Another hot day in Kansas! The last several days have been filled with rest and hectic moments.



Today I met with our realtor and we reduced the sale price of our home in order to facilitate a quick sale. The housing market in Topeka has slowed a bit and our house has been on the market for only 76 days. We know that God is in control!

We are preparing to meet with the congregation at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene on Friday evening July 13. The weekend is filled with connection points with people from the church. Sharron and I are really excited about this opportunity. I will be preaching on Sunday morning and if all goes well the membership vote will take place on July 22. God is directing our path!

The church has a great heritage of ministry. The people express friendly greetings to all who come for worship on Sunday. The church has been going through a difficult transition the past 12-15 months. Now is the time for revitalization and renewal of ministry. I believe God is preparing to pour out a great blessing to this church and I pray for the opportunity to lead the church in the days ahead.

In my study time today I read some interesting statistics on why people change churches. Here it is for you:

Why Do People Switch Churches?

More than 1 in 5 adults who switch to a new church move away from traditional worship, finds recent LifeWay Research.

• Worship style of worship:
• Church Switchers often choose a new church that is different in several ways from their previous one, and most end up not attending traditional services as they did formerly. 53% attended traditional style worship; of that, only 29% switched to churches with traditional services.
• The most popular worship styles among switchers are blended worship (38%) and contemporary worship (33%).
• Church Size
• 46% move to a larger church while 29% go to a smaller one and 25% find one the same size as their former church.
• Among those who attended a church of 100 or less, 79% switch to a larger church.
• Among those who attended a church of more than 500, 57% moved to a smaller church. 54% change denominations when switching.
• Denomination loyality
• 44% consider denomination an important selection factor. Among those who have disagreements with their previous church’s teachings or positions on issues, 71% change denominations. Only 4% left a previous church because they could no longer identify with that particular denomination.
• PREACHING
• 87% base their selection on preaching and 90% have found preaching that meets their need for relevance, interest and clarity. 91% consider the preaching at their current church relevant while only 44% say this about their previous church.
• 91% say their current preacher holds their attention vs. only 37% who claim this about their previous preacher; 86% are challenged by the preaching at their new church to live and think biblically compared to only 39% who were previously so challenged.
• SERVANT SPIRIT
• 97% attend worship at their current church; 84% contribute financially vs. 69% previously; and 64% volunteer compared to 51% before.
• CONNECTION POINTS
• Also, 60% attend a small group, Sunday school or discipleship class at their new church. Moreover, 74% become a member of their current church vs. 69% at their previous church.

Source: (Church Leaders Intelligence Report, 6-27-07)


I think finding the right church is very important to a persons spiritual growth. This is a trustworthy saying - think about it!

Back in Kansas Again

On Thursday I travelled back to Kansas to fulfill some responsibilities at home. I appreciate Pastor Alfredo Barreno meeting me at the airport and providing my transportation to Topeka. When I called my wife Sharron in the evening she encouraged me to check out Stephanie's Blog for a message posted for me. It brought tears to my eyes and a broad smile across my face. Check it out at Stephanie's blog.


I really miss Sharron when I am away from her. My wife Sharron is my best friend. She is the compass in my life that gives me the insight in making tough decisions and gives direction. She is the voice of reason when I need clarity while dealing with situations. I could not see my life and ministry without Sharron being part of it. She brings laughter to my voice and a deep sense of fulfillment in my life. Sharron - I can' say it enough: I love you!




I am so thankful that God placed Sharron in my life. As we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary on June 9 we once again renewed in spirit our dedication and commitment to one another. I am blessed to have Sharron - my loving wife and best friend.

Sharron and I are blessed with our adult daughters Danielle and Stephanie. They are identical twins yet, each expresses their unique personality and passion for life. Sharron and I are first generation Christians. It is a great privilege to raise two beautiful daughters and know that each has made a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The home they grew up in was not perfect. But, I can honestly say, the home they grew up in was filled with love and faith. We are righteously proud of each of our daughters because of who they are.

Sharron and I also blessed by our son-in-law Josh and our first grandchild Alyse Nicole! What a beautiful family. He and Stephanie were high school sweethearts. When Josh wanted to date Stephanie, he asked my permission and when he wanted to ask Stephanie to marry him, he asked my permission. He is truly a godly man and the best son-in-law I could ever image. He loves his wife and daughter. He is a commitment Christian and serves the Lord faithfully. The day Josh and Stephanie brought little Alyse home from the hospital was a GREAT DAY!

Why so much info about my family? Today I miss them. I am convinced more than ever that God is drawing Sharron and I to North Carolina to be near family and serve Him. As we delight in Him, God gives to us the desires of our heart. Sharron and I are content that whatever God's plan is for our life we want to be found faithful and available.

Today I am reading a book by Peter Scazzero. The title of the book is Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (2006 Integrity Publishers) "The combination of emotional health and contemplative spiritually addresses what I believe to be the missing piece in contemporary Christianity" he says. "Together they unleash the Holy Spirit inside us so that we might exponentially know the power of an authentic life in Christ." I encourage you to visit the website established by the Center for Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.


Thanks for stopping by. Hope you found these words encouraging and filled with trustworthy statements!

A Day to Celebrate Independence and Dependence

On this first July 4th in North Carolina we enjoyed a morning with Josh, Stephanie and Alyse.


We really appreciate the warm hospitality shown as we have been staying in their "guest room" for an extended time. Sharron and I have extremely enjoyed the time with family. Danielle had to work today due to an unexpected resignation which left quite a bit of unfinished business.

I laughed quite a bit today as I enjoyed the USA network for the MONK marathon. Yes - I am a MONK fan - big time. I own all the series available on DVD. If you have never experienced the MONK I invite you to follow detective Adrian Monk on his adventures solving cases on the Monk TV series. USA Network's Monk television show features Tony Shalub.

At this very moment - I am setting at my daughter's computer posting this blog and all of a sudden - here comes Stephanie - Alyse - and Sharron. It brings joy to my heart and a big smile to my face when "Grammy" holds Alyse up as she displays her Independence Day shirt.

As I think of the true meaning of Independence Day I am thankful for the sacrifice made by men and women across the years who have served in the armed force to secure our freedom. This American holiday was designed to bring to remembrance the patriotic duty of our forefathers who declared our Independence to establish - Under God - this nation.

As I believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and a Servant of the Most High God I also choose to remember the freedom I have to declare my dependence upon the Creator God of the Universe. In Christ alone do I trust for salvation.

I am blessed! If you have trouble grasping this "freedom" thing because you face temptations and bondage due to things in your life, I invite you to turn to God who loves you and demonstrated His love for you and me. The book I trust states that "While we were yet sinners - Christ died for us." His death give me - and you - the assurance of life. My dependence upon Him is the source of my strength. Be sure and comment if you want to know more about this dependence.

These - my friends - are trustworthy sayings!

Five days of the journey

It has been five days since my last blog entry. Each day has brought blessings and confirmation of God's favor upon Sharron and me.

FRIDAY

On June 28th Sharron, Stephanie, Alyse and I visited the newly opened Billy Graham Library. We had a wonderful time. To really grasp the time enjoyed, I invite you to to click on my daughter Stephanie's blog, where she gives great insight about this afternoon together.

One aspect of the visit to the Billy Graham library that brought a flood of memories to me was a large picture located near the entrance to the barn.


It was the sign located in front of the Charlotte Coliseum in preparation for the Crusade coming to town in the fall of 1972. ( If it is hard to read, it says: Billy Graham Crusade 6,7,8; Wrestling 10; Elvis Presley 11; Ice Hockey 13,14) I had just starting going to church during the summer of 1972 and the Crusade was in September. I remember singing in the choir under the direction of Cliff Barrows and the privilege to hear Billy Graham preach each night of the meetings. Within 3 months of this meeting I had accepted Christ as my Savior and my life was transformed.


SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

On Saturday June 29 Sharron and I travelled to Raleigh, NC to meet with the church board of the North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. It was a time for a pre-interview with the leadership of the church as they continue the process of searching for a new pastor.

Our time of interaction was great. We laughed together, shared, and listened to one another. My heart truly resonated with the expressions of the board as they described what they were looking for in a new pastor. I tried to listen carefully to the questions asked and drew insight about their vision and values from the prepared questions. We really appreciated Jeff giving us a tour of the facility. The evening meal with Cindi, Shawn and Harold was fantastic (including the Carolina Concrete). We enjoyed the morning service and especially the welcome received following the service when it was announced that a potential candidate was possibly visiting. The lunch with other board members and spouses was very enjoyable.

Sharron and I have given this opportunity much prayer and sought the council of godly friends. We have accepted the invitation to return to Raleigh over the weekend of July 15-17. A congregational meeting will take place on Friday for the purpose of a get acquainted time. I will meet with the church leadership again. I have accepted the invitation to preach on Sunday morning. Soon after this the church board will vote to recommend me as pastor - if that goes well - the congregational meeting will take place and the membership will vote.



I really feel like we are taking a giant leap of faith. Scroll down to my June 20 entry when I asked the question: What in the world is God doing? Well, it looks like this may be answer Sharron and I have believed for. I am sensing an excitement about the possibility of entering into pastoral ministry at a local church. I have loved being a District Superintendent. The time of ministry in Kansas as given us great joy. The experiences have held to continue to mold and shape me into the person and minister of God that I am today. Sharron and I have found it difficult to begin the separation of friends in Kansas. However, the excitement of being close to family, returning home to North Carolina and continue to the Lord's service in ministry is almost overwhelming. We are filled with joy about this possibility. Pray with us about the July 15-17 and check my blog the beginning of the next week for updates.


MONDAY

It was great to have the day with our son-in-law Josh at home. A very relaxing day of cooler weather and enjoyment with family. We are in prayer for our friends in Osawatomie, KS. Over the weekend the river arose and their house had over 6 feet of water covering the porch and into the house.

TODAY -

Thanks for taking the time to read this expression to thoughts. The passage of scripture that spoke to me today is from Deuteronomy 31:8:

Do not be afraid or discouraged,

for the LORD is the one who goes before you.

He will be with you;

he will neither fail you nor forsake you."

I hope you find this a trustworthy saying.

Trustworthy Sayings for people like us.

Today I made a major revision on my blog. I now have a new heading and a passage of scripture God laid upon my heart.

I think about the people who read this blog. People like you. Normal. Everyday. Coffee drinking/Diet Coke sipping kind of people who are just trying to deal with life. Maybe just trying to deal with the day.From the outside, some of us appear to be people who are whole. That is, we appear to have it together. Others of us appear to be struggling. Still others of us may appear to be a mess.

The truth? What you see on the outside can be deceiving. Regardless of the way we may appear on the outside, on the inside, we all are lacking. We have fears and inadequacies that many of us go to great lengths to mask. At the core of our being is a great need for God. Yet, we often try our best to make it on our own.So I want you to know that when I post each day (about four to five days a week), I am thinking about people just like you. In fact, I sometimes picture people just like you, turning on their computer and finding this blog.

You may be single.

You may be a young father or mother.

You may be a widow.

You may be a church leader.

You may not see yourself as very "religious."

You may feel very connected with some special people in your life.

You may feel very alone.

Regardless, we have much in common.

What we have in common, however, may not be what you see on the outside. What we have in common is what is real and what may be lacking on the inside.

Some days you might read this blog and come away encouraged or helped in some way. Some days--well, it just didn't do much for you. Regardless, I really pray that in some way God would bless you and provide just what you need. Please feel free to comment at any time.
Portions of this were adapted from a 1996 blog by jimmartin.

ASKING - SEEKING - KNOCKING

We are enjoying our time with family in Charlotte, NC ( actually Indian Trail, NC) My daughter Stephanie is really helping me with my blog. She will be pleased that I did not "steal" anything from her blog page. She told me that I needed a new picture for my resume. As she said it " Dad, one that looks like you now!" Thus - my new picture - taken today by Stephanie. Thanks Stephanie...

As Sharron and I joined our family and attended Elevation Church on Sunday we enjoyed the wonderful worship and the message from Pastor Steven Furtick. (Click on Elevation Church and you can hear the message for yourself.) On the way home from church Sharron and I discussed what the message meant to us. We always ask for the practical application of what we receive from church each Sunday.

Sharron spoke from her heart that God had given her a peace that it was time for her to not worry or be afraid, but to pray with confidence and ask God where we are to minister in the days ahead, seek God with assurance that we will know God’s will and especially, begin to knock on the door we feel God’s direction toward. Sharron’s fear was based on the idea that she did not have the right to ask God for specifics about our employment or where we should live. She has great confidence that God has a plan and purpose for us and will take care of us. She firmly believes that God has not abandoned us but will meet our needs in according to His will. Today, God gave Sharron a new confidence and peace within her heart. This peace came from the passage of scripture below:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

We do not believe that God is a vending machine that we simply ask and God, without care or concern gives us anything and everything we ask for. We also do not believe that we should never ask God because the Bible is clear that God is concerned for us and wants us to seek Him and ask of Him in accordance to His will.

On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a time away with our close friend Joyce Ford doing two things we love. Walking through a store at the mall and then going to the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant for a great meal and time of conversation. As we arrived at the store my cell phone rang. The call brought tears to my eyes and great anticipation to my heart. It was from the secretary of a church board at a great church in North Carolina. The leadership board had discussed my resume and have invited Sharron and I to interview with them this coming Saturday. I admit, I had difficulty going to sleep on Sunday evening as I tried to settle my heart filled with praise and anticipation. Each passing moment since that time, has been filled with prayers about this possible opportunity. As Sharron and I prayed Sunday evening she shared with me again about the impact of the Matthew 7 passage that God laid upon her heart.

Sharron and I both, have come to the assurance of heart that God is pleased with our decision in trying to relocate near North Carolina. Early in our ministry together we committed to each other that we would hold simple priorities in our life. When are began our marriage we decided that our priorities would be as follows:

1. 
   
   God first


2. 
   
   Family second


3. 
   
   Church / Ministry third

These priorities have never been more challenged than this time in our life. We are crying our to God to help us delight in Him that He might give to us the desires of our heart. As we delight in Him, we believe God places the right desires in our heart.

The desire to serve God in ministry and be near to our family is paramount in life right now.

Can you hear me now?

This afternoon my wife and daughter, Stephanie, (with Alyse) took me to the Presbyterian Medical Clinic due to my ears being stopped up. With great embarrassment, I met with the doctor, who informed me that I had "cement" in my ears. Apparently, I am not alone. He said he sees several cases per week of men who have "ear wax" filling their ear canals. Mine is caused due to the "heartbreak of psoriasis" I suffer with. A simple process performed by the doctor always leaves my ears nice and clean, and my hearing greatly improved (though my wife still accuses me of "selective hearing".) Thanks to Dr. Jim and his staff !

Here is a picture of my granddaughter, Alyse, when she heard about my visit to the clinic :

Today brought a reminder that I need to be still and listen to the Lord - for He is speaking. I want nothing in my life to hinder the voice of God as he calls out to my heart. The desire of my heart is to respond to God as the prophet Samuel of the Old Testament ( 1 Samuel 3:10) "Speak, for your servant is listening."

As I have recently prepared my resume for review I have taken the opportunity to revisit my personal mission statement. It goes like this:

My Life Purpose is to live and maintain a life of integrity, trust and faith in Jesus Christ, and participate in the Great Commission by using the gifts entrusted to me by God and personal experiences to enable people to become faithful and effective disciples of Jesus Christ. I want my wife to know that her husband loves and cherishes her. I want my children to have a legacy that reflects a father of credibility. I want the people that are the closest to me to sense they are loved by God and that I am a person who can be trusted. I want to be able to laugh each day. I deeply desire to be part of a team that is effective for Jesus Christ. I want my life experiences to display the confidence I have that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant and life changing. Each day I start over in a new journey. I want to stay close to the heart of Jesus, which in turn will keep my heart stirred for the Lord.


Thanks for your prayers as Sharron and I face one of the greatest times of transition in our 29 years of marriage. We truly want to hear the clear voice of God, to know with clarity what God's direction is in our life, and choose to follow God's will.

- Rick