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PEACOCK PREACHERS

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THE PREACHER OF TITLE

preacherBy Ken Blue

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.”

I have observed some repulsive and disgusting behavior in my time, but none is as revolting as the preacher who fancies himself important because of station or position. Some men are intoxicated with their title. They think themselves infallible because they hold an infallible Book. I have witnessed these men as they prance back and forth across the platform like trained show-horses.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is no behavior more disgusting and revolting than the preacher who fancies himself important because of station, position or title.[/perfectpullquote]

These preachers are the same when out of the pulpit. They must tell all in the group just where to sit. They seek the chief seat at the table, and they cannot be ignored because of their domineering demeanor and voice. Their vanity and insecurity drives them to dominate every conversation and to answer every discussion before it has left the lips of another. A show of true wisdom would be for them to sit still and be quiet.

The great preacher, Charles G. Finney could identify these pretenders, and he gave advice that preaches and evangelist would do well to heed. Don’t kid yourself; people with discernment can see the vanity.

Finney said, “Take heed that you be not vain. Vanity is a besetting sin of many persons. And scarcely any thing is more disgusting or wicked than vanity in a minister. And it is wonderful to witness the extent to which even ministers sometimes indulge vanity. Their affected pronunciation–their mincing–their gestures–their attitudes–and the whole costume of their services and pulpit address, as well as their manners and habits out of the pulpit, testify to their insufferable vanity. Their egotism and constant efforts in seeking adulation and flattery, in angling for compliments upon their services and talents, all conspire to render them odious and ridiculous in the estimation of thinking men, and of God.” Charles G. Finney.

THE WATER BOTTLE

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water bottle
By Ken Blue

It is human to adopt the actions and habits of others; especially when we hold these people in admiration. Not that these practices are wrong, but they are amusing to say the least. Dr. Jack Hyles was plagued with a constant cough when he preached. Preacher boys who followed him unconsciously adopted the same cough. Dr. Tom Malone walked with drooped shoulders. Some saw this as a mark of humility, and his followers added it to their posture. Thus there were many young preachers with stooped shoulders and a nagging cough. Most of us remember the breath fresheners of the Binaca era.

Not a few young men have imitated pastors and evangelist in the manner in which they hold their Bible in public. Some stand with it over their heart. Others roll its pages while holding it in one hand and gesturing with the other. They walked across the stage with an open Bible as they preached the Word.

Lately, however, a new prop has been added to the pulpit arsenal. This new device is the plastic water bottle. We acknowledge that there are times when the speaker has a dry throat and a drink is justified. But, the need to carry a water bottle while preaching may be more of a yuppie symbol and a need for security than for a drink. Why not carry it in a Styrofoam cup?

It is just my opinion, but carrying a water bottle while preaching is a poor habit to adopt and it is poor pulpit manners. It might serve the cause of Christ better to parade across the platform with an open Bible instead of an open bottle. (I am aware that I may not have any bridges left to burn, but should I be invited to preach, just for the record, I prefer Sprite.)

AN ARM TO SAVE AND AN EAR TO HEAR

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GOD’S EAR IS ALWAYS LISTENING FOR YOU!

Christ Bridge sinBy Ken Blue

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59:1.

Some are quick to blame God because they or a loved one is not saved. However, the above verse dispels all arguments on the subject. The sincere reader should read all eight verses for the cause of Israel’s alienation.

Most want relief from the pain of sin, but are not willing to give up the sin itself. That is a fool’s desire; reaping following sowing. Many husbands are unhappy and ready to divorce the wife because she talks to much, spends too much money or is just downright contentious. The wife wants out because her husband never listens, is insensitive and just plain boring. The truth is, none of the above is the problem; these are symptoms of a much deeper problem. Israel’s problem was obvious to everyone except themselves.

Verse 2 declares that Israel’s iniquity had separated them. (Iniquity: 1. Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness. 2. A grossly immoral act; a sin). Their hands, their feet, their mouths, and their hearts were defiled.

No matter where you are in relation to God, His hand can reach you and it is mighty to save! Never despair. If you will draw near to God, He will draw near to you.

[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]No matter where you are in relation to God, His hand can reach you and it is mighty to save![/pullquote]

Also, God is not indifferent to your situation. His ear is ready and quick to hear. Call upon Him. Come clean and be transparent before Him; you will find him near. Your problem is not that God can’t help you; most likely you have a pet sin you will not give up. If you are unsure about that, ask Him to show you your secret sins. It may be painful, but it is the only path to salvation and freedom. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59:1.

BULLETINS: BURDENS OR BLESSINGS?

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Church Bulletin Notes

Church Bulletin

By Ken Blue

It seems that there are some things churches are expected to do, and one of these is the church bulletin. Now, my purpose is not to “rant” against the bulletin, but to stir up your mind so the bulletin can become a meaningful tool and not just a traditional practice.

Many church bulletins are pathetic and a waste of money and time. They say the same nothing every week and every comment is in the exact location each week. There will be a list of songs, a last Sunday’s offering and attendance, and who works in the nursery this week. The only new news is the potluck next Sunday afternoon.

The bulletin must be clean and attractive. A church in Alaska called theirs the “Sunday News.” The purpose statement of the church should be on front or on the first page so it can’t be missed. Rather than a menu of songs, have the song leader or music director write articles about the history of one of the songs to be sung. Books are available on the history of hymns.

There should always be a different message in the bulletin from the pastor about some victory, and the philosophy of the church. Write on the subject of the month. Give a progress report on what is being accomplished and what the church vision is.

I recommend that the pastor’s sermon title and outline be in the bulletin. The title, the text, and the main points should be listed. Sometimes the sub points could be added. Leave a blank space where the key word is in each line. As you preach through the sermon, you will state the keywords and people will write them in. This keeps their mind on the subject and gives them the outline to take home. Learning is being processed through the ear, the eye, and the pen. Everything is being reinforced by the people’s participation.

You can make your bulletin count, and you should use it as a tool to communicate your message, your ministry, and your purpose. Stretch your imagination and vision and make the bulletin worth the investment.

I ask my wife what frustrated her most when she was doing the bulletin for our church. She said the thing that frustrated her most was that I did not get my notes to her in a timely manner. I’m sorry I asked.

I also ask Barb Hughes to give her insights on the church bulletin; here are some of her comments:

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Bulletins CAN BE a resourceful and informative vehicle of church news.[/pullquote]

hughes2_sm“I have been doing our church bulletin off and on since 1974, and have learned much. Bulletins CAN BE a resourceful and informative vehicle of church news. Sadly, many churches use them for carrying “fill ins” and “funnies” or inspirational drivel. These bulletins tend to be time and money wasters. Surely it’s not a surprise that members fail to read them.

Our church’s bulletin is a MINISTRY, first and foremost. It fulfills our Church motto (included on the cover) “Bible Baptist Church exists to lead people into a redemptive and growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”  We post:

  • Meetings where people can get church information and services for preaching.
  • Opportunities to serve the Lord and outreach.
  • Fellowship news with other members of the church family.
  • Websites and email information is available.
  • Teaching cds and dvds are listed and updated weekly.
  • Changes of activities that members will need to know are noted.
  • The weekly and Sunday schedule of events is updated/changed every bulletin.
  • Help wanted ads are regularly posted. Filling open positions in a timely manner and who to contact.
  • Offerings and birthdays/ anniversaries are mentioned weekly (members can send cards to others).
  • A note of information and emphasis from the preacher for the current week.
  • Back of the bulletin has space available to record notes from messages.

FILLER is generally a scripture of encouragement or encouragement to get involved in stewardship and missions, instead of FLUFF.

Suggested ideas: Find someone who will do the bulletin as a ministry, not a burden, or a “useless task”. They should be fairly knowledgeable with programs that create newsletter pages. Make sure the bulletin is COMPLETELY updated and rearranged each week. You don’t want it to be BORING or TEDIOUS. (Some features can/should be in the same place each week to lend “stability” to the design.- schedule for example).

Filler material, if needed, should be uplifting and scriptural for the most part. We occasionally run some funny, but it’s rare. If the bulletin consists of mostly FILLER materials, consider NOT PUBLISHING for that week.

BIGGEST FRUSTRATION would be mechanical failures or my own failures to do the job, for whatever reason. If people do NOT provide their news, they don’t get published. I recently began designing our bulletin covers and print them directly onto the paper each week.”

Hope this helps!
Barb

A FRIEND INDEED

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FRIENDMY DEAR CHILDHOOD FRIEND

By Ken Blue

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.

Last year Joyce, Rocky and I returned to the days of yesteryear in Northern Arkansas. We stayed in Mountain Home, and I was able to meet in the hotel lobby with my dear, childhood friend, Eldon Neel. I have been in contact with him through the year, and we talked of plans to get together in March of 2010.

Our conversations were reminiscent of the good times we had together over the years. Like most elderly people, we talked much about our ill health and our aches and pains. I was saddened by the news that Eldon was called home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago. I was surprised by the news.

I have also known Eldon’s wife, Jean, for the same number of years. We all lived in the same small community and attended the same one room school house. I thank God that He allowed me to have Eldon and Jean as my friends. In fact, Eldon was more than a friend; he was like a brother to me.

I know the family is grieved at their loss. The children and grandchildren should rejoice in what a great father and grandfather they had. Eldon was a good man and a great friend. May God bless all of you with good memories of his life.