How to pray for revitalization? Part 2

Our church is in the midst of a prayer emphasis called 40 Strong. This has been a follow-up to a prayer emphasis that led up to Easter called 40 Days of Prayer (pretty original title...don't you think). My desire is that we are known as a church that calls out to God because we know there is no other source that will invigorate our ministry with spiritual power from the Holy Spirit. In fact, this weekend many from our church will experience a Prayer Retreat led by Sandy Skinner (Prayer Coordinator).

I am deeply convicted revitalization can't occur apart from spiritual renewal. Revitalization isn't just about an adjustment to our worship or preaching style. Revitalization isn't just about a "cool" mission or vision. Revitalization isn't just about a church "style." Revitalization is about God doing something sovereign and supernatural. Genuine revitalization must have prayer and spiritual renewal as its foundation. Previously, I wrote about the first three of our seven areas of purposed prayer.


Today will address two more areas within our prayer emphasis.

4. Worship:

There are five specific areas of worship we are praying for...

• God to be glorified - this is the paramount issue in worship. The desire of our hearts should be to corporately proclaim the goodness of God by glorifying Him in worship. We desire to glorify the Father, Son, and Spirit in worship. As part of this area of prayer we pray for Mark Green, our Pastor of Worship, for our musicians (Dr. Tim and Sheila), and our choir. 
• Sermon - I desire for our church to pray for me. My want to preach as one "filled with the Spirit." My goal is to deliver a sermon that helps people understand the text while striving to be relevant and applicable. I seek to accomplish this while moving people closer to the cross and further away from sin. 
• Growth in worship attendance

• We are specifically praying that God brings growth in our Sunday morning worship numbers. I know we are Baptist and Baptists love to count "nickels and noses." Our desire isn't to focus on numbers, but to allow numbers to demonstrate we are being effective at inviting and more importantly that God is answering our prayers be allowing us to see more people in worship every Sunday. 
• Visitors - God bring visitors! 
• We have experienced numerous visitors that have found us through our website. www.afbc.com 
• We have a prominent location on a busy road in the ATL area. So, we pray that something about our location sparks people towards attendance.
• We pray that during the week our member are constantly inviting people to our worship service.
• We pray that God cultivates and works to harvest our community connections.
• Responses to God's call during the worship service
• I am confident that God's Word isn't going to return void, but is going to accomplish ALL that God desires. Therefore, I believe that God is changing hearts, minds, and lives through preaching and the worship experience. Before you ask -- yes, we still have a "invitation." But, our prayer isn't simply about that portion of the worship service. We are praying that God continues to use the worship encounter throughout the week. In other words, someone might make a response on Tuesday morning in the elevator on the way to their office because they have been considering the worship experience from Sunday. 

5. Specific Prospects by name:

We have talked a lot about engaging our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family members. We have talked a lot about inviting these people to church and ultimately inviting them to follow Jesus. We want to be people that pray specifically because God is the God of specifics. We are attempting to pray for specific prospects. These are the names of friends, neighbors, and the unchurched. We believe that if we pray for these individuals God will move in their hearts and lives. We believe that we will one day have a tremendous testimony of how God brought these specific prospects into the Kingdom of God and into our faith family.

I invite you to pray along with us as God does something that only God can do!

How should we pray for church revitalization? Part 1

How should you pray for church revitalization? This is a question that every church in need of revitalization should thoughtfully consider.

FBCAE is in the midst of a major prayer emphasis. We have been calling this prayer emphasis 40 Strong. This ministry is built around 6 prayer pods and numerous individual people that have committed to pray around 7 areas of purposed prayer. Each prayer pods is comprised of 4 persons. Additionally, we have at least 16 persons who have agreed to pray at-home.

I sense that God desires for us to pray very specifically. God is a God of the specifics. In fact, the Devil isn't in the details -- our sovereign God is in the details! So, as I began to understand the power of prayer as part of the strategy of church revitalization I was led to consider...What does a revitalized church look like? What must happen for us to be considered a revitalized church?

As part of those discussions we established 7 purposed areas of prayer. I would like to explain the first three of the areas of purposed prayer. Next week I will take some time to explain the other four areas of purposed prayer.

1. Revival


We aren't praying that we have the wisdom to calendar a revival. We are praying that God does something special and supernatural. We pray that God's people repent of their sins and experience a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit among His people.

J. I. Packer defined revival as "God's quickening visitation of his people, touching their hearts and deepening his work of grace in their lives."

Stephen Olford defined revival as "the sovereign act of God, in which He restores His own backsliding people to repentance, faith and obedience."

2. Spiritual Growth of our membership...

I have long held to a personal motto of "making and maturing believers." This is language that is borrowed from the Great Commission. Sure the GC is about evangelism and spreading the message of Christ. But, their is a clear directive about teaching those that have been made into disciples and baptized. I sense the church in America is weak because we abandoned the practice of growing and maturing disciples. In the past, we were thrilled to see large crowds and the baptism of hundreds of thousands. But, it seems we never moved most of them past the waters of the baptismal pool. We didn't find them mentors, we didn't establish Bible reading plans they could follow, we didn't personally see to the fact they grew in Christ. And, today there is an absence of "spiritual giants" due to a lack of tending to the spiritual growth fields.

3. Willingness of church members to serve/give/go.

We are praying that members understand their time, talents, and treasures aren't theirs. We pray that ALL members and regular attenders will be generous with their resources -- ALL of their resources. We pray that people will go wherever God calls them. We pray that people will understand their financial resources are really a blessing from God and that we should sacrificially give to the local church and its efforts to accomplish the mission of God. And, we pray that God's people will serve in a variety of areas. The Scriptures record the fact that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. We pray that our members model the ministry of Christ and joyfully serve.

Part 2:

4. Worship
5. Specific prospects and lost individuals by name
6. Specific Ministries
7. Fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The Key to Church Revitalization...

Over a year ago I left the peace, security, and calmness of Federal Prison and accepted the call to serve as Pastor of FBC Avondale Estates. FBCAE isn't unlike so many SBC churches in our day...we are in deep need of revival, renewal, and revitalization.

I have recently spent a great amount of time reading books and blogs about the subject of revitalization. In fact, revitalization is a buzz word these days. We have spent most of the last couple of decades emphasizing church planting. It is encouraging to see that we are balancing ourselves out to encourage church planting AND church revitalization.

Revitalization seems to be a "cooler" version of the term church health. In fact, if our churches were healthy we wouldn't be in need of revitalization.

Where do we begin? How do we get on this ride? What are the first step towards renewal and revitalization?

I sense that we often look too closely at the pragmatics of revitalization...worship style, church government, preaching styles, and the presence of new leadership with a compelling vision.

I am not going to deny that the above mentioned items aren't important. They are vital to a revitalization strategy and shouldn't be neglected. Pragmatic things are important to the revitalization strategy.

But, what is the most important thing...

A strategy that doesn't include prayer and fasting is destined to fail! In fact, a strategy without including prayer and fasting isn't really a biblical strategy.

Spiritual Renewal is good for God's congregation and will help propel us towards congregational revitalization. But, I sense that no church is really ready for revitalization until is ready to seek God in prayer and fasting.

Upon my arrival at FBCAE I really struggled with the overpowering challenge of revitalization. I began to look for a strategy that would work for FBCAE. I wanted a "plug and play" strategy. I wanted some tested strategy that I could use. However, I quickly learned that church revitalization has so much to do with contextualization. There wasn't a surefire method. There wasn't a cookie cutter approach; I was on my own. I am confident there are some important marks of a church desiring renewal and revitalization. And, there are some pragmatic things that are important. But, the beginning of renewal and revitalization is a call to prayer and fasting.

Why the city?

On Sunday, July 13, 2014, FBC Avondale Estates, GA voted for me to assume the responsibilities as Pastor of their church. Avondale Estates is a community tucked just inside the perimeter in the Atlanta Metro Area. In other words, we are ITP. Today there are close to 300k people in a 5-mile ring of this church.

The decision to leave the Federal Bureau of Prisons was one that I knew had to be made. It was time -- for many reasons. But, this blog opportunity isn't about my leaving, but about my arriving in this new and important ministry context.

I want to share a heart breaking stat with you --

"In 1965 there were 166 Georgia Baptist churches ITP; today only 38 remain; 25 average less than 100 in attendance. That is a 77% decline in just a half century." - Christian Index, Joe Westbury, Managing Editor, Published February 6, 2014

That simple stat shook my world. As you reflect on that -- I wonder if you would ask yourself has the population of metro ATL grown or shrunk in those 49 years. Of course the population has grown exponentially. 

I would like to refer you to this link.

http://www.businessinsider.com/half-of-the-united-states-lives-in-these-counties-2013-9

If you look closely at this map you will see the urgency to reach these counties and the metro cities they represent. 

I pray as a friend of mine and a follower of this blog -- you will commit to pray for my new ministry and this context. Additionally, I ask you to pray for our cities and the people they represent. There are literally millions of people in our cities that need to be reached. And, the wonderful news is that reaching them will be accomplished through a variety of methods and means. The are thousands of church plants and church revitalization endeavors occurring in our metro cities. I know that that there has been a lot of energy and effort put into church planting education and strategies. It is comforting to hear voices champion the cause of church revitalization. I sense that to reach these cities there must be a balance of both church planting and revitalization.

http://thomrainer.com/2013/06/03/a-humble-plea-for-church-revitalization/

I sense that God is not done working in our cities. He loves the cities and those that live there.

"Life in the garden was always intended to grow into life in the city." Why Cities Matter

Risky Business...

“I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:24-26

It seems I am being inundated with the idea of risk and suffering.  It seems that everything I have read in the past few months is pointing towards the principle of suffering for the gospel.  But, before we can suffer for the gospel we must be willing to risk for the gospel. 

I believe that safety and security are good things.  I have five children and I find it an achievement that I can provide for them.  However, you can make an idol out of anything.  Several years ago I left the pastorate to return to prison ministry.  My greatest fear had been of being involved in a forced termination.  The church in America has terminated far too many ministers for trivial reasons.  To avoid any chance of a forced termination I sought a safe place to do ministry.  Ironically, I found the safest place to be prison - hahaha!  However, after a year long process of working through some tough spiritual issues I sense that I have taken something that was a good thing - safety and security for my family - and turned them into an idol.  An unhealthy spirit of fear had consumed my life!

I have spend time this year reading books like Risk is Right by John Piper, Follow Me by David Platt, Ten Who Changed the World by Daniel Akin, The Insanity of God, and The Insanity of Obedience.

These books have challenged me in a new found manner.  Are we willing to put EVERYTHING on the line to see the gospel advance EVERYWHERE?  Or, has the western mindset so invaded our lives and way of thinking that we have been convinced that our possessions, wealth, safety, security, and health are more important than the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

I believe that Satan is using the conveniences, freedoms, and wealth of the west to lull us into dismissing our need to go to the nations or in my case to be willing to serve in the face of risk.  I am struck by this comparison - many have been willing to sacrifice their lives for the gospel and I haven't been willing to have crummy insurance, a smaller salary, or face a forced termination.  

According to the passage above we must die - sometimes to our flesh - sometimes physically - to see a spiritual harvest.  But, for sure we must hate this life.  I think most in the west have become complacent with our "stuff."  We see all that is important to us, but if we were to compare it to the worth of changing the world it isn't even important stuff.  In reality or in a biblical sense, the things we find so important in this world are really junk, trash, rubbish.

Would you risk your life for the gospel?  Are you willing to sacrifice, suffer, face persecution, or even death for the advancement of the gospel and the expansion of the Kingdom of God.  I am reminded of a thought in The Insanity of God...He called us to go...He didn't say we were to come back. 

If you can read the stories of Carey and Judson and are not moved to wanting to see the world exposed to the gospel...well, you might need to check your spiritual condition.  The nations need to hear, your neighbor needs to hear, your family needs to hear...and we must be willing to sacrifice all to afford people the chance to hear.

I am growing in my willingness, through faith, to risk whatever God desires.  I am confident that God is sovereign and when He speaks we must be willing to hear His call and respond in an affirmative way - whether He calls us to go overseas or across the street.

Why Christmas?

I really enjoy the Christmas season.  I know there are tons of folks running around purchasing items that will ultimately find their way to the thrift stores. But, Christmas is pleasant because families gather for food, fun, worship, and fellowship.  It really seems that Christmas is the most peaceful time of the year.  Wars cease, feuds pause, and joy entertains our hearts!

I think that I equate Christmas with peace because I understand that Jesus, who was born of a virgin, would eventually turn His face towards the cross. And, I understand that the cross brought peace to my heart and the hearts of those that would repent of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ.  Why Christmas?  Because God determined to redeem sinners through His Son.  There was a Christmas because there was lostness.  There was a Christmas so that there could be an Easter. 

So, who's holiday is it? Christmas is really for the believer to recognize the fact that Jesus exchanged His glory to walk among us. He briefly exchanged His position at the right hand of the Father for the loneliness of the virgin's womb. He exchanged glory for flesh. All of this occurred to ensure there was a sinless sacrifice. It is often said that Christmas is for the kids.  Christmas is not about the kids, but instead is for the world that was in deep need of a Savior to atone for its sins.

So, when you get upset because Target or Wal-Mart has a holiday sale instead of Christmas sale do not be bothered. It is expected that the world would attempt to remove Christ from Christmas because if not the Christmas story will lead to the necessity of the Easter story.  Eventually someone would ask why did Christ come?  What did Christ do?  Where is Christ buried?  And, the scandal of Christmas would be revealed...the baby grew into a man, died, and rose again!

I am not really offended if someone says, "happy holidays." It seems hard to force persons that do not understand the importance of the holiday to recognize the person of the holiday. For years I have said, there are plenty that worship the crib of Christ through consumerism, but fail to understand the same Christ endured the Cross for their sins. 

It is the believer's responsibility to worship and honor Christ this season. The lost world will act as led by their depraved and fallen nature. This is an opportunity to share the wonderful story of Christ with the world during this sensitive time. Honor Christ in your heart and home this peaceful season.

Merry Christmas!

Nine Types of Difficult People

Difficult people are everywhere!  It seems impossible to escape difficult people.  I found the following list humorous and truthful.  I have met everyone of these individuals...you probably have too.

Nine Types of Difficult People

1. The sherman tank will run right over you.

2. The star performer is entitled to your preferential treatment.

3. The megaphone will talk your ear off.

4. The bubble buster deflates everyone’s enthusiasm.

5. The volcano has temper like Mt. St. Helens.

6. The cry baby is a chronic complainer.

7. The nit picker is an unpleasable perfectionist.

8. The backbiter is a master of calculated rumor.

9. The space cadet is on a different wavelength.

Brooks Faulkner, Former Pastoral Ministry Specialist, at LifeWay Christian Resources, identifies nine types of difficult people and the usual effect they have on people in his book Getting on Top of Your Work: Manual for the 21st Century Minister.