At the beginning of next month, our family will celebrate serving APA for two years. The first year was a learning curve, resolving issues and unifying the church body. The second year was establishing staff and building solid ministries and programs.
In this third year, I see the challenge of passing the baton and engaging the “Buster Generation” (born in ‘65 and up). In this third year, I see the value and need to raise up leaders and workers to do the work of the kingdom. I am excited to see God bring about positive results and change!

A challenge to the younger generation—to step up to the plate and move into a greater place of leadership and service in the church family. I want to call you and throw out the challenge – here it is ...
Would you hear me calling you to move up to the front?

I would like to see the Buster Generation move from the back rows, the balcony, and the corners of the church – physically move up front and center of our sanctuary. You may ask the question WHY? Why would you want us to move upfront? Well, here’s ...

Ten Reasons Why:

Sitting upfront is an encouragement to me personally.
Sitting upfront reminds us all that the church has a future because we see the children and youth.
Sitting upfront says to visitors this church has young families.
Sitting upfront says to the Boomer Generation that we are ready to step into the place of responsibility for the future of APA.
Sitting upfront is closer to the altar, where God’s spirit moves from and touches those closest to the altar first.
Sitting upfront is farther from the exit, so when hard times come, those up front will stay and won’t bail.
Sitting upfront will create momentum in the service because with families’ kids and youth, one always gets commotion.
Sitting upfront in school as a student says I am serious about what I am here for and what will be best for me.
Sitting upfront says I want to be first to receive or get whatever is given out.
Sitting upfront says I am a part of moving the congregation and the kingdom of God forward.

If this were hockey, a movie, your kids’ school drama, or receiving your passport from the passport officer ... being upfront has it advantages!

Would you join me upfront just to see what God would do? Make this decision prayerfully. I believe the best seats in the house of God are upfront.

Step up and take a new seat!

Preachers' got it rough

If he is young, he lacks experience;
if his hair is grey, he is too old;
if he has five or six children, he has too many;
if he has none, he is setting a bad example.
If his wife sings in the choir, she is being forward;
if she does not, she is not interested in her husband’s work.
If he speaks from notes, he has canned sermons and is dry;
if he is extemporaneous, he is not deep.
If he spends too much time in his study, he neglects his people;
if he is visible, he is a gadabout.
If he is attentive to the poor, he is playing to the grandstand;
if to the wealthy, he is trying to be an aristocrat.
If he suggests improvements for the church, he is a dictator;
if he makes no suggestion, he is a figurehead.
If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the Bible; if not enough, he is not clear.
If he condemns wrong, he is cranky; if he does not, he is a compromiser.
If he preaches the truth, he is offensive; if not, he is a hypocrite.
If he preaches an hour, he is windy; if less, he is lazy.
If he fails to please everybody, he is hurting the Church; if he does please everybody, he has no convictions.
If he preaches tithing, he is a moneygrabber; if he does not, he is failing to develop his people.
If he receives a large salary, he is mercenary; if a small salary, it proves he is not worth much.
If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of hearing one man; if he invites guest preachers, he is shirking responsibility.
SO WHAT! They say the preacher has it rough.

Top 10 reasons you might be a Redneck Preacher

10. If your Sunday School bus is on blocks
9. If you've ever canceled church because the cows got out
8. If your belt buckle's bigger than your Bible
7. If you're skeptical of preachers who wear robes and clerical collars.
6. If there's a sign over the church door that reads, "This building protected by Smith and Wesson
5. If you've ever taken deep-fried possum to a church dinner
4. If you've ever made change in the offering plate
3. If you've ever shown slides from your trip to Graceland
2. If you use crayon to print your sermon (red and green)
1. If your altar call is longer than your sermon

Coming this fall SHREK 3

My buddy Harvey and I were in California and we were set out in meeting the rich and famous. We saw Bob Schuller, John MacAuthur, Brian Houston, Francias Collins and believe it or not Kirk Cameron from growing pains. But Harvey again with his one upmanship, was strolling through the streets of L.A. and ran into by none other than the big green guy. Immediatly Shrek and Harvey connected discovering they shared so many things in common. Shrek was so impressed with Harv that he asked him to be in the next big flick. Looking forward to see the up coming film call HARV & SHREK.

P.S. Shrek translated from german to english means shocking, to scare, and terrible.

Candle Light Service

Received a call Sunday morning, about a quarter to nine. Young adults’ pastor said, “Will you be on time?” I said, “What, what’s on your mind?” Problem was no power, no sound, staggering around the building a little dumb found. “What” – I said “can’t be, were Pentecostal – heavens be!” Called hydro and check on the web, car crash, lights out, power in neighborhood gone dead. What to do, how to pray, like a good shepherd - fed the sheep the hay. In the dark we gather, cold and bewildered, hoping candles would make children and deacons cheerful. Sang songs at the top of our voice, preached God’s word till I was horse. It dawned on me, when God’s people gather; it’s not about all the external gladder. Hearts focused on that which matters. Learn some valuable lessons that day, its not what is on the outside that counts, it’s what’s deep in the heart which God wanted to relay. Would I do it again, I would say perhaps next May. God was glorified and we still beat the Baptist to Swiss chalet.