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Search Term: ramsey
It's Official: The Rock is a UB Church
I had a great day yesterday in Findlay, Ohio, at The ROCK, formerly known as Faith Community Church. Faith began in 1995 under the leadership of Dan Young, who now pastors Crestview UB church in Lafayette, Ind.
A couple years ago, I appointed a young man as pastor of Faith Community Church. He had attended seminary with Brad Kittle (right, with wife Jamie), who was then pasturing a church in Findlay with the Evangelical Congregational denomination. They began talking about merging the two congregations. At the 2005 US National Conference, I met with Brad and a delegation from his church, and they attended part of the conference. Early this year, they decided to begin holding services as one congregation. A few months later, they invited me and the Evangelical Congregational bishop to meet with them on a Sunday morning. Neither of us had any idea which way they would go, EC or UB. In this case, they voted to become United Brethren.
This past Sunday, October 5, was the grand finale. The EC congregation, plus a number of Faith people who had never joined the church, became members of the United Brethren church en masse. I was privileged to lead about 45 people in taking their UB membership vows.
They also baptized two women. One had been a Christian for a while, but had never been baptized. The other, however, was a brand new convert who was excited to be a Christian. We require people to be baptized before joining the church. These women joined the church the same day they were baptized, which was kind of neat.
I would guess they had 120 people there. They have a lot of kids for that size of church! They also ordained three men as a board of elders, and anointed them with oil. They held a hog roast after the service.
The church recently adopted the name The ROCK (Reaching Others for Christ's Kingdom). Pastor Brad Kittle took the UB church history course this summer. He's a fine young man doing a good job for us.
(Here's an article from 1995 about the beginning of Faith Community Church.)
Transitions
I read a lot of business-related books that have implications for the church. A book I read recently is "Transition: Making the Most of Change," by William Bridges.
I'm intrigued by the idea of transitions. I believe that becoming a fully-devoted follower of Jesus is all about transitions. You have a conversion experience, but go through other transitions toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ. As a preacher, I want to see changes in people's lives.
My One Magazine: Golf Digest
I don't subscribe to a lot of magazines. I only subscribe to one, Golf Digest, which I read cover to cover, though not all at one sitting. It takes me a month before the next one comes, but by then I'll have worked my way through it. It's not that I want to become an expert in golf, but it's a way my mind can escape into almost a vacation type mode when I think about golf, the land, the greens, and walking the fairways. Golf takes the stress away. To some people, it would add stress. But I don't play it that well.
A One-Flight Book
When I traveled with Scripture Press, I always took books with me, since I sold books. I tried to read all of the Victor Books, which Scripture Press published.
But I also took a Louis L'Mour book with me wherever I went. A good Louis L'Mour book averaged 250 pages, and I could finish it on a flight from Chicago to L.A. A one-flight book. Some people can do work on a plane, but I can't.
I don't read much fiction now. I like Tom Clancy, John Grisham, and Lillian Jackson Braun, who writes the "Cat Who" books about her Siamese cats.
What do you like to read? Any particular authors?
Organize for Growth
You always need to organize yourself beyond what you are. If you're a church of 200 and want to be a church of 500, you need to organize like a church of 500. Otherwise, you won't get there.
When I became pastor of Mainstreet Church in Walbridge, Ohio, we started at about 220, grew, and began adding staff. I took the staff to larger churches on little field trips. How does it look and feel? How do they structure themselves? We began to tinker. God blessed us and the church grew.
Over half of our growth was new converts. You get people who don't know anything, and it's fun. You get a chance to infect them with the real disease.
I covet that for you. Not that you get big; that doesn't make any difference to me. What makes a difference is that you become effective in what God has called you to do.
They Say
I don't know how I got on the email list for Beyond Borders, but I received an email from them yesterday. The subject is something that we have a lot of problem with in the UB Church: gossip (I don't think we are unique in that). I suggest that you read the little article by Carl Richardson called "They Say."
Country Music, the Scotts, and Speckled Birds
My children gave me a large book for Christmas, The All Encompassing History of Country Music. It's been fun reading that. It's not the type of book you sit down and read cover to cover. I read it in sections.
Interestingly, a lot of country and bluegrass music has roots in Scottish music. Ramsey is a Scottish name. Maybe that's why I have such an affinity for country music.
I don't like all country music, because some of it is trash, but I like the old stuff, the bluegrass. A lot of the early bluegrass had Christian themes to it. Probably my favorite song of all time is "Great Speckled Bird," an old bluegrass song from a long time ago. The Great Speckled Bird is mentioned in the Bible; see if you can find it.
At Mainstreet Church, whenever someone complained about our music, I would tell them, "I don't like it either. You should be glad you're not singing what I like, because it would be with a twang." When I left, they brought in a bluegrass band for the going-away party.
Traveling Music
I keep a lot of CDs in my car. I mostly listen to Christian stuff, but I also have a lot of bluegrass. I enjoy listening to the Gaither Vocal Band. I became aware of Linda Randall on one of the Gaither Homecoming videos, and bought her CD. Her songs really speak to me.
She sang a song about the God on the Mountain. I love that song. I'll put it in and keep repeating it for 30 miles, because it really touches me. The gist is that the God you meet on the mountaintop is the same God who will be with you in the valley. You have pain and hurt in the valley, but it's the same God. I've been through a lot of valley experiences in my life, with health issues, and that song has meant a lot to me.
I have some Ray Charles music, a lot of stuff from Hank Williams, Sr., and some music by Cowboy Copas, my cousin, who was a star on the Grand Ole Oprey. Then I have some tapes that trace the history of country music.
I do listen to some talk radio when I travel, but only until it makes me mad. Then I turn it off and put in a tape.
What kind of music do you listen to in the car?
Getting Intentional in Outreach
As pastor of Mainstreet Church, I told the staff that we needed to take the lead in reaching non-Christians. We needed to look for redemptive opportunities.
I started going to the same barber every two weeks. He wasn't a believer, which is why I went there. He didn't come to faith, but I always felt he was getting close. I went to the same gas station, same coffee shop.
Our youth pastor got involved in sports leaves run by the community. Rather than fight them, let's get involved with them. He would go to soccer games, meet people who didn't know Christ, and try to reach them.
What are you doing to intentionally create relationships with non-Christians? Post a comment.
Joined at the Hip
I heard a complaint, though to me it was a compliment. Someone said, "We heard you talk, then we heart Pat Jones talk, and we heard the same thing."
So? That's the way it should be.
I wouldn't have wanted to do this job without Pat Jones, the Director of Healthy Church Ministries. He's a great asset. I want you to know that we're locked at the hip. If you get one, you get the other. Pat and I don't have secrets--what he knows, I know.
This relationship has been a great thing for me. We keep each other halfway decent.
Polly Dunten Back Home
Polly and her daughters.
Polly Dunten is home, after undergoing surgery last Monday to remove a brain tumor. She spent two more days than expected at the Cleveland Clinic, but on Saturday she made the three-hour trip back to Findlay, Ohio. Her husband, Darwin, pastor of First UB church in Findlay, sent me this note yesterday (and there's more on Polly's blog).
Currently, Polly is resting at home. She has vertigo very bad and has double vision. In the near future, Polly will have to meet with an optical neurologist. She will also have physical therapy in the next few weeks. Currently, she is using a walker and a wheelchair to get around. The doctor stated that Polly will be out of commission for at least two months.
Bishop, I cannot thank the UB church enough for the support we received during the past month. We were contacted by individuals from all over the world. Brooks Fetters also contacted us (he had a surgery similar to this 14 years ago). He spent an hour and a half on the phone with Polly and really helped her prepare for this surgery. We received notes of encouragement from pastors who went through much worse situations with their wives in recent years than what I went through. I know it was tough for them, but it was encouraging.
God was really with us. Scriptures really came to life during this past week. I am reminded of Romans 8:25-27 and the intercession of the Holy Spirit; the power of holding up the leader as seen by Moses, Aaron, and Hur; and the power of intercessory prayer when the individual is so weak to continue.
Last Sunday, we had an anointing service for Polly following church. Polly and I talked on the way to Cleveland and we both had the same reaction. We were so emotionally exhausted that we were numb during the service. It was the church that held us up. Not only our church but the UB church. We also learned the importance of worship. We continued to listen to worship songs during this time. That was extremely comforting and uplifting.
Thank you and the church for your support. We have seen God work. We have seen the grace and mercy of God this past week. I am thankful and I praise the Lord. We were prepared to praise the Lord regardless of the outcome. We know that God is using this situation for his glory. We have already seen good as a result. We are thankful for the outcome and we are thankful to you the church and the Lord.
Our Ordained Lieutenant Colonel
Jim Ellifritt (right) is an ordained United Brethren minister in Washington, who formerly pastored our church in Vancouver, Wash., and served for many years as the Northwest Conference superintendent. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the Army reserves.
Jim reports that he was recently stationed at Fort Lewis, about 120 north of Vancouver, where he and his wife live. He writes:Looks like I will be home once a week for a day and then Deb will try to come up weekly once I get my lodging squared away. She still prefers two years here verses a year in the desert. [Jim has served in Afghanistan while his son, Jim Jr., simultaneously served in Iraq.]Follow the link to read a humorous list of "Lessons I've Learned," which Jim wrote in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan.
They have given me a Battalion Command at Fort Lewis. It is a rare opportunity commanding fulltime as a reservist, so I am honored. They have had there struggles here, so pray I am up to the task. We are responsible for training all the small units going to Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations as needed. The training is for 40 days straight and we work 365 days a year, so there is an intense management process.
I am looking around again for a church to plug into here or a Bible study. I have one to check out tonight.
Continue reading Our Ordained Lieutenant Colonel.
So Many Good Books
I love books. I keep a lot of books at home, and I've given away a lot of books. Someone told me that a person who can read but doesn't is no better off than a person who can't read at all. Books can open up your mind and vista. You can do things by reading a book, be translated to somewhere else. That's the magic of books.
Christian men are notoriously bad about not reading. At Scripture Press, when we produced a book for men, we had to use a cover with a soft design that would attract a woman, who would then buy it for a man. Women, we knew, buy more books than men, even books for men.
At Mainstreet, I was always after people to read. I gave the elders books to read, theology books. There are so many good Christian books.
Polly Dunten's Surgery
Polly Dunten underwent surgery Monday morning to remove a brain tumor. Her husband Darwin, pastor of First UB in Findlay, Ohio, sent me this report this morning.
The surgery is over and the Lord answered our prayers.
The surgeon feels he got all of the tumor either through surgery or by burning it out. There is nerve damage and we will see to what extent in the next few days. She currently has numbness on her left side, However, I saw the most beautiful almost smile I ever saw this evening before I left her. The tumor was pressing hard on the brain stem. It also "thinned" the nerve. Similar to an electric wire that looses its insulation.
Thank you so much for praying for us. God is good and I am so thankful He allowed me to have my wife for a little longer.
We heard from people from around the world and around the United States. We are humbled. I have written a more indepth statement on Polly's blog.
Getting People Into the Pipeline
At Mainstreet Church, I used a big PVC pipe to illustrate the disciple-making process. Outside the pipe are people who don't even acknowledge that God exists. But once they realize there is a God, they enter the pipeline, and we try to move them along--
- realizing a need for God
- learning about Jesus
- realizing their need for Jesus
- giving their life to Christ
- and then growing.
After a person came to Christ, I would tell him, "You need to go back to your non-religious friends and get them in the pipeline with you."
"How do I do that?"
"Tell them what you did."
So they'd come to church with someone on their arm, and would walk with them through the process.
Spiritual maturity is not measured by what you know, but by who is on your arm and heart on Sunday. If you don't have someone on your arm and heart, don't talk to me about your maturity.
God at Work in Findlay, Ohio
Darwin and Polly Dunten started a blog so people can keep up-to-date about Polly's condition. As mentioned earlier, she will undergo surgery on July 28 to remove a brain tumor.
Darwin sent me this story, and gave me permission to pass it along. I think you'll find it encouraging.
Last Thursday (July 10), I went to the Hancock County Jail for the weekly Celebrate Recovery session we have with about 35 inmates. When I walked in, inmates started shouting, "Hey, there is Pastor "D." Unknown to me, the director of the church's jail ministry told all the inmates what was happening in my family's life.After the men's Bible study, three inmates surrounded me to let me know that they were praying for Polly. It actually was more than that. They told me that they stop what they are doing and have the entire cell block pray for Polly every day. They said, "All of us pray for her every day."During the women's session, I explained to the women what was going on with my wife and then started the Bible study. Following the lesson, one female inmate approached me and started to cry. She then started to talk about her mother who died a few years ago from cancer and how she was angry with God. This anger is what prompted her drinking that brought her to jail. This gave me an opportunity to share the eternal truth of God's love and eternity.This illness has also given my wife opportunity to share her faith with women that she works for. (She cleans houses.) It has also give me opportunity to share my faith with others in secular organizations that I am involved with. Regardless, we can see God working in many ways.
God at Work in Lewis Center, Ohio
A few days ago I received this note from Dan Kopp (right), senior pastor and church planter of NorthPointe Community Church in Lewis Center, Ohio, on the outskirts of Columbus.
Just thought you would be encouraged by a note from one of our core gals, Michelle. She and her husband, Craig (along with her mother, sister, and his parents), were both brought to Christ and baptized at NorthPointe Community Church and have risen to quite faithful leadership. Craig had attended church maybe a half-dozen times in his life.Michelle directs a flourishing women's group, made up of mostly new believers, and helps coordinate our children's ministries. Michelle wrote:
"I sense that there is a bubbling up of something exciting happening. Many folks are currently seeking God and looking to be part of the solution. I find it very interesting that within the last week, at least three times I heard folks refer to the current state of our church body in comparison to Gideon's army. We may be small, but if we all trust God, He can make us strong! I'm excited to be part of the solution and to see what God has in store!!"
About ten people came forward during and extended worship/seeking/invitation time Sunday. They also had a surprise "roast" for their now half-century elderly pastor following the service, during which they raised nearly $1000 for a vitally needed laptop for him. Now if he can just see the screen....
How is God at work in your church? How did God work in your service yesterday? Let me know.
God Moves in Harrisburg, Pa.
I love getting emails that describe the movement of God in our churches. I received one this past week that warmed my heart. It came from Todd Fetters (right), pastor of Devonshire Church in Harrisburg, Pa. The email arrived July 3, and told about a wonderful service they had the Sunday before.
Our One Prayer emphasis ended Sunday with a climactic altar experience. The prayer I preached on was, "Lord, Make Us Thirsty." Nearly 20 people came and knelt at the altar for an anointing service. Some came for physical healing. Others came for emotional and relational healing. Two couples came forward to have our four "elders" lay hands on them and pray for them to become "one." When I invited others from the congregation to come up around those kneeling to support them in their anointing, those who came stood 3-4 deep.
Most dramatic was the man who came forward for physical healing. Before he would let me anoint him, he was adamant saying, "Before you anoint me, I must ask my brother 'Milton' (not his real name) to forgive me for my angry words and feelings towards him over the past several years." And, then he looked at "Milton" who was beside me. There I was, on my knees, intertwined with these two men as they were on their knees embracing and speaking words of authentic sin-admission and eager forgiveness. I could actually feel their reconciliation. WOW!When you have good stories to tell, please send them to me. I'm always thrilled to hear what God is doing in our churches.
Three Steps Toward Change
We need to be change agents in our churches. Change involves a three-step process:
- Here's where we are.
- Here's where we want to be.
- The neutral zone in the middle. What you go through to get where you want to be.
Control Issues
When Jesus was ministering to his disciples, the mother of James and John wanted to know which of her boys would enter the Kingdom first. She wanted them at the front of the potluck line.
The issue is control. Churches too often have people who want to control what happens, because they think they know better. They want to decide which table goes first at the potluck. That is carnality.
I had a whole bunch of people at Mainstreet who didn't agree with me, but we got along and were excited because we baptized another 12 people on Sunday. Give up trying to control what happens in your church, and focus on fulfilling the Great Commission. It's not about who goes first at potlucks. It's about lost souls.
