Various Church Visits

Sorry it has been so long. Cabinet Season is busy! The following is a recap of various churches that I have visited lately and what all I became ever so more thankful for after my visit...

For passion to reach our urban ceneters...Fairview, Grace, McKinley, and South Park.
For trusting God to raise up annointed leaders...all the churches receiving new pastors this year.
For great preaching and leading...Aley and Community (Dayton).
For working toward new vision...Clayton, Phillipsburg, and Tipp City.
For patience and the faith to work through life's challenges...several.

Church Visit, "The Power of Story," Dixon UMC

Nothing beats celebrating African-American History month in an African-American Church. Unfortunately, some still in our culture do not acknowledge it, and others really do not do it that well. More than commemorating the accomplishments of the past we must step into the story of past, present, and future. Pictured on the bulletin are key leaders from times past and present with the slogan to the effect, "Parks sat, King walked, Obama ran, so that our Children may fly." It all means so much more there. More than just commemorating the accomplishments they remembered, rehearsed, and thereby relived the story. They stepped into the story to carry on the story. What story do we need to step into? Everyone has a story. To reach anyone for Christ, we must first step into that person's individual story in order to know how best to connect their story with a new chapter in God's ultimate narrative of redemption. In the retelling, however, we must leave ample room for God to write something new because we are not meant to relive everything. One day all tribes and tongues will be represented at the throne. Therefore, we must learn the stories of God's people today, because in the weaving of our togetherness we will find our salvation.

Church Visit, "Cross the Line," New Paris UMC

Went to visit one of our ministry candidate’s churches last Sunday and had to go to Indiana to do it! The GPS took me to the first exit off I-70 in Richmond, and then from there, tracked me back into Ohio. I called my wife right away to tell her. Thought it was funny. The Miami Valley District stretches far and wide, even in Indiana. Would their Conference even know if we tried to expand into their territory? Why not? Get to make a fireworks run next time I go. What lines do you need to cross to reach your mission field? Pam Weaver is doing a great job in that location. I thought her sermon ranked higher than someone with her formal level of experience. Her enthusiasm and love for her people above even that. She and her laity have connected to form a partnership for some pretty neat things. Around 90 in attendance, 30 of which are kids from the community that they are reaching. Formal education, age, experience level, geographic location, perceived leadership capability, perceived ministry potential etc., etc….what lines do you need to cross to take it to the next level for God? In your own mind and otherwise?

Church Visits, "Contemporary Excellence," Urbana and Sulphur Grove UMCs

In the last couple of week's I've visited two of our more traditional churches that have gotten in the last couple of years new, contemporary services in some form or fashion off the ground.

Observations from Urbana...one of the finest sanctuary remodels I have ever seen. The best of old and new...post modernity at its best. They retained some of the finer, more ancient accessories and decor, e.g. stained glass windows, fine trim, a beautiful paint scheme, etc. at the same time they upgraded with the latest and greatest sound and lights. The best multi-media equipment has never been more affordable. It is worth the look-see.

Observations form Sulphur Grove's service in the Y...you never would have known we were worshipping smack-dab in the middle of a gym. The worship space was transformed. The hospitality outstanding, relationships authentic, preaching and music relevant and on target.

May we all find the heart beat of God for our mission field and passionately give ourselves all out for it. The world knows when we are just going through the motions.

Church Visit, "My Favorite Day Yet," McKinley and Dayton Korean UMCs

It was a long day, but it ended up being my favorite day. Another good 12-14 hours. I’m working hard adjusting to a sustainable pace. But this ended up glorious. Started the day in worship at McKinley UMC in Dayton, one of our District’s African-American congregations, where they rocked the house in worship. Had an amazing worship leader. Involved all ages and especially the children. Pastor Diane hit a home run with the message. Went on to Dayton Korean UMC for a celebration of their 38 years of ministry and recognition of their new class of leaders. I had no idea our District had such wondrous diversity. The bounteous buffet filled with one Korean dish after another was emblematic of the feast of the kingdom I enjoyed all throughout the day. Then I ended it all with a tough but blessed meeting with a leader who is making some hard decisions for an even more success-filled future. Good job Miami Valley.

Church Visit, "Special Event Services/Radical Hospitality," South Charleston UMC

South Charleston UMC, like many, offered special services in view of Veterans Day. They honored servicemen and women, sang great songs, performed a cantata, and told some great stories. They even had a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator. The church was packed. “Special Event” type services can be highly strategic. Quality of worship is launched to a whole new level. Your church gains a bigger vision of what they can do. The community gets introduced to you all over again. Just make sure your hospitality is raring to go. New people will come. Be ready on the welcome and follow up side. Whether or not people come back or not is determined best by things we probably wouldn’t naturally think. It’s not the preaching and music. It’s 1.) The welcome and first impressions that they receive in the first 10” on your campus; and 2.) The number of positive “touches” they feel in your assimilation and follow up process. From the time they park the car till when they first sit down, most have already made up their mind. Doing the expected and polite doesn’t count as “Radical Hospitality.” How can we go over-the-top for Christ? We aren’t ultimately introducing them to us. We are introducing them to the overwhelming love of God. May we never forget who we represent.

Church Visit, “No Substitute for Passion,” Verona UMC

I got to see Leo Cunningham and the fine folks at Verona UMC last Sunday. It took over an hour for me to get there. Had to try three different routes for all the detours. Worth every bit of effort. While one might say, to a nonresident, “It’s out all by itself, what’s going on there?” The answer is everything. Leo gave a great message, vision-casting for their future. Getting ready to organize themselves accordingly. Mobilizing ministry to meet the needs of those around them. There is no substitute for passion. When you might think you have an excuse, even in the most rural areas, people are waiting to be reached. Laity are ready to get at it for Christ. Everybody is hungry for a pastor to light fire.

Church Visit, “Getting It All Going in the Right Direction,” Bellbrook UMC

Had the privilege of helping dedicate Bellbrook’s new addition last Sunday. Nice in all respects. One of the best looking add-ons I’ve ever seen. Matches their context well. A community room anchors their effort with new nursery and childcare facility. Will be a great resource for community and church alike. Bellbrook has one of the most potent social justice programs for its size. They make it an integral part of their DNA, identity, and culture, not just a program. Have some of the most creative worship and musicians. Size doesn’t have to equal quality. They do several things well that uniquely fit their cultural context. Synergy for growth then really gains momentum for something special. Best wishes as you continue on your journey.

Church Visit, "Spirited Tradition," Yellow Springs UMC

I don’t have time for worship wars. Within our district we have both contemporary and traditional congregations that are thriving. Visited Yellow Springs last weekend which happen to be of the latter. One of the best traditional services was led by Rev. Charles Hill who has been one of our best leaders in his long and storied career. It was fun watching him in action: personable yet strong, on a mission. Had to follow him back to his office to get “miked-up” and talk through the service. I could hardly keep up. His pace was amazing. The worship service itself moved along as well. It was energetic. Prayer requests were shared but didn’t drag or get too personal. The music was thematic and singable. Liturgical elements were written fresh, not out of somebody else’s book, and engaging. Everything was well done, not just covered. A sense of community pervaded. I’d go there if I lived in town. Great job.

Church Visit, "Committing to the Long Haul," Greenville EUM

My wife and worshipped with Greenville EUM last week at their big, blow-out community service held at the city park. What a great outreach opportunity: free food and carnival for all, over 1,000 likely in attendance. What we’re seeing there is the result of a long-term, committed effort of solid work. Every step of the way Bill Lyle and his team try to do it right, exploring the issues thoroughly and making the right calls missionally. Their discipleship development and missional outreach efforts are largely now driving it all. There’s a level of fruitfulness that can only be achieved after several years, and many of them in the trenches. I pray God meets you at a depth of soul with a strength that runs deeper than your need.

Church Visit, "Community Involvement," Jackson Center UMC

Jackson Center UMC recently dedicated a new community center, a refurbished warehouse about a block away from their traditional church site. Some said it needed to be torn down. Old fashioned hard work and ingenuity turned it into a seniors' center, banquet facility, conference center, after school program site, and fitness center for the community. They remodeled it all virtually themselves with community volunteers. A gift for the community it was built by the community. Everyone got involved. City officials really wanted it to work so they did their best in supporting the effort and getting it through government hoops. City workers stopped by after work to pitch in too. The grand opening was a "gala affair" of "who's who" in J.C. Even and, one might say, especially in a small town, people responded to a vision, one that wasn't self-serving but community-serving, that actually fulfilled some real needs and wasn't just to get people in the door and help the church. The folks at Jackson Center UMC helped the community fulfill a long held dream.

Church Visit, "A New New," Eaton St. Paul/Crossroads

Back from a week off, preached at a joint service of Eaton St. Paul and their YMCA Campus Church, Crossroads. What a neat congregation: young and old, children and elderly, traditional and contemporary. They present an innovative model of ministry to the people of Preble County. What, however, was new and innovative just a few years ago, they are now meeting to discern the future God has in store for them. Instead of succumbing to the temptation that they have already done enough/we're already cutting edge, they are beginning to trust God for new. In the Book of revelation, Jesus said, "I am making all things new." I'm pretty sure He meant all things when he said all things. That includes therefore me and us today. The mark of authentic followership for the Apostle Paul was, in fact, a state of constant change and transformation, new creation status (II Corinthians 5:17). When was the last time you experienced, "brand spanking new?" How are we modeling the power of the resurrection for our people?

Church Visit, "Making the Most of What You've Got," Nation Chapel UMC

Driving out to Nation Chapel, my wife and I passed a house with at least three Ham Radio towers shooting up and out of it. It looked like a forward assault post for an alien invasion. Once we got to the church we encountered another, a forward outpost for Christ's kingdom. Rev. Johnson and the folks at Nation Chapel are doing servant evangelism and need meeting ministries as good as all the best. Though not specifically located directly in a town, they are making inroads all around. Whether you need a prayer, food, clothing, a car repaired, or a handicap ramp built, teams of volunteers live to serve you and reach out in Christ's love. Imagine...need meeting ministries that reach out to people at their point of need rather than what we think it should be. They are truly making the most of what they've got. The food pantry does double duty as an Adult Sunday School Class, Children's Sunday School Class, and the Nursery all on any given Sunday morning. Averaging now 85 a week even in the middle of summer (with two area county fairs going on), they still had to set up metal folding chairs in two adjacent Sunday School classes just to make room for all the people. A knockin' out praise band to boot--guitars, bass, electronic drums, keys, AND harmonica. Way to go one and all!

Church Visit, "Principled Leadership," Fletcher UMC

Last Sunday, Fletcher UMC dedicated its long awaited new building. It is asolutely beautiful, styled perfectly for its context. Bruns Construction seems to have done a really nice job for them. Together, they incorporated some special touches that you really need to check out if your church is considering: in-kind labor laid a porcelain tile Gathering Place, a coffee bar doubles on the other side as a serving line for the multi-purpose room (a great design, I think), and just the right finely appointed touches that completely remove the metal building feel. Russ Tichenor and his wife Michelle have done an even better job leading, however. In just a short time he has really grown to be their pastor. In typical Russ style, he let the dignitaries play many of the key roles in the service. Various groups from the church were well represented. You never have to shy away though from the mantle God has placed on your shoulders. You have earned it with your faithfulness. Fine job all the way around Fletcher.

Church Visit: "A Field of Dreams," Germantown UMC

I really thought I was in a scene from the movie. I half-expected to look up and see Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, for real. Germantown UMC last Sunday night broke ground for their new building...after something like nine long years of hard work and prayer. It's a beautiful piece of property in an idealic location. 150-200 people showed up. And virtually all of them carried a shovel. It was incredible. Every generation was represented, all of them well, especially the youth, children, and young families. What is your field of dreams? The place where there is nothing and you are dreaming of something? Germantown made it...through a church merger, and all the getting used to living with each other. They made it...after three different pastors, one of which left prematurely as he was called up to serve in Reserves after 9/11. Sometimes we would rather till in a field other than the one we currently own. Most fields of dreams, however, are right outside our own back door. Rent the movie.

Church Visit, "Children's Ministry," Spring Valley UMC

A barefoot children's choir director who just doesn't direct, but also jumps up and helps her kids do the motions has really got it going on. Even in a small town kids abound. Spring Valley UMC just had as many kids in their VBS as they average in their weekly worship. Great work! George Barna published the research originally. But did you know that well over 80% dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ before they ever reach the age of 18? What we do for our children's ministry could be the most productive work we do for the kingdom. Is your church investing as much in it as it does in everything else?

Church Visit, "The Power of the Laos," Ansonia UMC

Wow, it was neat to see them in action. Got to introduce a new pastor to the fine folks at Ansonia, and boy, they really shined. Their previous pastor had prepared and led them well. They were engaged, and ready. They had owned their vision. It wasn't just the pastor's or that of the conference. It was theirs. And watching them share it and tell all that God was doing through it, blew me away. Great work Ansonia. In the Bible, there is no such thing as a word for "clergy." Rather, we are all the "laos" or laity. It's up to all of us, not just one special person or group. A strong clergy/lay partnership is perhaps the most important factor to a healthy and growing church. We get to love each AND work together. Just getting back to the basics of building strong and healthy relationships provides a foundation that with Christ will grow great things for the kingdom.

Church Visit: "Mobilizing for the Future," South Park UMC

They are poised for growth not because of their prime location but because of their hard work and preparation. Pastor Brooks Heck and the leaders of South Park UMC are making the turn and positioning themselves for God to do a new work. Despite the challenges of their current reality, they have assembled several leading ministries as in-roads into the community: a Thrift Store and Food Pantry, Preschool, partnerships with the local University, community alliances, etc., etc. I have never seen such thorough demographic studies and neighborhood analysis. Keep them in your prayers as God puts the final pieces of their puzzle together for a new era of harvest. Despite how difficult it seems, Jesus said, "It is (still) plentiful."

Church Visit: “A Small Church Living Large for God,” Pemberton UMC

Off the beaten path for most, it is a beacon of light in its community and shining bright for the world. Pastor Don Burley and the folks of Pemberton UMC have made the turn and are not looking back. Averaging somewhere under 20 just a couple of years ago, they are now worshipping 60 in the heat of summer. And though smaller than some churches, they are living large for God. If I said, “Warm hospitality,” it just wouldn’t do it justice. They had fantastic hospitality. A strong relational connection was most evident with the pastor and the people and among one another, all very important in a smaller town. Children were evident and everywhere, a vital part of the service. Though it seemed like a lot was packed into the program, it all flowed, went with the theme, and kept moving. Their ministry programming is growing as well. Partnerships in Haiti and Africa have been started. But this time of year, they’re in the middle of sending as many kids as they can to camp, sponsoring each and everyone. Great job one and all. Keep the faith and enthusiasm, despite the challenges that always come with radical change.