The only thing I could think of for the title of this post was the word, finally....Finally, after almost a year of meetings, resumes, interviews, guest speakers, (one of which was myself) an interim pastor, a lot of church member questions, and more meetings; we finally have ourselves a new pastor!! Somewhere around the five O'clock hour of Sunday July 19th 2009 we called our newest pastor to FBC. Finally.....
Even though it may seem like I'm making the Pastor Search Team sound like something that would be horribly awful to be apart of, I am very thankful for the God given opportunity to be apart of something that will have an effect on our area for years to come. Holding such a position is very important and should be given to those who are held in the highest esteem and respect, which makes me wonder what people where thinking when they placed me on the team.
With my new experience I've been able to confirm one thing; I can't stand meetings! My temperament or thought train aren't what I would call people friendly. I've had to come to the realization that I don't think the same way as most people that have spent their entire lives in church think. I don't understand how the Bible can openly show an example of how to handle business, yet we do it almost completely opposite. For the life of me I can't figure out how meetings are suppose to be about a certain issue, yet can some how turn into a conversation about how the watching of "R" rated movies may or may not be a sin. Speaking of which, "The Passion" by Mel Gibson is rated-R. Honestly though, people probably think the same about me and that's cool. I say that's cool because that means something I've said or done has left an impression. Now I must make sure that impression was left by doing something from the Word of God and not of the selfish flesh. If the impression is left of the Word then to God be the glory, but if it's from my flesh then woe is me. The following is one of my favorite quotes, "What I'm saying might very well be harsh, but the bigger question you have to ask is whether or not what I'm saying is true." -Paul Washer. That always reminds me to love in giving truth.
So what's next...Well, the Pastor Search and the Constitution Review Teams are behind me. I'm not sure really about what's next within the local church. We do have a new Dude coming aboard in the next couple of weeks so we will see what changes he will bring. I have a year to Chair the Nominating Team, but by the end of August that will be down to a minimum. Me teaching again has come up over the past few months. Not sure on when, where, how, whom, or if I will though. That's okay though because God is in control of it.
It's funny how people will argue the separation of church and state, yet don't realize how much of each is in both....
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Church Nursery...
The topic of the nursery has been a hot one as of late in not only our family, but also our church. It has come up in our family discussions because our youngest daughter is now a year old and is starting to get a little fidgety and vocal in the services. It's being talked about in our church because we are currently without a nursery director. While for my family we will stick with the concept of attending church services as that; a family, that's not always the case for everyone in the church. If parents desire to have their children in the nursery then so be it because the issue is an open handed one.
Obviously the next question I get from people on this topic is, "Why won't you put your children in the nursery?" To which I reply, "The Bible says that the parents are to raise their children." Deut. 6 tells parents to diligently teach our children morning and night of the statutes of God. Eph. 6 tells father's to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Part of that discipline and instruction is teaching our kiddos how to set in church and listen to what is going on. I strongly believe that when 90% of our teens leave the church by the time they are sophomores in college it's partly because they have spent most of their younger years of church going in other areas besides that of the sanctuary. The American church has fallen in love with the idea of our young ones not being in church services. If we teach them as babies that they don't belong in service then why are we surprised when they leave as young adults because they don't feel apart of the service?
Mainly, I don't put my children in the nursery because there is no scriptural basis for it. In scripture we see the exact opposite. Ezra 10:1 says; men, women, and children gathered to him out of Israel. Jesus acknowledged the presence of children in chapters 18 and 19 of Matthew.
The biggest argument I've heard for not having children in church services is, "They cause distractions so someone may not hear the gospel." That is a very interesting argument for a couple of reasons. The first one being that, is God not big enough to save someone even though a child is making noise or crying? Secondly, how hard is it to get the attention of your spouse when he or she is watching their favorite television program? Kids can be screaming, phone will be ringing, and someone is at the front door, yet it still doesn't break their attention toward that program. The bottom line is that when we are doing what our heart desires nothing will stop us from completing the task at hand.
The fact is that the nursery as well as other well intended church "programs" are being used for nothing more then a free babysitter. The church has given parents a good excuse for not training their own children and parents are jumping on the bandwagon by the truck load!
With all that said, does it mean that the nursery is wrong? No, it's just not proven in scripture. We must stop doing things just because that's how we've always done it and get back to using the Bible as our instruction manual. And just because we've always done it that way doesn't mean it has always been done that way.......
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Obviously the next question I get from people on this topic is, "Why won't you put your children in the nursery?" To which I reply, "The Bible says that the parents are to raise their children." Deut. 6 tells parents to diligently teach our children morning and night of the statutes of God. Eph. 6 tells father's to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Part of that discipline and instruction is teaching our kiddos how to set in church and listen to what is going on. I strongly believe that when 90% of our teens leave the church by the time they are sophomores in college it's partly because they have spent most of their younger years of church going in other areas besides that of the sanctuary. The American church has fallen in love with the idea of our young ones not being in church services. If we teach them as babies that they don't belong in service then why are we surprised when they leave as young adults because they don't feel apart of the service?
Mainly, I don't put my children in the nursery because there is no scriptural basis for it. In scripture we see the exact opposite. Ezra 10:1 says; men, women, and children gathered to him out of Israel. Jesus acknowledged the presence of children in chapters 18 and 19 of Matthew.
The biggest argument I've heard for not having children in church services is, "They cause distractions so someone may not hear the gospel." That is a very interesting argument for a couple of reasons. The first one being that, is God not big enough to save someone even though a child is making noise or crying? Secondly, how hard is it to get the attention of your spouse when he or she is watching their favorite television program? Kids can be screaming, phone will be ringing, and someone is at the front door, yet it still doesn't break their attention toward that program. The bottom line is that when we are doing what our heart desires nothing will stop us from completing the task at hand.
The fact is that the nursery as well as other well intended church "programs" are being used for nothing more then a free babysitter. The church has given parents a good excuse for not training their own children and parents are jumping on the bandwagon by the truck load!
With all that said, does it mean that the nursery is wrong? No, it's just not proven in scripture. We must stop doing things just because that's how we've always done it and get back to using the Bible as our instruction manual. And just because we've always done it that way doesn't mean it has always been done that way.......
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Correction...
Was informed this morning that I had made an error on the site link to Blue Ridge Bible Church in last nights post. Here is the correct site link www.brbctexas.com. I even checked last night to make sure I knew the web-sites address and still typed it in wrong for the post. Guess that's what happens when you try and blog around mid-night. Also, the Blue Ridge Bible guys are on Twitter, so give them a follow. Pastor Tim Camp is @PTCamp and Kevin Wilson's tag is @Kevinbrbc.
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Long Time No Post...
It's just past 11pm and I'm watching the Rangers play the Angels. They are currently winning 8-1 and looking to over take the Angels for first place in their division. Red #3 is not wanting to go to sleep so she is in the middle of our bed kicking, playing, and having a good ole time.
Anyways, part of the reason for not posting in so long is that the last several months have been a crazy and wild time around here. The other part is that I've let Twitter and Facebook take up more of my time. They have proven to be a quicker way of sending and viewing information. Speaking of Twitter, if you're not on or following me then you should be; follow me @NickVineyard.
Reading a new book this week; Simple Church by Thom Rainer. It has even further opened my eyes on how today's church has made things so much more difficult then they need to be. Will write more later on my thoughts about the book. Last week I finally finished up "Vintage Church" by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Driscoll has become one of my favs when it comes to dealing with our culture while not compromising the Word.
The last 8 months of church have taken a large amount of my time as well. I some how found myself on the Pastor Search Team. Then I found my way on the Constitution Review Team, followed by taking over the chair position of our Nominating Team as well as helping keep the church website updated. Our church website is http://www.firstblueridge.org/, but don't look at it for a day or so because I've been slacking on that job. Then finally, getting my first actual opportunity to preach before the church. The preaching was fun, I definitely learned a lot during the two weeks I had to prepare for the service. I appreciate a lot more what the "pros" go through during preparation. Other exciting news on the church front at FBC Blue Ridge is that we will be having a pastor come in view of a call on July 19th. That day will also be the 5th Anniversary for being in the new facilities. Should be an exciting day of fellowship and it will definitely be a busy one.
Speaking of churches, you guys check out Blue Ridge Bible Church, they are doing some good things over there. Kevin Wilson will be teaching on marriage over the next several weeks, should be some good stuff. Their web-site is http://www.brbctexas.com/.
Well, the Rangers game is headed to the ninth and they are still up 8-1. Guess I'll get off of here and watch the final six outs before calling it a night. Hope all is well with everyone and I plan on getting back to posting on a regular basis.
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
Anyways, part of the reason for not posting in so long is that the last several months have been a crazy and wild time around here. The other part is that I've let Twitter and Facebook take up more of my time. They have proven to be a quicker way of sending and viewing information. Speaking of Twitter, if you're not on or following me then you should be; follow me @NickVineyard.
Reading a new book this week; Simple Church by Thom Rainer. It has even further opened my eyes on how today's church has made things so much more difficult then they need to be. Will write more later on my thoughts about the book. Last week I finally finished up "Vintage Church" by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Driscoll has become one of my favs when it comes to dealing with our culture while not compromising the Word.
The last 8 months of church have taken a large amount of my time as well. I some how found myself on the Pastor Search Team. Then I found my way on the Constitution Review Team, followed by taking over the chair position of our Nominating Team as well as helping keep the church website updated. Our church website is http://www.firstblueridge.org/, but don't look at it for a day or so because I've been slacking on that job. Then finally, getting my first actual opportunity to preach before the church. The preaching was fun, I definitely learned a lot during the two weeks I had to prepare for the service. I appreciate a lot more what the "pros" go through during preparation. Other exciting news on the church front at FBC Blue Ridge is that we will be having a pastor come in view of a call on July 19th. That day will also be the 5th Anniversary for being in the new facilities. Should be an exciting day of fellowship and it will definitely be a busy one.
Speaking of churches, you guys check out Blue Ridge Bible Church, they are doing some good things over there. Kevin Wilson will be teaching on marriage over the next several weeks, should be some good stuff. Their web-site is http://www.brbctexas.com/.
Well, the Rangers game is headed to the ninth and they are still up 8-1. Guess I'll get off of here and watch the final six outs before calling it a night. Hope all is well with everyone and I plan on getting back to posting on a regular basis.
In Christ Alone,
Mr. V.
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