionate Care for those Beaten-up by Life

Recently, at church, I was talking to a young, single mother of three small children. After the customary "small talk," I talked to her about what the church could do to help her, at which she began to beam a smile, and proceeded to tell me all the things the church, and several members individually, had already done for her! She finished up our conversation by saying, "This church has a big heart." Needless to say, I was as proud right then as any parent is of a child with a straight "A" report card. Having just started at Waynesboro a few weeks ago I don't yet have knowledge of all the details of our different ministries and thus was not aware of what had been done for this young lady and her family. God has truly been glorified, through the church, in the eyes of this single mother and is it not supposed to be this way?

As we pray for and work toward growth in the body one thing will always happen, the church will change. It's inevitable. We don't have to change in doctrine but the physical make up of the church changes and will reflect the demographics of our community. That means we begin to see more divorced-single parents, more divorced and married again couples, more never married-single parents, etc. As the church, we must be prepared to offer not only the message of Christ but also the compassion of Christ to these people.

If the church is growing, its appearance will change. This could become uncomfortable for some people. Any change is uncomfortable, but when people start to show up who don't "look like us" then a lot of people get figety and fast. While we certainly shouldn't condone sinfulness in anyones life, if we are spreading the message of salvation we will certainly be running into a few people with sin in their life. It was Jesus who said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. . . For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12, 13b)

I pray that everyone who encounters Christ, through means of the church, will come away with the same experience as that young lady. We first must show people that we care about them and their families. After the pressing concerns of life have been taken care of, then people can clearly focus on Christ. It is hard, near impossible, for a mother or father to think about anything, including their eternity, when their children are in need of food or they have no place to live.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

End of an Era

The following article appears in this weeks Midway Messenger. This Sunday will be the final service that I worship with Midway as their minister.

January 5, 2003 marked the beginning of an era for both the Midway church of Christ as well as the Skelton family. On this day over four and a half years ago I preached my first sermon as your minister, my how things have changed! We have experienced many exciting things together during this time, from newborn babies to newborn babes in Christ, as well as a few marriages, anniversaries and birthdays. We have also shed many tears during this time as we mourned the losses of those we loved.

The family of God at Midway will always hold a special place in the Skelton family's heart. You watched as our children grew. To Sheryl and I, you were mentors, friends, and confidants.

I don't know what influence my service among you will mean for this congregation ten years from now but I do know that you have left a mark on me that will last a lifetime. You have helped me become a better Christian, a better preacher, a better friend, a better husband, and a better father.

I would like to offer these final words of advice,

To the congregation: Continue to love (this is what you are known for), Continue to spread the word (plant and water the seed and God will make it grow), Continue to respect the authority of your elders (Great men of God whose hearts desire is to shepherd you to heaven).

To the elders: Continue in prayer and in the study of the word (practice this and everything else will be easier), Continue to encourage and train the next generation of leaders (Midway is blessed with many young men who have the potential to be elders one day), Focus on the big picture which is salvation, everything else is minor and doesn't warrant your valuable time (don't sweat the small things).

We Love You and We will Miss You!

Mitchell, Sheryl, Reagan, John Austin, and Chloe

Faith, Family, and Fireworks

For the past few years my family has worked together selling fireworks in order to fund our passion for Disney World. My family, my brother's family, and mom & dad, all basically give up two weeks of our lives to the heat of a tent so that we can spend one week with "the mouse."

It might sound crazy to most people but to us it makes perfect sense. We are a close family but its only when we work together that we truly get to see each other "shine." Each one of us uses our own special gifts to help make our little fireworks tent successful.

The bible tells us that this is the way the church works when we follow God's plan.

But God has combined the members of the body. . . So that there should be no division in the body; but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:24-25, 27

We are all different. We have different talents and abilities. The lesson for us as God's Family is to let him direct our efforts. If we do this then we will be successful.

Happy Independence Day!

Goodbye and Hello

How do you describe the sadness of goodbye coupled with the excitement of new beginnings? This very range of emotions is what my family is experiencing right now.

After four and a half years preaching for the Midway church of Christ we have all made some very close friends. These are the kind of friends you can depend on, the people you can lean on when times get tough. Leaving friends like this is scary. You don't leave friends like this without a lot of prayer and reflection. When it comes down to it, these people aren't just friends, they are family.

So how is it that we can possibly be excited about leaving family? The answer lies in the question. You see, we're not leaving family for something unknown, we are leaving family and moving to family. It's like the song we sing, "We're part of the family thats been born again, part of the family whose love knows no end."

To me the family aspect of following Christ is the greatest earthly blessing God could ever give.

Sure, there is excitement simply because I'm moving on to something new. There is also excitement about "coming home" to Waynesboro. But when I sit down and think about what God has laid before me it's all I can do to contain myself.

I have been given the charge to work with and build up families; to help other parents, like Sheryl and I, navigate their families through the mine field of society and come out on the other side spiritually stronger.

It is a big task, but I serve an even bigger God and he is able to sustain me.