“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling . . .” (2 Timothy 1:8-9a).
Introduction
Timothy is thought to have been a bit timid and lacking in courage because of some of what is written in 2 Timothy 1. Notice the words Paul used in verse 4, “Being mindful of thy tears,” and in verses 6-9, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.”
The possibility that Timothy lacked boldness certainly exists, but we cannot ignore the fact that he was also characterized as Paul’s trusted and reliable aid, and the one Paul called his son in the faith. When Paul went to Derbe and Lystra in Acts 16, he met this promising young convert. Paul and Barnabas had visited here six or seven years earlier and Timothy appears to have been saved or become a young man in the interim. In time, Timothy was ordained by “the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Timothy 4:14) and subsequently traveled with Paul extensively. His presence with Paul is noted many, many times in The Acts and throughout Paul’s epistles.
Confidence in the Call
It is clear that Timothy stood by Paul when others chose not to. So perhaps it is unfair to characterize his personality in a negative manner. However, Timothy does appear to have been one who today would be called a “reluctant leader.” Few of us are in the ministry because we were anxious to enter it; we are in the ministry because God called us to our role. We can take heart that historically, many have served effectively with reluctance. Moses, Jeremiah, and Gideon all come to mind. Whether reluctant or more self-assured, we serve because the Lord has called us.
Years ago, I spoke to one minister about the possibility that he might be asked to pastor one day. His quick reply was that he did not feel he was called to pastor, but was very content to serve in the assisting role. My reply to him was, “Look around. If you don’t do it, who will?” While neither of us expected at that time that he would be asked to pastor soon, within five years he received a phone call requesting that he serve in that capacity. He accepted the appointment, and remains one of our pastors today. More recently, one young man who had the spiritual qualifications and appeared to be equipped to be a minister inquired how one could tell whether or not he was called to preach. We discussed it at some length, but it came down to the same point: “Look around. If you don’t do it, who will? Who’s going to carry this forward?” He was asked to preach his first sermon some time later.
We may hope for a Damascus Road revelation that we are called to serve in some capacity, but we are not all Saul of Tarsus. Most of us are closer to being a Timothy. The fact that you are available, equipped, and willing when asked, may be all the revelation you receive—and that is enough.
Like Timothy, we may have a degree of timidity, wariness, or simply feel unqualified to assume the responsibility. Though Paul was highly qualified in the academic sense, he did not use that aspect of his “resume” to emphasize his credentials. Rather, he made it clear that his credentials for preaching the Gospel were the fact that God had called him, and the marks that he bore in his body (Galatians 1:17) were reminders that he had answered that call.
Credentials of the Call
While we have encouraged those who are inclined to pursue continuing education, doing so does not necessarily make one a more effective minister or validate our call. In fact, formal education becomes a detriment if it changes our view of the ministry from being a calling to that of it being a profession.
A few years ago, author David F. Wells indicted evangelicals due to what he viewed as the professionalization of the ministry. He wrote, “The new model of the ministry is nowhere better illustrated than in the pages of Leadership Journal.” Many of you know that Leadership Journal is a magazine that targets the ministry and addresses nearly every conceivable church problem a pastor could encounter. Mr. Wells reviewed all of the articles published over a period of nearly ten years and came to this conclusion: “Less than one percent made any obvious attempt to root the answers in anything Biblical or doctrinal, despite the fact that many of the problems addressed are addressed directly in Scripture. Instead the answers were taken heavily from the insights of the managerial and therapeutic revolutions.”
Evangelicals have become known for adopting methods and models of the professional, academic and social science worlds—at times after those professionals have discarded them as being no longer useful.
Remember that God did not call us to be therapists, managers, or motivational speakers. He called us to be preachers of the Gospel. Let’s not use our congregations as “laboratories” where we experiment by applying what we lately learned in a class or read in a book. We do not need to repackage the Gospel to satisfy Apostolic Faith congregations. They are content with what they have been taught for over one hundred years and are uncomfortable when we resort to the methods of modern evangelicals.
The Language of the Call
Let us avoid over-using contemporary buzzwords that have become so fashionable in the religious world. Instead, use Bible terms, and even Apostolic Faith language. In an attempt to be contemporary and relevant, we can instead end up sounding condescending. In seeking relevance, we render ourselves irrelevant because we have lost the credibility we sought to gain by using those terms.
For example, here in our church we are not as much interested in community as we are in fellowship. An Apostolic Faith audience is more interested in the Biblical perspective than they are in a world view. We do not want synergy, we want anointing. As a preacher, do you want someone in our audience to arrive at an Ah-ha moment, or a crisis experience? Spare us the wow factor, or that sputnik moment. Our effort to shock and awe may shock them but it will not awe them.
Let us concentrate on teaching our people the Biblical principals in traditional Biblical terms which help define our theology: consecration, doctrine, discipleship, justification, restitution. These terms and others like them all help convey the demands of the Gospel. And yes, the Gospel carries demands. In these times, terms like community, collaboration, and tolerance convey that “itching ear,” market-driven mentality. Nobody sees souls saved by suggesting that they join the conversation. We see them saved through the foolishness of preaching.
Many of these contemporary terms are harmless and could otherwise be useful, but some terms are so overused nowadays that they can become distracting. Notice that we are collaborating on the minister manual project, and as a group of ministers we are indeed a community. When the same terminology is used repeatedly by the same preacher, that preacher becomes predictable.
We should also watch the phrases that we use. Have you ever heard someone say at the pulpit, “When it all hits the fan?” Or, “Stuff happens?” Do you know what it is that hits the fan, and what it is that happens? Be careful!
It reminds me of a sermon I heard at our camp meeting several years ago, when a very effective preacher was speaking about how the Gospel satisfies. He innocently referred to a song that says, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” I immediately recognized that song as a Rolling Stones tune from my unsaved days in the late 1960s. Do you know what the next phrase is? It is, “I can’t get no girl reaction.” And then, “but I try, and I try, and I try.” The preacher didn’t add those phrases, but my mind did. He went forward preaching without me . . . at least momentarily.
I am guilty as well. Recently, at a service immediately following one of our trips, I mentioned during the announcements that Debbie wasn’t there that evening because she was “wasted.” I was later informed that meant she was intoxicated. Thank God for our gracious Apostolic Faith audiences.
A Calling Rather than a Career
My point is that our ministry is a calling rather than a career. We employ Biblical models in our calling, even if secular ones are useful in our careers. Our motivation is different, too. Those engaged in pursuing careers or professions are generally self-serving in that they seek opportunities to “get ahead.” Decisions are stepping stones toward that goal. Our call does not have the same end in view. Those who serve in bigger churches are not viewed as having been promoted, nor those in smaller churches as having been demoted. After all, we may switch places tomorrow.
When persuaded of our call, we go forward with confidence in the Lord, knowing the call is our credential. We cannot use the fact that God called us as justification for not seizing opportunities to improve ourselves, but lacking those opportunities does not diminish our call.
Saints Relocating
We rarely encourage our saints to relocate from one small branch to another small branch church, for the outcome of such relocating is often predictable. Local saints are either thrilled or discouraged when the relocation occurs, depending upon whether people are moving in or moving out. In time, the cycle is repeated leaving the initially-delighted congregation discouraged when the same saints inevitably relocate again. We cannot put our hopes in transplanted membership. We must somehow reach out and claim those in every community who have roots in that community.
Obviously, there are times when college or employment considerations demand a move, and we understand and support those decisions. When employment demands relocation for one of our saints, they are unique in that they look at locations where we have a church first. That is what we still encourage. However, when those efforts are unsuccessful and employment takes them to an area where we do not have a church, we certainly support local cottage-style gatherings.
Starting New Works
We do not encourage our people to venture out into a new area to begin a work in our country. Notice how challenging it is in the United States to build a work where we already own a church and a parsonage, have a pastor, and a tithe-paying congregation with local roots. The needs at these locations are too great for us to be excited about somebody independently departing such a group to launch out somewhere else.
We thank God for each church location even while we recognize that every location is not flourishing. Yet, consider what we do have going for us:
· We own our church building at most locations.
· We own a church parsonage at most West Coast and Midwest church locations.
· There is enough in tithes and offerings to meet monthly bills incurred to own, operate, and maintain those properties, and run the church.
· Our current locations have several members with deep local roots.
· We have pastors willing to serve in these locations.
· We are glad our congregations can provide a rent-free parsonage for their pastors. That is a huge financial benefit. The church pays the property taxes, structure insurance, utilities, and maintenance. This aspect is a blessing to the pastor and to the local congregation.
Since these conditions exist in our branch churches, we have much in our favor, even if our congregation numbers are not large. If we pray, God will again stir our country. We have long had an Apostolic Faith presence in our current locations. When backsliders return to God, they will also want to return to our churches. We want to be there when they do.
Serving as a Pastor
We thank God for the pastors we have who faithfully serve whether the congregation and financial resources are large or small. Most of you work part-time or full-time in a secular capacity in addition to faithfully serving as pastors. God bless you. If you are among the few who do not currently have the need for secular employment, keep in mind that your next location may not be able to grant you that luxury. You will be wise to always serve with that expectation in mind. In addition, a day of retirement may come if the Lord tarries. Use your time and allocate your resources in a manner that anticipates future financial needs. Even a little saved every month over a period of several years adds up.
Speaking of retirement, age may not be the most important factor in determining retirement time for a pastor. As long as we are able to serve with effectiveness, let us remain willing to serve. Losing our effectiveness is another matter, regardless of age.
Our pastors do a great job of trying to leave our churches and parsonages in better condition when they move away than they were upon their arrival. We want to leave our successors in as good of a position as possible. Nobody promised us that serving as pastors would be economically easy; we answered the call knowing simply that we were called to serve.
As servants in the pastoral role, we must always distinguish between what is best for the overall work of the Lord and what is most convenient and even preferable for ourselves. We may be as delighted as can be with our current location, but there comes a time when it is better for the work as a whole that we relocate. There is not one here who would stay at a particular location at the expense of what is best for the work of the Lord. At times, the unpleasant task of discerning what is best for the work overall falls on me.
The decision-making process of relocating pastors for me is little different than the process you go through in changing Sunday school department heads in your branch church. Even the aspect of dealing with varying personalities and degrees of willingness or lack thereof is similar. A need arises. Prayer is made and divine guidance sought. Private, confidential inquiries are made, including with the potential transferees. Options are weighed and then decisions are made. Typically, there are few alternatives. Many times, the fact that few alternatives exist is the primary aspect of discerning the mind of the Lord in making the final decision. No decision is made casually. Decisions are made with the weighty knowledge that lives, families, and church congregations are indelibly impacted through such transitions. So be settled where you are while you are there, but not so settled that you expect to become a permanent fixture.
We appreciate the optimistic spirit of our pastors in the face of the challenges, both in families and in the local congregation. That optimism is sound and contagious. We do serve a God who is never challenged, so our upbeat outlook is not contrived.
Jewelry
A common sight throughout the world is the emphasis individuals put on apparel, including outward adorning and decorating. It is safe to state that fashion trumps faith, even in most Christian circles.
With respect to jewelry, let there be no doubt that we are content to continue with the same policy that we have had during the entire history of our organization. We are content because it is the best approach for any organization that claims to encourage a consecrated, holy walk with the Lord. We are content because the Bible teaches this approach. The Bible also challenges us to deliver to our successors what was faithfully delivered to us. We have no desire to deviate from our long-held practice, which was historically held by holiness groups around the world.
A few years ago, I received a dissertation on this subject by Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph.D., of Andrews University. I will very briefly cite it because it provides historical context.
“From the very beginning of the Methodist movement, John Wesley (1703-1791) advocated plainness of dress and avoidance of jewelry in general, and rings in particular. In his Advice to the People Called Methodists, With Regard to Dress, he wrote: ‘Wear no gold, no pearls, or precious stones . . . I do not advise women to wear rings, earrings, necklaces.’” Wesley used Scriptural support for his position, including 1 Peter 3:3, 1 Timothy 2:9, and many other verses, as well as the spirit of the entire Bible that teaches separation from the world for believers. He was not the first, nor was he alone in holding these views.
To continue in Dr. Samuele’s words, “The early Methodists took the admonition of their founder seriously. They lived a plain lifestyle, avoiding gambling, dancing, cosmetics, and jewelry, including rings.” There were strict rules concerning dress. No one was allowed admission to Methodist communion services if they were wearing rings or dressed in a manner that was viewed as superfluous.
We have heard it said that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. For decades Wesley’s successors held to the high standard of their founder, as did the holiness movement in general. But with time, church leaders offered what were viewed as “minor concessions” to appease the objections of some. In New Testament times, wedding rings were not worn. That practice came about later. The evolution of wearing wedding rings in holiness circles over the past two centuries seems to have followed the same pattern that the Methodists experienced. At first, there were none. Next, a simple band was allowed. Then over time, all kinds of rings and jewelry were accepted, including men wearing earrings.
Dr. Samuele argues that simple wedding rings become the precursor for all rings and jewelry. It does seem to be the predictable, consistent outcome for groups, even if not for every individual in those groups. And what is most concerning is that with time comes the eroding of nearly every standard of modesty, to the point where holiness church members are indistinguishable from the world. And holiness organizations become something that would be unrecognizable to their founders.
We are told today that a wedding band in our culture is a symbol of commitment. Is that really the case? If it is, then why do fifty percent of those who exchange wedding rings on their wedding day end up later divorcing? So it could be just as easily argued that wedding rings are a symbol of failed marriages.
The strength of a marriage is rooted in the commitment of two individuals to their marriage. I have lived long enough to see some marriages fail when couples chose to wear rings, and others fail when they have chosen to abstain from wearing rings. Wearing or not wearing rings has no impact on the success or failure of a marriage. Our commitment to each other is what has impact, not some commitment to wearing a wedding ring.
The leaders of the 1906 Los Angeles Latter Rain outpouring, including Sister Florence Crawford, had holiness roots. They taught that sanctification was not only a second definite instantaneous experience, but also a consecrated way of life which demanded carefulness with regard to conduct and appearance. We still feel that way.
We might think it is easier to avoid speaking about these matters, but not addressing these types of issues could foster uncertainty or a lack of clarity. “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). A climate of uncertainty is unfavorable in the marketplace. Uncertainty will also undermine our efforts for unity in the Gospel.
Some claim confusion where none exists, not only related to this subject but in other matters as well. It may pay to ask ourselves when dealing with someone who claims confusion, “Is this really confusion, or is this clarity being resisted?” Our responsibility is to provide clarity in as simple terms as possible where confusion really does exist. Where it does not exist, do not be distracted, but be guided by your holy calling.
We cannot have a timid, apologetic approach in presenting a Gospel that represents a holiness way of life. The Gospel does have demands, as discipleship implies. Carrying a Cross is rigorous. It is not some happy-go-lucky way of ease. Let’s not rob disciples of the blessing they can experience in taking up their Cross.
Let me add that in a setting of a public meeting, it is best for pastors to address such matters implicitly and with some rarity, rather than explicitly, making it a hobby horse. If pastors faithfully preach the doctrinal subjects of the Bible, the Spirit of God will inspire hungry listeners to come up to higher ground.
Focus on Doctrine
Most sermons could be categorized as either doctrinal, devotional, or evangelistic in nature. Doctrinal sermons include those that provide a better understanding of Bible theology. Devotional messages include the encouraging “feel good” type of messages. Evangelistic sermons tend to inspire action now—”Get saved tonight. God will sanctify you now. The Holy Ghost is here to fill you.” They are all of value and have their place, but on a personal level, it concerns me if upon reviewing my past several sermons, there is a lack of doctrinal messages. The same could be said of camp meeting Bible teachings. We have each generation of teens present in Bible teaching services for only a brief window of time before they take summer jobs and cannot attend. If they do not hear the doctrines of the Bible expounded during that brief timeframe, they may never hear them. If it falls on us to give a camp meeting Bible teaching, let us think doctrinal first. It is perhaps not as easy as devotional, but it is needful. Devotional teaching will strengthen your day or week. Doctrinal teaching builds your spiritual foundation and will undergird the rest of your life. Doctrine also provides the basis for sticking with the Apostolic Faith Church when personality clashes arise, rather than moving over to the church across town.
Preach the Latter Rain Gospel
You have heard me say before that I am driven by what I believe to be a God-given mandate to faithfully deliver the same faith delivered to my generation—including our practices—to the next generation. My sense of loyalty is strong toward those who taught me, as well as to those who taught the ones who taught me. We are not wiser or more discerning and enlightened than those who helped shape what we have always stood for. Many of our predecessors’ anointed sermons live on in print and in recording. We may endure a bit more pressure to hold fast than they did, but only because most churches of our day have become more and more like the world they claim to want to win. Not only have they failed to win the world, but they have also made their message less appealing to hungry souls in the world by diluting it.
There are those outside our circles who appreciate what we stand for. Here is a note that was emailed to us a few weeks ago, which I shared with our Sunday morning audience recently.
Brethren,
As I am sending this email, I am also listening/watching the evening service from your church. Here in SC we are home from church before your webcast begins. I often play your webcast on Sunday evenings and enjoy it.
I am quite familiar with traditional Pentecostalism. My observation is that you are distinctly different from anything I know of in Pentecostal/Charismatic circles. Your music, modesty, and decorum set you apart from any of the Full Gospel churches I am aware of. I commend you for that.
While there would be some definite differences between your doctrinal position and mine (we are Bible Methodist—part of the conservative holiness movement), I feel a kindred spirit with yours.
May God bless you as you honor and labor for Him!
David A_________ of Greenville, SC
Letters of approval or not, we know we have God’s approval as we continue preaching the Latter Rain Gospel.
Closing
Like Timothy, we are challenged by Paul to live up to our holy calling. Do not be ashamed, hold fast, keep that which has been committed to you, be strong, and endure hardness.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:12-14).
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:1,3).
Greeting
Thank you for coming. We also want to acknowledge the webcast audience.
Minister Resources Page
We have decided to webcast this event live as well as next Saturday’s meeting. This was announced via a memo on the Minister Resources Page of the website. It is the most effective way to send general communication out that relates to ministers and pastors. If you’ve not yet taken the two-step process to be able to access that page, it’s very easy. Next Saturday, we’ll distribute a handout on it, but it’s self-explanatory if you go to the bottom lefthand corner of the website. There’s a log-in button that gives access to certain aspects of the website. That’s the first step that needs to be taken for access to be granted to the Minister Resources Page. When you click on that button, it will take you through the process. After you have done that first step, then go to the Library. You will see Ministers and can follow the steps given there to be granted access.
We have to first validate that those who seek access are, indeed, Apostolic Faith ministers. However, I will say, we’re not embarrassed of anything that’s on the Minister Resources Page. We’d let the whole world see. However, once in a while, there are things that don’t pertain to a general audience, so we go ahead and require that log-in before access is granted.
Once you’ve been granted that access, which is usually done within a twenty-four-hour period, you simply check the Memo Page once in a while. You’ll be updated automatically as to whatever news and events pertain to our ministers and pastors around the world. It’s an effective way of communicating in a general sense. Obviously, if private communication is needed with me, that’s easy to obtain, as well. We have what is called a “telephone” or “email.” Just contact me, and you’ll jump to the front of the list. We’ll be happy to accommodate that as best we can. It is a priority, actually, so make sure you take advantage of each of those methods.
“And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends (Paul’s friends) sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre” (Acts 19:31).
Introduction
Isolated, this verse might not have profound meaning to you, but hopefully we’ll get something out of it here in the next fifteen minutes or so. Two components of Paul’s visits to churches that are laid out in the Acts of the Apostles are: first, revival happened, and second, riots came. This seems to be the way it worked. Like Paul, we probably won’t have too many successes in the Gospel without some adversity.
This incident took place during Paul’s visit to Ephesus. There was a revival, and twelve received the Holy Ghost. They had a book-burning celebration where curious arts and books were disposed of. There were a number of activities. The Word of God prospered, but some hearts were hardened. Those came together as, what they called, the great goddess Diana was in jeopardy, and proceeded to have somewhat of a riot. Paul was of an adventurous spirit and was inclined to speak to those rioters, but some of his friends came to him (in the text I just read), desiring that he would not adventure himself into the theater.
You have to refresh your own memory by going to the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 19, to recall whether or not he went in. Whether he went in or not, I’m sure he was persuaded by what he felt was the will of God rather than the will of his friends. But that is a separate topic.
I would like to address the idea of “The Adventure of Pastoring,” or “The Adventure of Being Married to a Pastor,” depending upon which state you find yourself in. Lest we get an elevated view of ourselves, we could also give a devotional on the adventures of being an electrician if you were electricians, or on being married to an electrician, or on any number of vocations. Life comes to everyone, and we must be careful not to think that because we are a pastor, or married to a pastor, that we have some unique trial in life that no one else in the world could relate to.
It’s possible that no one else in the world, indeed, could relate to exactly what we go through, but it is no different than how someone who is an electrician, or plumber, or whatever, goes through whatever they go through. Also, those who are married to them.
Life is an adventure. But we are pastors, or spouses of pastors. The question to us is, “Would you like to go on an adventure?” The answer is, “It’s too late; you’re on one!”
What Constitutes an Adventure?
What is an adventure? Well, I looked at a number of different definitions and came up with these words drawn from all of them. It’s an undertaking that has elements of a challenge, with danger, some risk, and an uncertain outcome, but it has potential and possibilities.
Some people are adventuresome or adventurous. Others less so. But really, we could say that adventures come to everyone, because they do. So, whether we want adventures or not, we are in one.
We think of the explorers of old that we’ve read about in our history books during our school days. There are some who still read biographies or histories about those who explored. They were adventurous. They saw the risks, the dangers, the uncertain outcome, but they were driven by the possibilities. That’s how this land was discovered by Columbus. Though, obviously it was discovered before him because people were here when he got here. But we’ll let others debate that.
Paul was on an adventure, wasn’t he? Whether or not in this account in Acts 19, he would adventure himself into the theater to address those people or not, he often did. The outcome was often uncertain, and it is well documented that in the natural the outcome wasn’t even pleasant. But he was driven by the possibilities. Obviously, the possibility in that case was converts, and we want to be driven that way, as well.
Adventures of Farm Life
An adventure kindles the imagination because it sees, also, the excitement of possibilities. As I pondered this idea of an adventure, I remembered one of the few books I read other than of sports figures during my school days. It was an assignment of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The setting of Twain’s book was on the Mississippi River. Perhaps I was intrigued by that book not because of its literary value, but because I was growing up on the banks of the North Umpqua River. My dad and mom still live on the North Umpqua River.
Growing up on that farm, there were adventures. We had livestock, and the water trough was a big 55-gallon drum that had the top sawed off. It was great big, about this high, a barrel with water in it. The neighbor who lived across the street, gathered stray cats from everywhere, and the cats would come over to our house. When I was a boy, my mother told me, “Cats don’t swim.” Well, you don’t tell a ten-year-old that cats don’t swim. So, one adventure I had was of taking a cat and dropping it right down in the middle of that 55-gallon drum of water. Well, they don’t swim, so I rescued it. Whether that adventure was for me or for the cat, I don’t know, but that is the one that came to my mind.
Then there was the adventure of the saltlick. To encourage the cows to drink, there were a number of saltlicks throughout the barnyard. I could see the cows licking that salt, and as a boy, I scraped away the dry manure, and got down and licked that salt to see what it tasted like. As with the cat, the outcome was uncertain. I didn’t view this as risky, but adults would.
On the farm, we had the excitement of living on that North Umpqua River. We swam throughout the summer every day, sometimes twice a day. In the heat of the afternoon, we learned that when it was very hot outside, the water seemed very, very cool. In the evening before bedtime, when it was a bit cooler outside, the same water temperature seemed warmer. My brothers and I also had the excitement of playing rope football. A big oak tree’s limb hung way out over the bank with a rope attached to it. We would stand on the shore and one of the brothers would go out on the rope. As soon as he reached the peak of his climb on that rope, he would let go and we would deliver his football right into his hands. So we had excitement.
Adventures of Christianity
Then there was the adventure of my first Apostolic Faith meeting, and getting saved, and then embarking upon the lifelong journey of being a Christian. After a while, there was the adventure of preaching my first sermon. The text was Matthew 10:39, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.” The first sermon wasn’t so bad. It was the second, third, and fourth ones that gave me trouble, and all the ones since then. I remember telling Brother Nolan Roby once that I was so desperate during a sermon. I don’t know if he recalls this, but I told him I didn’t even know the next words that were going to come out of my mouth. There was just nothing there. He probably was gracious, because he could have agreed there was nothing there, but he didn’t.
Adventures of a First Pastorate
Then there was the adventure of my first pastorate, and the challenges that accompanied that. I think some view being called into the ministry—maybe dragged into the ministry—with a certain amount of glamour, or they have an elitist view. That is so contrary to the Word of God. We are called to be servants, not to be served.
I suppose being appointed pastor could also be viewed by some as having a certain amount of glamour. People pat you on your back and say you did a great job whether you did or not. You feel good about that, but that stops after a while, and you have to deliver sermons because it’s the Word of God, not because someone is going to pat you on the back.
I always thought it would be easier to assume the pastorate of someone who people didn’t love, but it seems that my role has been to follow those who people did love, which I appreciate, as well. I don’t want you to take that wrong. There’s a certain amount of challenge to step in either way. It was particularly challenging where we had lived already, in Dallas—me for twelve years and Debbie for fifteen.
The first Sunday I was in Dallas was the dedication of Emily Allen (now Macomber). The last Sunday there, before the camp meeting when I was asked to move, Tim DeBusk’s sister, Teresa DeBusk McDonald, was saved. Between that first Sunday and that last Sunday, a five-year span, there were a number of victories, and there were a number of challenges. Not in regard to the church; it just purred along because God’s people are good people. But life comes, and we don’t share all of the challenges that come our way as individuals. Challenges come to us, and often must be handled in a private manner if the circumstances dictate so. Congregation members have similar challenges that often have to be handled between them and the Lord. They may solicit help along the way, certainly so. But that’s part of the adventure of serving the Lord—of being a Christian.
Adventures in Eureka
Then there was the adventure of Eureka. Brother Loyce Carver called me on a Wednesday or Thursday in January and asked that I come up and preach on a Friday night. He said he would like to talk to me about moving to Eureka. So we came, we talked, and he asked. My answer was, “Whatever is best. That is what we want.” He was noncommittal. We went from January to camp meeting, and finally he told me in the prayer room before a night meeting. He said, “Yeah, you should move to Eureka after camp meeting.” I asked him, “Is this public?” He said, “Yes, it can be public,” so I went out of the prayer room and told Debbie. Then I told Brother Earl Phillips. He must have been in the prayer room. He wanted to know the details. How did Brother Carver ask you? I told him I was praying in the prayer room, and he nudged me and said, “Yeah, you move to Eureka.” It was a little less glamorous than what Brother Earl was expecting, I think, but that’s the way it came about.
Initially, our daughter was excited. She was adventurous. Later, she would be a literature major. She was only fifteen or sixteen right then. She had an adventurous spirit. Our son was reluctant. We moved to Eureka, and the roles reversed. Our daughter was petrified, and our son thought it was kind of cool. So that’s the way it went. We had adventures in Eureka. There were good times and fun times. In fact, Debbie turned forty in Eureka, so we arranged to have a fortieth birthday party for her as a church, but then Brother Burley Burlingame passed away. Actually, his wife, Sister Annabelle, just recently passed away as well.
I had ordered a cake from the bakery with black frosting to imply somewhat of a mourning situation. Then when Brother Burlingame died, I quickly called the bakery and said “Hey, have you decorated that cake yet?” Well, they hadn’t gotten to the “Happy Birthday” part. I thought that would work perfectly as a funeral cake. So, Debbie didn’t get her fortieth celebration, but she got to eat her cake at that funeral.
To make it up to her, I took her to Mendocino for a couple of nights. That’s a few hours’ drive south along the Coast. We stayed a couple of nights there and then came back home. October 17 is her birthday, and she wanted some fall foliage for a pulpit arrangement. It was beautiful that time of year and as we drove, we saw colorful fall leaves. We stopped along 101 and picked up a few of them. Debbie asked me, “Is this poison oak?” Well, I grew up in Roseburg; I know what poison oak is. I said, “No, that’s not poison oak.” We got the leaves together with some other foliage and then brought it to the church and fixed it up nice in front of the pulpit. Then we got up on Sunday morning and I had poison oak on my hands, and Debbie had poison oak. Also, Sister Katie Jones who was artistic and had come to the church to help rearrange things got poison oak. It was all part of the adventure!
Adventures of Our Current Location
Later Brother Dwight Baltzell called and asked us to move to Portland. So now, currently, we are in the adventure of living in Portland! For you, the adventure is where you live. After you leave camp meeting, your adventure will continue. It will continue with those elements of a challenge: of some excitement, danger, and risks. But the possibilities . . . the possibilities, the potential! If we ever get our eyes off of those possibilities, that’s when we will run aground. We’re promised the hardships. There’s no crown without bearing a cross. There’s no picnic. Not just for us, but for anyone else in our congregation. So we carry on.
We face the adventures. We address them with the help of the Lord. I don’t know how many of the old explorers had faith in God. I would hate to be out in the middle of the ocean with Columbus and his crew during those storms and not know the Savior. Whether they did or didn’t, I know one thing, we know One. We know One to go to. When the storms of life assail our ship, we just head into it, and by the grace of God know that He’s going to carry us through it. He’s never failed one yet. We cannot wilt or cower or hang our heads. We serve a great God. We avail ourselves of His grace rather than our own strength because we see the possibilities. More than that we see that God is the One who called us to this task, and if He called us to this task, He’ll see us through this task.
The Adventure of this Camp Meeting
In the short term we have the adventure of Camp Meeting 2011. We have the possibilities that exist before us here. They’re exciting! We’re due for a major stirring. We really are! Every camp meeting is a blessing. I don’t diminish last camp meeting and the one before that or any before that. But, simply stated, we are due for a stirring. We need that at any stage of any year. Complacency settles in with some. Some lose their focus, some drift away, others become lethargic. But we thank God we are surrounded by those who have the same adventurous spirit they’ve always had, and we look to the God of Heaven who we’ve always looked to. He will answer our prayers. Let’s determine in our hearts that we’ll pray all the more earnestly this camp meeting. We know the victories are won in the prayer meeting.
Obviously, many of you—most of you—help carry the camp meeting. Let’s make prayer a priority as much as we can beyond the tasks that have fallen upon us to help the camp meeting run smoothly. We can’t abandon serving others so that they might have a camp meeting. But, where it is possible, commit yourselves to the prayer meetings, to the prayer room, to the altar services. It would really be helpful if we see that we have the ministers all lined up on the chancel rail there on the platform, but there’s room down below. Obviously, the men need to pray on the men’s side of the altar. If there’s room at the altar and you can commit yourself to prayer before your next assignment, then do so. Let’s be active as altar workers. That’s one element that caused us to be asked to preach our first sermon. It was noted that we prayed. That’s an element that we don’t want to lose. If we don’t pray as pastors and as leaders of this organization, we cannot ask the saints of God to pray. We cannot assign them, “You all go to prayer, I’ll be back after coffee.” Nobody’s doing that obviously, but we have to lead by example.
There is a great deal of business that is pressed upon every one of us at any time of year, at any gathering. You can be sure the devil will remind us of who we need to talk to every time we go to prayer. Pray first. Give yourself that time of prayer, because that meeting that is so important can hold, most of the time. And as we do that, the possibilities are endless. Many of you have loved ones who have lost their way. We pray that God’s Spirit will reach out and draw them to the meetings. They know these meetings are going on. They’re keeping track of them. Some of them are hoping that the Lord doesn’t come during these meetings. So, let’s pray, commit ourselves to it, and be bold as we approach the Throne of Grace. God will answer our prayers, and we’ll see that this adventurous journey through Camp Meeting 2011 will have an outcome that is amazing to us though we knew God could do it. Let’s pray to that end, shall we?
Paul had discretionary power as to whether or not he would venture into that theater, but we have an adventure that God has compelled us to follow through with. May God help us to do so.
We do appreciate you all being here. I don’t want to leave you thinking otherwise. Not that you would, but we are glad you’re here. You’ll make camp meeting go. We thank God for each of you. Perhaps we could have a closing song. Then we’ll have a closing prayer.
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