Sunday, July 27, 2008

UN - FRUSTRATIONS

I am amzed at the amount of response from my last blog. Some of you commented here. Some replied by email. A few responded in person. I really appreciated all the feedback. I especially enjoyed the encouragement. My favorite comment came from one who has had a very frustrating year. What could be more frustrating than the illness and treatment of your young child. Mrs. A. B., thank you very much for encouragement and perspective. You even offered a plan. I am going to offer it to those who find their way here. We all need to P.U.S.H. (No, I am not giving childbirth advice.) P.U.S.H means "Pray Until Something Happens." I am often guilty of "Stopping because nothing happens." I am going to PUSH this week, will you join me?

I am also unfrustrated because I baptized two brothers today, had a freedom in the pulpit, and had a good SS class with about 10 of the children in our Hmong mission.

"Dear God,
Thank you for allowing me to sometimes vent. Thank you for bringing "Fellow Travelers" across my way to encourage and challenge me.
AMEN"

By the way, I will spend this week with 1000 children in Siloam Springs at Kids Camp. About 20 of them will be from FBC. Far from frustrating - this will be a good week. I enjoy the innocence of their worship before God. I also enjoy seeing God call them to Himself. And He lets me be a part of it all!!

Steve

Thursday, July 24, 2008

FRUSTRATIONS

Let me just start by saying this is a vent day. I am frustrated. I am frustrated with myself. I am frustrated with the church. I am frustrated with believers. Why am I frustrated? Probably for the same reason many are frustrated with me - we don't measure up. When pastors get frustrated, they are supposed to fix it. When members get frustrated, they vote with absence.

Why am I frustrated? God is doing so much, yet we get sidetracked by shortcomings. Our church is in the midst of a building program to provide space for some areas that God is truly blessing, but some want to complain. We have seen 12 saved in about a month, but some have their feelings hurt and can't rejoice. Our services were recently led by two college age men who are products of this church, yet some only see the negative. One of our own just went to South Asia as a Journeyman Missionary, but some are not moved. We have other recent graduates who are seriously considering mission service, but some say "what has the church done for me."

Yes, I am frustrated. Mostly by those who should be mature. Mostly by those who should be serving but are not. No, I guess I am mostly frustrated by me. How can I lead us differently? How can I lead us to renewal? And maybe I am just a little frustrated with God. Did I say that? Yes. "God, How long will you tarry?"

There, I said it. I vented. Got it out of my system. Now, go and have a nice day.

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