Dr. Phil Brings FLAME to Goldsboro

I have described Dr. Phil Bence as a warm hearted scholar, teacher and pastor. His ministry was instrumental in my own pastoral journey; he continues to be an influence in my ongoing spiritual formation.

The real 'Dr. Phil' is bringing a biblical series on the covenant this week...to the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church! Be in prayer for us as we seek God's grace and truth through these services.

Dr. Bence comes from the holiness tradition. Holiness is more than a doctrine...it is a way of life. We are called to be like Jesus...to follow Him explicitly. Pastors (and all Christians) who pour out their lives in Christ's name...embody the true spirit of this doctrine and make it come alive in a meaningful way.

We are calling these services a revival. I pray for Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire as the Holy Spirit takes our church fellowship to a new level. Please pray for my friend and mentor. Please remember these services. Pastor Al

Wild Goose Chase

Who is Mark Batterson? He is the pastor of the National Community Church, near Washington DC. Mark is also the author of an excellent read, "Wild Goose Chase" Multinomah, 2008. This book is a contemporary challenge to live an active life inspired by the Holy Spirit.

How did I hear about it? Well, I was reading my former professor's blog. Pat Hannon, of Indiana Wesleyan University fame, was given an advanced copy of a new book release for his personal preview. Pat gave a challenge of his readership to, "Tell me why I should send a copy of this book to you." How can you resist a challenge like that??? Here is how I responded:

Greetings Pat,
There are several reasons that you might give me…Wild Goose Chase:

1) I will promise to READ it
2) I will promise to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit upon reading this book
3) I am taking a holiday break from my on-line studies at IWU and should be reflecting upon inspirational works
4) Experienced my 60th birthday…and am willing to take belated gifts
5) Always up for a challenge…particularly a spiritual quest

If I am not the recipient…I will have at least tasted of a Wild Goose Chase!

For some strange reason...Professor Hannon mailed the book to his former student. The first promise, to READ the gift, was completed today. There is a personal 'wild goose chase' forming in response to this read. By definition, wild goose chases are a little crazy...so if I do something stupid...you at least know why.

What are you doing for inspiration? How are you planning to enter the year 2009, as a God quest? Pastor Al

Merry Christmas

Thank you all for your love and support and another great year of church ministry. Lives are being touched because we have honored God together. We have worked hard, but it hasn't been ALL work. We have laughed and cried this year...we have been an extended family in Christ...we have experienced the ups and downs of doing life together.

Christmas is a time that Juliette and I celebrate our relationships. Our relationship with Jesus gives us the real joy of the Christmas season and for all the other months of the year. Christ draws us all closer and keeps us real. Thank you for your prayers and confidence. You love you and thank God for you.

Our prayer is that you will enjoy time with your Savior, your family and friends. May you have a blessed Merry Christmas. We look forward to sharing another year with you.

Pastor Al & Juliette

The Five Amigos

We tried for six...but ended up with our five amigos. This was a first time trip for Dale, Ken and Joshua. FLAME is a mobile bible college experience/ministerial training that takes place at several of our Wesleyan camps throughout the year. Larry and Ken mastered the Old Testament survey. Dale and Josh (and myself) took personal evangelism with Pastor Mark Wilson. Pastor Mark has one of my recommended blog sites. [Check it out!] This is a repeat course for me; Pastor Mark realizes that I don't 'get it all' the first time around!
Larry and Josh stunned us with their awesome participation, as musicians, in group worship. We pray for more amigos for the January FLAME! Sure is nice to team pastor with these men. Lord, we pray that you bless us...as we serve you together.
Pastor Al

Setting the Connecting Vision

Vision casting might be described as dialog between God and His human spiritual leader/servants. Like most spiritual activies...this is impossible without Divine intervention. We prayerfully ask, "Where do we go from here?" "What direction and what steps must we take to please God and fulfill His purposes...not only for ourselves...but those who follow our leadership?

This year the word--Connection --speaks of that needed direction. The first thought is 'Connecting with God' or worship. For those of us committed to spiritual journey, nothing else matters if this connection isn't both real and well maintained. Focusing on our personal relationship will be the first and foremost key to everything else we might accomplish. We can't lead without being connected...in prayer, Bible reading, and particularly with obedience. We demonstrate how much God means to us, when we hear His voice and follow Him.

Why pray for vision, if we are not willing to follow?

Pastor Al

Common Ground

Many of you know that I am a Keith Drury fan. This author has the ability to take something we know and restate it, so that we look freshly at its truths.

Common Ground is a new release from the Wesleyan Publishing House. Drury takes us back to the Apostle's Creed to see the truths that bind all orthodox churches together...to see what we all have in common. Most denominations talk about their differences; Drury is reflecting on how we are the same, where it really counts.

No. This is not a paid endorsement. I have told him that I am financially poorer for knowing him. His books are irresistable. However, I am spiritually richer for reading and thinking about what Drury says. I trust you will say the same. Note that I have Keith Drury's blog site on my recommended list; there is a lot more information about his book there. Blessings. Pastor Al

Steph's Big Ride

Talk about a meaningful adventure! Check out my newest blog link for the real scoop on Stephanie's big ride. She can say it better that I can.

We are very proud of her and her accomplishments. We are excitied for her...this is an amazing trip! Words like: Awesome...Wow...Cool (you forget I'm old) come to mind.

I know the your mom and dad have given you advise...so I won't go that way. But, I can't help asking that you do your best to come home safe! We know YOU can do it! We will miss you...but we are also so very proud of you. I'll be praying that God surrounds you for each and every mile...that will be one of the longest prayers I have ever prayed (figuratively and literally). See... you are stretching us all by your example.