July 7, 2008  

Ministry Tools
Bob Burroughs

Quote

What you always do before you make a decision is consult. The best public policy is made when you are listening to people who are going to be impacted by the decision. Then, once policy is determined, call on them to help you sell it.
(Elizabeth Dole)

Scripture

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working (administration,) but the same God works all of them in all men.
(1st Corinthians 12:4-6)

Prayer

Father, Truest Friend, Redeemer, Creator of all things good, and the One to whom I will lay down my crown of righteousness before Your feet, I bring to Your Throne Room today the many men and women who have been unconditionally called into Your service and who are burdened by leaders who are micro-managing their work, not allowing them to be creative and to fulfill their highest calling. I know the discouragement of such leadership and I have experienced the same frustrations. I know the pain of not being free to express and fulfill what You have called me to do. Give Your followers grace, peace and mercy in their situations. Give them knowledge beyond their own comprehension to be able to remain in their calling—even under the pressure of demanding leadership. You called them to Your service—and you can teach them patience, forgiveness and mercy in the process till time or situations change. I pray this prayer in the strong name of Jesus Christ, who was the ultimate leader, teacher and example of grace. Amen.

What Think Ye?

Staff Trust Factor or Micro-Management ?

When there is a trust factor--where the pastor/staff--and--pastor/people come to terms that no one person in the church can or should control everything and try to micro-manage all situations, then relationships can begin to flourish and blossom. Why? Because the tension of someone always being in control of every situation, decision, and/or ministry will gradually slip away.

"Micro-Management" simply means one person--is trying to be in control and be involved with everyone--in everything—everywhere in the church, and it just can’t be done!

Someone recently told me the story of a new pastor that had literally chased away loved and respected staff members within one year's time and the people were becoming frustrated with his style of leadership. An elderly gentleman went to him and asked why he was such a micro-manager. The pastor said he liked to have a complete canvas on his desk of everything that was going on in the church. The elderly gentleman said: “But you don’t always have to hold the pencil!”

What great insight and advice.

If a pastor does not and will not trust his staff members to do their jobs and thinks he should be "in" on everything that happens, then perhaps the staff members should consider asking the Father to move them to a place where there is a trust factor and a love for each other that manifests itself in worship and in ministry.  

Without a trust factor, a staff is doomed to be under the authority of one who will be missing so much by not allowing his staff to lead out in the areas where he is weak and where they are competent.  

The above scripture quote says it all. There are differences of administration, but we all serve the same God and Father. If you are a micro-manger, ease up! Allow your staff to be free of the constant pressure of having someone continually “hold the pencil” while they try to do their jobs. You will find it freeing—both for you and for those under your leadership.

What think ye?

Leadership

Leadership Mantras for Success

#5. When the Horse is Dead, Dismount. (Ken Blanchard)

Of all the Ten Leadership Mantras for Success, this is perhaps my favorite! Blanchard's statement is so typical of churches and schools that continue doing and promoting programs that have failed, are failing, or are destined to fail soon. It fits almost everyone who is in a leadership position--if they continue to do the same old—same old and changing the name of the project, program or event, thinking no one will notice.

How wrong is that? Of course, people will notice! Certainly people will ask this question in their minds, if not publicly: Haven’t we done that before, and didn’t it fail? So why are we doing it again—with a different name?

Reasons for not dismounting the horse:

1.    It is easier to stay on the dead horse than to get off! Getting off even a dead horse requires effort. It requires flexibility. It requires thinking. It requires movement. It may even require…extra work!

2.    To dismount the dead horse means failure! Wrong! Dismounting the dead horse (program) simply means a new direction is necessary. It will require creative thinking, movement, and work, but it will be a new challenge for leadership and people to dream a new dream, to explore a new adventure, and “to go where no church has ever gone before!” (I know! A bit tacky!)

3.    The dead horse has been around for years. Some people will say: “It worked before, so why can’t it work now?” A church program that is based on the 50s/60s70s style of “church” will not make it in the 21st century—period! The most difficult thing any church will do is “get off a dead horse” (failing program) and let it go! Church today is vastly different from the church of any other era. Programs are far more complex than in previous years—due to changes in location, surroundings, community, leadership, budget, the price of gas and much more.

4.    Some leaders think in their minds: “People will follow me because I am refusing to dismount the dead horse!” Someone has said: “People do things for their own reasons—not yours.” Church staff leadership have a difficult time coming to grips with this statement! Rarely do people have hard and fast ties and loyalties to any person, program or event. People will follow their leader as long as they are leading—but loyalties diminish quickly as programs languish with poor attendance, lack of enthusiasm, little creativity and little on the horizon that is promising.

I’m sure you can name programs in your leadership situation that are in danger of becoming a dead horse. Get off as soon as possible before it is too late! Changes can be made—and your leadership will be better because of your willingness to rethink programs, projects and events in the new light of the 21st century!

By the way, it has been quoted that by the year 2030, up to half of the churches in the USA will be out of business and their buildings sold. Seems that this mantra is more important now than ever before.

Family

Ordinary Days...Can Be Special!

Summer is well into full swing. Your kids are probably attending VSB, Camp, sports, and more. But, there are those days that are boring, nothing to do, and very ordinary!

Don't wait for "special" days to celebrate!  Here are some suggestions:

• Hang streamers over the chandeliers for dinner tonight--just for fun!  Watch everyone’s eyes as they come into the room!
• Have a chore-free Saturday. Instead, go to a pet store or to the park, zoo, movie or plan something special.
  
• If your child is near the 1/2 mark of his/her birthday, have a "half birthday celebration," using half a cake, half a pizza, etc.
• Purchase a special cup for your kid(s). Juice and milk go down easier in a "special" cup.
• Make a special lunch, such as a peanut butter/jelly "roll-up"...easy to make...fun to eat!

Now...go be creative!

Inspirational Corner

Cindy Berry

Cindy is one of the foremost composers of singable, rememberable, challenging, and inspirational anthems of our day. She is the wife of Bruce Berry, MoM, First Baptist Church, Killeen, Texas. She is a very gifted lady, full of joy and has an infectious smile. She recently has survived a bout with cancer. This Inspirational Corner will inspire you, as it did me.

   “In everything give thanks . . .”   1 Thes. 5:18

As believers, we find it easy to thank God for His bountiful, merciful blessings He provides us, such as:

• Guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives
• JOY!
• Christian friends, who love and encourage us
• Precious family members
• Privilege of prayer--both speaking to Him and hearing His voice
• The things that we often take for granted in America, such as heating, air conditioning (thought of as a “necessity” during Texas summers), transportation, ample food supply, safe drinking water, and much more.
• The gift of music, especially when used to proclaim God's glory

And, the list could go on and on!

It’s not hard to express thanks to God for these things. But we are to give thanks in ALL things? Even the “bad stuff” that happens in our lives?

In our hearts and minds, we know that God’s Word is true. But there are times in our lives when God reveals Himself to us in special ways--times when we see His promises coming true before our eyes.

God has allowed my husband and me to experience His love and mercy in a whole new way the past couple of years. I went through cancer, surgeries, chemotherapy, and recovery. We felt more loved by God during that time than we ever had before. He overwhelmed us with His peace that goes beyond human understanding. He showed us His love through scriptures, quiet times with Him, phone calls, note, hugs, and smiles--and especially through the prayers of so many friends.  

Now--on “the other side of the cancer experience--we can honestly say that we thank God that I went through the cancer experience. He has given us new songs to write and sing, and shown us facets of His character that we would have not otherwise experienced. And He has given us a new testimony that He is all-sufficient...in all things. To God be the glory!

The next time you “walk through a valley,” hear His words to His children from Joshua 1:9:                   

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Only HE can give us the strength and courage we need, and enable us to give thanks--in everything!  

If you wish to contact Cindy Berry, to express appreciation for her work, the email address is:BCBERRY77@aol.com

      This Idea Will Work

Piggy Back On A Hero!

No! Not literally! But--when you discover that someone you respect and admire is coming to or near your city, figure out how you can secure his/her services--just for your church family or music ministry.  

If, for instance, you find that Christine Anderson is going to be in town for a bell festival, and you would like to have her come in early or stay later to do a one-evening bell seminar with your ringers, or if Randy Edwards is coming near your city for a YouthCue event, or if you discover Camp Kirkland is to be in town for an orchestra festival, or if you find out that David Keith, David Davidson or some other fine choral conductor is to be in your city, contact the person in advance, tell them what you have in mind, quote an honorarium fee and tell them you'll pay any extra expenses if they will come and spend some time with your people. You will probably get them for your group!  

This kind of piggy back scheduling is good, because:

1. You won't have to pay full airfare or major travel expenses.
2. The clinician has opportunity to teach, train, and inspire as well as getting an extra day or two of honorarium.

I used to do this frequently in the local church and in university settings and had many wonderful experiences with top quality clinicians!

A word of caution: don't use this as an excuse for not attend the major event/festival/clinic to which the leader is coming! That undermines the program. Use the person as the opportunity for "extra" teaching, training and inspiration before or after the major event. Try it--it will be worth the investment.

This Idea Will Work!

Tips for the Smaller Church

Rehearsals - Part 1

The weekly or weakly rehearsal process can be demanding--on both director and choir members. Rehearsals should be planned carefully in order to be stimulating, exciting, innovative, and creative to the point that the choir members actually look forward to coming and being involved in rehearsals week after week.

The success--or failure--of the rehearsal is the sole responsibility of the music director. Weather, sickness, poor attendance, lack of time--none of these are really important to the success of a choir rehearsal. They have a bearing, of course, but many good rehearsals can come through poor circumstances. Something should be accomplished in every rehearsal...regardless!

Always evaluate your rehearsals! Here are some food for thought questions:

• Why was the rehearsal good...or bad?  
• Was there too much talking by the director?
• Was there too much talking by the choir members?
• Was there too much humor?
• Was there too much new music or too much old music?
• Was there a lack of concentration?
• Was there not a good pace in the rehearsal?  
• Were you and the accompanist well-prepared?

All these factors are important to good rehearsal discipline. The music director must:

• Be thoroughly prepared--in other words KNOW YOUR MUSIC WELL. 
• Have a good rehearsal plan.  
• Keep the rehearsal fast-paced and moving.
• Know each voice part well so you can HEAR the wrong notes
  
• DO NOT sing with the choir--ever! Listening is more important than singing!
• Make the choir members feel as if they have accomplished something in the time spent.

It is up to you Mr., Mrs., or Ms. Director.  

August issue:  Rehearsals – Part 2

Worship Quote

A Mighty Baton  (Dr. Wesley Forbis)

I asked for a mighty baton
as large as a redwood tree.
To direct a choir of cosmic proportions
In anthems of praise to Thee.

Instead, You gave me a cross
(not the sort of baton that I sought)

But I’ll walk by Your side
‘Till the last redwood dies
Teaching others as I have been taught
That to conduct...
You must first learn to follow.

Humor 

Natural Highs—The Kind You Don’t Forget

• Falling in love for the first time.  
• Laughing so hard your face hurts.  
• A hot shower.  
• No lines at the movie. 
• Lying in bed or tent listening to a rain shower outside.
• Hot towels--fresh from the dryer.  
• Finding the sweater you want--on sale for half price.  
• A good conversation with your spouse or dear friend.  
• Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last Winter.
• Good and faithful friends.
• Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
• Being accepted as part of a team.  
• Playing with a new puppy. 
• Watching a good movie--cuddled up with someone you love.  
• Going to a really good concert.
• Holding hands with someone special.
• Seeing an old friend and realizing that some things (good /bad) never change.  
• Discovering that love is unconditional/stronger than time.  
• Hugging the person you love.  
• Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.

New Product

LifeWay Worship Project - presents two new hymnals to meet the needs of today's changing/growing churches

        Baptist Hymnal™, and  The Worship Hymnal are now available for public preview. It has been 17 years since a new hymnal has become available to Southern Baptist churches and it is through the dreams and vision of the Director of LifeWay Worship, Mike Harland, that this dream has come true. Many in-depth conferences with pastors, ministers of music, worship leaders and educators helped provide extensive research to make these new hymnals fit the needs of the 21st century churches.

The website, LifeWayWorship.com, includes a full and ever-growing array of products, help, advice, and more, giving helpful assistance to enhance the worship experiences of God's people. As of 10/1/08, one will be able to download praise band charts, orchestra parts, vocal and keyboard arrangements, lead sheets, QuickCharts, transitions, tracks, media, and more. These are all available as hard good products. For the first time, a Finale© File DVD-ROM is available with orchestral parts and complete conductor's score for all hymns and worship songs. WorshipTracks come in both split track CD and MP3 CD-ROM formats. WorshipMedia products are also available - PowerPoint DVD-ROM, MPEG1 Background and Accompaniment Videos, plus and 52 Sundays, a collection of 52 split track DVDs, each containing four or more thematically-related worship songs with video, ready to use any given Sunday!

There are 674 hymns and worship songs in the hymnals, including more than 50 connective worship medleys with transitions and more than 50 hymns with new last stanza settings, making some of the hymns 2 or perhaps 3 pages. But one doesn't have to go to another place to get the last stanza setting! A nice feature includes the responsive readings with hymn or worship song suggestions. 50% of the songs were in the '56 hymnal, so it is based on tradition as well as looking to the future with worship and contemporary songs by some of today's brightest writers. The 674 titles in the Pew Edition products plus an additional 301 worship songs, hymn arrangements, and classic hymns are found in WorshipCharts, WorshipTracks, PowerPoint, and available for download at LifeWayWorship.com.

Baptist Hymnal™, as you would suspect, is designed specifically for Baptist churches. The Worship Hymnal is designed to be used by other denominations. The Pew Editions are available now. Companion editions - piano, organ, pulpit, large print, singer's - will be available 08/08/08.  The Resource & Planning Edition will be ready 10/1/08.

The official premiere of the Baptist Hymnal™ - PraisSing '08, will be Friday, August 8, at the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets are available by calling 1.800.254.2022. For more information about PraiSing 08, visit www.lifeway.com/praising08. Tickets are also available by calling LifeWay Worship, 1.800.436.3869.

Anthem

A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS, including Hallelujah. Amen!, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and For Unto Us a  Child Is Born, Arranged/orchestrated by Dave Williamson, SATB, LifeWay Worship #6-34337-000831.

Dave Williamson is known to be a masterful arranger and orchestrator. Many of our readers know when Dave's his name appears on an anthem or collection, it will be extremely well done! This short collection of three favorite classical Christmas pieces is no exception. Jesu, by the way, has some new lyrics written by Phil Barfoot and Rebecca J Peck. Some might say, He just copied the choral scores, added keyboard and that is it! Wrong! Dave has done really amazing things with the vocal lines to make them more interesting and provided very creative and interesting keyboard writing. The CD with orchestration is fabulous. If you wish a classical ending to your Christmas program this year, this can be the one. Get a copy and you'll be convinced!

Christmas Musical Review #1

THE SPLENDOR OF CHRISTMAS, Celebrate the Wonder, Created by Phil Barfoot, arranged/orchestrated by Dave Williamson, LifeWay Worship #005110725, 192 pages, approximately 60+ minutes in length. Many companion products available

    A Christmas work can be many things to many people. In past years, choirs have sung in cantatas, classical works, living Christmas trees, Dessert theaters, musicals, Carol suites, and fun Christmas pieces, but rarely are all of these tied up in one collection! They are now.

Phil Barfoot has created a work that is one of the most delightful works I've seen in some time. It has lots of humor, baskets of creativity, sharp arrangements, places for a Praise Team, Women's Trio, and Men's Trio to sing, as well as places for soloists to shine brightly. It has a "Broadway Style" opener, familiar carols including a sing-along for congregation, medleys of Christmas favorites, and even an Elvis, should you choose to use him! This work has something for literally everyone--choir and congregation as well as contemporary and traditional.

As you begin to wander through this work, you will note that it a bit unusual in layout--or was this on purpose?  The creator of the work, Phil Barfoot, says this about the layout: "This work is a collection. The order of songs on the project was not a consideration. For instance, most churches will use Jingle Everywhere! as the opener in the program, and in the collection, it is last. So, the order of songs can be determined by the individual director to fit the need."

Jingle Everywhere!--last in the book, is the most fun piece in the collection! It will make a grand opener! This is where Elvis shows up! Wonderful News, in a soulful style with a gospel groove, may be my favorite. Brand New Christmas has an optional Children's Choir. It is quite charming. Follow the Light features the three Kings, each with a solo, then duet, then trio--with choir, making a great processional piece for the Kings. The Messiah Medley will surprise you! Excellent creative work.

If you are looking for something fresh, unusual, exciting, innovative, challenging, guaranteeing a standing ovation, look no further!  This is the one for you! The CD will help you get a mental picture of all the possibilities in this work.

Finally, John Plastow has created an optional narration and drama with special production notes and ideas as to how to enhance the ministry and effectiveness of this work. These production notes can provide creative continuity through the entire program. You can get this free at www.lifeway.com/worship.

Christmas Musical Review #2

A MANGER SUITE, featuring the songs of Michael W. Smith, SATB Choir, Vocal Ensemble, and Children's Choir, Arranged/Orchestrated by David Hamilton, created by David Hamilton and Don Cason, ClearCallMusic #891329002147

  This is a four-song collection or "mini-musical" that uses an SATB Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Children's Choir, one soloists, instrumentalists, and a single narrator, combining most of the music ministry in one short, exciting and very well done work--rare indeed these days! The four songs are:

• The Promise, reminding us of the birth of Jesus brought about the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

• Son of God tells us of God's perfect plan unfolding in the birth of the Christ Child.

• Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah describes the angels' announcement to the shepherds--very exciting music here.

• Christmas Angels then allows the angel chorus to break forth in singing the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior of all mankind.

Michael's Dove Award winning music is made more expressive by the musical skills and gifts of David Hamilton. This is one talented gentleman.

If you are looking for a shorter work that doesn't require lots of extras beside the preparation and performance, yet, still will be meaningful to both choir and congregation, this work is for you.

•••  Here is a very MME special offer  •••

If you call LifeWay Worship at 1.800.436.3869 and mention promo code LWPPKB, you will receive a free book and listening CD of:

• The Splendor of Christmas

• A Manger Suite

• A Classical Christmas

Now that is a great MME offer! You will not be disappointed!!
 

         Conferences/Workshops/Festivals

THE WILLOW CREEK LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
August 7-8, 2008

LEAD WHERE YOU ARE  --  Bill Hybels (Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church and Chairman of the Board, Willow Creek Association)

A personal letter to MME Readers

   I have the privilege of taking part in Leader's Gatherings that happen throughout the year at Leadership Summit host sites. These intimate meetings are powerfully cohesive times. Leaders from all walks of life are encouraged to harness their passion and vision to further the cause of Christ in the local church and around the world.

I've been able to travel around the country and witness first-hand the dynamic, unifying qualities that mark both the Summit gatherings and the Church as a whole. Wonderful, radical things are happening because of the commitment to authentic leadership.

For instance, at Lutheran Church of Hope, Des Moines, IA, we recently saw area church leaders come together for the first time, effectively bridging gaps and kindling bonds within their unique community. After the Leader's Gathering, we received this update from Trish Toma-Lark, a Summit volunteer there. "What happened here today was amazing. It was absolutely inspired and orchestrated by God! I am having trouble articulating what is in my heart after being blessed to watch that historic 'round table' discussion. Today will no doubt be the beginning of something important! Between their arrival and departure, the pastors were different. It was phenomenal, and I am blessed to have witnessed it."

Having seen what can happen through intentional dialog, community, and prayer, I remain convinced of the great importance of the peer-to-peer connections that happen both at the annual Summit gathering and the "in-between" times throughout the year. This kind of interaction is how values that are foundational to Christ's vision for the Church are set in motion.

The growth of The August Leadership Summit is merely an indicator of God’s work in our world; calling His leaders from all areas of influence—churches, ministries, businesses, governments, schools, and communities--to use their gifts and abilities to further His life-changing work. Meeting together, learning new skills, sharing concerns, encouraging one another, and praying for each other is both a benefit and a manifestation of this movement of God.

I want you to know that I am greatly and personally encouraged at all God is doing in the lives of leaders like the MME readers. Thank you for taking leadership seriously and working to make Christ known throughout the world. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us when we meet in August.

The Worship Summit

August 22-23, 2008

Friday 5 pm to Saturday 5 pm

White Oak Conference Center

Winnsboro, SC

24 hours--which will provide inspiration, information, skill development and leadership training. There will be something for every church music leader at The Worship Summit - sponsored by the Worship & Music Department, South Carolina Baptist Convention.

There will be classes for:

• Music Ministers
• Worship Leaders
• Children’s Choir Leaders
• Choir Directors
• Praise Band members
• Pianists, Organists, and Keyboardists
• Music Leading 101
• Handbell Choir members and Directors
• Tech Track

In addition, the premiere of The Baptist Hymnal will be presented by Mike Harland, LifeWay Worship Director, including all the many things available through the internet to all churches on a download basis!

For more detailed information, go to The Worship Summit website at www.scbaptist.org/worship and click on the logo.

Prague! Just the mere mention of the name conjures up "old world" charm, beautiful building, narrow streets, delightful cafes, ancient church buildings with great acoustics, and of course, great shopping! I have been to Prague once and never will forget the experience. It is a most delightful city.

Prague is the destination for a most exciting evet:

ChoirFest International 2009, July 26-August 1.

The festival will begin with rehearsal Monday, July 27th, conducted by René Clausen. Thee final concert of Songs of Celebration, will feature The Empire Brass and the world premiere of an original composition by Dr. Clausen, which has been commissioned by ChoirFest.

During the daily choral workshop sessions, non-singers who are on this trip can go to optional guided tours, exploring the art and culture of Prague. Opportunities for sight-seeing, shopping, and attending concerts by all will be bountiful. A special concert by The Empire Brass will be presented during the week. Extension tours will be offered to Vienna, Budapest, and other great European cities at reasonable additional cost.

ChoirFest International has a goal. It is simply this:

MME is happy to announce that we will be partnering with ChoirFest International to make this dream come true for choir members and conductors all over the USA.

If you would like to consider taking all or a few or all of your choir members, or if you wish to travel by yourself or with your spouse, go to this website: http://www.choirfest.com/Prague/registerBB.html and the site will give all the details, including costs and additional opportunities. You may register online!

This is the first public announcement of this unique festival. Only 300 singers will be allowed in the choir, and even though the event is 13 months away, it will fill up quickly when word gets around!

Here is information about the ChoirFest International conductor and the brass ensemble:

René Clausen -- The Prague ChoirFest International Conductor

    René Clausen celebrates 20 years as choral conductor of the Concordia College Choir, and is director of the  award-winning Concordia Christmas Concerts, featured by PBS stations throughout the nation. His compositions have attained a worldwide reputation as some of America’s finest choral literature.

Dr. Clausen's ChoirFest commissioned composition, for choir, brass quintet and organ, will be premiered at the Prague choral festival!

Empire Brass Quintet - "America’s Premier Brass Ensemble"

Renowned for its brilliant virtuosity, the five musicians of the Empire Brass Quintet—all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras—perform over 100 concerts annually in major cities around the world.

“If there is a brass quintet that has more...virtuosity...than The Empire Brass, it hasn’t yet played Chicago.” —The Chicago Tribune

Bits 'n Pieces

MME wishes to express our appreciation to Mike Wilkins and Music Service, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, for sponsoring this issue of MME. Music Service provides quality service, quick shipment, and generous discounts! Click on their sponsorship ad to be taken directly to their website and see all that is offered! Thank you, good Friend, Mike!

If you wish to sponsor an issue of MME, please contact Bob Burroughs at bbur65@aol.com for details. The next available issues available for sponsorship are February 2009 and beyond.

Final Thought

The days of summer are half over. And the heat, drought in the southeast, floods in the midwest, fires in California, high cost of gas everywhere, high costs of food and other necessities of life, are causing havoc with everyone's budget and income. Some churches are already feeling the pain of lower attendance caused by high gas prices and declining income, because it is costing so much to live.

So what does the church do in this kind of crisis? Minister! Be creative in the way you relate to your people. Get off the dead or dying horse and think outside the box. Points to ponder:

• Minister more effectively than ever before.
• Minister to those who have to make the decision to eat or purchase prescriptions...to purchase prescriptions or give their tithe.
• Minister to those who have to turn down their air conditioning systems to avoid high power bills.
• Minister to those who are eating only one meal a day due to the high cost of food.
• Minister to those can't drive to church because of high gas costs.

How do we do this? There are resources from which the church staff and church family can find creative ways to make this kind of very important ministry take place. This could be the finest hour of the church in this new century crisis. Let us not fail to make this happen.

The peace of Christ be with you these important days of ministry. Be strong and be of good courage!

Blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Burroughs lives in Greer, SC. He is a composer, minister, educator, writer, and in his spare time, is the editor of CREATOR magazine. He is married to speaker and author, Esther Burroughs, has two grown children, four grandgirls and one grandson.

 © 2008 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved

 

To download a PDF of this week's MME, please click here.