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Lessons from a Campus Pastor, #3

A few weeks I blogged about two lessons that I have learned as a campus pastor at Calvary Chapel Kendall. You can read the post here. Today I’d like to share a third.

First a recap.
#1. Get the right people in key positions.
#2. Realize ministry costs money.

Today’s lesson is:

#3. Be expendable.
As we were wrapping up our ministry at CCK West yesterday, I made the comment to a couple of our leaders that everything went pretty smooth. There were no major curve balls or speed bumps. (Usually I don’t know is there was or not because these things get dealt with pretty routinely with out involving me. So I guess my comment was a guess, or at least an observation) I jokingly said it must be because I was back!

The previous two weeks I had been out of town. While I was gone, some issues surfaced. Now, for the record, these had nothing to do with me being gone. They would have happened even had I been there. Things like disgruntled guests, problems with the air conditioner, some security concerns. But here’s the cool thing. All the issues were dealt with using maturity and wisdom. Why?

Because one of the questions we have asked our leaders from the very beginning is “Who is your replacement?” We never want sacrifice ministry just because someone is not available to serve. Everyone has a person in mind that they are training to cover for them when they are gone. Therefore, when they are gone, things run just like they would if they were there. In order to have a replacement, you should have a clear job description or task list so that you can train someone to cover for you. Having a clear task list increases your expendability.

Expendability does not equate with a lack or decrease of value or importance. Rather, it shows that we have a proper perspective of God’s ability.

Learn to delegate whatever you can and watch God raise up new people to serve.

The Biblical term for this is

discipleship

. Do it!

The Death of Michael Jackson

When I was in high school in the early eighties, Michael Jackson was popular. I remember watching the “Thriller” video and listening to “Billy Jean” or “Beat It”. This guy was talented! He had a tremendous following. He was a great performer; obviously very gifted.

His death reminds me of the brevity of life. What was his legacy? What was he living for? Great songs? Fame? Popularity?

No matter what is achieved in this life, it’s really the issue of eternity that trumps any earthly attainment. In the economy of God, a simple man or woman, punching the clock every day, trying to be a good parent, doing their best living for God, seeking Him first will be more famous in heaven than Michael Jackson.

I don’t know the relationship that Michael had with Jesus. Perhaps he knew and loved the One who made him. Perhaps not. It begs the question:

What are you living for?

Jesus said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

Sobering thought.

What Junk Is In Your Drain?

Tonight using a handcrafted piece of wire I pulled out of our bathroom sink two toothpaste caps, one band-aid, and two childen’s tooth brushes. It took about an hour, but now our sink drains much quicker.
It made me think about all the useless junk in our lives that the Lord has to fish out.
One of the greatest hindrances to how far we can go in our walk with the Lord is sin.
Lord, clean out the junk in our lives, even if it takes time.

Quote of the Day: Charles Spurgeon

On our recent trip to Philadelphia for our son’s heart operation, we met many new friends and received many blessings from the Lord. One of the things that was given to us was a devotional by Charles Spurgeon entitled “Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith.” It contains promises from God’s Word for each day of the year with some thoughts and testimonies by the “Prince of Preachers”, C.H. Spurgeon.

Todays reading is based on Proverbs 10:27, “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” Among other thoughts, Spurgeon had this to say:

“Let us not be overcome with sudden expectation of death the moment we have a finger-ache…”

“Living of dying we are the Lord’s. If we live, Jesus will be with us. If we die, we shall be with Jesus.”

I was just talking to my wife last night about growing old together and what our latter years will look like. We were discussing wanting to be healthy and productive for the Lord until the day we die.

Here’s how Pastor Spurgeon ends his thoughts:

“The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time, but using every hour for the highest ends. So be it this day.”

Peru Missions Update

Just got this email from Pastor John Bonner about our team from Uth Nation that went down there to serve.
There’s no better way to ignite your walk with Jesus than go on a missions trip!

Our Beloved Friends and Leaders of Calvary Chapel Kendall, We have been tremendously blessed by José Casas’ visit and the team he brought with him from Calvary Chapel Kendall. They have brought love, much appreciated assistance and many provisions to help us to continue in the work of the Lord. Many of our pastors have been encouraged by the team’s work and efforts–Pastor Marcos and myself, and especially Pastor Raul in Pachacutec. The team labored selflessly in construction, painting and reparing. Wow! What hard workers! Pastor Jose was also able to teach last Sunday evening, and that was a blessing for our congregation. We will be sending them back to you this evening, and we will miss each and every one. Please accept this brief note of thanks for the huge impact this team has left on our ministry here. Thank you all so much for spoiling us and helping to provide for the needs of the ministry. We will be forever grateful! Love, John Bonner and the CCBC Peru Staff

Antioch of Calvary Chapel – Pastor Aaron Campbell

Last Thursday night we had the tremendous blessing of walking about eight blocks down Chestnut Street to attend a worship service at a church called Antioch of Calvary Chapel. They were beginning a study through the book of 1 Peter. I always enjoy worshipping God and fellowshipping with His people. Studying the Bible is always edifying.

After the service I was speaking to the lady who had watched our kids during the service. She introduced me to Aaron Campbell, the pastor. It was great to learn from Pastor Aaron about the history of the church and some of what the Lord is doing through Antioch. They’ve grown to about 500 people in six years.

One of the cool aspects of this church is that they are an urban ministry in an Islamic neighborhood. God’s doing a great thing!

Christian Football

Here’s a great story how God used a Christian coach of a high school football team.

more about "Christian Football", posted with vodpod

Chuck Smith: A Memoir of Grace

I’m writing this sitting in the living room of The Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, PA. The call it “the first house that love built.” Many of you know we are here because of the surgery of our son, Caleb. You can check all of that out on his blog here.

One of the best parts of this trip has been able to visit Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, one of the great churches on the east coast, and get to know Pastor Tom Schneid, one of the assistants there. There are truly doing a wonderful work of the Lord.

When we went there on Sunday, I learned about a new book about the founder of Calvary Chapel called “Chuck Smith: A Memoir of Grace.” I couldn’t resist. I have been part of Calvary Chapel since I was in high school. God has done a tremendous work in my life through the ministry of many pastors associated with CC. So I picked it up. (Along with a commentary on 1 & 2 Corinthians by Alan Redpath, by the way!)

Since my friend Nilson was driving, I started reading the book on the way back to the house. It is the story of Pastor Chuck’s life in his own words as told to his son, Chuck Smith, Jr.. It is very well written. The central theme of his story, in his own words is: “God prepares His vessel.” Although I am only in the second chapter, I thought I’d share a couple quotes with you.

“Seasons of preparation have been followed by seasons of service, and seasons of planting seeds have been followed by seasons of harvest. Still today, the good and the bad that enter Dad’s life are tools in God’s hands, preparing him for something else.”

…a banker once told him, “You are the only one who has beaten us at our own business.”

There are only two ways we are able to see how various events fit into God’s overall scheme: First, in retrospect as we look back and see how all things have worked for good, and secondly, by faith.

The experience was mine and no one else would ever be able to appreciate it as much as I did.
(refering to the time he went forward at a youth camp)

Everything is preparation for something else.

That’s all within the first thirty-five pages. It’s an encouraging story, especially for anyone that senses a calling into the ministry.

What’s Your Bio?

Here’s the bio of the surgeon that did our son’s surgery. He is obviously gifted.

http://www.chop.edu/consumer/pat_care_fam_serv/staff_biography_page.jsp?id=20443

I believe all people are gifted by the Lord for a specific calling, even if they are not following Jesus. I have never spoken to Dr. Spray about his relationship with God, but I believe it is God who has given him the capacity and the passion to do what he does.

We met earlier today with Pastor Tom Schnied who works at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia. He is a pastor who is gifted at ministering to families in the hospital. He is working in his calling. I loved hearing his story.

Everyone has a calling and a passion.

What is yours? What are you called to do? What do you want to accomplish before you die?

There is no one else who can accomplish God’s purpose for your life.