How Many Ya'll Running Down There?

It seems the mentality of the world is to measure success on numbers: number of people that participate, amount in bank account, how many likes on Facebook, retweets on Twitter, and the list goes on and on. While it is true that you could probably measure your success in business or wealth on the number of dollars in your bank account, you simply cannot measure your success in the ministry based on numbers.

Early in my ministry, it was my belief that if the Church house was full that I was being successful as a preacher. I had this idea implanted in my head from the world's way of thinking and also from other pastors and preachers. I would cringe each and every time some preacher would ask me "how many ya'll running down there?" Also when gathering together with other preachers, there was always a division - the ones running a big crowd and the ones running a little crowd. I mean, after all, doesn't a large crowd of people attending an event make it successful?

I would get on social media and see fellow ministers brag and boast about their "packed-out house," and "overflowing parking lot," and make bold statements such as "Wow, had to put extra chairs out, God was really in the House!" Meanwhile I would look out upon the congregation of the Church that God called me to pastor and see empty spots in the pews. This really bothered me and I took it very personal, feeling that I was a failure in the ministry. I would go home defeated and depressed, thinking I should probably just give up.

One day while in this state of depression, contemplating giving up the Church and walking away from the ministry, the Lord directed me to this passage of Scripture: Matthew 27:22-23: 22  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

I couldn't help but notice the Bible says "they all," meaning the great multitude of people, the "crowd." I then thought back to the Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem just days before this event happened when the crowds were all rejoicing and praising him. Then it was like a light switch flipped in my mind and I realized that crowds have nothing to do with success in the ministry. Though great multitudes thronged the Saviour while he was ministering, healing the sick, and raising the dead, when it came right down to it he had very few true followers.

If you were to measure success by the world's standards, the Lord Jesus was a colossal failure. But we know, in fact, that He was and is the most successful being to ever exist. So, why do we measure our success in the ministry on the world's way of thinking? What does the Bible say concerning this? It is very simple. God shows us in His Word: Ephesians 4:11-13: 11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

I thank God that He showed me that He doesn't measure true success on crowds or on "how many ya'll running?" but rather he measures it on how closely we resemble His Son Jesus.

Let me encourage you, if you are a small Church pastor with only a few congregants in the pews, don't get discouraged. Keep your eye on Jesus, or as the Apostle Paul puts it: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 3:14

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Blessed Beyond Belief

I sit here tonight, Sunday, February 12th, 2012, feeling blessed beyond belief. Today marks one of the most important events of my entire life. As of this morning, I am officially the Pastor of Highland Baptist Church. I have been the interim pastor there for the past 6-months. I am humbled, excited, and overwhelmed. Like I told the Church this morning when I accepted the call, this is the 3rd most important event in my life. First being accepting Christ as my Savior. Second being marrying the love of my life, Mary. Third, being loved and trusted by the church to be their Shepherd. I never in all my life imagined this day would ever come.

I am of course nervous knowing the awesome responsibility that has been placed upon me and my family. I feel that the Lord has worked everything out just the way that He saw fit. I am trusting Him to be there and I intend to hold His hand in everything that I do. It is after all His Church and not mine. I am just being trusted to Shepherd it for Him right now.

I felt a great burden lifted from me today after they announced that I had received a unanimous 100% of the vote. Everyone has a desire to be liked but for a Pastor it means a lot to have every one's backing. I will do my dead-level best to be the best Pastor the Church has ever had. I realize that's some mighty tall order to fill. I think of my Grandfather, Pastor Ed Spencer, who was the founder of Highland Baptist and pastored for 9-years. I think of Charlie Lynch who pastored for 10-years and lead the Church out of despair. I think of Jerry Copeland, the man that pastored the Church the longest, 20-years, and how much he was loved and how much he did for the Church. There have been some great men in the history of the Church and I pray that I can be counted among them one day.

Well, I am going to sign off for tonight. It has been a very long and busy day. I need to spend some time with my wife before I have to go to work tomorrow.

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Earnestly desire your prayers

There are so many emotions going through my head. I feel overwhelmed, excited, nervous, and unworthy. Last night at church, the members voted on putting me in as interim pastor. I've already been fulfilling the position since July 5 of this year but they made it official last night. It has always been my heart's desire to pastor but really never thought it would be at my church. I've had several offers from other churches to pastor but the Lord just wasn't leading me to accept any of them. I was glad He worked it out to be this way because I have a love for the people there and a desire to minister to the needs of the community around the church. My grandfather, Ed Spencer, knew there was a need back in 1942 and the Lord lead him to build the church. If there was a need then, there is even a greater need now.

I know it's going to be a long hard road. I've been in and around church work all of my life and I know it's no bed of roses. I just pray for the Lord's strength and wisdom to lead me in being the best Shepherd that I can be for the people. I desire the prayers of those that can get through to God. I'm not looking for any hollow promises from people that don't pray, I need those that will sincerely pray and petition God on my behalf. I need those that can pray like Elias that are mentioned in James 5:16-18:  

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

So, if you are looking for a church to visit, why not come out and try Highland Baptist? If you need information about the church just visit our website. You might want to check out the "first time visitors information" as well.

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The Shepherd will feed and lead, not starve and beat

One of the greatest lessons that I've learned in my ministry is that leadership of God's people must start within the heart. It's not something you can force to happen, oh sure you can have all of the good intentions you want and play along like your heart is there but you can only pretend for so long. Eventually your true colors will show and your true heart will be revealed through your words and actions. I can tell you all day long that I love you but if my actions reveal otherwise then who is being fooled?. I feel that too many pastors are in love with the thought of being a pastor instead of loving the job that entails being a pastor. 

If you study the life of a shepherd, you will find that everything they do is centered on the sheep. The shepherd will sacrifice everything for the life of the sheep. The shepherd will feed and lead, not starve and beat. I think many times that truth is forgotten or ignored. Too many shepherds today feel that they are to be exalted among the sheep. They harbor personal desires to be seen and heard, not for the message of the Gospel, but for their own self-esteem. If they don't receive the attention they so desire they will take their frustrations out on the sheep and even go as far as to blame the sheep for their own failures.

One important thing that shepherds, pastors, preachers, ministers, church leaders need to remember is the definition of the local church: "The New Testament church is a local assembly of baptized believers who have voluntarily joined themselves together to carry out the Great Commission." One key word in this definition is the word "voluntarily." In Knox County you will find a church on nearly every road. Just in the area I live there are 20 churches within a 3 mile radius of my home. I could choose to be a volunteer at any of these 20 churches. If I feel, as a sheep, that I am not being fed or lead, then I would certainly find greener pastures to graze in.

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Thus Saith the Lord

"Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;" - Zechariah 11:4  

I am an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist by conviction, however, I have to say that many of my fellow brethren have lost focus on what it means to preach what "thus saith the Lord," and instead go about preaching what "thus saith the preacher." I came across a great post which very eloquently explains my feelings about all of this. So instead of me trying to convey it here, I would like you to visit that site to read a post by Andrew Wikel: "An open letter to all IFBs… from an IFB"

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Recklessness behind the pulpit

I was saved at the very young age of seven. It was during Vacation Bible School at Elm Street Baptist Church. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I felt true conviction after hearing the Gospel, and the pastor of the church, Adral Hall, thoroughly questioned me of my knowledge of Christ. I realized that I was lost and on my way to hell without a Savior. I also knew and believed that God sent his son, Jesus, to earth to die for my sins so I could be saved. I knelt on the altar and poured my heart out and asked Jesus to save me and I accepted Him as my Savior. I was baptized not too long after that. I wish that I would've had someone to take me under their wing and teach me the things of Christ. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Oh sure, I was took to church every time the door was open and attended Sunday school every Sunday. But I never received much Bible instruction at all when I was young.

As I got a little older I began paying more attention in church. I would listen intently of what the pastor or preachers were saying. One Sunday we were having a particularly spiritual service with many people shouting, crying, walking around, etc… In a Baptist church we call that “having a good service.” I was enjoying myself watching others and I felt happy. Then, it happened. The preacher made the following statement from the pulpit, “if you aren’t feeling the Spirit then there must be something wrong with you and you might want to consider whether or not you are saved.” I was flabbergasted. While I was enjoying the service, as a 10-year old boy I had no desire whatsoever to shout, run, or cry like many of the adults were doing. I felt that I must not have really been saved. I agonized over this for weeks. I would lie in bed at night and worry and cry and wonder what was wrong with me? I started noticing at other services the preacher making similar statements such as; “if you don’t feel like shouting then you might want to check up on your Salvation!” My fear kept building up and I began going to the altar to pray. Folks would come down and pray with me and I would feel a little better but still worried. I guess I did this off and on for 3 or 4 months. Finally one day I decided that I hadn’t really been saved when I was seven and I made another profession of faith. I was even re-baptized.

It wasn’t until I was in my late teens or early twenties that I come to the realization that I was truly saved at 7-years old and it was the recklessness of that preacher that had caused me to doubt my salvation. It was then that I decided if I ever became a pastor, preacher, or teacher that I would never say anything to make someone doubt their Salvation. It is not the job of the preacher or pastor to convict hearts; it is the Holy Spirit’s job. The preacher or pastor is the deliverer of the Gospel message. I fear that too many times, ministers are desperate to see people come to the altar and they say things to make people doubt their Salvation. How irresponsible of the man of God. Also, nowhere in the Bible will you find where people all had to have the same "feeling" or "experience" in order to be saved. It's an individual thing. The Holy Spirit deals with hearts on a personal basis and just because one person may feel like shouting doesn't mean that someone else should feel the same way. Not only that, just because a person shouts or says "Amen", does not mean they are more spiritual or closer to God either. I've seen many a shouter put on a big show and minutes later look stone cold. I've got more to say on this subject but I will save it for another posting.

One big flaw of the Baptist church, or at least the ones I am familiar with, is the lack of training provided to new Christians. It’s almost as if all churches want is to see people get saved, slap a new Bible in their hands, dunk them under the water, and send them on their merry way, just so they can add another name to the roll book. There should be follow up with each person that makes a profession of faith in Christ. If it’s a young man that gets saved then the pastor, a deacon, Sunday school teacher or other male officer of the church should be responsible for seeing that this happens. If it is a female then there should be some Christian ladies in the church to take on this responsibility and the pastor should hold them accountable. Perhaps we would see less “church jumpers” and more church workers if this happened.

I’m not sure why I wrote all of that. I guess it has been building up all of these years and now seemed to be a good time to let it all out. I pray that if you are a pastor or preacher of the Gospel that you will consider my testimony and reconsider the next time you make careless statements about one’s Salvation. Remember, it is your responsibility to present the Gospel, let the Holy Spirit worry about convicting hearts.

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VBS 2010 Message

Listen to audio of Pastor Dave preaching the message for our VBS Commencement.

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I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now

"I started out traveling for the Lord many years ago, I've had a lot of heartaches, had a lot of grief and woe. But, when I would stumble, then I would humble down. And there I would say, I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now." - Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now - Written by Charles Goodman and Jimmie Davis.

Last night at church as I was making announcements and welcoming folks, I made the comment that it felt like it had been forever since our last service. In all reality it had only been 3-days, or if you prefer 72-hours. But, it sure seemed like it had been a lot longer. As I have gotten older I have found that my thoughts, ideas, and desires have completely changed from what they were when I was a younger man that used to complain about going to church.

I can remember as a child being "forced" to attend church, and in my little mind I thought my parents were trying to torture me. In my teens I enjoyed singing and didn't really mind going to church, plus, that was the only place that I could date my girlfriend, so my desire to attend was really selfishly motivated. As a young adult, I felt that church was more of an obligation and I felt guilty if I didn't attend. I enjoyed it some but really only went because I knew I should. I even got out of church for a while when I was in my twenties but I always felt ashamed when not attending.

Eventually, life's troubles and strife found their way into my life. I was not following God's will and I paid dearly because of it. I finally turned to God and church for Spiritual guidance. I began seeing how God's power could work in my life. I will never forget working a dead-end job making minimum wage, barely able to make ends meet and feeling emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. I prayed to my Father in Heaven and made a covenant with Him. I would do whatever He wanted me to do for His Kingdom. Little did I know what He had in store for me...

The Sunday School Teacher: There was a need for a young adult Sunday school teacher at my church. "Who in their right mind would want to do that," I wondered? Unbelievably, I found many fingers pointing toward me. "God, are you sure," I asked? He was sure and I stepped into that role. It was one of the scariest things in my entire life. I'll never forget my knees literally knocking together as I stood that first Sunday in front of a room of 12 people and began teaching. As my confidence grew, so did my desire to understand God's Word and my desire to have a close relationship with Him. I relished in my study time and was amazed at how God revealed things to me from the Bible that I had never understood before. I guess it was like in Acts 9:18 telling about the Apostle Paul's conversion: "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."

Minister of Music: Suddenly we were faced with the Minister of Music resigning from the church so he could attend college full-time. "Who will we put into that position," I wondered? Again, in my unbelief, fingers were pointing toward me. Have I mentioned that I have always been totally backwards and shy around people? Have I mentioned that I inherited a very deep bass voice? I never once in a million years wanted to lead a choir or a congregation in song. I was completely happy standing on the back pew of the choir and singing the bass part. But, I accepted the position of music minister and learned how to lead. God didn't just stick me out there on my own, he led others to help me. My aunt Barbara was the pianist at the church and she painstakingly lowered each Hymn for me so that I was able to lead without cracking every high note. The pastor of the church, Jamie Porterfield, instructed me on how to conduct with my hands with the proper time signatures and beats. Eventually I became comfortable standing in front of over 100 folks and leading them in worship.

Preaching the Gospel: Just when I became comfortable, God placed another calling in my life... preaching His Word. There was no way, no how, that I wanted to do that! I will fully admit that I questioned God many times about it (something which I've finally learned to stop doing). I guess I was a lot like Moses standing there barefooted in front of the burning bush throwing out excuses as to why I would not be a good choice. But, just like it says in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

So, I began preaching. You talk about feeling inadequate! The Lord must've really been hard up for preachers because I am the least of the least. Pastor Porterfield gave me many opportunities to preach and I eventually stopped going into nervous convulsions every time I stood behind the pulpit. Little did I know that God was preparing me to step into Jamie's position to pastor the church after he resigned. The folks at the church asked me to interim while they looked for a pastor. I enjoyed many wonderful services during the nearly 1-year of my term. I still held my position of Sunday school teacher and minister of music as well. The church eventually hired a pastor and I slipped into a depression.

The Desert Experience: If you have studied the Bible much then you know that God's people are not perfect people. Many great leaders have went through testing periods in their lives. Moses wandering in the desert, David falling into sin causing strife throughout his family, Jesus in the desert being tempted of the devil, Peter denying Christ before the crucifixion. All of these are desert experiences. It is during this time that we are tested by the fire as to whether we will be burnt up or come out refined. I went through my own desert experience. I learned some hard, valuable lessons during that time. It was during this time that I sat back and took a long look at my life and my heart. I had two choices; I could throw in the towel or I could throw my heart into Jesus' hands. I thank God that I chose the latter.

God of Second chances: Aren't you so glad that we serve a loving and forgiving God? His Grace is marvelous and his mercy is endless. Eventually I moved on to my current church, Highland Baptist. My family and I just joined as regular members. I really was just looking to be ministered to. I had no intentions of leading the music or teaching Sunday school, or preaching. But, when God places a calling in your life, it is forever, unless circumstances arise that make it impossible to continue. I was asked to teach the pre-teen Sunday school class and then I was asked to be the minister of music. Pastor Hutchison has also given me numerous opportunities to stand behind the pulpit and preach. I've enjoyed the past 3-years we have been members there.

What is in store? Currently I am enrolled at Crown Seminary working on my Masters of Ministry degree. I don't know what else God has in store for me but I fully intend to follow his direction. I am not perfect by any means. I have messed up more times than I have done things right. But, you know, God is not looking for perfect people, he is looking for people that have a desire for Him. If you have a passion and desire to be used by God to spread the Gospel message, He will find you and make a way for you. You just have to be willing to step up and accept. Working for Jesus is a journey, but I guarantee you when it's all said and done with, you wouldn't take nothing for it!

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When I grow up, I want to be like...

Have you ever had someone in your life that you always said you wished you could be like? I'm not talking about some movie star or famous singer or anything like that. I mean just someone that you know or have met that you admired and wished that you could be more like them. Maybe have some of their redeeming qualities? Well, I've had a few such folks in my life. Let me tell you about one of them.

I've often written about my grandfather, Rev. Edd Spencer. As you probably have read on here before, he was the founder and pastor at both Highland Baptist Church and North Acres Baptist during his lifetime. Surprise, surprise, this post isn't about my grandfather, it's about another preacher.

My first memories of Rev. Charlie Lynch start way back when I was just a little boy. Charlie was the pastor at Highland Baptist for 10-years, between 1975 and 1985. The pictures on this post are from Highland's 1984 church directory. It was the year before he would leave to pastor North Acres Baptist church for 21-years. It always seemed to me that preacher Charlie was following in my grandfather's footsteps. I used to love to hear Charlie preach. The funny thing is, he never was my actual pastor. We didn't belong to either of those churches during the times he was pastoring them. But, anytime I was looking for a church to visit I would always find my way over to where he was at.

There is a song in the old red back church hymnal that is one of my very favorites in the whole world. It is on page 16 and its title is, "I Know He Heard My Prayer." I will always remember sitting in North Acres Baptist church and the choir was singing that song. Brother Charlie was standing up there and he was singing along and big tears were streaming down his face. He was praising God and rejoicing, I don't think he even knew there was another person in the whole church besides him and God. I have loved that song ever since then and have always wanted to teach it to one of my choirs. I haven't found a choir yet that has been able to do it. We are always missing a part, whether it is good strong leads or the basses. I'm sure I'll never be pleased with any of them anyway because I'll always be comparing them to the way I remember it from when I was a kid.

Charlie always has a way of making you feel special. He has a big grin that stretches from ear to ear. Kind of reminds me of when Andy Griffith grins, it just takes up his whole face and looks so genuine. Charlie is a tall man, I'd guess around 6' 4. He towers above my short little 5'9 frame when I am beside him. Anytime I have ever met him, without fail, he'll stick out his hand, spread that big grin across his face and welcome me like an old friend. He always has something nice to say about my wife and children. He always tells me how lucky I am to have such a beautiful family. He usually says something funny like, "how in the world did you ever talk her into marrying you?" or something along those lines. I guess that's one of the things makes him so good at being a pastor. I've always admired Charlie's wife, Kathy, as well. She is always so nice and hospitable. Always faithfully there along with Charlie. I guess in my mind they are what I think of when I think of a good pastor and pastor's wife.

I've told my wife for years that if I die early, I want brother Charlie to preside over my funeral. It seems like he has preached the funerals of an awful lot of my acquaintances and loved ones that have went on. I guess the one that I remember most is my granny Spencer's. I'll never forget how loving and gracious Charlie was to my family during that time. He stood over her casket and spoke directly to us with such humbleness. I've also heard him at other funerals. One in particular was Paul Haire's funeral that he preached last year. The compassion that he had for the Haire family was overwhelming. I sat back about 4 pews from them and watched them as brother Charlie preached and talked about how Mr. Haire was such a hero. I remember wondering to myself if I would ever be able to handle a funeral service as eloquently as he can.

I guess it seems kind of odd to write about someone like this while they are still living. I doubt Charlie would ever stumble across my little corner of the blogosphere though. I certainly wouldn't want to embarrass him or anything, I've just had him on my mind a lot and felt the need to write about it. I don't know if I'll ever have as great of a ministry as he has had. I sure wish I could be more like him though.

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