Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
10 CHRIST CHURCH
WELCOME HOME MINISTRY
By Phil Kingdon SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Shane Bishop
11 ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
THEN S.E.R.V.E. ASSOCIATE PASTOR
By Kevin Siddle Rev. Michael Wooton
For a complete listing of the
12 BE A CHEERFUL GIVER Christ Church Staff visit:
By Theresa Cavalier www.MyChristChurch.com/staff.
Scott Campus
The Flame Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by Christ Church.
Sunday - 10am
2017 Christ Church. Learn more about Christ Church at MyChristChurch.com.
EDITOR: Carrie Gaxiola DESIGN: Justin Aymer COVER: Mike Creagh
FROM THE EDITOR
The Year of the Servant has been reso- thing new or grow to be better in a par-
nating in my heart and mind since Rev. ticular area in my life, one of the best
Shane began teaching on and encourag- ways to do so is to spend time with those
ing us in the topic. Having worked in var- that are farther down the road than I am.
ious ministry areas for many years, serv- Those who lead by example and who also
ing my family in many ways and being have experience and great character and
involved in the community has always who have stood the test of time are the
brought a richness to my life that I would people with whom I want to spend time.
never trade for anything. Yes, sometimes Who is a greater person to start with than
it carries a weight that I wouldnt have Jesus?
otherwise carried. Yes, it can be time-
and labor-intensive. Yes, sometimes I get Asking the question, Lord, what would
tired and need a little respite. Yes, it can you have me do? Where would have you
even bring a target onto my back, with me to serve? then listening and simply
the enemy shooting his arrows relentless- doing what He tells you to do will bring
ly to hit the bullseye. But the benefits of rewards to your life and to the lives of
saying yes to serving the Lord Jesus and others beyond what you could imagine.
serving people far outweigh any detri- As you read the pages of this issue of The
ments or risks. The joy of seeing a burden Flame, the authors will challenge you,
lifted, a soul saved, being part of a larger and prayerfully, will provoke you to good
vision to connect people to Jesus Christ works for the glory of God!
or in reaching a family member who is
lost, simply by loving and serving, far Yet it shall not be so among you; but
outweighs the burdens. whoever desires to become great among
you, let him be your servant. (Matthew
Ive also learned that in serving, my char- 20:26, New King James Version)
acter is refined, and I have the privilege
of honing it to be more like that of the In His service,
greatest Servant who ever walked the face Carrie Gaxiola
of the earth: Jesus Christ. He is our lead
example of what true servanthood looks
like. He gave all so we could have all, in
the way of eternal life. He also showed
us, by His examples throughout the New
Testament, the best way to sustain that
energy and time: seeking Him first and
His kingdom.
Mission Of The Flame The Flame Online: Questions about the Flame?
Be inspirational through biblical articles Get The Flame Magazine online. Sign Contact the Editor, Carrie Gaxiola, at:
and devotions. Be informative in the up for email reminders of new editions. CarrieGaxiola@MyChristChurch.com
announcement of future events that Visit MyChristChurch.com/theflame.
connect people in ministry.
mychristchurch.com/theflame 3
THE SEDUCTION OF
CELEBRITY CULTURE
BY REV. SHANE BISHOP
I recently read about the crash and burn and gain Facebook friends and Twitter Keep Jesus first and everything else will
of another well-known mega-church pas- followers. It might even spark a new re- find its proper place.
tor. It is truly heartbreaking. We have all ality television show. The Jesus Brand
watched this movie before. We cry every would be benefitted immensely but the
time. We will see it again. cost would come at the expense of the Je-
sus Mission, To seek and save the lost.
I hurt for the spouse and family of the There is no glory in seeking and saving
fallen pastor. I hurt for the congrega- the lost. No ego candy at all.
tion and the thousands of people who are
Christian
just a little further from Jesus than they Quite tragically, the allure of celebrity is
were just seconds before the horrific an- not limited to high profile pastors. They
nouncement. I also hurt for the pastor. I are just the stories that make the news.
dont know a single pastor who accepted
the call to ministry hoping their human
weaknesses would blow everything God
Every day, pastors of smaller congrega-
tions flutter, fail and fall. And tragically,
it is not just limited to pastors. The same
leaders
has used them to build to absolute crap.
Satan laughs. Skeptics sneer. People of
dynamic happens to lay church leaders
as well. I have seen it happen so many are not
celebrities,
faith weep. Again. It is tragic by any ac- times, especially in large churches like
count. It is tragic by all accounts. ours. Service turns into local celebrity,
local celebrity turns into entitlement and
they are
As I was reflecting upon the situation, entitlement turns into self-serving and
Matthews account of the Temptation of before you know it you have a divaand
Jesus came to mind. A clear theme of the a mess. And messes do damage. Messes
servants.
wilderness showdown between Jesus and big and small.
Satan was the lure of celebrity culture.
Satan attempted to entice Jesus to throw So here is the big take-away:
off the larger mission for just a moment CHRISTIAN LEADERS ARE NOT CE-
to jump off the Temple so everyone LEBRITIES, THEY ARE SERVANTS.
could see the angels rescue Him. It was
a straight up publicity stunt. Satan effec- It is easy to get lost in celebrity culture.
tively said, Just film the whole thing on Such culture can occur on the macro or
your iPhone, post it on YouTube, it will on the micro. Leaders of all shapes and
go viral and you will be a star! Jesus sizes must remember as a spiritual disci-
responded, Do not test the Lord your pline that we are called to be servants and Rev. Shane Bishop
God. Jesus passed the temptation of ce- we must daily recognize and die to any Senior Pastor
lebrity. Countless others who followed impulses that do not reflect the charac- facebook.com/revshane
@RevShaneBishop
Him would fail. ter of Christ. Impulses like the seduction
of celebrity where we endeavor to garner
The convergence of celebrity culture, glory and honor for ourselves rather than
worldwide social media and massive for Christ Jesus.
congregations have certainly conspired
to distract, tempt and eventually ensnare In a culture that worships at the cult of
some of the most gifted pastors in the personality, Christian leaders who have
country. The whole of Satans temptation been entrusted by God with the spotlight
sequence was to take Jesus off mission. (big or small) must remember that celeb-
To distract Jesus from the purpose of His rity is precisely what Jesus rejected. Jesus
earthly manifestation and toward the said, What should it profit a man if he
marketing and leveraging of it. Jumping gain the whole world but lose his soul?
off the Temple and the subsequent angel (Mark 8:36 KJV) It remains an excellent
rescue clip would no doubt sell books question for pastors and laity alike.
4 mychristchurch.com/theflame
FOLLOW
THE LEADER
BY DAVE MERRILL
Do you remember playing Follow the the seventh day. Jesus follows the Father the great God of second chances and of-
Leader as a child? The one chosen as Who is love. He commands us to love fers us the option to confess, repent and
the leader would march, or spin, or duck the Lord our God with all our heart, and sin no more. So lets go into life following
down, or jump up, and all the follow- all our mind, and all our strength, and our leader and do what He does. We are
ers would have to duplicate the leaders to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus called to teach, to love, to serve and to
actions to remain in play. If you made practices loving through the fruits of the forgive others just as He has done for us.
a mistake by clapping twice instead of spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kind- Jesus is a leader worthy of following
once, or skipping instead of galloping, ness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and so we should.
then your were declared out! The pro- and self-control. Against such things
cess continued until all followers were there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus Scripture quotations from The Holy Bi-
out except for one, who became the new loves the Father and loves His neighbor ble, New International Version
leader. Anyway, thats how my neighbor- and we should, too.
hood played the game. Im sure you rec-
ognize a similar version. Jesus serves. Jesus sees the needs of the
world all around Him and acts to serve
As grown Christian believers, we are those needs. For the faithful who believe
called to follow the leader in another way. and pray Gods will be done, He heals
Jesus commands us to follow Him and the sick, restores sight to the blind, caus-
we are called to drop everything in obe-
dience and faith to walk in His way and
es the lame to walk and raises the dead.
He turns water into wine for the wed- love, joy,
act as He does. What does that look like?
How do we mimic the behaviors of Jesus
ding at Cana and He served thousands
of followers with two fish and five loaves.
peace, patience,
Christ? What did He do that we can imi- Jesus served His Disciples in the upper kindness,
tate? OK kids, its time to follow our lead- room with a towel around His waist and
er -- lets copy Him! a humble spirit to wash their feet. Jesus goodness,
Jesus teaches. Recall Jesus the rabbi, the
serves each of us daily as we remember
His death on the cross as an atonement faithfulness,
teacher of his disciples. He served as a
mentor and an instructor. He demon-
for our sins. Jesus serves those who fol-
low and we should, too.
gentleness and
strated how to pray, how to heal, how to self-control.
walk on water and how to drive out evil Jesus forgives. Jesus, upon seeing the
spirits. He challenged his disciples with faith of His followers, is a forgiving lead- Against such
parables and stories and explained the
stories they did not understand. He used
er. Jesus forgave the sins of the people
He encountered. From a prostitute (nei- things there is no
metaphors and similes to allow those
who follow to know Him and to know
ther do I condemn you leave your life
of sin - John 8:11), to a paralytic (your
law
the Father more completely. As the au- sins are forgiven get up and walk
thor of life, He has left us an entire in- - Mark 2:5,9), to even the Roman cen- (Galatians 5:22-23)
struction manual of His words in scrip- turions who hung Him on a cross and
ture. Whoever teaches these commands crucified Him, Jesus said, forgive them
will be called great in the kingdom of Father, for they know not what they do
heaven (Matthew 5:19). Jesus teaches (Luke 23:34). Jesus forgives all who con-
those who follow him and we should, fess and repent and we should, too.
too.
Therein lies the difference between the
Jesus loves. Jesus shows His love in all game we may have played as a child and
He does and in the good gifts He gives. those who become followers of Jesus
When the triune God had finished cre- Christ. If we messed up in our childhood Dave Merrill
ation on the sixth day, He declared it all game, we were out! When we mess up facebook.com/davemerrill819
very good (Genesis 1:31) and rested on with Jesus, He is the forgiving image of
mychristchurch.com/theflame 5
FROM EMPTY SPACES
TO GODS PLACE
SERVING CHRIST AT THE MILLSTADT CAMPUS
INTERVIEW BY CARRIE GAXIOLA
only if you were going to be a preacher. I firmed it in our hearts. When leadership
have realized that being called, or having had some changes, we prayed more than
the desire to serve God, is for any facet of ever and said yes to serving the Lord and
ministry. It is all important. But back to the congregation as Campus Leaders.
the original question, we had moved back
from Texas to Millstadt and were attend- In keeping with this theme of the
ing a church in Arnold, Missouri. One Flame and the thrust churchwide
day, we saw a sign for the Christ Church toward the Year of the Servant, do
campus at the 4-way stop, and we decid- you feel like being Campus Leaders
ed to visit. Its funny, the first time we is a position of serving? Tell me, in
visited, we went at the service time that light of campus ministry, what does
was advertised on the sign. When we got it mean to serve or be a servant in
there, the doors were locked! That was this role?
not a good feeling! As we turned around It absolutely is a servant role! We serve
and were ready to leave, Bernie Kneale alongside those in the congregation.
was coming out of the building and told There is no hierarchy but a horizontal
us they were meeting outside at the pavil- team approach. Everyone at the campus
ion just for that Sunday. Weve been at the has the same goals and mission in mind.
campus ever since! The church was just We have a very strong core group be-
what our family was looking for. As far cause we have done set up/tear down on
as becoming leaders, we had been attend- a weekly basis for so long. We have built a
ing for quite some time, Jon was helping rapport, and we understand that it is not
Christ Church: One church in four lo- at the main campus with the youth mid- about us, but it is 100% about connect-
cations! God has done such awesome week and helping set up each Sunday ing people to Jesus. Were not here just to
things through each of our campus- morning at Millstadt. At a certain point, lead a campus and have a title. The only
es throughout the region. For many Larry Weber and the campus leaders thing a little different, in a leadership po-
months, even years, a couple of our cam- approached us to be Assistant Campus sition like this, is that we help equip oth-
puses have had to set up and tear down Leaders. We prayed, people encouraged ers to be the hands and feet of Christ. We
equipment, week after week. Tireless and prayed for us, and God just con-
man hours from the most wonderful
servant-hearted people have occurred.
We have seen God bring something out
of very little. The issue boasts no less for
our Christ Church Millstadt Campus.
Exciting things have happened and what
a better way to express that but through
our new Campus Leaders, Jon and Am-
ber Weems. I had the privilege of inter-
viewing Jon and Amber, and heres what
they have to say about their new role, the
Millstadt campus and serving Jesus.
6 mychristchurch.com/theflame
help to encourage people to step up and desire to serve? the pantry. We also help the food pantry
serve, and we validate those gifts we see Its rewarding, not so much personally with the holiday meal handouts. Weve
in others. or monetarily, but you gain a spiritu- done Vacation Bible Schools, and we par-
al closeness when you serve. If ever you ticipate in the Millstadt Homecoming
How do you keep the calling fresh? feel burnout in your serving, go back to Parade. This year, with a 24/7 facility, we
Burnout can be a factor with ser- the where/when He called you and ask will be able to host the Lenten study and
vant-leaders. How do you prevent God for the faith and clarity to press have more connect groups. Now with this
it and what do you do when youre through. If He leads you to it, He will place and space the possibilities are end-
feeling weary? lead you through it! If you feel called, you less, and we are looking forward to doing
We feed ourselves spiritually. That is the have this feeling, if you will, that it is just more evangelistic efforts. One of our big-
main key. We go to the Going Deeper right. Be aware of the little bit of doubt gest prayer needs right now is to find the
service and that really fills us! With hav- because oftentimes that is the pushback. right Assistant Campus Leaders. We are
ing a 24/7 facility, there is a lot of energy, You have to act on the faith God gives so excited to see all that God will do!
but we realize that is not unending. We you to step out and keep going in the di-
are encouraged to take a weekend to re- rection that you feel called. As of this writing, the Millstadt Campus
fresh and get away. We understand that will have hosted preview services, Open
we strategically need to take a getaway Tell the readers a little about the House, and on March 19th will have the
break from the responsibility of being a Millstadt campus and the events Relaunch service with the District Super-
leader. Even Jesus did it! We also have a that are unique to your campus as intendent in attendance. God bless the
strong base at our Millstadt campus, and you serve the congregation and Millstadt Christ Church Campus as they
in order to be effective in our leadership, community. endeavor to serve the congregation, the
we have to delegate. We also believe that We have partnered with the city for community and connect people to Jesus
accountability and communication is summer movie nights. We provide free Christ!
very important. water and popcorn. We are strong Mill-
stadt Food Pantry supporters and have
What would you tell people who a monthly food collection to help stock
mychristchurch.com/theflame 7
STOP THINKING ABOUT IT,
AND JUST SERVE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
BY DR. STEVE HEITKAMP
The safest place for ships is in the harbor, idle is not an option for the Christian. the right spot to serve? Stop thinking
but thats not why ships were built. - Anon- There is no excuse for any of us not to about it! Its time to get up and do what
ymous serve somewhere. Hes called you to do. Dont look back.
Just step ahead and launch into the deep
Guiding Thought: When do we stop I have known many Christians over the because your ship needs to sail!
analyzing and just get up and do what years. Many are hard, diligent workers,
God calls us to do? and I am grateful for their witness. There In whatever you do, work as though you
are others who are looking for that ex- were working for the Lord, rather than
Sometimes thinking and analyzing act fit before they agree to serve. They for people. Remember that the Lord will
serves us well, but other times it gets in are looking for the right person to ask give you an inheritance as your reward
the way. There are times that analyzing them, while waiting to become talent- and that the Master you are serving is
is essential to what God has called us to. ed enough, appreciated enough, or even Christ. Colossians 3:23 NLT
Clearly, analysis is needed before ventur- mature enough to serve in some specif-
ing into some types of tasks, or in partic- ic way. This ruminating, analytical hunt
ular, types of service. There are times we is a tightrope of thinking for the exact
need to calculate the cost and plan for the place to serve God, which becomes an
call that God places on our heart (Luke unachievable search! The overthinking
14:28). In fact, there are certain callings leads to year after year of inaction and
When do
that take years of preparation to become lack of purpose. Cut that out! All of us
honed for the call He has placed upon can serve and do something for some-
us. Such a call of God takes time to think body. If we read the pages of the Bible,
through, plan, implement and complete
the stages of growth needed for the task.
and seek Gods will, it will become clear
where we can serve God for His King- we stop
analyzing
Nonetheless, we are still called to serve, dom.
even while we plan and wait.
Our family dog is very much a part of
And let us not lose heart in doing
good, for in due time we shall reap if we
our family. However, she has one par-
ticular trait that gets on my last nerve.
and just get
do not grow weary. So then, while we
have opportunity, let us do good to all
people, and especially to those who are
When I take her on the leash to our yard,
she will look for just the right place. She up and do
what God
is very indecisive. She spins and spins,
of the household of faith. Galatians circle after circle for what seems like an
6:9-10 NASB eternity, before we can finally return to
Dont do dumb crap! al message of prayer, arrives in the mail backs. Disappointments.
mid-week all because the prayer minis-
Rev. Shane recently gave us this try gives a care about the plea for spiritu- The best thing about giving a care is that
t-shirt-worthy prescription for how to al help you dropped into the offering bag the sources for acquiring it are many, are
prevent a lot of the pain much of it Sunday morning. readily available, are free and generally
self-inflicted that comes from living in can be obtained self-serve. The fuel for
a fallen world. If youre leading a ministry, youve got to give-a-care comes from compassion, cu-
give a care about your team, as a group riosity, motivation, healthy ambition and
As we grow to be ever-more Christ-like and as individual people. Its not easy be- a drive for impact and results.
-- as we master self-management of our ing the leader, and sometimes just giving
dumb crap such that we can start to a care is all the extra oomph you need And in a profoundly ironic way, youll
look for ways to serve others -- theres a to do the right thing by your people and never run out of give-a-cares because
corollary prescription for success in our your ministry. you tried to give too many of them away.
service ministries that is just as simple, Like Jesuss bottomless basket of fish and
clear and direct: give a crap. Said other- When youre giving a care about your chips our stores of give-a-care are in-
wise, and more literally: give a care. ministry family, youve also got to give exhaustible, especially when we look to
a care about your own family. No effec- give them all away.
Its easy enough to see how this idea ap- tive and necessary ministry will require
plies in the workplace, no matter what in- you to sacrifice your leadership of your Jesus definitely gives a care in the end,
dustry youre in or what level of employee home to the needs of that calling. One of He gave it all. Its impossible for any of
you are. To be successful, each of us has the best ways to teach our children how us to give that much of ourselves away
to give a care to some degree, and often best to give a care about other people in and by His grace, none of us needs to.
the extent of our success is in proportion the world is to model Christs presence of In growing more Christ-like, well do less
to how much we give a care. unconditional love and grace in our rela- and less dumb crap daily. And by follow-
tionships at home. ing His example, we will find plenty of
Its no different in our chosen ministries. give-a-cares to give away in His service to
Reflect on the ministry youre currently In a similar sense, you wont last long in others.
leading or serving in. You probably were ministry if you forget to give a care about
drawn to it because you first gave a care: yourself. If youre not eating well and get-
About a specific wrong in the world that ting good rest; if you are neglecting the
you wanted to make right. About a cer- exercise that you need to be healthy or
tain population of people that need a lit- are en route to burning yourself out, then Jeffrey M. Bishop
Flame Volunteer Writer
tle more help than the rest of us. About you are not giving a care about your-
using your God-given talents in a way self. Usually this happens when youre
that brings joy and helps others in the too busy giving a care about everyone
world. This, as Rev. Shane has taught, is else and everything else around you.
your version of Nehemiahs Jerusalem. But youve got to treat this one like the
air mask that drops out of the overhead
Giving a care drives the greatest success- compartment on the airplane: youve got
es in our ministries. Clearly our praise to give a care about yourself before you
teams give a care, as they prepare a rev- can give a care about and take care of
erent place of worship for us to encoun- others.
ter the Holy Spirit each week. The youth
ministers and volunteers exhaust them- Maintaining ample stores of give-a-care
selves planning and putting on events can be hard sometimes; lots of things
that challenge and engage our teens with can drub it out of us: Difficult work or
the Gospel message, because they give a excessive amounts of it in our missions.
care about the next generations potential Poor leadership. A bad fit of our talents
to bring Heaven to Earth. A handwritten to the work. Ungrateful or hard hearts
note on a stamped card, with a person- amongst those were ministering to. Set-
mychristchurch.com/theflame 9
Ministry Spotlight
CHRIST CHURCH
WELCOME HOME MINISTRY
BY PHIL KINGDON
10 mychristchurch.com/theflame
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
THEN S.E.R.V.E.
BY KEVIN SIDDLE
I remember the first time I was asked to offered a word of encouragement by let- has had such a powerful impact on lives.
lead a small group discussion. I was a ting the disciples know that He was there. One of the reasons Jesus was able to ac-
relatively new Christian and had been You have that same power to encourage! complish so much was because He served
involved in a mens small group for less those He cared for.
than two months. My mens group lead- Then the high priest stood up and said
er, Tom, asked me to take the reins one to Jesus, Well, arent you going to answer As you head out into leadership, remem-
evening and lead the group through dis- these charges? What do you have to say ber that you are there to S.E.R.V.E.
cussion and Bible study. Frankly, I was for yourself? But Jesus remained silent.
nervous. I didnt feel qualified or knowl- (Matthew 26:62-63, NLT)
edgeable enough on the Bible to lead. But
Tom reassured me and said to remember Jesus showed great Restraint. He fully
that my leading isnt about me, but in- had the power to show the truth to the
stead to focus on the other men. He said I high priest. Instead, He held back. There
wasnt there to lead the group, I was there will be many times as a leader where it
to serve the group. will be necessary to hold back your opin-
ions, feelings and emotions. After washing
No matter what position of leadership
you hold, it is always your duty to serve Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth their feet, He put
those you lead. Your family, co-workers,
teammates and classmates can all be in-
and the life. No one can come to the Fa-
ther except through Me. If you had really on his robe again
fluenced by the example you set. In or-
der to lead them properly, we can look to
known Me, you would know who my Fa-
ther is. From now on, you do know Him
and sat down and
Christ to set our own standards, and fol- and have seen Him! (John 14:6-7 NLT) asked, Do you
low His example to S.E.R.V.E. those He
led.. Great leaders have great Vision. Thom- understand what
After washing their feet, He put on his
as didnt understand Jesus when He told
them that He was going to make a way I was doing? You
robe again and sat down and asked, Do
you understand what I was doing? You
for us. Instead of arguing with him or
demeaning him for not understanding,
call me Teacher
call me Teacher and Lord, and you are Jesus set a clear vision. A great leader and Lord, and you
right, because thats what I am. Matthew serves those He leads by casting a vision.
14:27 (New Living Translation) are right, because
Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior and
For you know that God paid a ransom
to save you from the empty life you in-
thats what I am.
Redeemer, washed the feet of those He herited from your ancestors. And it was
served. Jesus Sacrificed. Jesus lowered
Himself to meet the needs of the disci-
not paid with mere gold or silver, which
lose their value. It was the precious blood
Matthew 14:27 (NLT)
ples. He sacrificed His station of power as of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of
an example of how we are to treat others. God. (1 Peter 1:18-19, NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. Dont Finally, to be a great leader, we must be
be afraid, He said. Take courage. I am Excellent. We dont have to be perfect,
here! but instead, we must stand apart, show-
ing the greatness, grace and love that only
As a leader, you will also need to Encour- comes through Jesus Christ. Your excel-
age. When peoples lives are out of con- lence is your personal testimony of how
trol and they dont know what to do, offer God has changed your life. Kevin Siddle
Flame Volunteer Writer
encouragement. A simple, You can do
facebook.com/kevin.siddle.12
it! can give someone the positive word Jesus Christ is easily the greatest leader
to take them from doubt to victory. Jesus who ever existed. No one before or since
mychristchurch.com/theflame 11
BE A
CHEERFUL GIVER
BY THERESA CAVALIER
As Christians, we are called to serve, love structs us to do. Those remarks hurt and to find another way to solve their prob-
God and love others. But where is that really made me stop and think. Although lem. Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do
fine line between serving, loving God and I was serving God and others, I wasnt not have, but what I do have I give you.
others and trying to be all things to all making myself look good if all I did was Acts 3:6a (NIV). Finding that balance in
people? This is the age-old question that complain about it. I wondered, how far service to others isnt always easy, but it is
surfaces frequently in my spiritual life does God want us to go to help people? possible.
as well as my personal life. When I first Rather than helping, at what point did it
began attending Christ Church in 2001, become enabling? Was I helping cheer-
there were fewer ministry opportunities fully, or did I resent being asked yet
than there are now. But every time some- again? (I knew the answer to that ques-
one asked me to join a group or be on a tion!)
committee, I said yes. What did that lead
to? I was doing a lot of things and none Rev. Shane Bishop once said in a sermon
of them well, burnout, and my husband that being a Christian doesnt mean you
saying Are you gone again tonight? I have to be a doormat. I needed to hear
Peters mother-in-law was sick in bed with washed. A good test of where I am in
my walk with Christ can be revealed by
looking to see if I am sticking my feet
a high fever. But when Jesus touched her out into the aisle waiting for someone to
come along and wash them, or am I the
hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and one carrying the pan of water along with
a towel looking for feet.
prepared a meal for him. Those who are looking will find count-
less opportunities to act as servants for
the purpose of glorifying God. Taking on
(Matthew 8:14, New Living Translation) the role of a servant, Jesus surrendered
His rights in favor of performing acts of
service, with the intention of leaving the
August 25, 2008, was the day I was offi- scheme of things, immediate. Jesus my world in a better condition than it was in
cially placed on a national list as a can- savior had made it possible that not only when He arrived. As we approach all as-
didate awaiting a kidney for transplant. one but two living donor candidates had pects of our life -- whether that be in our
This was a date in the making since be- been brought into my life. Seven months homes, our workplaces, supermarkets
fore the day I was born. In the same way later, on March 13, 2009 I received a liv- and so on -- we have the opportunity to
my Sovereign God knew that He would ing donor transplant which restored my impact those around us to create a new-
one day cross paths with Peters mother- strength. and-improved atmosphere.
in-law and repel the sickness in her life,
He foresaw the day when He would reach I will forever be grateful for the provision Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not
that same hand out to bring about heal- of Jesus, as well as the sacrifice of a very saved and given the honor of becoming
ing in the life of a sick man in need of a dear friend and her family. For a short heirs to the Kingdom of God for the pur-
healthy kidney. While the passage does while following the surgery, circumstanc- pose of having others tend to our needs.
not reveal how long Peters relative was es in my life left me struggling with the We were saved to become world chang-
ill, it does tell us that when Jesus entered question of why would God be so kind ers, by serving others in the name of Je-
the picture the fever left her, and since to a man like me? It wasnt long after sus Christ our savior. So wrap your robes
we are told that she then got up and pre- that when I read this passage of scripture around you waist, grab a bucket of water
pared a meal for Him we can say that the and the Holy Spirit revealed a life-chang- and lets get to work.
healing happened immediately. ing truth to me:
I had known since I was 17 that the day Then she got up and prepared a meal for
would come when my native kidneys Him. (Matthew 8:15 NLT)
Jim Shoffstall
would finally fail. Yet, while at that age, I
Flame Volunteer Writer
never really gave much thought to what I was not healed for the simple reason
the future would hold. God Almighty that I might return to life as usual. God
had already orchestrated a plan of heal- bestowed grace and mercy upon me to
ing which would be revealed in His time. bring about a transformation that I may
That time arrived on September 8, 2008, begin to live a life that is unusual. Jesus
a mere two weeks after being named a Himself told us that He did not come to
candidate for kidney transplant. When this world to be served, but to serve. That
you give consideration to the fact that being said, I offer that those who have
many eligible recipients will spend five had a genuine salvation encounter with
to ten years waiting for a suitable organ, Jesus will get up and seek opportunities
I testify that my healing was, in the grand to serve others as Jesus did.
mychristchurch.com/theflame 13
14 mychristchurch.com/theflame
mychristchurch.com/theflame 15
BECOMING
A SERVANT
BY DAVE HUFF
Have You
Doing stuff has never been a problem it is not merely a call to do a little more Subscribed?
for United Methodists. We have always for a little while. It may be that this year
been busy people and do-gooders. We is the year of emptying, of clearing, of
feed the hungry, clothe the cold and give setting aside. One of the things I have
school supplies all over the world. We been working on, praying about, seeking,
have started schools, hospitals, colleges, practicing, and often failing at, is less of
universities, and seminaries. We were at Dave and more of others. As a servant, I
the forefront of the Womens Christian am working on being less of a hindrance
Temperance Unions (WCTU) work to to others, hence, less of a hindrance to
bring about Prohibition. In other eras, we Christ, I am trying to serve by listening
have been in full cooperation with UNCF more, by keeping my mouth shut more,
(UNICEF) Childrens Funds, CROP by smiling more, by questioning more
Walks for Hunger and so on. Here at and asserting less, by encouraging more
Christ Church, we have an extensive out- and criticizing less. I seem to still fail
reach ministry and impact the world in more often than I succeed, but I perse-
local, regional, national, and global min- vere. I have often sought out people with
istries (Down the Hall, Around the Cor- whom I am pretty sure I disagree. Then I
ner, and Around the World). Service is a ask them about something they have pre-
natural outgrowth of a deep commitment viously expressed. Then I listen, reflect
to the Lord and a humble realization of their views back to them, and I thank
what has been done for us. them for sharing. It is not a time for me
to argue, convince, debate, or even ex-
But there is a deeper, more serious, more press potential area of disagreement. It
transformational, though certainly less is a time to become a better human be-
exciting, side to this when we recognize ing. Hopefully a better expression of
it as more than service. It is servanthood. Christ to others. It is a time to discipline
We are called not merely to serve, to do- my own arrogance. It is a time for less of
nate time, money, goods, possessions, Dave, more of Jesus. It is becoming a ser-
excess, or even specialized skills. We are vant.
called to empty ourselves and take on
the nature of a servant. The kenosis or
You can get
emptying passage of Philippians 2:5-
11 says Jesus made Himself nothing
this magazine
by taking the very nature of a servant.
Both Matthew (23:11) and Luke (22:26) Dave Huff delivered to
Flame Volunteer Writer
are clear that the greatest among us will
be the servant. Another element is that
the word for servant in Greek is doulos,
your inbox!
which also means slave (a doula serves
a woman in birth, for example). That, of
course is a loaded phrase in todays cul-
ture and cannot be used without careful
Sign up online at
mychristchurch.com/theflame
use and explanation. A biblical doulos, or
servant is one who willingly surrenders
his or her will for spiritual, righteous, and
biblical purposes.
16 mychristchurch.com/theflame
CHRIST CHURCH
LEGACY FOUNDATION
BY ALAN PRASS
How important has the Church been in people with Jesus Christ for many gener- wills and estate planning. I encourage
your life? Would you and your family be ations to come. everyone to pray about leaving a legacy to
the same without it? How important was Christ Church.
the church for you during that time when By making bequests and other planned
you or a loved one was in the hospital or gifts, you can continue to help Christ For more information you can check out
during a time of need? How important Church make an important difference our web site at
is it to you that the Church continues to in your familys life as well as the lives of mychristchurch.com/legacy-foundation
play a vital role in your childrens and others. or contact me at
their childrens lives? alanprass@mychristchurch.com.
What better way to thank the church that
For me, the church is the most important has had such an impact on your life, than
organization that I have been a part of. to make a contribution from your estate
Ive always told my parents that bringing through a bequest? Gifts large and small Alan Prass
me up in the church is the best gift that are important. Legacy giving is not only Executive Director
they ever gave me. It is an important pri- for the wealthy!
ority of mine to give of my resources to
the church and that priority has a vital With the help of the Barnabas Founda-
role in my childrens lives and someday tion, Christ Church has formed a foun-
their childrens lives. Therefore, Vanessa dation called the Christ Church Legacy
and I have made a decision that will bless Foundation.
the church and our family; we are leaving
a gift to the church in our will. We hope You will continue to hear more about
that with this gift, Christ Church will be this throughout the years. You will also
able to continue its mission of connecting be invited to workshops that will discuss
mychristchurch.com/theflame 17
WHOS
IT ABOUT?
BY BECKY OLROYD
Its not all about you, Becky. I can hear table even though stacks of dishes await- my lifes greatest accomplishment. But
my brother admonish me with mischief ed my attention. My heart swells at the is it about me? Or is it about those to
in his voice and a twinkle in his eye. memory of the incessant chatter coming whom I have offered service? I think nei-
Vince and I share a special bond. We from the carrier on the back of my bi- ther. Paul says in Colossians 3:24 (NLT),
grew up smack dab in the middle of six cycle as my legs ached from the added Remember that the Lord will give you
siblings, and maybe because of this - or weight. My heart swells with memories an inheritance as your reward, and that
in spite of this - it often falls to me to or- of broken bones, broken hearts, mirac- the Master you are serving is Christ.
ganize and orchestrate family matters. ulous three point shots, valedictory Therefore, as I seek to serve others, I am
Being a bit more of an extrovert than speeches, good grades and bad grades serving Christ. It is, therefore, not about
some of the others, I have often had to and the emotional toll of serving those me. It is all about Christ.
give a nudge here or be bossy there. But needs or relishing the victories.
does that make it about me? That is my
strength - a God given gift of service. It has been my honor to guide those chil-
dren into adulthood - to share in the joy
First Peter 4:10 (New Living Transla- of their weddings, college graduations
tion) says, God has given each of you and the births of my six grandchildren.
a gift from his great variety of spiritual Likewise, it has been my privilege to
gifts. Use them well to serve one anoth- serve them in their most critical times of
er. Therefore, as I reflect on my life in
terms of service, I realize that perhaps my
need - life threatening surgeries, financial
difficulties and heart breaking profes- God has given
greatest gift is none other than service it-
self. Whether administering to the needs
sional setbacks.
each of you a
gift from his
of my aging parents, being an intermedi- And now, as my life has taken a new di-
ary during a sibling crisis, planning the rection as a widow with grown children, I
great variety of
fiftieth anniversary celebration, provid- focus my service not only on their needs,
ing the table for Thanksgiving dinner or but also on the needs of the greater com-
spiritual gifts.
merely keeping in touch, that service has munity. In order to give back for the
come willingly from the love nurtured bounty of my good fortune and to fill a
to serve one
For my greatest spiritual gift, I have been tal volunteerism and various ministries
rewarded tenfold through the daily ser- of Christ Church. Now my heart swells
vice that I have been honored to offer my with the feeling of satisfaction that comes
immediate family. I cherish every min- at the end of a shift at Memorial Hospital another.
ute of service that I was able to provide or from the smiles on the faces as I greet
my husband, working side by side with the members of my church family on a
him in his profession and in our personal Sunday morning or a Wednesday eve- 1st Peter 4:10 (NLT)
and private lives, and through the count- ning.
less projects that he felt compelled to
undertake. He graciously, and lovingly, My oldest daughter was recently hospi-
credited me with providing him the care talized. She texted me one day from her
he required throughout his lifetime of hospital bed, The admiration I have for
kidney disease and eventual cancer. It you, as you quietly and selflessly go from
was my most precious privilege to be able one sick family member to another, all by
to minister to him during those times yourself, with no one to comfort you, is
and unto his death. astounding. But serving them gives me
purpose which gives me comfort. My life
Further, I cherish my life of service to has been overwhelmingly enriched and Becky Olroyd
our four children. My heart swells at the rewarded through service to others. That Flame Volunteer Writer
memory of laughter around the dinner service helps to define me. It has been
18 mychristchurch.com/theflame
Student Connection
The title is a fun statement that we rolled What the church is really good at is encourage every student here at Christ
out with the student ministry last year as talking about what Jesus did. Where the Church to serve.
we launched iServe. iServe is our minis- church can be lacking is actually doing
try within the student ministry solely fo- what Jesus did. Lets break this down in Every second Saturday we take a group of
cused on getting students to serve. a real life situation. Say you are taking students to East St. Louis to work along-
a rock climbing class. You go to weeks side our R3 crew. This is a hard day of
We want our students to be DIFFER- of training. You watch tons of videos physical labor, serving and devotion.
ENT! Check out this passage from Mat- on how to be a better rock climber, and You would think that students would not
thew 20:26-27 But among you it will you learn how to put on all of your rock enjoy a day of sweat and hard work, but
be DIFFERENT. Whoever wants to be a climbing gear. You even talk with all they have a great time, everytime! Why?
leader among you must be your servant, your fellow rock climbing buddies about Because we were created to serve!
and whoever wants to be first among you how you need to get more people excited
must become your slave. How is that for about rock climbing. BUT YOU NEVER We have learned that serving gives our
different? Our culture teaches us to be all GO ROCK CLIMBING! Doesnt make students a sense of accomplishment, con-
about me, me, me. Jesus gives us a differ- much sense, now does it? fidence, and a heart for others. Serving is
ent approach. also a great evangelistic tool. We see a lot
At Christ Church Teens, we want it to of first time visitors during service proj-
If we continue to read, we see the verse be very clear that our students are sup- ects.
that we base our iServe ministry on. Read posed to be serving. We have 13 different
verse 28. For even the Son of Man came options and ministries for them to plug Being a Christian doesnt have to be com-
not to be served but to serve others and into. iPraise (student band), iTech (tech plicated. Love God, love others, and be a
to give his life as a ransom for many. team) iLearn (teaching younger kids on servant.
Even the Son of Man, who had all au- Sunday Mornings), iWork (Rebirth, now
thority on heaven and earth, came as a R3), iJava (coffee team), and so much Scripture quotations from The Holy Bi-
servant. We truly believe that this is the more. ble, New Living Translation
greatest example of why we need to be
servant minded. If Jesus was a servant, we This upcoming generation needs to be
to need to be servants. like Jesus, not just hear about Him. Study
Zack Funk
after study shows us that kids that serve Director of Student Ministries
in the church stay in the church. Help us
mychristchurch.com/theflame 19
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
comfortable the whole time. It would be
incredible!
20 mychristchurch.com/theflame
PEACE
IN SERVANTHOOD
BY MATTHEW J. LAFRANCE
...when I finally
things that sound the furthest from what beaten by its driver. Its often helping
I would classify as fun), while Im more those who know not that which we as
go, I found
Sadly, I find this fondness for lethargy to through that, you will find peace in your
carry over into my service for the Lord. heart. Your bills will still be there, your
On a few occasions Ive felt the Lords income will still suck beyond anything
prompting to go and serve in one capac- you can imagine, but the worry and myself in a
ity or another, but ended up declining to the angst that this world tells you should
accommodate His request on the simple
fact that what He was asking me to do
have in regard to such things tend to di-
minish when you are focusing on the
stretch of time
was something I was either uncomfort-
able with doing, or simply just didnt
needs of others. where I was at
want to. Dont confuse my words, however. This is
not an invitation to go and do whatever
peace.
It took me a while, but I eventually fig- it is you deem as good, hoping to ac-
ured out that when you say, no thank quire this peace. Good works are not the
you to God, He says, Oh really? in His Masters bidding. They are good, and may
sly sort of Morgan Freeman voice, and be a blessing to someone who may truly
you end up regretting passing up the op- need a blessing that day. But for the com-
portunity. There was a period in my life fort of Gods hand upon your shoulder,
where event after event came up, and a smile on His face as He informs you in
there was a small prompting on my heart that Morgan Freeman voice, Well done,
to go and do, but I didnt. And I was mis- my good and faithful servant, one must
erable. listen. Sit and pray, asking God for the
opportunity to be of service to Him. And Matthew J. Lafrance
Im not saying God punishes those who when an opportunity comes along and Flame Volunteer Writer
do not serve, nor am I saying He rewards sticks in your head like a catchy song
those who do. But when I finally said, go for it.
Yes, I will go, I found myself in a stretch
of time where I was at peace. Things I have done that, and God has blessed me
seemed to go my way a little more often, with two ongoing opportunities; greeting
and even when they didnt, I was more all that come to church on Sunday nights
content with that negative outcome than as they arrive to receive Gods word,
I had been pre-serving. and writing for The Flame. Both have
brought a joy and a peace to me that ri-
Ive fallen in and out of servanthood vals any other sensation I have felt upon
from time to time. Im human; thats sort this Earth and, on a daily basis, I pray the
of our thing, isnt it? Worldly things catch Lord will provide me with more opportu-
my eye, and Im off on a wild chase for nities to serve Him.
something that only brings momentary
happiness and absolutely no peace. As I So, why are you waiting? The Master is
write this piece, I find myself in the midst ready; wont you serve Him?
mychristchurch.com/theflame 21
YEAR OF THE SERVANT
-SERVICE AND CONNECT GROUPS
BY PAM HUFF
Christ Church has designated 2017 as have to solicit servants again! have planned for service this year?
the Year of the Servant, in support of
our mission to connect people to Jesus Romans 12:9-13 says, Love must be sin- Scripture quotation from the The Holy
Christ. As the Director of Discipleship cere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is Bible, New International Version
and Connections, I help lots of people good. Be devoted to one another in love.
connect with Christ, by helping them Honor one another above yourselves.
find or lead a Connect Group or join a Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
service ministry. I recently finished a spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joy-
study with my own Connect Group, of ful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful
the book When Women Say Yes to God, in prayer. Share with the Lords people
by Lysa TerKeurst. Her idea is being obe- who are in need. Practice hospitality. If
dient to God when called to serve. The we are obedient to Gods call, then people
more we are obedient, the more blessings will look for ways to serve, and wont wait
will we receive and the more we will de- to be asked.
sire to serve.
We really dont have a choice, because
But be sure to
TerKeurst told a story about coming
up to a stoplight that was both red and
we all are called to serve. 1 Samuel 12:24
says, But be sure to fear the Lord and
fear the Lord
green. One car sped right through the in-
tersection without looking; one first sat at
serve Him faithfully with all your heart;
consider what great things he has done
and serve Him
the intersection to watch and assess; the
last pulled off the road and remained in-
for you. As we know, Jesus came to
serve. It says in Mark 10:45, For even the faithfully with
effective. We all approach service in one
of these ways. Are you the kind to run
Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give life as a ransom all your heart;
right through it when you hear about a
need? Are you one who first looks both
for many.
consider what
ways before moving forward? Or are you
someone who just pulls over and watch-
Here at Christ Church we can serve
down the hall, around the corner and great things he
es everybody else do the work? If you are
the last type, being in a Connect Group
around the world, as our chosen mission
fields. We can rock babies in the nursery; has done for
can give you the moral support you need
to go out and serve. I used to be the per-
cut denim pieces here that will be sent to
Africa to make shoes; or we can travel to you.
son who ran right through the intersec- Honduras to serve in medical clinics.
tion because no one else volunteered, or
because I thought I could do it better. I
realized that we need to serve out of our
A Connect Group is a great place to serve
together. It allows us to grow closer as a
1st Samuel 12:24
gifts, talents and passions. As we func- group and grow closer to God in faith.
tion as the part of the body of Christ that We start to understand and know what
He has called us to, we fulfill our call to it means to be in true community with
serve, and allow each one to receive the others. Once we understand the need to
blessing God has as we obey Him. serve and the satisfaction we receive by
doing for others, we tend to want to serve
Some are able to serve because it is a nat- more and more.
ural part of who we are, and we can do
it without a second thought. Others are Service takes focus from ourselves and
afraid to serve for fear of the unknown, puts the focus on others. We become
fear of what we will be asked to do and selfless. Connect Groups can teach us
fear because we dont feel capable of what the reason we should serve, but the Holy Pam Huff
we are called to do. Thats the thing about Spirit first stirs the need to serve in our Director of Adult Discipleship
service; if it was easy, we would never souls. What does your Connect Group
22 mychristchurch.com/theflame
THE MONSTERS
UNDER THE BED
BY SHELLEY LORING
When I was a child, laying in my bed at what if I choke and embarrass myself nothing, but in everything by prayer and
night, occasionally I might hear a sound leaves me paralyzed with fear. supplication, with thanksgiving, let your
that during the day would have gone un- requests be made known to God; And the
noticed, but at night I knew was a mon- Those two simple words magnify my in- peace of God, which transcends all un-
ster under my bed. I knew that he was securities until they seem bigger than derstanding, will guard your hearts and
waiting for me to look under the bed so God. They have prevented me from using your minds in Christ Jesus. So now, I
he could grab me and carry me off to my gifts to serve Him and have kept me pray for strength and faith so that when I
some horrible place. The more I thought from enjoying many of Gods blessings. hear The Enemy whisper what if in my
about it, the bigger the monster got until And like the monster under the bed, ear I finish the sentence for him...
finally I would cry out for my parents to the more I listen to those words instead
save me. of His word, the stronger they become. What if I trust God
If Im not careful, I risk believing those
Now, as an adult, I know monsters ar- two simple words so much that The En- Scripture quotation from the Holy Bible,
ent real and theyre arent under my bed. emy wont have to do a thing; I will think English Standard Version
One monster in particular, who goes by them before he even has a chance to
many names but Jesus called The Enemy, whisper them.
comes to steal and kill and destroy. (John
10:10) The Enemy tries to steal my at- It should comfort us to know that we are
tention, kill my confidence, and destroy not alone in this battle. We only need Be anxious for
my relationship with God and sadly, he is
very clever and very patient. He uses two
look to Peter to see all the battles that he
lost to The Enemy, all because he allowed
nothing, but in
simple words to plant seeds of fear and the fear and insecurity what if brings to everything by prayer
doubt in my heart that keep me from an-
swering Gods call. The Enemy uses those
turn his head from God. I imagine The
Enemy followed Peter very closely and
and supplication,
two words against me until my fears be- whispered what if in his ear on sever- with thanksgiving,
come bigger than my faith in God. Those al occasions. We are all familiar with the
two words are - what if. story in Matthew 10 where Jesus called let your requests
Peter to walk on the water. Peter steps be made known
What if I make a fool of myself? out of the boat to walk on the water with
What if I fail? Jesus. But the wind distracts him and in to God; And the
What if nobody likes me? that moment his fears and insecurities peace of God, which
(what if I drown?) became bigger than
I imagine The Enemy acts something his faith and he sank. transcends all
like the Grinch in the TV show, How understanding, will
the Grinch Stole Christmas, in the scene Jesus would not have invited Peter to
where he slithers around the house look- walk with Him if He was going to let Pe- guard your hearts
ing to steal away every part of the joy of
Christmas. The Enemy waits patiently for
ter drown. Peter got so tangled in the
doubt that The Enemy planted that he
and your minds in
the perfect moment and then, just when had forgotten who invited him onto the Christ Jesus.
my life is going well or when I am getting water. The words what if focuses our
ready to step out of my comfort zone, attention on our limitations rather than
he slithers up behind me and whispers on Gods abilities where it belongs. God Philippians 4:6-7
what if in my ear. would no more call me to a ministry and
leave me to fail than He would have let
I feel called to teach but I wonder, what Peter drown.
if no one signs up for my class?
I know that I cannot beat The Enemy on
I want to join the choir and what if I my own. The more time I spend in Gods Shelley Loring
cant carry a tune grabs me from behind. word, the less I hear The Enemy. Philippi- Flame Volunteer Writer
Im asked to speak at a conference and ans 4:6-7 reminds me to be anxious for
mychristchurch.com/theflame 23
GOD AT WORK
NEW MEMBERS BAPTISMS
WEDDINGS
24 mychristchurch.com/theflame
Whether its business or family,
your legacy is important.
Let us help you protect it.
Representing the people and businesses of southern Illinois
for over 30 years in the areas of:
Kurt S. Schroeder
(618) 239-3635
kschroeder@greensfelder.com
mychristchurch.com/theflame 25
ALLIANCE
Its a pleasure serving CHRIST CHURCH
our community BUSINESS OWNERS
Carie Bradshaw You can help Christ
(618) 593-3258 Church produce the
carie@cariebradshaw.com
Flame magazine by
becoming a sponsor. Call
us at 618-277-4659 for
Providing Our Community
and Military/VA with Options
details.
Carie Bradshaw
(618) 593-3258
carie@cariebradshaw.com
Smittys
Outdoor Services
Residential or Commercial. Fully Insured.
CALL RANDY
618-781-6776
Lawn Care Specialist Since 1998
26 mychristchurch.com/theflame
The highest compliment
I can receive is the referral
of friends, family,
& business partners,
~ Thank You ~
Aleida Wilson
discount and receive 20% all of your
product orders.
mychristchurch.com/theflame 27
Have you signed up for
Right Now Media?
You can get thousands of video studies for men,
women, teens, kids and so much more. The
videos are great for use in your small groups and
devotions.