Administrators Popular Post HappyChristian Posted March 22, 2017 Administrators Popular Post Share Posted March 22, 2017 I think pretty much everybody knows that we moved to the west coast almost 2 years ago (well, if you didn't know before, you do now ). We moved out here to be a help to my mother, who lost my dad 5 years ago last month. The entire family wanted her to keep the acreage she and my dad had, but the upkeep was just becoming too much for her. Before my dad passed, my hubs spent a good bit of time in prayer and the Lord confirmed that we were to move out here. We just didn't know the "when." "When" came in summer of 2015. My hubs has been able to do the upkeep on the property, enjoying every minute he's able to spend outside. My mother, uncle and siblings are very grateful for the work he's done. When we moved up here, we knew we would be attending the church of which my mother was a member. The pastor had gone to Glory about a year and a half after my dad. There were problems that arose because of some power playing. Long story, don't need or want to go into it. Suffice to say that, because of the issues, most of the men left, leaving the pastor's wife virtually in charge (ostensibly a congregation-run church, which is why I used the word virtually). We believed that God wanted to use us in this church, as the church looked for a pastor. Things were wonderful for a while; visiting men filled the pulpit, etc. There were things that weren't being done right, but without a pastor, and now with only two men (my hubs and another man) as members, there wasn't a whole lot that could be done. So we patiently waited. Long story short, there was just too much wrong to continue attending. My hubs tried to deal with some things (among them, folks allowing the world to come into the church and not seeming to think any wrong about it) and was resoundly rejected by the other male member, the pastor's wife (the de facto pastor), and the main pulpit fill to whom he was looking for help in the situation. And so we had to leave. NOT because my hubs didn't get his way. But because God's Word was basically cast aside in favor of compromise with the world - in a few areas. And so the question was where to go? We knew this didn't take God by surprise and He had something planned. My hubs was even praying about starting a church. But interestingly enough, one Sunday we were traveling to a town closer to home than the one in which that church was when we saw a church sign for a Baptist Church. Even though we had not left the other church yet, we were almost certain it would come to that, so we looked into the church. Upshot is that the Sunday after we left the other church, we visited the one for which we saw the sign. The people were friendly. There is no pastor there, either, but the pulpit supply is taken care of by the pastor who founded the church - he has three of his men on a rotating basis come to preach. And that first Sunday was like balm to our spirits! We had spent so much time having to hear Bible correctors, "preaching" that was actually teaching (don't get us wrong - we love teaching as well...but we needed some PREACHING!), we just drank it in! And so we have stayed. We joined the church and have become active. The church basically began 7 years ago. The first pastor left almost 5 years ago. And when he left, there were some things in a mess (the finances...basically straightened out now, thankfully). There are only a handful of members, but we marvel at their steadfastness and their trust that God will bring them a pastor. There is no outreach, and so there has been no physical growth. That is probably a good thing, because there are some things that not having a pastor have brought about that aren't so good. But - Randy (my hubs, for those who don't know) offered to teach a soulwinning class so that those who aren't familiar with it can learn, and those who are can refresh. The members were thrilled! A number of things happened once the classes began, not the least of which was my hubs' almost dying and spending a week in the hospital, with over 2 weeks recuperating time. But the classes have continued, and the members are enjoying the memorization he's having us do (verses as well as books of the Bible), quizzes that he gives, Bible drills, etc. And he's going step-by-step through the visitation process. Next week begins the practice. I have been given the responsibility of the ladies' meetings. We meet monthly for lunch, and I was thrilled at the first lunch that they actually spent some time in the Word (the previous church ladies met monthly, but certainly didn't look into the Word)! Imagine a church group actually looking into scripture together! (a little sarcasm there...) Anyway, I was given the privilege of presenting the devotions in January, and they asked me to take it over. After having been so involved in our church in IN, and then coming here to the first church and not being able to do anything, this is certainly a breath of fresh air. My mom has been chosen, by member vote, to be assistant treasurer. She is doing all the work, but doesn't sign any checks (about which we are happy). She is happy, too, because at the other church, they used a non-member...yes, you read that right. Mom didn't necessarily want the responsibility, but she wasn't happy that nobody even mentioned the need in order to give anyone who was a member the opportunity to volunteer; they just had a non-member do it. Anyway... On top of the soulwinning class, my hubs will begin in April teaching Sunday School and preaching Sunday morning, every other week. The members have set up a pulpit committee and have gotten serious about finding a pastor (I think they just needed someone THERE to encourage them). They have made it clear that they are interested in my hubs becoming the pastor. The church constitution states that the candidate must preach twice, at least. So they will hear him preach in April (he's not a candidate yet, but I think they'll know after they hear him whether or not they want to pursue him). I would appreciate prayer (yes, I'm going to bring this book to a close) that God will lead and direct exactly how He wants this to go. And that all egos, personalities, etc, are left out of it. I posted this here, because I don't want this to be on the public pages since it's not a done deal. Jim_Alaska, DaveW, Alan and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members swathdiver Posted March 22, 2017 Members Share Posted March 22, 2017 That little church needed a leader and the Lord brought them one, Randy! Praise the Lord. Now only Randy and the Lord know if he was brought there to Shepherd the church or to get it ready for a Shepherd. Thanks for sharing! Now, what about those babies we've been praying for? HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted March 22, 2017 Author Administrators Share Posted March 22, 2017 7 minutes ago, swathdiver said: Now, what about those babies we've been praying for? Still praying... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted May 6, 2017 Author Administrators Share Posted May 6, 2017 Most recent update: the pastoral search committee met last week. They have asked my husband to meet with them this next Tuesday. We would appreciate continued prayer. DaveW, Orval, No Nicolaitans and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Orval Posted May 6, 2017 Members Share Posted May 6, 2017 I love reading how God works. It is so exciting. My prayers are with you and your husband that God's will be done and the Lord be glorified in the process and results. HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted June 3, 2017 Author Administrators Share Posted June 3, 2017 Hubs met with the committee 3 weeks back. The meeting went well. They requested references, and the other day received all of them. So now they will discuss and meet with Randy again. No Nicolaitans and Alan 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted June 19, 2017 Author Administrators Share Posted June 19, 2017 Last night the search committee recommend my hubs. The vote will take place on July 2. And then Randy will say yea or nay to them. Please be in prayer for wisdom. John Young, DaveW, Alan and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Jim_Alaska Posted June 20, 2017 Administrators Share Posted June 20, 2017 Funny HC, I was just thinking of asking about this yesterday to see what had come of Randy's last meeting. I'll be in prayer about this situation. HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted June 27, 2017 Author Administrators Share Posted June 27, 2017 One of the things that a couple of the men on the search committee have been ignoring is that Randy told them he believes God would have him start as interim pastor. It's a long reason, but in a nutshell they've been without a pastor for a number of years and he believes God would have him approach it in this manner as a protection for them. He has spoken to both our former pastor and the church's founding pastor and both are in agreement with him. One of the men is concerned that Randy will decide not to become the permanent pastor if he begins as interim. The concern is not necessary, but, again, they've been without a pastor for so long it is understandable. Randy had wanted a longer period of interim and the committee only wanted a month. =D Well, after time spent in prayer, 90 days was agreed upon. So, on Sunday they will vote (well, we, since I'm a member ;) ) for him as interim with the understanding that in 90 days it will be revisited. This will give them the opportunity to discover if they really want Randy's leadership and teaching/preaching. I believe they will, but I do see much wisdom in how Randy is approaching this. Continued prayer is appreciated. We will be hitting the ground running - or, rather, running a bit faster than we've already begun. We designed a church brochure that is mostly a tract, because there isn't a lot of information for the church just yet, other than service times, location, and the ladies' lunch/men's prayer breakfast. We had them printed professionally (and the members were thrilled at the quality of the job done). We ordered 200 of them. Randy has begun a visitation program, and we've been using them. Most Saturdays he takes out one of the men and I take out one of the women for an hour in the morning, and then we each take another out in the afternoon, working on training them. We are almost at the point where two of the ladies are ready to take a silent partner out themselves! Yay! Anyway, we only have 10 left! We've not had any visitors as a result of our going out, nor have we seen anyone saved yet. But! We have several who are interested and want us to come back. Hubs is in the process of teaching how to disciple now. There is no set Sunday School class because there are no children who attend. (But there was a really good visit this past Saturday - with twins!). There have been kids once in a while, but there isn't a curriculum. And so one of my jobs right now is to create a curriculum. Thankfully, I have the curriculum our former church created. While we can't use it as is (it's for individual grades, and we won't likely need that for a while), it is a good jumping off point for me. I have the first 7 weeks mostly done. I will begin one-on-one teaching of a young lady who is struggling to understand a good bit of Scripture. Hubs is going to have me meet with her during Sunday School - I would appreciate prayer for wisdom to know exactly how to approach this and teach her. And I have to work on piano...I took lessons for a number of years, but have never gotten to the point where I can play well. But now I have to. We have a piano player, but she is elderly and has health issues. Prayer regarding that would be very greatly appreciated (in all honestly, I'd love to see a song leader whose wife is a pianist join the church!). Hubs will still need to work because the church is small. He will be pulled in a number of directions, with working, pastoring, and taking care of the property here. I'm not going to be seeing much of him, as he's going to be spending a lot of time studying. So, our lives are definitely in the process of changing. Big time. Thanks for the prayer. Alan, DaveW and No Nicolaitans 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members No Nicolaitans Posted June 27, 2017 Members Share Posted June 27, 2017 Well, I got excited just reading this! Glory! I can imagine both the excitement and trepidation of this. You will ALL be in my prayers! :) HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaveW Posted June 27, 2017 Members Share Posted June 27, 2017 This is great news for you, and I think for that church. Working a job on the side is hard but most of us have had to do it. We still use an introduction tracts that is mostly evangelistic. Our is an a4 trifold that has a cover panel, 4 panels of witness, and the last panel is dot points of what we believe, and location and times. This is our main "invitation tract", but I have a number of "witnessing tracts" that we use individually. My daughter plays piano for us and she is good, but there are still a few hymns she can't play or struggles with - we still song them, just without accompaniment. Don't be afraid to do that - it can be great. In fact we normally sing Amazing Grace accapella even though my daughter can play it. But it is great to have the choice. Keep working at it. Such a blessing to read this. Thanks! Alan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alan Posted June 27, 2017 Members Share Posted June 27, 2017 I am sure your husband knows what he is doing in seeking an interim first. It also sounds like you are excited also. All of us hope the best for you, Randy, and the folks at the church. It is going to be exciting to hear how God uses you two to help the church grow in souls saved and taught. May the Lord bless you all. HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Jim_Alaska Posted June 27, 2017 Administrators Share Posted June 27, 2017 Thanks for the update LuAnne. This is certainly blessing to hear. I am impressed by randy's wisdom in this matter of starting as interim pastor. After all, not one knows Randy's call better than he does. His decision also shows wisdom because he is very knowledgeable regarding this church. I am sure that in the next 90 days God will make His will known to both Randy and the church. Continuing in earnest prayer for both of you in this time of seeking God's will in this matter. HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Popular Post HappyChristian Posted July 3, 2017 Author Administrators Popular Post Share Posted July 3, 2017 Well, the vote was held. And it was unanimous - in favor. So my husband is now pastor of our church. I'm not sure either of us has really wrapped our heads around that, but it's sinking in.... Please do be in prayer for wisdom for him. There are a few negative things he needs to do almost right away. I say negative because it involves stopping things that have gone on that aren't right but have become accepted. He's very patient and will explain things thoroughly, but I know some people will be hurt. The young lady I was going to be meeting with will not be meeting with me. She decided that I was judging her when I told her she needed to be consistent in attending if we were going to do this. I'm still waiting on a call from her mother, who also feels I was judging her. The young lady has said she won't be back. I'm sorry to hear that, but the Lord can work on her heart. 1Timothy115, Pastor Matt, Jim_Alaska and 6 others 1 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members swathdiver Posted July 3, 2017 Members Share Posted July 3, 2017 We're supposed to judge, according to the scriptures! How else can we be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine? Congratulations! Those folks sure took their sweet time, I knew it all along! Now clean house and bring in the sheep! HappyChristian 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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