Fishing Port A

Twitter

2009-07-25T19:25:00.004-05:00

I know it has been a while, but you can also follow me on Twitter - PastorWilliamC. I'm new at this, but thought it was time to join.

I also want to brag on my church family. They are AWESOME!!! The way they displayed love and care for the Jackson family was completely amazing!

Style vs Substance

2008-04-19T15:00:00.004-05:00

For any minister, especially pastor, the question of what is the best way to get the point across is asked before every message (or it should be if it isn't). I believe many pastors/preachers assume that the way that they have always heard it is the best way to deliver a message. For most people, exogetical sermons are the "only way to really preach". In case you are wondering, exogetical sermons or ones that are preached verse by verse. Let me say, first and foremost, this is a great method for Bible study (group or individual). Verse by verse will allow for more discussion as to Biblical background, historical connotations, and context. These are all extremely important.
A pastor/preacher, though, must first know his audience...or at least his target audience. Who is going to be in the service, is it primarily (or entirely) believers, will there be several "seekers" (those who do not know Christ), and lastly - who is the message for (believers, seekers, both, etc.). These questions must be answered before the style of preaching and the substance is determined.
In my opinion verse by verse style is way over used when delivering God's word. All we have to do is look in the new testament and see that both Jesus and Paul delivered their messages and letters according to topic, not breaking down the scriptures verse by verse. But to understand this, we have to look at their audience. In their sermons, they were addressing seekers. Paul's letters were addressing believers, yet he still wrote topically.
Churches, and pastors in particular, must be relevant when imparting scripture. We do God and scripture a huge disfavor when we share God's word, but we bore people to tears (or sleep). This should never happen when we share God's word. Topical sermons are not immune to boredom, but they do allow for much more freedom in delivery style as well as creativity.
Creativity may be the ingredient that is missing the most when it comes to sharing God's word. Pastors/preachers need to stop relying on the style of preachers of the 18, 19 and 20th century and learn to develop their own style. This inturn will allow for preachers to be creative because they are being themselves.
So to summarize, topical sermons + creativity + Holy Spirit guidance = God moving in God ways. When you want to have a bible study, go verse by verse.

Momentum

2008-03-31T21:59:00.004-05:00

Those of us who are sports fan know exactly what momentum is. It is that undefinable, yet very definite force that gives one team an edge in a game...and has the other team on its heals. Momentum will often swing, or move, from one team to another during a single game. It is Final 4 time in college basketball, and this just happens to be the first year that all number 1 seeds have ever made it to the Final 4. Eventhough all four made it, it wasn't necessarily easy. Momentum is the key. Davidson (a #10 seed) almost made it.

In church terms, momentum is soooo huge!!! All over our country, the big churches get the attention, because momentum is often in their favor. People are joining, lives are being changed, and good things are happening. Yet, for every "large" church, there have to be at least 50 - 100 churches that literally cannot buy momentum. Many will try the exact things that their larger, "exciting" counterparts are doing, yet with very little results. There are also many of these smaller (and some bigger churches) that have sunk into complacency, or worse - tradition. I firmly believe that complacency and tradition are momentum killers.

What is momentum in churches - I haven't defined it, yet it really exists. It, obviously, begins with the movement of the Holy Spirit. God will move and see if a church will respond. Some churches see God move and they react in fear. Others will see the same thing and (while praying for more of that movement) will say, "What do we need to do to keep it happening?" Ironically, if a church tries to do the exact same thing to get the same results, it seldom ever happens. I believe we serve a God of newness. Jesus, himself, said that we must put new wine in new wineskins, because the old wineskins will rupture. Once a church has a little momentum, it must keep things new and fresh...not rest on a single accomplishment. In other words, things have to keep changing.

2 Great "F" Words

2008-03-13T07:04:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had someone say they love and/or accept you just as you are, but then you later find out that they really didn’t? Not only that, but that person held a grudge against you for something you’ve done. From that point on you probably felt anything but free. You felt like that you could not be yourself as long as that person continued to hold this against you.

Freedom is a great word, a better concept, and better yet…the great reality. We experience many freedoms in this country, but really to be free we do not have to be American…we only need to experience God-given forgiveness. Forgiveness is a word that is a better concept and reality than freedom because one cannot experience real freedom without forgiveness. We need to forgive those who have done something to hurt us (Mat 5:39 NLT But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.), but just as important is our need for forgiveness.

Easter is just over a week away. The whole message of Easter is that God became human to live like us (only perfectly) so that He could die for us, then conquer sin, hell, and death so that we can experience real forgiveness and freedom. (Rom 8:37 NLT No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.) Thankfully, God forgives perfectly and doesn’t hold grudges against us. He allows us to grow to be like Him and that is what you can be.

Would you like to find out more about God’s forgiveness and freedom? First, you don't or can't earn it. God offers it to everyone...and because the price is to hight for you to afford, God paid it through Jesus. Second, it starts by entering a relationship with Jesus. By wanting this relationship, by entering into this relationship you are telling God that you want his free gift of forgiveness.

Relating

2008-02-19T14:53:00.002-06:00

As a relatively new pastor, I knew God was leading me to lead our church in building relationships. I was actually doing this as pastor, before I realized what I was doing. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. I see in scripture that God is a relational God. The creator of the universe not only chose to create humanity, he chose to relate to them through His son. Because of God relating to us, he wants his people (believer's in Christ) to be relational to Him (not religious) and relational to each other. Jesus said in John 13:35 "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples." The problem is that we believers like to "wrestle" with each other and debate as to who is more right, who should lead, etc. and we neglect to love.
Paul said that no matter what spiritual gift you have, we are to love (my paraphrase). Jesus even gave us a guideline for how to relate to each other when there is conflict:

Mat 18:15-18 NLT "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (16) But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. (17) If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (18) "I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

The problem: this is against the natural tendency. Instead we want to gossip, harbor bitterness and not address the real issue. Jesus told us to go to the person and speak to that person and that person only. Then, and only then (if the problem isn't resolved) are we to involve other people. Jesus gave us these guidelines which will help alleviate conflict, reduce the temptation to gossip, and resist the urge to "divide and conquer". This guideline will actually do the opposite. By going to the person with whom there is conflict, we illiminate the urge to "assume the worse", we show respect, and we allow God to heal the relationship. Lastly, Jesus spoke these words long before the digital age, but I do believe that Jesus intends for us to speak to one another in person...not with a phone call, and e-mail or a text.

Is there someone that you need to talk to? Jesus even told us to leave our gift at the alter and deal with the situation immediately. So.....go do it!

Upset Special

2008-02-04T09:13:00.000-06:00

Did you see it? Can you believe it? The New York Giants upset the heavily favored an perfection minded New England Patriots. This was the equivalent of a huge tsunami wave hitting the NFL. Perfection wasn't attained.

There are spiritual applications to be drawn from this. Is it the goal of followers of Christ to be perfect in thoughts and actions are can we do what the Giants did...learn from mistakes and keep improving. Can believers ever attain perfection on earth?

My personal opinion is that perfection isn't the goal of believers. Jesus is our example, the Bible is our instruction manuel and the Holy Spirit is our guide. The old testament proves that perfection is not going to be attained on earth, and Jesus reitereated it in my of his parables and illustrations...if a many looks lustfully on a woman.... is just one example.

I believe that we can grow in our thoughts and actions...we can take captive everythought, we can seek God about doing the next right thing, and we can listen to the Holy Spirit guide us to do the right thing.

Don't try to be perfect. Grow and learn...and like the Giants, victory will come.

Monday Madness

2008-01-28T15:37:00.000-06:00

(I have finally returned to Monday for this blog.) Yesterday was a great day @ FBC Port A. The music was great and the Holy Spirit was real and evident. It is so awesome to see and hear believers singing praises to our awesome God, no matter if it is our children, teens, parents, or our winter Texans.

I believe that we are on the brink of something "God-size" in our church. Satan has been attacking way too often and way too violently for nothing to be happening. I believe that God is on the verge of opening the flood gate for FBC Port A. The question we have to answer is, "Are we ready?" Are we prepared to sacrifice our own selfish wants so others can come to know Christ..., so others can serve in ministry..., so we can bring glory to God in everything we do.

I believe in setting big goals. Even if we do not attain them, we can strive for something and achieve more than if we had set "attainable" goals. I believe God has laid on my heart to pray for 50 souls saved in 2008. Can you imagine what that would do to FBC Port A? Our DNA would be permanately changed.

Are you ready?

Weather

2008-01-23T18:53:00.000-06:00

Here it is January on Mustang Island, and I don't think that we got above 49 degrees today...and it is supposed to be just as cold if not colder tomorrow. I've noticed that the winter here is bleak and often dreary. It is often cloudy and damp. Winter, here, is not dry and cold...it is humid/damp and cold.

Unfortunately many churches are just like the weather around here. They are cold and damp. There are many churches that, by their actions, would rather not have new people. They hardly make a new person feel welcome, they don't visit guests, they don't offer to help anyone in need, and a new person is not invited to enter into a relationship with God or the members of the church.

At FBC Port A, we often speak of living on an island, but no person is an island. God made us for relationships, which means church is about relationships...NOT RELIGION. Whether you are a member of FBC Port A or another church, start looking around as if you were a first time visitor and ask yourself this question: "Is the atmosphere in my church warm and inviting, or is it damp and cold in here?"

New Year - It's Time

2008-01-03T19:06:00.000-06:00

The holidays are past, the food is gone, the Winter Texans are on the island. It must be the new year. What does that mean to you? My prayer is that it means that it is time to do something different - particularly something God wants you to do. What is it that God has been wanting you to do year after year, but you keep putting Him off. It's time to do it. What is it that you've been saying, "Sooner or later, I need to do ........?" It's time! What is it that your spouse or family member keeps asking you if you are going to finally ........? It's time. Procrastination is a sickness that effects way to many of us.

The new year is a great time to recommit or re-surrender those things that have gotten out of control. God wants us to follow through, not make resolutions that we have no intention of doing. It's funny - as I was typing this, my daughter turned the channel to Disney and Miley Cyrus' song "Start All Over" was on. That is exactly what we need to do - Start All Over with the things of God, if we have been procrastinating.

So what are you doing reading this....It is time to.....(fill in the blank)!

Christmas

2007-12-25T11:40:00.000-06:00

I know it has been a while since I last posted a blog. It has been a busy holiday season.
1.) Merry Christmas - I love Christmas and spending time with my kids and family...I do struggle with the commercialization of it though.
2.) Port A Marlins won the The NFL Red Zone Championship by a score of 136 to 82 over Washington Players. Kurt Warner led the team in scoring in the championship round and LaDainian Tomlinson led the team in scoring for the season. Congrats once again to Port A Marlins on a terrific Fantasy football Season. Hope to see you all next year!... This is my fantasy football team and I have won 3 or the 4 past championships - can you say Dynasty (move over New England!!!!).
3.) My kids are really enjoying their Christmas presents - Hannah received some tennis shoes with skates in them - I forsee a trip to the emergency room.
4.) I will be off on New Years, but will return for Jan. 6th where I will be outlining 7 goals for FBC Port A in 2008. It is going to be a great year!!!

Monday Leftovers (World Aids Day)

2007-12-03T18:14:00.001-06:00

For today's leftovers, I want to focus on an event that I went to this past Saturday. I had the privilege of giving the invocation at the Coastal Bend Aids Foundation annual World Aids Day Red Ribbon Ball. This was the 3rd year that I have been able to do this. I believe that because of the efforts of Rick Warren and a few other Christian leaders, the stigma of Aids is diminishing. It is not gone, and there is still much work to be done, but it is time for believers to be proactive in this effort.

Yes, there is a lifestyle at times associated with Aids that God does not endorse (nor does He endorse adultery, alcoholism, and other sins that we commit), but I believe that believers need to start making inroads to the homosexual community in order to show them an alternative to the alternative lifestyle. Let me also make it perfectly clear that there are many with Aids that have not lived an immoral lifestyle. We, as believers, need to show compassion and mercy to these also.

This isn't a political issue, it is a moral/spiritual issue for every believer. All we have to do is take a look at Jesus' life and look at who he walked with and ministered to. Jesus was with prostitutes, tax collectors, fishermen, those with leprosy, etc. Leprosy was that day's Aids. Those that had it were banished from the community, destined to live life by themselves (no, there wasn't a lifestyle issue, but the stigma was the same). Jesus healed many people with leprosy. I believe Jesus would go to the Aids community today and heal many, in order to deliver them for His glory. We may not be able to heal those with Aids, but we can pray for them and for healing for them, we can love them reguardless of any lifestyle, and we can pray for spiritual healing to occur so that others will be delivered.

I realize that I am in the minority in the Christian community on this issue, but we as believers need to take a closer look at Jesus' ministry. If we are to ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?", I believe God's word has already shown us what He did in relation to this issue.

Monday Leftovers

2007-11-26T15:21:00.000-06:00

Well here we are in the "Christmas Shopping Season". Here are a few thoughts to start the week.

1.) I have really enjoyed our Anchor Group Series: New Identity.

2.) I am challenging our church to pray and build a relationship with 1 person so they can see the difference that Jesus makes in our life.

3.) I completely forgot about our Community Thanksgiving Service. The clergy in town have a great relationship and I hated that I forgot it.

4.) Thursday was a great day for the Cowboys and then everyone in the division lost on Sunday. Now we have the NFC game of the year this Thursday. I know the Cowboys are picked, but this is going to be a great game.

5.) Since living in Port A, I have become a winter weenie - I don't like the cold and I am glad to see the sun!!!

Just 1 @ a time

2007-11-20T08:48:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is here, which means many of us will be stuffed more than the turkey. Don't get me wrong, I plan on enjoying the food, family and football as much as anyone else. Stomach discipline will go out the door - I doubt I will be saying, "Just one helping, please."

One thing we can say is, "God, please give me just 1 person to build a relationship with". As believers, Jesus has called us to reach those we come in contact with. So often, though, we hear that we are to save the world - 6 billion people - that seems a little overwhelming. What we can do though, is limit ourselves to 1 at a time.

As a pretend fisherman, I love to go out and catch my limit of redfish, but in order to that I have to catch 1 at a time - not 3 at a time. The same is true for fishers of people. Jesus emphasized relationships, not religion. The only way we are going to impact our community, state, country and world is by reaching 1 person at a time (then teach them to do the same).

Port A is known for fishing of all kinds. Whether you live in Port A or anywhere else, we are to be fishers of people. God has not given us a fishing limit, but as individuals, we don't have to get caught up in catching the world - just those that God has placed in our life. We do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to help us be who God has already made us - Children of God, Saints, Soldiers, Ambassadors, Friends, Managers, etc. Then we can live a life that expresses that God does offer hope to those who don't already know Him.

Monday Morning Leftovers

2007-11-19T08:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an awesome day.

1.) We didn't make our goal of 200 in our morning service (so I don't have to wear a suit & tie), but God definitely was there. Our praise band rocks!!! I have to say that "Mighty to Save" is my new favorite song - what a message!!!!

2.) We had over 200 at our Community Thanksgiving meal - with lots of new faces. That is so encouraging. I believe God is showing us exactly how ripe the fields are - we just need to go and pick the fruit. BTW - thank you to everyone who helped with planning, food, setup, etc. You did a spectacular job.

3.) Thank you Wanda & Jennifer for sharing about your Anchor Group. God is working in individual lives because of these groups. We don't always get to hear, publicly, what is going on - but each group is doing what these groups are designed to do.

4.) The Cowboys won! It was closer than my predictions, but it was a typical Cowboy-Redskin game...down to the wire.

5.) My voice is officially gone - doesn't happen too often (no it wasn't because of the Cowboys), but whatever blew in this week has settled in my throat. I guess Lisa and the kids will get a break for a few days.

6.) Have a wonderful time giving thanks with family and friends. Lisa and I will be out with the other insane people shopping early Friday morning.

Unrelated

2007-11-15T11:52:00.000-06:00

Well the first two posts have been rather serious, so I'll be a little lighter this time.

(Church Family - Don't forget about "Bring A Friend" Sunday and our Community Thanksgiving Meal Sunday @ 6:00 p.m.)

How 'bout them Cowboys!!!!

Yes, I am a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. I grew up loving Tom Landry and Roger Staubach. I cried when Tom Landry passed away. They were two of my childhood heros. Even though the "not so new" owner has changed the 'boys, I am still a fan. Tony Romo has changed the face and outlook of this team. They still have many areas to improve, which says a lot about the mediocre play of the rest of the NFL. I expect the 'boys to be 10-1 before we meet Zac's Pack (Green Bay Packers). That should be for homefield advantage through the playoffs...and I don't want to see my team have to play in Green Bay in late January (can you say "Ice Bowl"). It would be fitting the the NFC title game to be against the "old" Brett Favre vs. the "new" Brett Favre.

First, though, we've got to take care of the "dead skins". They have a descent running game, but hardly a passing game. They are also riddled with injuries. Prediction: Cowboys 27 - Redskins 10. Hopefully the Lions can beat the Giants, then maybe the Lions can help the 'boys on Thanksgiving and beat the Packers - sorry Zac.

How to Know When to Change

2007-11-14T08:51:00.000-06:00

One question was asked: Who decides when to change? I believe we should look at it like this: How do we know when it is time to change? That decision has to come from the Holy Spirit, but we have to be objective enough to look at any ministry in evaluation. Sometimes it takes time for a ministry to be fruitful and see lives changed. In my experience, though, when I become objective the Holy Spirit will show me if what I am doing is effecting lives or is just religious duty. The goal is to see the unsaved saved, and believers growing more like Jesus. If all we are doing is gaining head knowledge, or making ourselves feel better, then God’s kingdom has not benefitted.

I believe the Holy Spirit will give us the answer when we are objective. Like I said in the previous post, change is difficult, especially for those who are resistant. I also want to clarify my thoughts. I don't believe in changing just for the sake of change. There should always be a reason and purpose behind it - ultimately that reason should be God-led. Please hear my heart and my passion. We are to "Go and make disciples...". That process starts by being relevant and effective in reaching the unsaved. In Port A, we are to be relevant to our islanders so they will see that this "church/Christian" stuff really does make a diffence.

First One

2007-11-13T15:47:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

I am very glad to see you (or maybe for you to see me). Since this is the first one, let me explain my purpose with this bloggin stuff. Many of you who visit will be from my own church family. This is primarily for you, though there maybe others (in the ministry or not) who can glean from my scattered brain. I will be posting thoughts and ideas about church ministry, being a pastor, and just being a believer in Jesus (possibly a note about the Dallas Cowboys). Today's will be on change.

Change. Ouch. To many, change is a four letter word. Most people resist change, are reluctant to change, or just outright hate change. Let me say this: change, just for the sake of change, is seldom beneficial (but still can be beneficial if it is God driven). The question then is, Is change ever beneficial?

Let me answer it by referring to the New Testament. Notice, it is "new" meaning changing the old. What was changed? Quite honestly, everything. For those who want to play the devil's advocate, you would say, "Well, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow". That is correct, but the way we relate to God is what changed. We no longer (at the resurrection) have to go before a priest for forgiveness, have to sacrifice animals, etc. We go straight to God, because those of us who are believers have God inside of us (the Holy Spirit).

What about change in the church. For any church, evaluation must be done constantly, asking yourself "is what we are doing changing lives, or are we just going through the motions and doing our religious duty." That is where change must come in. A church can be like any corporation. If small, it can be a speed boat that turns on a dime...if large, it may be like an ocean liner that takes miles to turn, but it can still turn.

For those of us at FBC Port A, or any other church, may we never get to a point where we resist change for sake of changing lives. Even if it means that our pet project, ministry or organization has to go - SOULS ARE IN THE BALANCE. Is your pet project, ministry or organization currently changing lives? If not, then how does it need to change?