CHURCH VISIT - BAPTIST

This is my second blog post in a series I am doing on our experience visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting.  I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - Baptist

~TYPE OF SERVICE
   *Traditional xxxx
   *Contemporary
   *Blended

~SIZE OF CHURCH - Small

~FRIENDLINESS - Both pastor and congregation very friendly

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - 40-50

~DRESS ATTIRE - Casual

~GREETING - We were greeted upon entering the building in addition to the greeting time during service. The greeting time during the service was a good amount of time. The folks continued greeting after the service was over.

~MUSIC - Congregational singing music was a combination on of organ and piano as well as sound tracks. Special music singers utilized sound tracks.

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - There was a good balance of music and Word

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - Power Point was utilized throughout the progression of the service as well as throughout the pastor's message. Pastor also used a video to close out his message.

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - Yes an altar call was given encouraging a time of prayer

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - This church offers many activities. It has a solid youth program, men's activities, women's activities as well as family oriented activities.

~BIBLE VERSION USED- NKJV

~PREACHING STYLE-  Conversational

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Good use of Scripture throughout the sermon

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - Very relevant message on prayer and necessity of an active prayer life.

~LENGTH OF SERVICE -  About 1 hour 10 minutes

~OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS
We enjoyed our visit to this church in a small town south of where we live.  It is apparent this is a good group of people who love God and love one another.  This church is very friendly and joyful.

While the church handed out a bulletin, they did deviate from the bulletin. I was glad to see they are not bound by the bulletin.

Our experience at this church was a very positive one.  This is a church we would visit again.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

CHURCH VISIT - UNITED METHODIST

This is my first blog post in a series I am doing on our experience visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different style of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting.  I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - United Methodist

~TYPE OF SERVICE
   *Traditional
   *Contemporary xxxxxx
   *Blended

~SIZE OF CHURCH - Large

~FRIENDLINESS - This church didn't come across as friendly to us. In addition to the door greeter only two people shook our hands

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION 45-50

~DRESS ATTIRE - Casual to dress

~GREETING - There was a brief greeting during service (30-45 seconds)

~MUSIC - Live band (full band)

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - Started off with two songs and ended with two songs. The overall balance of music and Word was pretty good considering the length of the praise and worship songs.

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED
Power Point, You Version Bible app, preacher used tablet, two screens above platform so congregation can better see minister.

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - The church offers several Bible studies throughout the week for men, women and moms, refreshments and fellowship after service on Sundays, they also provide other studies throughout the week for those interested.

~BIBLE VERSION USED- NIV

~PREACHING STYLE-  Conversational

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Minister ministered from text.

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - Very relevant message on spiritual growth. An outline of the message was provided in the bulletin for the congregation to follow.

~LENGTH OF SERVICE 55 minutes

OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS

Interestingly enough, the service started off with an old rock song. In fact, as the service was dismissed the band played and sang the same song. The song title was the message title.  No one was singing along with this song. It appeared to me that the congregation was being entertained. I will be curious to find out if this is the case in other institutional churches today.

After this first song, the band played and sang one worship song. Utilizing the power point, the congregation did participate in singing this worship song. We observed a few people even lifting their hands in worship to God. I must admit I wasn't aware people in the United Methodist Church did that.

One area of concern was they baptized two babies and a teenager using sprinkling as the mode of baptism. I do not see a precedent for infant baptism in Scripture. I also do not see sprinkling as a scriptural mode of baptism. The Greek word for "baptize" in the New Testament means "immersion" or "to immerse". So this is an area of concern for me.

Little was said about the offering before it was received. However, this being a tech-savvy church, they do have in their bulletin three easy ways to give electronically. They are using your debit or credit card at a kiosk, giving through their website by e-check or credit/debit card or an automatic bank transfer on a weekly or monthly basis.

All in all it was an interesting experience. Not altogether good, but not altogether bad either.

Stay tuned for our next adventure.

Until next time... enjoy the journey!

Ray

NEW ADVENTURE

Here we are in 2015! Wow, where did 2014 go? When I was younger I used to hear others who were older talk about how time is flying by. Now that I am older I am saying the same thing.

I would like to start by giving you an update on our ministry from 2014. Last year was the busiest year we have had as the New Jerusalem Singers.  We sang in institutional churches, various events, fairs, festivals, senior hi-rises, retirement homes, nursing homes, gospel sings plus we hosted a number of gospel sings around our area. In total, we ministered and lifted up Jesus through music 84 times! We praise God for the opportunity to serve Him.

As good as last year was, its in the past and we are living in the present with an eye to the future. We anticipate 2015 being an even greater year lifting up Jesus through music. As we usually do, we are taking January, February and half of March off.  this is normally our time to begin scheduling for the year. We usually produce a new recording that we release in March. Things don't always work out that way, but that is our "norm".

This year has started off as anything but normal for this ministry. Cindy ended last year with a detached retina which has sidelined her for three weeks. Thankfully we got her to the doctor in time as there is a narrow window to get this tended to before the loss site in that eye would be permanent. We are expecting a complete recovery. She my still have some issues for up to six weeks. Also, Sharon (who takes care of our product table) will be having knee replacement surgery this Monday.

On the bright side, both of these ladies should be in good shape and ready to go when it comes time to start singing in March. We praise God for. that.

In the meantime, Cindy and I are going to visit some area churches over the course of the next several weeks.  I will blog about our experiences at each church so be sure to check out my blog often.

Until next time... enjoy the journey!

Ray

DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME

It has been quite some time since I have posted on my blog.  In fact this is my first post this year!  I have received messages from several of my readers asking if everything is ok and why haven't I blogged in a while?  I want to update you on how things are going with us and what we are doing.

The end of July I will be celebrating one year as a retiree from pastoral ministry.  I use the word "celebrate" because I do believe we have been celebrating since leaving the pastorate.  Now don't get me wrong, we do miss many of the people and the fun we had serving Jesus together.  However, just as surely as God led us in to the last pastorate, He led us out.  He emphasized to me that this would be a retirement from pastoral ministry as opposed to a mere resignation.

While I have retired from pastoral ministry, I have by no means retired from ministry!  I have had opportunity to fill in for pastors who are on vacation and even conduct the entire church services. Most excitingly, however, our gospel music group, New Jerusalem Singers, is busier than ever!  When I announced my retirement to the the church congregation last June, I prayed and asked God to keep us busy serving Him.  That He has!  He has opened doors that have not been open to us before, we have returned to places we have been previously and we have started what we are calling Gospel Music Gatherings with New Jerusalem Singers at various venues.  You can check out our singing schedule at www.newjerusalemsingers.org .  I would encouareg you to "Like" New Jersusalem Singers on Facebook, as well.  We will keep you informed of upcoming sings.

June 28th  of this month our group will be celebrating 25 years of gospel music ministry with an Anniversary Sing at Community Park in Jacksonville, IL.  Jacksonville, is where it all started for NJS so we thought it fitting to return for our 25th Anniversary Sing.  We will also be releasing our new project, LIfting Up Jesus For 25 Years on that day.  This is a two cd set . It is a compliation set of fifty songs.  We have taken songs off of every recording we have ever made and compiled them in to this two cd set.  There are many orginal songs that God gave to Cindy and I, as well as songs written by former members of our group.  There are some hymns as well as other songs that touched many hearts through the years.  We are praying this project will be a blessing and encouaragment to our brothers and sisters who are walking this journey with Jesus.

We will also have a reunion of most of our former group members with each doing a few songs with us as we tell the history of the New Jerusalem Singers.

If you are in the area we encourage you to come and join us for this exciting day of ministry.  Apparently we will have some doors to give away.  Cindy tells me we have some door prizes.  Sorry...I just couldn't resist!

The devil has tried to slow us down, with some health issues but he's under our feet and we are moving on with Jesus!

So as you can see, we are doing well and are busy about the Father's business. Hopefully, I can get back in the saddle and resume writing blogs more often then every five months.  Stay tuned!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

2013 - THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2013 - THE YEAR IN REVIEW

It's been quite some time since I posted a blog post.  I was hoping to have a year end post made before the year ended.  While I am writing this mid-day on December 31st, I'm not sure if I will have it posted before the year ends.  We'll see.

I would like to take a moment to look at some of the highlights of 2013, if I may.

As 2013 began I felt the Lord telling me that I would be retiring from pastoral ministry sometime in the coming months.  In my own heart I knew it was time.  Knowing it was time, however, did not mean it was easy.  Having been part of the lives of my church family for five years upon retiring it was hard to break the news to them.

The church building was literally moved from one location to another location.  It as about a three block move.  That was both interesting as well as challenging.  Due to several variables involved in that  community I do beleive this move was in the best interest of the church.  As you can imagine when you look at a task of this proportion not everyone will be in agreement with it.  The church survived the move.

What started out as a 2-3 week endeavor turned out being a 3 month endeavor.  We had our church meetings in the parsonage for about a month or so until it got to muddy.  We then met in the basement of a local bank  until we were back into our building  in late May.  

In June we marked five years of pastoral ministry at this local assembly.  This was five years of being intertwined in the lives of our church family - people we have grown to love.  I have never served a local church for this long of time as pastor.

The end of June, through tears I announced my retirement from pastoral ministry with Cindy standing by my side.  This was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  These are people we have rejoiced with, laughed with and cryed with.  We were part of their families as they were a part of our family.  Though diffifult, I know this was the right thing to do and the time to do it.

July 30, 2013 was my last day as pastor.  Since retiring from the pastorate I have felt such a freedom and liberty that only comes when one is in the center of God's perfect will.  I praise God for it!  

Since leaving the pastorate, God has been faithful and has opened so many doors for our gospel group, New Jerusalem Singers (www.newjerusalemsingers.org).  We have traveled places we have never been to and sang in venues we have never sang in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We realeased a new cd, REDEEMED! in the fall of this year.  It has been well received.  We give praise to Jesus for this.  Bob Moore, our lead guitar player, released his first cd, PICKIN' FOR THE LORD in November, as well.  We have been busy.

From November 9th - December 25th Cindy and I had the priviledge of continuing our Santa & Mrs. Claus work.  This was the best season yet for us.  We also had numerous requests for Santa to share the real Christmas story.  I had the opportunity to share the real Christmas story in a church, business and home.  It is such an honor to be part of so many families Chirstmas traditions.  Again, I say PRAISE GOD for His goodness.

While we normally don't sing in December, Janurary or February, we have sang once  earlier this month, we sing tonight and already have two scheduled in January.  We must give God praise for this, as well.

Tonight we sing at a church just outside of Grafton, IL for their Watch Night Service.  It promises to be a good time in the Lord.  

As you can see, 2013 had it's share of challenges, but through it all God was faithful.  Through it all God's hand and leading was evident.  Through it all we give God praise for His goodness.

We are approaching 2014 with great anticipation of what God has in store.  We believe it will be the best year we have ever had in regards to ministry.  We are not going to limit God by any means.  We know He has a plan and we are excited to see His plan unfold.  

From Cindy and I, we want to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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TOUCHING JESUS GET RESULTS!

NOTE:  My blog posts may become infrequent (as they have in the past month) as we enter in to a very busy time of year for us.  I will, however, make a blog post when I have opportunity.  I plan to resume blogging on a regular basis at the start of the new years.  Thanks!

Scripture Reading - Luke 8:43-48

"The hem of His garment". This is a phrase that has caught the attention of the world. Songs, poems and numerous sermons have been written and shared about touching the hem of His garment. This is the story behind those words. This is the story of a woman in great trouble – a woman in great need. Let's take a look at her desperation, her determination, her deliverance and her declaration. Let's look at how her experience relates to us today and what we can learn from this woman to better our own spiritual journey.

This woman was a desperate woman (Vs 43). Her problem was revealed in a single verse. She had an incurable blood disease (sickness). She had spent all her money on physicians. She was ceremonially unclean. According to Jewish law, a man who touched a menstruating woman became ceremonially defiled (Leviticus 15:19-28). This was true whether her bleeding was normal or, as in this woman's case, the result of an abnormal condition. Therefore, she was physically desperate – her health was gone. She was financially desperate – her money was gone. She was spiritually desperate – she couldn't enter the temple.

She is a type, or representation, of all people apart from Jesus. Physically – we are ever moving toward death. Financially – money can't buy what we need. Spiritually – our sin separates us from God.

This woman was determined. (Vs 44) She came behind Him, and touched the border (hem) of His garment. Now there were a number conditions to discourage her from coming to Jesus. The great crowd surrounding Him – it was going to be tough to get to Him. The attitude of the disciples - Lord the crowd was pressing and shoving.  Considering the importance of His mission she may have thought, “He's too busy to be concerned about me”.  Her own appearance – she was pale, poor and pitiful. Still she pressed through to Jesus! She was persistent – she was determined. If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole (Mark 5:28). Let's look at that word “whole”. It is the Greek word “soto” which means to save; to deliver or protect; heal preserve, save, do well.

Now let's take a look at this woman's deliverance ( Vs 45-46). Her deliverance came from contact with Jesus! That touch of His garment was a touch of faith. She exercised greater faith than healthy people around her. She exercised far greater faith than perhaps she thought she could.

Jesus responded to her faith. He asked, “Who touched Me?” - He was sensitive to her touch. “Virtue is gone out of Me” - This was a touch that made a difference. Today, many surround Jesus but never touch Him. What a difference between the crowds that are curious about Jesus and the few that actually reach out and touch Him. It is only faith in Jesus that releases God's supernatural healing power.

The woman declared that she was healed (Vs 47). We see her trembling...then her testimony. She shared her testimony. She told Him why she had touched Him. She declared to the crowd what had happened. Her words have endured. She was the only one in that crowd whose words are known today. In touching Jesus, she was able to touch others. Her testimony is still heard today.

I encourage you today to press through to Jesus. Don't try to make yourself perfect before doing so. Come as you are with all your needs. Don't pay any attention to the doubters or critics in the crowd. There will always be those who will doubt and criticize.

What if this woman had not pressed through? This woman received more than she anticipated – she got more than she came for. She was healed from her illness. She became a child of God: Jesus called her daughter (Vs 48). Jesus gives more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)! Are you just curious about Jesus, or do you reach out to touch Him in faith, knowing that His mercy will bring healing to your body, soul and spirit? Some things to ponder.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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ARE YOU LISTENING?

NOTE:  My blog posts may become infrequent (as they have in the past month) as we enter in to a very busy time of year for us.  I will, however, make a blog post when I have opportunity.  I plan to resume blogging on a regular basis at the start of the new years.  Thanks!

In 1 Samuel chapter one there was a lady named Hannah .  She was barren and had not given birth.  Hannah wanted a baby in the worst way.  So much so that she prayed to the Lord and told God if He would give her a baby - her heart's desire - she will in turn give him back to the Lord all the days of his life.  Wow!  Can you imagine making that type of a promise to God?  Sure enough, God granted her petition and a baby boy was born.  This baby boy was named Samuel.

Now as Samuel grew, Hannah did not forget her promise to God.   Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah took items for a sacrifice along with Samuel to Eli, the prophet of the day.  She made her sacrifice and then presented to Eli her baby, Samuel.  Samuel was very young at this time.

Now fast-forward to chapter three of 1 Samuel.  Samuel had grown some.  One night, as Samuel laid down to go to sleep for the night he heard a voice calling his name.  He got up and went to where Eli was laying down, thinking it was Eli who had called for him.  Eli, not having called for Samuel, sent him back to bed.  This happened a second and a third time.   The third time it dawned on Eli that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel.  He instructed Samuel to return to his bed and the next time he hears that voice to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant hears!"  And that's exactly what Samuel did.

Reading Scripture we see God used Samuel in a great way.  When God called him He had a plan.  Samuel yielded to God's call and God's will and followed the plan God laid out for him.

I often wonder how many of us miss the calling of God because we do not recognize the voice of God?  How many miss the blessings of God because we do not recognize the voice of God?  Perhaps we are so wrapped up in the things of God that we miss the voice of God and thereby miss out on His leading, His calling and His blessings.   We get so wrapped up in doing that we neglect to listen, much like Mary and Martha when Jesus visited them.  We get wrapped up in the social club, that passes for today's church, and miss out on genuine fellowship, encouragement and a real walk with the Savior.

The reality is that church can happen anywhere!  It's not confined to a building or even a home.  We recently met with a couple at a restaurant for six hours.  Yes, that's right - six hours.  We ate, we fellowshipped, and we talked about God and His Word.  We shared what the Lord has been doing in our lives and what God is showing us.  We left there feeling like we were just in a New Testament Church gathering.  No one lead, there was no singing...church just happened!  We loved it!

I want to encourage you, in your walk with the Lord, to just let God be God!  Be real and genuine in your journey with Jesus.  Be attentive to the voice of God speaking to your spirit.  It may well be God has blessings to pour out on you.  He may be desiring to reveal His plan for your life to you.  Be real in your worship - wherever it may take place.  Let church happen anywhere!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray     

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward a link or use the icons below to repost this blog.