SHARING THE FAITH IS PART OF THE VISION

Every church has distinct gifts and unique capabilities. Pastor Curtis Mulder of Ekklesia -Church at Raleigh is well known for his worship skills. He and the Ekklesia Worship Team are coming to the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening, September 12th, at 6:00p.m. They will share their giftedness and lead us all into the presence of God.

What if churches assisted in building each other up? This event demonstrates that intention! We all need fresh ways of expressing our devotion to God...and the Ekklesia Worship Team is going to share both their music and vision with us. They are demonstrating the first phase of our own church vision for 2010-11. We need to return to the passion of a church plant:

"Renewing the Passion of a Church Plant We were a church plant twenty-five years ago. We were hungry for new people and they came. We rejoiced in the people God brought our way, but we also put our hands and feet into reaching our community as God directed. Passion is contagious. Interaction with nearby district church plant ministries will keep us from becoming dulled to the real work of the ministry. We must support them, but we must also listen to their stories and learn to partner with them. They do have something to teach us!"

Thanks Curtis and the Ekklesia Worship Team for participating in the renewal of our own passion for God's purposes. I pray that we also take this event as a means of supporting what you are doing in Raleigh. May God bless us all. Pastor Al

Stan Toler Return's to Eastern North Carolina

Stan Toler is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Nazarene Church in Oklahoma City. Stan presented his 'The Vibrant Church' seminar in Goldsboro last month. He invited me to attend his additional seminar in Garner, NC on May 21st...and to bring some of our local church leadership.

Why see Stan Toler? He has real vision for the 21st Century church and for church leadership. Pastor Stan is a practitioner...he has grown successful churches. Pastor Stan is leading a successful church now. This presentation is called, 'The Five-Star Church.'

Does Stan want your church to look exactly like his? No. Stan desires that we seek God's vision for our ministry.

Stan Toler, a favorite speaker, taught seminars for John Maxwell's INJOY Group for several years. He now serves as the executive director of the Toler Leadership Center located at Mid-America Christian University.

Why am I asking that you go with me? I want you to see what I see. Shared vision is powerful...in a church...or in your corporate life. Help me to accept Stan Toler's invitation. If you are a leader, Stan Toler is gifted as a leader of leaders. This is a seminar about leading in tough times. Get ready and let's go together.

PastorAl ..."We are laborers together with God."

Special Offer

Anyone who posts something nice on this blog, in the next two weeks, will get a personal invite to breakfast at the Country Skillet! Did I say...free? Well, I am usually good for it.
Pastor Al

He Came & He is Coming Again!

My friend Pastor Kerry Willis frequently visits Israel...and loves to take other pastors along (hint, hint). This is a photo Kerry took of our Lord's favorite city, Jerusalem. Jesus will one day come again to this great city. If He comes today...this is what Jerusalem looks like this very moment, as Jesus would descend. The Day of the Lord is approaching! Keep looking up...and keep on working.

Pastor Al

Looking Forward

Life is full of surprises. Dr. Bob Whitsel was my pleasant surprise as I entered the masters program, in ministerial leadership, at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Bob practically met us at the door during our week residency. He broke the ice for us and challenged us with our first course.

On-line coursework represents change in education; Dr. Whitesel represents successful change within the local church. His latest book, Preparing for Change Reaction: how to introduce change in your church, was published in 2008 by the Wesleyan Publishing House. Bob Whitesel's Preparing for Change Reaction was named as one of top five leadership outreach resources for 2008, by Outreach Magazine.

Interacting with Dr. Bob has created great value for my own experience with IWU. The point was never about gaining knowledge, as much as it has been about growing as a pastor and seeing new vision for our local church. Rumor has it, that Dr. Bob may spend some time in the Carolinas (smart man). I pray that he will influence more pastors and churches, particularly in the Carolinas. Reading Dr. Bob's books are a privilege...interacting with Dr. Bob is an experience. You might want to visit his site at: http://web.mac.com/bob.whitesel/CCC/Welcome.html

Thank you Dr. Whitesel for seeking God's face to provide wisdom for change, church growth and leadership. Trust to see you soon.

Pastor Al

Church Building in the 21st Century

What do you see as you look at this picture? Do you see an aging church that has fallen in disrepair, because it didn't connect with the real world?

Are you a carpenter, with readied skills, impatient to get started in the rebuilding process?

Do you see just a building? Where are the people?

Church is much more than a building...yet the building certainly speaks of physical presence. We build because we have vision...vision to reach our community. It used to be said, build...and they will come.

For the past five years we have been building the people of our church. The time is coming when we may reach our physical limitations. We are readied to construct...while remaining faithful to our people ministries. I thank God for the Nehemiahs He has raised for times like these.

Some say the church has no future today. Jesus said, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matt. 16:18). Don't let appearances fool you. As long as we are faithful to the Gospel...we have future.

Pastor Al

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