Several months ago I asked my Facebook friends what they might be interested in reading about on this blog. Within a few weeks I'd answered all of those requests but one. My friend Mike hit on a subject that I felt (and feel) neither equipped nor faithful enough to answer well.That said, over the last couple of weeks I have repeatedly encountered ideas, scriptures, stories, and even a daily devotional that seem to speak to his request. Before I answer it, I'll quote him directly:
"What I think might be an interesting subject is something we touched on in a conversation in Frankfort. Let's call it, 'How God's Servants are Tossed from Pillar to Post by Churches and Still Survive through His Grace.' I've been there and so have you. Is there a book there? Because of your continue positive, optimistic attitude you are a true survivor. You can still find upbeat themes on which to dwell and meditate." - Mike
Let's start with something those closest to me would say is obvious: my "continued positive, optimistic attitude". While it is certainly not an act, it sure had some gaps in it over these last 4 years. And those closest would also agree that being a survivor often looked like a small boat on a very big lake--trying to figure out which way to go while trying not to capsize.
You see, nearly 4 years ago I met with the Personnel Team at the church I'd been serving for 7 years. They told me that they were thrilled with the work I was doing--grateful for it--but that there was simply no money to pay me any more. So they asked for my resignation.
Then I was part of a struggling church plant, which eventually closed her doors, for about 18 months. It was one of the hardest things I've done, serving there. I have some amazing friends from those months, and am very grateful for the time. But it was hard.
Then I was interim worship guy for one of Kentucky's flagship Baptist churches. It was supposed to be 4-6 months, but I was blessed to be there for 13 months. My family and I thought maybe, just maybe, we'd spend the rest of my career there. (Or at least a long time.) That didn't happen. That was hard.
So I launched Worship Coach, a consulting business designed to help churches make worship great--connecting hearts. I had a flurry of activity, saw God do some amazing things with the churches I visited, and then the activity slowed way down. I was writing, but not enough to generate income for my family. I started substitute teaching, but that was hit-and-miss. I started a temp job with my wife's company. I was happy to be part of a business like CLS but it clearly was not what God designed me to do. I was doing interim worship-leading and that kept my heart "in the game" of ministry.
Yep. A little boat in a big lake trying to figure out which way to go and not capsize.
Some of the things that didn't make the quick narrative include serious consideration of planting a church (as pastor or partnered with some folks). Going to school to get my doctorate. Becoming a full-time author. And, of course, just giving up.
If you're wondering if I'll ever answer Mike's request, the answer is yes. But before the answer could make sense, I figured knowing the problem might help.
So here's what I think made a pretty big difference for me:
"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
Did you catch the "one thing"? Forgetting the past--hard as that has been--and looking forward to what lies ahead--as hard as that has been to discern--I pressed on toward the end of the race.
A. W. Tozer wrote: "It is a simple axiom of the traveler that if he would arrive at the desired destination he must take the right road. How far a man may have traveled is not important; what matters is whether or not he is going the right way, whether the path he is following will bring him out at the right place at last."
And now, while I'm not at the end of the race, I am in a place of deep joy and delight. As Worship Pastor at Woodburn Baptist Church (10 miles south of Bowling Green, KY), I am serving with an amazing pastor and team, I am leading worship in ways I've never ever had the privilege to do before. It is simply magnificent.
So my friends, whether the path you're walking now is like a glimpse of heaven on earth or hell on earth, press on in the right direction. Look to Jesus. Don't put your faith in your church, if your job, or in yourself. Only One is worthy of our faith. And with that in mind, reach toward the end of the race. Keep the destination in full view.
And what is that destination? Our heavenly prize--unhindered, unfettered, unimaginable eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ. Oh my. Oh. My. Press on!
