DEATH OF A PASTOR

And it continues....

2011-12-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

The story has been repeated a thousand times. Young person feels the call to serve God, and to minister to people. Young person finds that the Westernized "YMCA" Country Club church with Tithes and Offerings as Membership dues is the only avenue to pursue that call. X years later, said Pastor is out of ministry because X, Y, or Z, and all of these are due the Country Club mentality preventing them from actually ministering. Just found out another friend (who from all accounts was a TREMENDOUS Pastor), just left the ministry. He didn't leave his church...He left the ministry. God did not design the church to resemble what we have turned it into. The change is coming...be prepared...

Let's Make a Deal! Thoughts on business

2011-02-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Fall in love all over again! That’s the resounding theme for Valentine’s Day, correct? To us old married folks (15 years in May… Woot! Woot!) this is the time of the year when we are supposed to rekindle that lost flame and find a new sense of excitement and wonder in our significant other. We are supposed to open our eyes anew and try to gain some remote sense of the grandeur that can be found in the very soul of the one we have bound ourselves to until death do us part.

However, for me it is found in the everyday nuances of my wife and all of the small things that challenge me to love her more and more with all of the passion and dedication that I can rally out of my life. Every day I am gifted with exactly 86,400 seconds, and how I invest that time into my relationship with my wife is vitally important. She forces helps me to be a better man. If every day of my life someone invested 86,400 dollars into my checking account I can guarantee that every single day I would spend 86,400 dollars! The overarching question then is how I spend this time.

For many of you the question is the same, but the circumstance may change. How do you spend your time? This question need not be just about our relationships. Sound principles are sound principles, right? How do you spend your time at work? If you are gifted with 28,800 seconds at work every single day, how many of those would you say that you are productive? If your goal is to gain that promotion or to go to Atlantis with the Achievers Club, you simply cannot attain that goal if you are productive 25% of the time. It does not and will never happen.

Let’s make a deal! You remember that game show right? Contestants would win a microwave, but then have an opportunity to trade it in for what was behind the curtain. Sometimes they would be able to turn that microwave into a new car. Unfortunately, many of them also ended up with a one year supply of diaper cream. Well much the same, your career is found in making a deal. You can be offered the microwave, and go home and be perfectly content or you can risk it all and win what’s behind the curtain. The difference is if you pour your effort, energy, and time into your career, what’s behind the curtain won’t be diaper cream. This February take a step back, look at your career with eyes open a new, and rekindle the passion for making a difference in your workplace and in those around you. Look at the everyday nuances of your job and try to understand those things that make you happy, what causes you stress, and become an agent of positive change. Beyond anything else, find out where your passions are.

Dedicate yourself all over again to becoming a person of integrity and it will force help you to be a better you!

If you build it...

2009-12-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

Where will the Church of the future be built? What foundation will this Church exist upon? Will a stain glass window, a pew, and the Sunday School roll for 2009 be the excavated remains, the ruins, the proof that here once a Church stood? Open your vision and expand your mind to dream the impossible dream, to see the impossible, and to become passionate about the implausible. In Jeremiah 33, we read a passage that awakens us. A single passage mentioned here but really the whole chapter should move us from our state of slumber. In Jeremiah 33:3 we read, 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' What possibly could this mean? As you read the whole of the passage you begin to see clearly that God is speaking through the prophet to say, "Look at all these things. Look at these buildings, and palaces and cities that you have built up for yourself. These things will be destroyed and dead bodies will lie inside of them." "Nevertheless, I'm going to bring back healing, I'm going to bring back abundant peace and security." This is not something they could understand, they couldn't search for it. To them these cities, these walls, these buildings these...pews, were all they knew and experienced and could focus on. Obviously, the passage goes on to say that these things will change but not like we expect. Verse 15, "...I will make a Righteous Branch sprout from David's line..." From the Prophets to the Disciples, they were searching for a Warrior King to establish His Throne on earth (and still are today).

For us the struggle is still the same. How can we focus all of our intentions and resources on bringing about God's will on earth (Widows, Orphans, the Lost, organized Discipleship ring a bell?) while at the same time maintaining some semblance of order? (office work, programming, structure, staff, visitation,....fill in the blank.) First, our priorities are skewed. We (in general) feel as though we must maintain structure, programs, activities, and facilities. However, there is absolutely no direct correlation with any of these things that would inhibit the ability of God's people to minister with the help of the Holy Spirit to the Lost, Desolate, and Homeless if these things DID NOT EXIST! I, as a Christian can minister to any one in my path that God sees fit for me to come across without any of these things. There is no record in the New Testament of the apostles saying, "Come, let's build a building", "What we really need here is more structure", "I tell you what maybe if these widows had more activities they would stop complaining", or, "Stephen you'll never believe this but Peter is not keeping his office hours." What we did see is found and expressed as the blueprint in Acts 2.

What would this look like in our modern world of country family churches, and post modern mega coffee shop, book store churches? Remember the great and unsearchable thing part? What if the church of the future had no "paid" staff? What if the church of the future did not build grand cathedrals and padded chairs or pews (dependent upon what side of the aisle you find yourself on)? The grand question...How would anything get done? It just would! Christians with a passion for God and for the lost, desolate, and homeless without the burden of a building fund, benevolence fund, campground upkeep, or any other fully organized activity or program of the church would be free to invest their lives in the thing God was leading them to. For you see, I believe the Church of the future may resemble the NT model more closely than we realize very soon. Small groups of people living within proximity of each other will form "the church". Is this not the dream of the Church of God Anderson, IN? "We extend our hand to every blood washed one." "Salvation makes you a member." My thought is, when I experience life with my brother who lives beside me and we study and pray together and do ministry together, we just experienced the true Church, whether we ever once attended an official service or not!

The concept is simple, it's all about paradigms. The issue yet again is that the paradigm has flip-flopped. In fact, my first title for the book, was "The Flip-Flopping Pastoral Role". However, I quickly realized as I have poured the last six years into this work that it goes well beyond the role of the Pastor. The paradigm that currently exists is that we as members of the church exist to serve the Church and it's ministries, programs, and activities for the good of the community. Believe me when I say that ministry has certainly taken place. God has certainly blessed. But, if we are honest with ourselves would we say that the church is thriving or dying? Would we say the Church more closely resembles the Acts 2 community or the Community Center? The church in some senses has become nothing more than a glorified social club, where our volunteerism and service are required and are dues are called tithes and offerings.

The paradigm should however look a little bit different. I believe that the role of the church is to support each other, and not to be a burden. To provide opportunities to grow, to learn, and to empower each other to accomplish works of service for the Kingdom and not for the church. This is so subtle. I've mentioned before, but you may have missed it or not read it, but the paradigm goes to the heart of the Pastor's role as well. In the current paradigm the Pastor "does" the ministry. In the correct paradigm, the Pastor/Leader equips the Saints for Ministry. In our States currently our Churches support State ministries such as Camp meeting (edification of self...much?), upkeep and maintenance and speaker fees. A brief but true story that I'll need to get permission in order to quote in the book, but in a certain State, it was found by looking at the budget that more was spent one particular year for Bug control at the State campground than for Home and Abroad Missions combined! Should not the State exist to minister to Pastors and leaders who are in turn training and equipping Saints for ministry? The same paradigm runs to the National level as well, and trust me when I say this is not just an Anderson issue. This is a World-wide Church issue! Big Business, in Big Church is not the design and it will never work.

OK, take a breath, don't stress. Unless I am suddenly granted omnipotence these things will not suddenly change. You should be glad I am not omnipotent, because on a bad day........... God is the only one who knows the future of the church. I am willing to bet 4:1 though that the church of the future will abandon the post modern business model and return to the basics of every believer a minister,whether in a house church or a small group and every minister a beacon of light for the Gospel message that Jesus Christ came to die for souls, man, woman, widows, and orphans.

**NOTE: These discussions are not meant to offend in any way, but to spark conversation as to whether we are correctly serving God as "He" desires in our current model of "Church". I in no way wish to attempt a coup, or to overthrow the current system. I have no Tea Parties or Communion parties planned. I have no power to do so. I am merely a sounding board echoing the frustrations of friends, colleagues, and fellow Pastors that the church has left behind it's true calling. My prayers is that we may each learn from one another and grow stronger in our Faith. I'd also like to take this moment to say that I have never had issue one with National, State or Local Ministries. I've spent countless hours at camps working to support our State ministries and will continue to do so. You should know one very important thing though. Should it ever come to a choice as to who I will serve in relation to National or State ministries that I believe serve only for edification of self then...Joshua 24:15, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

2009-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

This summer I was able to do some roofing. My dad's roof had experienced a huge tornado close by and most recently this past winter a horrible ice storm. The roof was officially shot. We weren't deterred. I have had the privilege myself of experiencing Hurricane Katrina. I've done my fair share of roofing! Off we went. A twelve/twelve pitch and 44 squares for you roofers. A week goes by and then two, three, and yes a full month (due to rain) to finish the roof. One particular day we even allowed Jordan to go up on the roof and strap on a belt, and yes for twenty minutes or so he packed shingles to dad.

Looking back on that time it would have been easy to just patch the roof in places and make it "dry". We could have spent three weeks visiting and forgetting all the cares of the world. The problem with patching things is they simply don't last forever. You see you have a spiritual house as well, and it has a foundation, and walls, and contents, and yes a roof. When you don't take care of a roof nature will take care of your ceilings, your walls, your flooring, and yes even your foundation. But, God in His Wisdom has given us the ability to fix things before the Tornados, and Ice Storms of life come. Prayer is that roof over your house. As we pray we begin to rebuild the shingles that cover the rest of our lives. Do our prayers then simply become supplication to God to protect our lives, no, but our prayers keep us in contact with the one that controls the storms. When we commit ourselves to pray we begin to draw closer to the ultimate Will of God. All of a sudden, the storms make sense, the rain is necessary. It produces in us patience, and for this we are better people. Work on your roof today.

Death of a Pastor

2009-10-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

"I feel Happy", to quote Monty Python. Typically you would find me in jovial enough of a mood that I would indeed attempt to cut down the tallest tree in the forest with a herring. I must confess sometimes my overriding pessimism however. Yes, I've admitted it. Now, on to step two. Is there a step two? Step two is being honest. On a personal note, I've struggled with unemployment for 6 months now. Looking for the next congregation that I would call home. I confess again that I'm extremely frustrated, and even depressed in this area. However, Death of a Pastor is a vision to me of the way we've corrupted what a church is, and what the role of a Pastor is in the life of the church in our modern religious conversations. I have an undying passion that we realize, no, that we change this paradigm of consumer mentality among the flock. Maybe, just maybe, God has me in this place to begin to understand fully this vision he has shown me of our struggles. A Pastor's role is to "equip the Saints for ministry". That role is not to be "Paid staff" and do it for the Saints. The paradigm then is that the saints serve the church and not the church serving the saints. Any other design will self-implode. It cannot sustain itself. Pastor's (no matter how young) will run out of energy. Pastor's (no matter how wise) will run out of grand visions to compel the church to get excited about. However, when each and every Christ follower is walking out their faith relationship with God, then they will become producers and the church will become what Christ envisioned. "The church is made up of many parts..."

This paradigm runs much deeper than you can imagine. For you see for many years my church gave, and gave, and gave to State ministries. The question I always pondered, "Where is the fruit?" Show me the souls that were saved from where my congregation invested their time, talents, and resources into State ministries that serve only as a "feel good" for those who are secure in their faith. I cry when I write to you with a passion that, "The purpose of the church is to see souls Saved!!" If we invest thousands of dollars into State ministries and they produce no salvations then we must ask the tough questions. Maybe we have it backwards? Maybe, just maybe the purpose of State Ministries is to serve the church. Instead of pouring money into the state coffers to maintain the campgrounds that are used three months of the year. Maybe those resources would be better used to invest in our leaders. To bring in respected leaders among the church to grow our knowledge base. It's a distinct possibility that we could possibly even plant a soul-saving church or two if we changed our inward, consumer mentality. While on the topic let me clarify for a second. We have far too many 40 member churches stuck in maintenance ministry in the United States. If we plant one more 40 member church I feel we will have mirrored the steward who buried their talent in the ground. Instead of planting ten churches in ten years, how about we plant one growing, sustainable, reproducing church that will begin to live out the Acts 2 community.

Oh, but the paradigm runs much deeper. We are trampled with the message that we need more connectivity in the church. We in the church need greater connectedness among the Church of God's. We need to all buy into the mentality that we all serve the greater "Church of God". The message seems innocent enough. "We want you to feel like your in this together." I view it a bit differently though. The message to me in the midst of a recession where National staff is being laid off and downsized is, "Connect, because we need your resources to sustain ourselves." They imply that we should be supportive, dare I say committed to the detriment of our congregations to National ministries. How about this for hypocrisy. A strong majority of Christians I would be willing to bet are Republicans who can recite to you verbatim the creed that we are against big government. Yet, in our own movement (the term movement leads to a whole different discussion) we are encouraged, strongly, to buy into the group. Connect. Become a part. Be producers for "Big" Church of God. We will then ration out ministries for you. Folks, this is crazy. If every Christian was living out their lives in accordance for God's will there would be absolutely no need for someone anywhere to delegate out my ministry. The best illustration of this I know is that if I give money to the general budget to send to Hope Hill Children's home for example, that money could be sent elsewhere because Hope Hill has already exceeded what it receives from national "ministries". No, I think i'll be the producer of ministry and resource, and serve Hope Hill by my own will. Why do we need a middleman? Why the need for a Pope of the "Church of God" to direct us, to delve out our ministries. Again I say, show me the fruit. In fact, show me one person who was saved by Church of God (state or national) ministries, and I'll walk away. Let me be clear. I'm not talking about Christians who work at Church of God ministries. I'm talking about the government, and bylaws, positions and rules we have setup. Show me one person that was saved by a campground. Again, let me be clear. I'm not talking about the people at the campground, I'm talking about the dirt and the buildings and the cabins. The Church of God that I know and love (4th generation), and grew up in and around is non-denominational for a reason. The reason is that we in our own churches are to be producers, to drive our own churches, and missionaries, and Hope Hill Children's homes, and communities to Reach, to Disciple, and to Empower. To see souls brought to Salvation in our sphere of influence. Have you been paying the Pope of your Church, or State Ministries, or National Ministries to do the work that God has called you to do? Help me to kill this paradigm of a Pastor that we have created, so that each and every one of us will become producers of ministry. I believe then and only then, we will see the Acts 29 church mirror the Acts 2:42 church. If we can lay down this mentality, it's possible that we may see, "The Lord adding to our number DAILY, those that were being saved. (paraphrased)"

P.S. I know no one will read this. In fact, I know I won't see one single comment, but I've started the discussion. I've laid down my case in short fashion. I believe we can do better. I believe we owe God better. Let us all stop the consumer mentality and become producers of our faith.

Whirlwinds and fairytales

2009-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've just finished month three of being unemployed. 3 solid months of no boss to report to (other than Michelle), and I must confess, i haven't noticed. It seems that the more free time a person has, the more that person finds themselves wasting a great deal of it in "busy" work. It's not that I've fell into complete laziness. In the past three months I've roofed a house (44 squares 12x12 pitch), fixed septic lines under a house, water lines under a house, put in three air conditioners, built and planted a huge flower bed, and painted a grocery store, porch steps, and too many other things.
I think the short simple lesson here is the same lesson I'm attempting to bring to life in "Death of a Pastor". Just as we can get caught up in the mundane and busy work of life, I guarantee that Pastors do twice as much. Pastors are caught in this paradigm of maintaining the activity and structures of the church. This paradigm prevents well-meaning Pastors from leading God's church into greater things. Because they often spend so much time in these activities they often fall short in their relationship with God, this stifles direction and vision and is ultimately a death to the church.

Just think about these things.

Part of the puzzle

2009-06-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

A small part of the puzzle is becoming a giver. It has been said far too often in Church and knitting circles alike. "We have far too many consumers and not enough producers!" I agree. In fact, the whole of our society trains us to become consumers. Burger King will give it to you "your way". Have you wondered why the economy is shot. Too many people jumped on the have it now, and pay for it later bandwagon.

Jesus modeled for us however a giver mentality. One of the most stirring pictures of this in scripture is when He withdrew to be by himself after the death of John the Baptist. However, the crowd followed and Jesus had compassion on them and modeled producing.

One of the ironic twists is that the more you give and model giving, the more those around you begin to give back to you. It's a scary thing what can happen in the lives of those who give!

I recently roofed my parents house. I wanted to give a portion back for all that Dad and my Mother have done for me. Of course, I just couldn't get away from there withough my Dad giving me his old truck as he had bought another recently.

Just a brief note to encourage you all to give......

Satisfied with Nothin'

2009-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a classic. I believe that "Satisfied with Nothin'" is one of the greatest works I've read dealing with the struggles of racism in our country and growing up in the south during the integration period. Ernest does a tremendous job of awakening our spirits anew to the racism that so pervaded our culture just a few short years back. However, for once I've heard the voice loud and clear that Racism should not hold anyone back from putting forth their best effort, growing in knowledge and taking responsibility and being accountable for their own actions.

Jamie Ray Griffin is a young man that struggles with wanting more out of life, while facing oppression from the demons around him. He finds a release in sports and becomes a bit of a local celebrity. He holds college offers in his hands with money flying freely, and struggles to make the correct decison. Witnessing the death of a cousin at the hands of white men bent on racial hate, he has the choice of speaking out and risking everything he has worked so hard for, or continuing to play for the highschool coach that was a participant in the murder.

The conversational style Ernest uses draws you into the culture and brought back memories for me growing up in rural Kentucky surrounded by friends and neighbors blacks and whites alike. I've worked in the inner city doing ministry in and among the poor and downcast and I've seen the faces of dejection and talked to those with lack of hope. Beyond anything else in the book I applaud Ernest for taking a stand that Racism can only be overcome by hard work, and a personal accountability to yourself and your culture...white or black. We wear our scars, but we cannot use those scars to impact the lives we lead, or the choices we make in relation to others.

From a religious perspective I appreciate the mixing of what religion truly is versus the paradigm we have created it to be in today's culture. In the culture of the book, we learn to accept what God has blessed us with, be content, and take care of ourselves. To understand that this world is not our home. In the culture of society we have used religion as a crutch to demand that God, that society owes us something. Thank God for this stirring portrayal that we live as Christians for more than temporal pleasures, but to be vessels of God's Grace and Mercy. Racism is in effect persecution, and as Christians we all face persecution, but we do not bend, we do not break we simply carry on knowing the One who IS, and IS to come!

Preston

Larry Underwood...my friend.

2009-01-27T20:56:00.001-08:00

I lost a great friend recently. My friend, Larry Underwood was like many of you possibly. A wife of several years that he desperately loved. A darling daughter with a beautiful young grandson for Larry to have in tow. Larry soaked it all in as well. I often thought that Larry would be the poster child for trying to live as much of it as he possibly could. Sure, Larry had his eazy chair (what man doesn't?) and there are a few humorous stories floating out there we heard today. But all in all, I have a desire to live life as Larry lived it. To love family and friends, and to enjoy the simple things of life such as hunting and fishing.

More than anything though Larry loved God. In his life here on earth Larry wasn't the guy gathering at main street with Bullhorn in hand and tracks to pass out to "them" sinners. Larry attended Hickory Grove Church of God in Richton, MS (where I pastored) all of his life. He maintained a simple lifestyle of church, and dinner at "Mamaw's" on Sunday afternoons with family. He loved his job and worked hard at it. In fact, if you travel down Hardy street in Hattiesburg in the future take a glance at the beautiful Rose garden at the University of Southern Mississippi and you'll see Larry's work in all of it's grandeur. Beneath the quiet and unpressing exterior was a man who loved to laugh. Larry also had a secret prankster built in that were I not the "pastor" I'm sure I would've seen more of. I would love to hear some of Charlotte and Lisa's stories on that as well, as I'm sure there are plenty from the sisters!

I have this burning within me right now to find some great platform that Larry stood for, or to rail for some particular cause to which he devoted all of his time. I'd like to leave you with some awe of who he was. But, I'm simply struck with a pondering within my soul as to how Larry was able to fit so much of life, love, family, and friendship into his time here on earth. I think the answer is found in my question. Simple. Don't get caught up in all of the craziness. Don't mettle in things that don't make a "hill of beans". Just laugh, love, hug, kiss, cry, and find joy in every little moment of life. Larry did that!

I was thrilled to share this morning that Larry began playing a song some time ago, and now that he has left this place and time to take on his new life in eternity; we are now left with the task of finishing the song. Like any song it has transitions and ups and downs. It has high points and low points. Points in the song may lull you into some state of peace, while others may move your soul beyond anything you've ever experienced. My unending prayer for this family is that they will continue to hear Larry's song. To hear the low points and the high points, and to continue to play along. While Larry has received his reward for his faithfulness, we still must press on.

Susan, Paula and family....continue to play to the song Larry began writing. Take joy in the laughter of children, take pride in each step of life Carson takes. Take joy in celebrating along with family when they celebrate. Cry when you need to cry, be silent when you need to be silent, but always love, always love.....always love. Larry would want it...Just...that....way!

Forever friend,

Preston

2008-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Interesting these times are....shadowy is the path of the dark side. Vague, sleep, eat, health, wealth, car, sickness, health, pain, joy, prosperity, notoriety, significant, insignificant, glee, mortality, death. Wow, just a plethora of words. Yes, I said Plethora! Yes, you have a plethora of presents. But, I'm more interested in what you don't have. Let me ask you one question. It's certainly a question I am plagued with recently. Do you have direction? You see I have so many things I enjoy doing. I love playing basketball, and golf, and surfing the internet. But, then if I narrow those down to the things I'm great at, then I'm basically an internet surfer with a blog writing meaningless drivel that no one will read anyway. But what is my direction? I enjoy writing, and feel I have somewhat of a gift for making readers think beyond just merely existing. I think I can prompt you to look inside and to become a better person. But, I also think I can beat you at Monopoly. But what is your direction, what is mine? I want to make a difference, I long to have someone say that the world was a better place because of me. I long to have more than family to show up at my funeral to talk about my sense of humor. I think direction is finding what you are great at, and then developing that to make a difference. If you are a great cook, then figure out ways for people to make great tasting low cost foods, and make a difference in your community. If you are great at shopping and picking out bargains, then make lists of the best paper towels and other assorted goods to purchase and pass those lists out. Maybe perhaps my direction then, is to teach people how to google?!?!?

Direction, purpose, sense, direction, help, find, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control, humility, for, you, God, we, Trust!

Preston

Judgment Falls

2008-11-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Judges 10:6-10 says, "6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, 7 he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8 who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. 9 The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin and the house of Ephraim; and Israel was in great distress. 10 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, "We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals." 11 The LORD replied, "When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites [c] oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!"
Tonight we bowed our heads and worshipped one who stated, "America is no longer a Christian Nation." We lifted up an idol to one who stated, "...or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount...a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful our own defense department would survive its application." Tonight millions of self-professed Christians voted for a man that has voted repeatedly for unlimited and taxpayer funded abortions. Tonight, many who may read this voted for a man that made fun of Christians as, "Rednecks who cling to thier Guns and Religion."
So, before I see another remark from someone who says, "Yeah, I'm a Christian and I read the Bible, and I voted for Obama", you better ask yourself if you are truly proud to have voted for a man who proudly proclaimed "religion is a crutch", we are "no longer a Christian nation(Baal/Ashtoreth ring a bell)", and homosexuality is perfectly okay. Obama said on that same video after his Sermon on the Mount comment, that "Folks haven't been reading their Bible." For once i agree with him!! Because if you had, you would never agree with anything about this man. Don't give me the excuses, don't give me the I'm strong in my faith and serve my church community crap. There is this dynamic with sin. We have sins of commission, which you of course don't do. But, we also have sins of omission. Tonight these "posers" as my friend Butch aptly named them failed to drive something out our presence that is against the very nature of God. A man that lifts himself first.
And so with that, judgement falls on our nation much the same as in Judges 10. But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. May God truly have mercy on our souls.
Welcome to your Welfare State.

2008-10-17T20:37:00.001-07:00

The young man shown above is one young Jimmy Pepmiller of Oak Grove, LA. Jimmy is a Junior and star Quarterback of the football team. Jimmy is also a very good friend, and son of two very good friends Rev. Roy and Sheila Pepmiller. Tonight Jimmy played his heart out. He fought for some tough yards against a very game Jena team. He only ended up with about 60 yards of offense but he did manage two touchdowns and one long run of about 40 yards. What's great about the night is not what Jimmy did with his hands or with his feet, but with his heart.
Take a closer look at Jimmy. If you do, you might notice under his eyes R.I.P and the name "Derrick". Tragedy struck this week in the small southern town of Oak Grove, LA. It seems that there are families and various people in the community that are at war with each other and have been for some time. Unfortunately because of an act of cowardice three lives were lost in a horrible fire started by a person full of anger and rage. A young man named Derrick Davis, full of promise and enthusiasm lost his life. The story that I've heard is that he initially made it out of the house, but went back in after other family members that were still trapped in the house. Oddly enough, the door was not an option as the arsonist had parked a vehicle in front of the door to inhibit lives being saved. This is of course the story being circulated around town, so I've not verified it personally.
What makes Jimmy a bigger part of this story is his compassion. It seems Derrick Davis was not liked too much by some other members of the school that he was forced to ride the bus with. So Jimmy being the outstanding young Christian that he is, offered to pick Derrick up every morning and give him a ride to school. I'm not sure of the events one early morning this week, but I can only imagine that Jimmy went to bed with thoughts of getting ready for school and homecoming week, and picking up his friend on the way to school. I shudder to imagine what his thoughts turned to when he awoke to the news. I can hardly imagine the pain and anguish he must have experienced.
But on the other hand I can imagine, as I have walked in his very shoes. Many years ago in high school I had a great friend. One that I admired and found passion and potential in. He and I did not begin on great terms as a brawl in fourth grade left us mad at each other for a couple of days. However, we soon became very close all throughout school. He ended up being one of the star players on our football team. He was #66 with offers from many schools to play the sport he loved so dearly. Football was his life next to his Christian faith. He had an amazing gift of being the craziest guy you could imagine but being very sincere with encouragement just when you needed it most. He was the child of a local pastor and oozed with potential that we could only imagine. As with Jimmy's morning this past week, I too awoke to that very same morning. It seems that at some point during the night he and his girlfriend had continued a fight and had broken up. With tears in his eyes he sat on the edge of his bed and without a thought for anything or anyone else he took his life with a shotgun in hand.
Many years have passed now since 1991, but the memory of waking up to that horrible moment still haunt me from time to time. I lived in Oklahoma City during the Federal Murrah building tragedy, and experienced it first hand. I survived Hurricane Katrina in southern Mississippi with all the pain it brought, but nothing has formed who I have become more than that one single event in my life. I realized then and there that if sin was so prevalent in the world, and that if a young man with such promise and joy could take his life in an instant, I needed to dedicate my life to making a difference in the lives of others. I never wanted to see another tragedy like that again. I am the father, husband, Christian, and friend that I have become now in large part because of the day I lost my great friend. Oddly enough, a few days before he had given me his football practice belt with the number 66 written in ink, and wanted to make sure I had it.
So, you see why I now understand the courage Jimmy had tonight. He has fought through the fire, he has stood with courage, and now he has a lot of decisions to make. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this will change his life forever and help to create him into who he will become. I know that there is an awesome God willing to turn this into something good in the lives of others. I know that the God of Peace will be right beside Jimmy every night that he awakes in a cold sweat, or drives to school thinking of picking up his friend Derrick. So, on this night Jimmy Pepmiller played his heart out for #5 Derrick Davis, just as I for #66 Derrick Nelson. Rest in Peace Derrick Davis. Rest in Peace Derrick Nelson

Preston

2008-10-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've weathered my fair share of storms. I've been through a few battles. I've looked death in the face as a loved one slipped away. I've preached the funerals of older ones, younger ones, and those yet to be born. However, the more battles I go through the more I realize just how completely and utterly dependent upon an All-Powerful God I am.
I've been through some rough patches with my work lately. Pardon me, I've been through these patches with my temporary money provider. Ultimately being a Contract Project Manager for Implementations and Conversions for a Banking Software Company is not what I want on the resume of my tombstone. However, I realize that everything that I go through is only another way for God to continue to mold my character, to shape my integrity and to prepare me for where He wants to lead me. Besides, I don't work for Open Solutions. I work for the Living God. So, everything I do, I do with Integrity. Everything I do, I run as to win the race.
Isn't it funny how we look at the Presidential Race now and instead of running the race to win, each Candidate in their own right is not running toward the goal, but just trying to be the last one pushed out of the Sand box. John McCain the maverick who doesn't buy into politics, but does what's best for the American people, is now known as "SAFE". Obama, the most liberal senator in the whole U.S. Senate is now separating himself from Ayers and Wright to become the "Center".
When I became a Christian I got a new CORE, I became a new creation. I no longer fight to please man, but to please God my Father. Let me say that I'm extremely happy that I have gone through some fires. Otherwise, I might begin to develop the mindset that I'm in control. That I can do what I want to do. That I can succeed by my 146 IQ. How crazy is that? I wish a Presidential Candidate would be honest for once and say, "I don't know it all." "I'm going to surround myself with the brightest minds, and most of all find my knees in prayer to the one that does know it all."

Preston

Death of a Pastor Part I

2008-10-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, Kiddos. I've realized some things that are really amazing to me. First and foremost this idea of "Death of a Pastor" continues to bear itself out as I have been able to live this out in my life. I've also played the part of the proverbial fly on the wall over the past two years while in Alabama, and now in Oak Grove. I've seen this frustration of a person who longs to lead, but it embattled to Pastor. One of the things I've determined is essential to this book is to get a real heart for where Pastors opinions fall on this subject. I think if you are writing to a specific audience you should probably know their overall mindset. Where do they hurt? How does the line get blurred between passion and obligation?
Here's where I'm at:
1. I've began the introduction Chapter 1 of the book. It's really a William Faulkner type look at the Funeral of a local Pastor (Pastor Shepherd) **Thoughts about the name? It involves characters and also some overarching themes that I hope to tie into what Pastors experience on a daily basis. Then I'll obviously link this "story" in with some of mine and their story and transition that to what I believe to be: 1. What the Bible Says. 2. What experience Tells us 3. Practical practice 4. Empowerment

2. I'm working on a questionairre that will begin to open up some of these mindsets and may provide some real depth to the book. Below is a sample list of some questions (rough draft and no particular order) I've thought up initially. Please feel free to come up with some of your own in the comments section. **Hey you never know you might get a mention in the book!!!

1. Do you consider yourself as a Pastor or a Leader?
2. Is my primary role leading people in God's will, or encouraging and comforting those in their walk with Christ.
3. Is Pastoring (in the traditional sense of the word) a calling or a byproduct of a position?
4. Pastor or Leader. The church today needs more...
5. Do you believe Salvations in the church would increase if you could focus more on leadership versus Pastoring?
6. Can peers Pastor each other?
7. Is Pastoring a calling or a gift?
8. Is Leadership a calling or a gift?
9. Is Ministry a calling or a gift?
10. Does Pastoring lead to inaction by laymen?
11. Does Leadership lead to inaction by laymen?
12. Pastor or Leader. Moses was a...
13. Pastor or Leader. The apostles were...
14. Pastor or Leader. Jesus was a...
15. How important is time management to a Pastor/Leader?
16. Pastor or Leader. Who would empower others better to use their gifts for the kingdom?
17. One attempts to be a Pastor and Leader. Does that make one a Pleader? "Cheesy yes I know!"
18. Any more???

Blessings to all my friends and family,
Preston

Wow

2008-09-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at how quickly my blog has turned into a political juggernaut. I will get back to posting inspiring and challenging important things soon. However, I think of greatest importance right now is the battle we are having in this Country over the next President. I have included a transcript of a response I had to a friend's argument recently about the "One" Obama. I have changed the names to protect the innocent. The one question I have out of all of this is how can Christian men and women turn from their belief system to rationalize a candidate and why? Read on..I dare you!

I am pro-life, however I'm aware that we live in a world where not one politician,NOT ONE, will sign a bill making all abortion illegal. So, to demonize Obama for the sins of a multitude is irresponsible to say the least. Especially since you can say that you have not seen the other issues that were on the bill that he would not sign. It's very easy to point at a politician and say that they are sooooo wrong, when you are not in their shoes, and it seems much easier to do with Obama. Why? You tell me. Do I think he's going to be the100%? No, that's why we have God. He's the only one who is going to be that for us...do I think Obama is better than McCain? Based on this one argument...yep. So, where's McCain stand on this subject? On the subject of a dang near genocide? Iraq and elsewhere? Abortion is not a topic for politics because no politician will sign a bill totally negating the process. Do you think that Palin would sign that bill? Never...not in a million years. So, ask yourself an honest question...why Obama? Where was this info when Kerry ran? He too supported the failure of this bill....Hmmm...be honest and ask yourself why it's so easy throw Obama in there and make him less than Presidential based on this one argument...
I have 4 children and love children...however; I know that if Jesus couldn't make everyone see it His way or make everyone turn why would you expect a politician to have the ability. We're not asking Obama to put us in heaven, nor can he, but we're asking him to run the country to the best of his abilities, with the understanding that at the end of the day the PEOPLE are the true writers of the law. His name is OBAMA, not Roe or Wade orGod...he neither made the law, nor does he perform abortions. HOw many pregnant young mothers have you brought to Christ, or invited to your home, church? How many abstinence seminars have you facilitated or attended? How many have your church hosted? How many youth rallies? HOw many inner city functions have you brought the Word of God? How many young men have you opened your home, heart, and Bible with? How often have you said to a youth, outside of the comfort of your own home church, "Sex is not going to fill that void, only God can do that for you." Let him w/o sin cast the first stone...I hope you have put your stones down.
If you're upset w/ this, ask yourself why...? Conviction is how God tells us what we need to do...I convicted myself.

Friend, you wrote a very open honest and compelling argument. I do respectfully disagree, but I think you did a wonderful job of trying to defend your position, assuming you are pro-Obama that is.

I have studied argumentative writing and conversation, and I've been in my fair share of debate. So, obviously when you are framing an argument you want to initiate the topic, which you did well, and then make an over the top statement. In fact, you made several. 1. "Not one politician will sign a bill making all abortions illegal." That is an emotional argument and simply not true. I'm not saying I agree wholeheartedly with the Bush Administration but to examine the "facts" Bush signed many bils that came across his desk restricting abortion. In fact, he signed the unborn victims of violence act, the partial birth abortion ban, and many other far reaching Pro-Life bills. If a bill came across his desk that was passed by congress effectively overturning Roe-v-Wade, do you not think he would sign it? I think many Christian leaders would jump at the opportunity if for nothing else than opportunity to be the leader that eliminated the cruel act.
You also mentioned, "So, to demonize Obama for the sins of a multitude is irresponsible to say the least. Especially since you can say that you have not seen the other issues that were on the bill that he would not sign." Again a very good emotional argument, but again without merit because it contain no facts. Here is a fact. The U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the exact same bill, and yes I've looked at them. Fact 2, the Illinois Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill. Fact 3, Obama was the ONLY person that voted no on the bill.

So, instead of looking at the actual vote, and examining the facts, you did use a very good liberal trick you attempted to distract us, by pointing to John Kerry. That was an interesting argument as he is a fellow Democrat of Obama's, so I'm wondering why you so quickly threw Kerry under the bus? Warning-Here's my emotional argument- I wonder how Christian men and women with morals and values, can somehow cast aside everything that they believe? How can they look past their Christian worldview to accept Obama? If we are open an honest with ourselves I believe we have created the next great race/culture/social war in America, based on the color of a person's skin. I believe good well-meaning Christians have overlooked their values to accept a person that is, well, different. Now, I absolutely agree that it is probably time to show the diversity of our country by electing a President from a different culture than our current Euro-merican (yes I made that up) background. However, I will NEVER vote for someone just because of their race if they go against every moral fiber of my being. If we so desperately want a President of a different ethnicity then give me a Colin Powell, or Condoleezza Rice. I would vote and even help push a candidate such as Bobby Jindal of Louisiana. He is a devout Christian, wonderful leader, and Indian by race.

A third argument you made is that, "Do I think he's going to be the100%? No, that's why we have God." I'm just amazed at how blinded people have become because he is the "ONE". You challenged us and now I'll challenge others as well. Why do we turn away and rationalize that one person can't make that much of a difference in politics with a Christian worldview? Isn't that the "sexiness" of Obama in that we "believe" he can make such a big difference? Do you not realize that the President of the United States of America does more than sign bills and pet puppies and shake hands? He appoints people to head things such as the SEC...Hello. He appoints people to the FCC that will either help or hurt in regulating the filth that comes over our television waves. Most compelling?

The next President will likely appoint new Supreme Court Justice which will frame the direction of our country for years either towards a strict Constitutionalist Biblical world view, or towards liberalist Judges that make up the law from the bench. The President affects much more than you realize, and when we are challenged why we "Demonize" Obama. I don't demonize Obama. I demonize his proven record that he is for killing unborn children. He is for the Gay-Lesbian lifestyle. He is on record of blaspheming religion by saying people, "cling to their guns and religion." That he is on record stating this is not a Christian nation. That he is on video stating that religion has no place in politics. That he is on video stating the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus and the Sermon on the Mount are wrong. If you don't believe the claims I made I challenge you to check out my blog! WWW.PrestonDuvall.blogspot.com. You will never hear me say that Obama is a demon, but in regards to his policies, if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck....

I do believe he is not a paid actor

2008-09-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

2008-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

2008-09-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

I just firmly entrenched myself against Obama! I'm not sure how it happened. It seemed as if he was the fox that sauntered into the hen house for a moment, only the hens did not mind. It seems that he somehow convinced America that he is Pro-America. One of our great Presidents (I forget his name at the time and I'm too lazy to look) once wrote the greatest motive an immigrant to our country could have would be to become fully American and devoted to these United States. It seems Barack Hussein Obama has kept one foot in the sand of American soil while still remaining firmly entrenched in the thoughts and ideals of the Middle East.

You see when you can begin to rationalize everything away as a crutch or some form of placebo to the human psyche you take away just the very thing that makes each and every one of us so completely, utterly unique. Steven Curtis Chapman penned the words best when he wrote a song for his daughter that said simply, "I can see the fingerprints of God". The image and very Spirit of a living, star creating, Universe making God took the time to place his fingerprint upon you to make you one of a kind.

Yesterday I took the opportunity to go to a Wildlife refuge with my family. We had the opportunity to see so many different kinds of animals from Wildebeest, spotted deer, Kudus and so many more. However, we also saw a most amazing creature, real life up close and personal zebras were all around us. Their uniform stripes almost mesmerizing to look at. I then remembered that I had once read that every Zebra has it's own striped pattern. Each one different, each one hand-painted by a God that cares for the smallest of bird. I also remembered the movie Madagascar when the Zebra, Marty, pondered a deep thought. Am I white with black stripes, or black with white stripes? I admit it, I'm in awe of our country. I have a strong Native American history and could blame all of my faults and failures on the "occupation" by the "white man", but whenever I hear the National Anthem and look into the faces of the crowd and stare at the stripes on the flag of these United States of America, I am still mesmerized. I look at the uniformity of the stripes and realize they all our equal. However, I can't help but wonder as I consider a possible Presidency by Obama what he sees and experiences whenever he looks at that flag? My gut feeling is that he would want to change the colors and the pattern of the flag. To alter the very existence of our country, to make us a placebo for himself. When a man is bold enough to slander the very Word of God that this Country was founded upon and principles we all hold dear, I am deeply concerned with what's next. So what exactly did Marty the zebra and Obama have in common? Here I am wondering, What is the color of his core, and what stripes does he proudly display. My stripes? They are red for the Blood of Jesus Christ, and white for His cleansing Power, and last but not least...blue for the University of Kentucky Wildcats of course!!

The battle

2008-08-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

Rev. Roy Pepmiller preached last week on the life of a man named Elijah. He spoke glowingly about Elijah's moment on a mountain when he was surrounded by the prophets of Baal, and yet the Lord showed up on his behalf, against all odds, and Elijah took the hearts of the people. Roy then went on to share how Elijah's one moment of great accomplishment soon turned into utter heartbreak and ultimately a wish for death.
How quickly can our mindsets change? As Christ followers we each seek for those moments in our lives to blend into moments of contentment and happiness. However, the reality is that we still live in a fallen world. There is a distinct difference in becoming new creations as II Corinthians speaks of and still living in a very real and changing world. Sunday night I was blessed to have the privilege to speak in the service, and I used the text of Romans chapter 7. In that chapter we get a deep look into Paul's soul and see the utter turmoil that he was under. Paul shares how he does not do what he wants to do, but continues to do the bad that he does not want to do, even though before he did the good but wanted to do the bad, but now he finds he actually wants to do the good, but he cannot do the good. Wow! The scary thing is I know exactly what he is saying. Paul is explaining that our very nature has changed, but we are still in a battle with our humanity.
The important lesson to learn is this, you are no longer who you once were, so why do you continue to live as if you were. When I was in third grade I began to play peewee football. Now, you know in football when two players collide it is usually the player that pulls back at the last moment that gets hurt, that takes the lick. When I went out for one of my first practices we did this drill called the gauntlet. No explanation is necessary other than to know that when my time came I faced the gauntlet staring at the largest player on the field. My dad had already given me the cue I needed to survive. He said, "Son, when you get ready to hit them, you accelerate through the play". So, the whistle blew and just a moment before impact in my own way I seemed to notice him raise up. So, I changed my approach and I threw all of my weight towards his upper body. I remember knocking him so far back, and I remember the coaches coming to congratulate me and giving me the Tomcat Paw to put on my helmet. The next day I wore an undershirt to show off my new prowess that quickly became my nickname. Today, I bet if I saw coach Mike he would still call me muscles.
When you experience problems in life, don't pull up, you accelerate and hit them head on knowing who you are in Christ Jesus. And you don't get a cool sticker for your helmet, you don't get a cool nickname for life. You just get a new you! Accelerate!

Quick hit

2008-08-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday Quick Hit:

Revelation Song: Alan, Scott, Margie and I used to play this song at K-Springs Church and it is one of the most powerful worship songs I have had the privelege of playing on. In case you are wondering, I played drums. Alan is an incredible guitarist as is Scott and Margie's vocals were incredible on the song. I actually think there may be a recording of some of our performances out there somewhere....cough....cough....

Death of a Pastor

2008-08-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm already plugging my book. Yes, I'm energized and challenged by the thought of creating something for God's Kingdom. Yes, I'm using you for testing grounds. However, I hope that my thoughts, humbly penned, will guide you and direct you to a truer understanding of not just who you are, but who you can become.
Death of a Pastor is simple. I have been challenged by many colleagues and various Churches to elaborate on what I believe to be the single biggest challenge facing the church in this century. Often I find myself spouting off the talking points as if I was going on Bill O'Reilly. My thoughts would automatically lead me to mention topics such as the irrelevance of the traditional church to today's culture, or the moral and ethical decline in America. I must admit I caught myself in a political battle because I believed the next President would greatly shape the Church's future.
I could supply you with endless babble from the so-called "traditionalists". They continue to pour out the "Sunday School" answers left and right. "What we need more is for people to get back into "OUR" church." "We just don't pray enough." "You can't teach the youth of today anything."
God I believe has a different opinion. As I search the scripture I can't help but recognize our dependence upon true leaders. I'm not talking about Presidential leaders, but spiritual leaders that shape and guide our moral and ethical compass. Scripture drives this point home over and over from Moses to Elijah, from Joseph to Joshua, Peter to Paul.
There are far too many Pastors in America's churches. We marry, bury, and babysit. We appease and appeal, often finding no ground to stand on when those we "Pastor" abandon our challenges and Visions for the Church. The churches biggest challenge is figuring out how to kill the Pastor and resurrect a Leader. A leader after God's own heart, a leader that is emboldened enough to challenge the paradigms. To break away from the traditional Pastor/flock relationship and move a congregation of believers to pastor each other and avoid at all costs the lukewarm church of Revelations. I, as a sojourner, desire to kill the pastor, and resurrect a leader.