Mission Support

Church family,

Understanding Your Pastor’s Mindset. You probably read that title and say to yourself, “This ought to be interesting! Do I have enough time to read through this?”

All my life I have lived in vocational ministry. My father was a pastor. I am a pastor. Some might say that I lived in a ‘fishbowl’. Some may say “Poor guy!” I suppose living in this setting from birth has deeply shaped my mindset and behavior. But that is true for each of us. Your setting, from the time you came into this world to this very moment, has shaped your mindset as well. Your experiences and surroundings have deeply impacted who you are.

With that said, from the time I came to serve at PAC, I have desired to teach/preach/exhort the truth of the gospel. I have tried to speak to you with my heart from God’s Word. You have been gracious to allow me to grow into the “new” position God called me to. As your pastor, at times I have had great burdens. Most of them center around the desire for each one of you to embrace and walk in the truth of the gospel. Honestly, that is my desire for myself as well. We are on this journey together.

Being raised in a pastor’s home and then having a pastor’s home, has had its share of challenges and blessings. What has always been at the forefront of our family’s ministry is the message of the gospel. My mind and heart were deeply impacted early in my life by the gospel message. So much so, I trusted Christ as my Savior when I was just 6. From early in my life the gospel was lived, embraced, and central to our family. My parents, and later Carmela and I, sought to value ‘Jesus most.’

My desire for each of you is that you value ‘Jesus most’ as well. I am all too aware that I cannot save anyone, change anyone, or even grow a church (from a spiritual perspective). Spiritual change is what the Holy Spirit does. So with that clear reality, I am committed to exhorting you, His church, to value ‘Jesus most.’ I am committed to pray for you. I am committed to come alongside you, to encourage you on the journey. I am committed to lead where the Holy Spirit leads me.

I take this time to write you on a regular basis to lead and challenge you in your faith. To push your thinking deeper. To hopefully encourage you to surrender more to what the Lord would want of you. After all, as His children He desires each of us to “seek, listen, obey, and devote” ourselves to Him.

Today I am passing on two articles to exhort our men and families. They are insightful and very helpful for us on this journey as children of God. As a father, having raised four boys, let me challenge you to read and reflect on this article – Why You Should Take your Kids to Church Even When It Feels Pointless. I appreciate the writer’s thoughts as she addresses the challenges parents sometimes face in “getting the family to church”. As I have shared with you a few times: remember, we are in a spiritual battle ALL the time. There is an enemy of the Christian who will do whatever he can to keep your family from being with the body of Christ. Why??? He very well knows it matters. When you are faced with these situations, the question is, does ‘Jesus matter most’ to you?

Husbands, here is an article written to encourage a change in your thinking toward your wife – 6 Ways to Lead and Love Your Wife. Often we have great intentions as men. We just don’t get to the follow through. I know all too well – being a man! The question is, does ‘Jesus matter most’ to you?

Recently, I was having a conversation with one of our church folks and they made a very insightful comment. I will take the liberty to ‘tweak’ it to make the application here. They shared with me ‘We often know we have issues that need to change. We just aren’t committed or consistent to do anything about them.’ The statement has stayed with me for a few weeks now. Personally, I have reflected on the question as well. There are issues we each have in our lives. Some we can change. Others we were dealt. All of them were allowed by the hand of God. The question is, what will we do about our response?

As you perhaps have picked up, my desire as your pastor is to urge you, exhort you, to grow in your commitment to Christ. Sometimes that take a little ‘push from the pastor’.Hopefully, you receive an urging from the Holy Spirit as well. I am just the messenger. He is the only one who can bring true change.

So, as I take time to regularly write you, take time to read and reflect. But also understand your pastor’s mindset is all about each of you becoming ALL that God desires for you to be! Simply stated, ‘Jesus matters most.’

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

I came across this video teaching this morning and wanted to share it with you. It is a little over 6 minutes long. It’s worth a listen (definitely, more than once). Why Christians Should Be Cautious About Self-Help Resources  

So often we look at Christianity as a ‘means to an end.’ “Here’s what you need to do to make your life better.” Folks, Christianity is not religion. It is a not a strategy we “do” to make our life better or more successful. Christianity is a relationship based on surrender to Jesus. Laying down my will and my plans for God’s will and plans for my life. It is a life surrendered and submitted to Him. He matters most! His glory, His praise, His will.

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT) So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

As a child of God, this is our sanctification. We are called to holiness – to be set apart from sin and set apart to God. Praise God because He has provided all we need in Christ for our holiness. Think about it. He not only demands holiness but provides for it! Let me encourage you to read Romans 6-8.

It is true. Christianity is not about guidelines to make your life better (self-help). But it is about a new life lived surrendered to the Lord! Have you surrendered your life to Him?

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

Most of us are fully aware of the “Great Commission” passage of scripture found in Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  After all, we are part of the Alliance family!

We have realized that the message of the gospel has given hope to us. We know this because we have heard and responded to the gospel by faith. We also know that many people around us have yet to know the saving power of the gospel in their lives. Without this gospel, people are on the road to eternal separation from God. Without Christ, people are dead in their sin. I believe most of us understand this.

What I have seen from Christians concerning this reality are three types of responses:

-separation and disconnect

-over-commitment to every ministry opportunity

-intentional prayerful waiting on the Holy Spirit’s leading

Let me explain each one.

Separation and disconnect. Some believers receive the gospel for themselves and pull away from any and every connection to those who do not know Christ. It’s not that they do not care about the lostness of man, but they feel God will handle it and they must stay away from sinners on the whole. After all, they wouldn’t want to say anything that might offend someone.

Over-commitment to every ministry opportunity. This may be the other extreme. These believers jump in “all the way” with every opportunity that comes their way. After all, “we must be busy doing the Lord’s work!” Many times they are so focused on ‘the mission’ they miss times for real ministry in the lives of people.

Intentional prayerful waiting on the Holy Spirit’s leading. I believe this response should be the ‘norm.’ Let me explain. If we consider the first two responses, they seem to represent two extremes. One is more ‘fearful’ and one more ‘zealous’. I believe that the Holy Spirit is always working. I believe the church is Christ’s. I also believe that God is completely sovereign over all creation. I would thus think it would be of great importance for those who have come to faith in Christ to “seek, listen, and obey” the Lord. We are to make disciples, but only the Holy Spirit can truly reveal the truth of the gospel to anyone.

You see, separation and over-zealousness miss the real point. They are more driven by personal desires, than the Spirit’s leading. As believers we must live in constant awareness that people around us need the gospel. But we also must be aware that we cannot save anyone or change anyone. Thus we must have a constant awareness of the call on our lives – ‘make disciples.’ But we also must be intentional in prayer and wait on the Spirit’s leading as to when and how we should proclaim the gospel. We do not know what He is already doing in a person. We do not know where He is in the work. Seeking, listening, and obeying Him is the best way to be used of Him. It’s His work, not yours.

I came across this article that illustrates the point: Go and Make Disciples: But First, Stop.

May we each be making disciples – as we go. May we join HIM by seeking, listening, and obeying.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

“Earlier this week, the California Senate passed a resolution calling upon all Californians—despite religious beliefs—to embrace LGBTQ lifestyles.” As I read this first sentence of an article on the Christian Headlines website, I paused to reflect on what was being said here. What does it mean for me as a Christian?

I read through the rest of the article to understand more of what was behind this opening sentence. The article goes on to explain;

The resolution calls upon “all Californians to embrace the individual and social benefits of family and community acceptance, upon religious leaders to counsel on LGBTQ matters from a place of love, compassion, and knowledge of the psychological and other harms of conversion therapy…”

The bill also called out “therapists and religious groups” for creating “disproportionately high rates of suicide, attempted suicide, depression, rejection, and isolation amongst LGBTQ and questioning individuals.”  (Mikaela Mathews | ChristianHeadlines.com Contributor | Tuesday, September 17, 2019)

As Christians, we know that Jesus came to redeem, rescue, and reconcile sinful man to Himself. As we also know, the good news of the gospel of grace IS the power of God to do just that. For those of us who are now “in Christ,” this great salvation has been to us, as Peter says, a “living hope!” For this we are eternally grateful! Simply said, God sent Jesus because He loved us too much to leave us in our hopeless sinful state.

So many things went through my mind as I read this article. Yes, there was a call for love and compassion. But there was one word in the article that I could not reconcile with.

That word was “embrace.” In context, “embrace LGBTQ lifestyles.” It left me uncomfortable. I resolved that what the word was directing me to do was ‘accept, support’ the LGBTQ lifestyles. Deeper still, I knew that this implies ‘approval, being okay with’ the lifestyles, thus the internal conflict that was going on inside me. True, I do not live in California, so this doesn’t directly affect me. But its implication caused me to think deeply.

As a child of God, we are called to love. We are, like Christ, to have compassion for others. Why? Because of the great love He has shown to us. Romans 5:8 (ESV) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus loved the sinner.

But what else is the challenge here? Jesus loved the sinner, but not the sin. He came to save us from sin and its consequences. He did not embrace or accept our sin when He came. He did not say “You are good the way you are. I approve of and support who you have chosen to be.” No, He (being the Creator) knew what we were created to be. He knew we were made for something greater – the glory of God!

Embracing the LGBTQ lifestyles are impossible for the born again, child of God. We learn from God’s Word who God created us to be and what we are to live for. Any diversion from that is rebellion – sin. If God sent His Son, to redeem, rescue, and reconcile man to Himself, that means He has something better intended for man. It also means we don’t have to stay in our sin. He can deliver us and transform us into a new creation! Because of this, it also means we can have compassion and love for others because we have experienced the redemption and rescue of God! We can’t “embrace” sin, but we can embrace the sinner. Why? Because we know God has something more, something better! Why would we not want someone to know this? Why would we not want them to know Jesus, who loves them too much to leave us the way we are? We want them to know this gospel CAN change their lives!

Pastor Brian

Church family,

Often the subject “making disciples” comes up in conversations I have with folks. I use the phrase “making disciples” because it summarizes what folks are really talking about. Sometimes these phrases are used: “sharing our faith”, “telling people about Jesus”, “inviting others to church”, etc. Sadly, I believe many Christians have the desire to want others to know Christ, but they just never even get started in the process. Our enemy, Satan, will raise questions that cause doubt. He is most often whispering lies in our ears like “They do not really want to hear.”, “They will get angry and reject you.”, “Maybe some other time would be better.”, etc.

Maybe the issue with us isn’t just simply making excuses, but it is a deeper issue. Maybe we just don’t love people like Jesus does. The starting point then ought to be confess (be honest), repent, believe, seek, listen, obey, and devote yourselves to God. He can give you a heart for people. He can empower you and mobilize you to love others well.

I have also heard the statement “I just don’t know where to start.” Actually, I have used it myself. There isn’t a science to it or a secret method we must discover. We must simply love as we have been loved. If you are struggling, confess (be honest), repent, believe, seek, listen, obey, and devote yourself to God.

Today I came across this article from The Disciple-Maker website called Being a Better Neighbor Starts By Noticing Your Neighbor. After reading the article, I felt I should share it with you. Every one of us lives near someone. Actually, a neighbor can be anyone in your regular paths of life. You may say, “I am retired. I don’t have the connections anymore.” Perhaps you are recently retired. Maybe you can volunteer with a service organization in your community or get a part-time job to put you with people. Maybe you can have a regular ‘game night’ with your neighbor. Maybe you cook out with your neighbor!

Maybe you are not retired and still working. As I have shared with you a few times before, if we are children of God called as ambassadors of the King, then our primary mission is representing the King. We are not first of all an employee working to make a living. Your place of work is the place God has placed you to represent the King! Maybe you need to ask God to change your perspective!

Our International Workers’ Conference is coming soon. Yes, Todd & Terri will share about their ministry. They will share about relationships that have developed where they had to simply love. BUT I promise you, because they know they are “on mission” there in France, they confess (be honest), repent, believe, seek, listen, obey, and devote themselves to God almost on a daily basis. They know that nothing spiritually life-changing will happen apart from the Spirit’s work. When they start by calling on Him and admitting they desperately need Him, it puts them in a place of dependence on the Lord to do what only He can do.

Maybe living here in America, we don’t see ourselves as “on mission.” Remember what I said Sunday from 1 Peter: we are chosen children of God, whose purpose is to proclaim the excellencies of the King! We are now a part of a holy nation called to proclaim the gospel to a world who desperately needs hope! Let me challenge you to be ‘on mission.’

Maybe your prayer should be like this, “Father, I do not love others like I should. I do not see others as people you love and died for. Father, I have come to a place where I want to be used of you to share the hope of the gospel and I know I cannot do this on my own. Father, I desperately need You to help me love like You love.  I need You to change my heart. I need You to open the eyes of my heart to care for my neighbor. Lord, give me a greater awareness and opportunities to love. Change my heart, Lord. I am yours. May You be glorified in my life.” 

May we remember that “now we are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10b)

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

Over the past couple of months, our Governing Board has read through and discussed a book by Elliot Clark titled Evangelism as Exiles. Clark writes to give biblical insight from 1 Peter concerning what evangelism looks like for children of God, exiles and strangers in this world.

Last evening at our monthly meeting, we reviewed and discussed the last two chapters of the book. The chapters discussed were centered on holiness and hospitality.

Concerning holiness, Elliot writes “We’re saved to be holy, and we become holy so others will be saved.” Think about that for a moment. You may be thinking “I thought holiness is what God desires because He is holy. It’s for Him.” That is true. As we will hear in our preaching series in 1 Peter, Peter makes that statement twice in chapter one alone. But what Elliot is saying is this, “In the gospel we’re recreated to be like God so we will then demonstrate who God is to the world.” Personal holiness is twofold.

Our lives speak much about what we believe. Not just the things we do or don’t do, but what and who matters to us. What and who we live for is seen by how we live. Take time to read the story of Daniel in Daniel chapters 1-6. Note how he lived differently unto God and how it was a testament to those around him.

The last chapter of the book was about hospitality. Concerning this, Elliot makes this insightful statement, “We need to recognize that the greatest hope for our unbelieving neighbors isn’t them coming to us, but God sending us to them.”

In recent years, the church in America has done a variety of creative things to reach people. Vacation Bible School, service projects, concerts, special speakers, etc. have all been means by which the church has attempted to evangelize. None of these efforts are bad, but what has happened is that over time, these things have “replaced” our personal relationships and investments with those in our ‘day to day’ lives. To some degree, we have even pulled away from any connection with those who do not know Christ.

What Elliot points out, along with many others in these times, is that we are often missing the most obvious tool for evangelism we have: our homes – our dinner table, our couch, our patio, our yard, etc. Hospitality often happens first there.

As your pastor, I want to always be challenging you in your walk with Christ. I want you to think. I want my thinking to be challenged as well. May God continue His work in us so that He may be glorified and others see in us the Savior they so desperately need.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

*Evangelism as Exiles, by Elliot Clark, copyright 2019 The Gospel Coalition

Church family,

I came upon this quote just moments ago. I had not heard it before, but it caused me some reflection.

 “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

—Martin Luther

A week ago, one of our church members commented to me “This church is definitely a praying church.” As your pastor, I was encouraged to hear this comment. At the same time, we each know that prayer takes great effort. Especially when things seem to be going well in our lives. But think for a moment. If Martin Luther’s words are true, then the urgency of prayer is even greater when things are going well.

It is obvious to most of us that prayer is essential for the Christian. It is even clear that when crisis, hits those who are not followers of Christ call out in prayer. Think about that: often times there is not much difference in the prayer life of those who claim to be followers of Christ and those who do not. We both know to pray in crisis.

To the follower of Christ, prayer should be a normal part of our life – all the time. Try not breathing. You can’t or you will die. Your life depends on it. This brings me to Luther’s point: prayer is essential to the life of a Christian (follower of Christ). Our life in Christ depends on it.

Yes, the comment about our church being a “church of prayer” was encouraging to hear. But I trust that we will never forget that we MUST be a praying church. Our very life depends on it!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

If you are honest, there are or have been a variety of things that you are not good at, or struggle with. In our culture we are offered many solutions to cover up or deal with our flaws or weaknesses. Some of these solutions actually help improve a situation and often avoid unnecessary embarrassment. Example: I have poor eyesight. In my weakness, I am thankful for the diagnosis of an optician and the invention of eyeglasses. These days wearing eyeglasses has become fashionable! There are actually folks who wear glasses who do not even need them! Why? They want to be fashionable!

When I was in 4th grade, I got my first pair of glasses. Trust me, it was not fashionable and trendy to be a 4th grader and have to wear glasses. Wearing glasses in 4th grade drew attention to the fact that I had a problem seeing. It drew the ridicule of other children with comments like “Hey, four eyes.” or “Got your goggles on?”

Today I am thankful for glasses. Every morning when I wake up, I am reminded of my weakness. But without even second-guessing, I go to my dresser and reach for my glasses. Something outside of me has been provided for my weak sight. For that, I am very thankful.

When it comes to our weaknesses, we often try to deny them, or we let them define and paralyze us. In order to save face, we think we must act as though we have no weakness. The funny thing is, everyone else around you can see it but you! Other times, we wear our weakness like a badge and let it define who we are – letting it be the excuse for all that we aren’t.

Let me suggest that the problem is our attitude toward weakness. Scripture actually tells us that admitting weakness is good. In order to be a child of God, we have to first admit our weakness and failure – our sin. That’s a tough thing to admit, but necessary if we are going to receive Salvation.

Consider the following verses from Paul to the believers in Corinth,

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 

God chose us in our weakness to bring glory to Himself! Do we deny or let our weakness define us? NO! But remember, be honest about your weaknesses and give them to Him. Why? Then what is done in and through you will be clearly not of you, but of the Lord! His work of “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” will clearly seen by others!

Yep, years ago I could have denied my eye doctor’s diagnosis. In pride, I could have acted as though “I was good” and everyone around me would have known very easily that I could not see well. I also could have responded by letting my poor eyesight define me the rest of my life (“woe is me”) and been paralyzed by my weakness. But as you know, I did not. I agreed with the doctor’s diagnosis and accepted His solution.

I am thankful He chose to use weak things. I am thankful that in my weaknesses, He is strong. I am thankful that ‘because of Him, I am in Christ.’ Take some time to be honest with yourself. Have you given your weaknesses to Him? Or do you still deny or wear them?

Walking in Him and with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

As is the “norm” for me throughout each week, I read various articles online. Yesterday I came upon one that caught my eye – Approach Your Bible Desperately by Matt Smethurst.

As a child of God, I am sure you have struggled with Bible reading. Perhaps you find it intimidating, hard to understand, have questioned God, or maybe you’ve just “read or heard it before.” Whatever your challenges, I am very aware that we all struggle with a consistent and meaningful devotion to God’s Word. Perhaps you have grown to value and appreciate its truths. Or maybe you are going through personal struggles and the Bible seems distant. Maybe life’s disappointments have left you struggling with your faith. These challenges seem to be common to man.

I am often reminded that we have an enemy who raises questions against the truth of God’s Word. He is a deceiver. He raised the same questions with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. When we have a struggle with God or His Word, be reminded there is a battle going on to question the truth – “Did God really say…? You’ll be fine without His Word.”

Our faith in God is being attacked all the time. Not just whether or not you are in the Word or not, but its truth is being questioned by many supposed followers of Christ as well. Do you see it? Pay attention to the changing message of Christianity. In many churches we see the ignoring of the truth of God’s Word. We see the reinterpreting of traditional beliefs for new views that are trying to connect to cultural ‘norms.’ Terms like consumerism, socialism, progressive, and prosperity have all been connected with the word “Christian” and have replaced the gospel of Jesus Christ. A focus on “me” or “reforming society” has taken the place of the power of the gospel message – repentance, faith, obedience, and devotion to God.

What is at the root of this? Perhaps many things. One reason is the self-seeking heart of man. But I believe one of the central issues is not holding God’s Word as truth. Read what Job says about the Word of God;

Job 23:12b (ESV) I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

What thoughts go through your mind when reading that verse? Have you read Psalm 1 or 119 recently? Have you gone to the Word when you are disillusioned by what is happening in your life or the world at large? Have you recognized the battle going on right in front of you against the truth?

Let me encourage you… be in God’s Word. Hold to the truth. Recognize the battle against truth. Recognize your need for truth. And finally, run to and hold desperately to His Word.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

Church family,

I trust you are having a good week in Christ! In my personal scripture reading, I am currently reading through Nehemiah. I was especially drawn to the content of chapters 8 & 9. In these chapters is recorded the people of Israel being read the Word of God, confessing their sin, and worshiping the Lord. You see, they had ceased to obey and honor God and His Word. They had drifted away from acknowledging and honoring Him.

Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the priest and scribe, called the people back to the Word of God. As they gathered together to hear the Word of God, its power was evident in their response. Yes, they mourned and confessed their sin, but they also worshiped the Lord. They again acknowledged who He was and what He had done for them. Chapter 9 records a testimony of God’s provision, patience, grace, and mercy as they recalled their history.

Perhaps you have drifted from the things of God – His Word, worship, and devotion. Let me encourage you to read and reflect on the truths in Nehemiah 9. Take note of what it tells us about man and God. There is quite a contrast. Perhaps you, like I, can reflect upon your own history. Yes, I can see my failures, but I can also see the faithful love of God displayed in His mercy and grace. It gives me reason to praise and worship!

Nehemiah 9:5-6 (ESV) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

As your pastor, let me exhort you to reflect, repent, and worship the Lord! He alone is worthy!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian