Pastor's Perspective - Getting Small

Two weeks ago while filming a television show in Rome, the world’s smallest man died – Pingping of China. A chain-smoker and reported ladies’ man, Pingping was declared the smallest man alive by Guinness World Records in 2008. He was just two feet – five inches tall. According to Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief at Guinness, “For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world.” The record-breaking company announced that it will name the new record-holder soon.

I think we all should try-out!

As modern-day Bible students, we know that many-to-most Bible principles fly directly into the flight path of worldly ones. For instance, if you want something, give it away. That enemies are not to be fought, but blessed and prayed for. That it’s the disciplined and self-controlled life that best exhibits freedom. That inner beauty trumps the outer kind. And, that the way to be noticed in God’s eyes is not based on how high you go, but how well your life clears the limbo stick.

One of my favorite biblical characters was John the Baptist. I plan on telling him that someday! Like Jesus Himself, John’s life and ministry were foretold in the Old Testament. Like the Lord’s, John’s angelic birth announcement was unforgettable. Even in utero, John was already reacting merrily to the presence of the Savior! From the beginning, John knew his mission in life emphatically, and he followed it diligently, despite harshest criticism. To the very end, John stood-up for the truth. He was unashamed of his allegiance to Christ, and everyone knew it.

What I love so much about John was, even though he could have used his unique credentials (including being Jesus’ relative) to elevate himself above his peers, he sought to become smaller. The motto of his existence was encapsulated in John 3:30 – “He (Jesus Christ) must become greater; I must become less.”

John reminds us of something we occasionally forget – that humility precedes exaltation. Our culture preaches the message of self-inflation. Its daily sermon through media is ‘The top is where the glory can be found. The top is where money, fame, and carnal cravings can be found and met. It’s a dog-eat-dog place. So step on whoever it takes to get there. Real life is about getting big!’ Tragically, most in our society are eager to hear this message and respond.

Friends, real life is found in taking-off the tux and putting on an apron. Fulfillment is found living daily with an eternal perspective. Successful living is found by the person who has settled the Lordship Issue once and for all and daily. Joy and satisfaction resonate in the life focused on God’s size and not its own. According to John, the only way to truly live is a persistent ambition for minuteness. For it’s in our weakness that He is strong.

I hear the saying, “Go big or go home.” Let’s modify that to, “Go small then go home”! That’s what John did. He lived daily with a realistic view of himself, and then he went home to receive his reward from God.

History has proven that humility always leaves an indelible legacy. Even Pingping proved that small people can make a huge impact around the world.

So, let’s get smaller together! I want to pastor the smallest church in northern California.

Remember, sometimes God can’t use us; not because we’re too small, but because we’re too big.

Pastor's Perspective - How to Make New Friends

Are you looking for a way to expand the circumference of your social circle? If so, read on.

Recently, by pure accident, I discovered a sure-fire way to make new friends. Pass-out in a jam-packed fitness club! In literally seconds, you’ll meet the most friendly, encouraging and helpful people around.

As many of you already know, two weeks ago I had an episode while working-out with my wife Michelle. I was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where I was observed and subjected to several tests. After giving many a good scare, I’m grateful to report that my heart is normal; however, my common sense needs an immediate transplant!

It was determined that severe dehydration and stress were the two bullies that turned my seemingly good fitness idea into 24 hours of needle jabs, IV pole restroom races, low sodium everything and embarrassing gowns. They also were a deafening siren to do life and ministry smarter. In other words, when you walk in a sports club wearing ear buds and roll out wearing an oxygen mask, its time to wake up and smell the French roast.

Back in my infamous ‘airline days’, I would make the following announcement: ‘In the unlikely event we’d lose cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will be released from the compartment above your head. Tug lightly on the mask to start oxygen flow, then, put the mask on your face, the band around your head, and breathe calmly. If you’re traveling with a child, please put the mask on yourself before assisting your child.’

What Eastern Airlines knew then, was something I had somehow forgotten over the years –you’ve got to take care of yourself first, before you can effectively help others.

As a 47-year-old pastor, I have committed the crime of overriding my common sense. I’ve internalized too much stress. I’ve failed to optimize delegation. I’ve attempted to maintain an unrealistic pace. I’ve neglected my body, by not eating properly, resting and exercising. All of these things are things I preach against.

So, I am out to prove that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks! As an act of bearing fruit of repentance to God for my negligence, and to honor His gifts of my family, congregation and calling, I’ve dedicated myself to immediate modifications. Through better time management and prioritization, I’m now remembering to put the mask on myself and challenging you to do likewise.


The bottom-line is, God, my family and my congregation deserve a better, healthier, more relaxed and balanced version of me. With God’s grace and the understanding of his people, that person is on the way. Please pray for me, that I could adopt and maintain this smarter lifestyle.

In closing, if at the club you see a perspiring guy on the elliptical machine wearing a floppy hat, dark shades and fake 70’s moustache, that’s me still feeling a bit crunchy about things. Although I creatively made many new friends that morning, I kind of hope they forget about me and the new exercise I invented – ‘The Slump & Sleep’. Do me a favor and just sneak up next to me and quietly ask – “Hey Steve, are you drinking your water?” From now on I’ll have it with me!

Pastor's Perspective - Just One Seat Apart

One week ago today I boarded a Delta 737 in Sacramento at 5:30 A.M., bound for Salt Lake City, enroute to my final destination of Philadelphia. As many of you know, my 92-year-old Oma died, and I went to eastern Pennsylvania to conduct her funeral.

Admittedly, I like to keep to myself during flights. Those long transcontinental hours are perfect for catching up on my reading, listening to music, working on my book, and experimenting with my newest gadget, my i-phone. At least, that was my plan. God had something else in mind.

Soon after taking my window seat at 28F, a middle-aged woman took hers right next to me. After the door was closed and we realized nobody else was sitting next to us, she scooted over to the aisle seat, leaving just one seat apart. With a bum left knee, the extra space was secretly celebrated by yours truly.

I could tell immediately by the way she fidgeted that she was nervous about flying. I smiled at her, hoping to be reassuring; but didn’t say anything to her until we were in the air.

After reaching our cruising altitude, the flight attendant dropped two bags of peanuts on her tray. She apparently didn’t want them and extended both bags open-palmed toward me with a friendly, “Nuts?” Not being the one to pass up a punch-line I said, “Certifiably.” She howled with a laugh that was part authentic, part nervous energy.

Although I was well into my in-flight magazine reading a fascinating expose on Ashton Kutcher’s favorite international bistros, I heard an inner voice urge me to engage her in conversation. She did give me two bags of peanuts for pete’s sake! (And on planes nowadays, that’s the entrée).

“Where ya headin?” I asked.
“Detroit. My brother-in-law’s funeral. You?”
“Pennsylvania. My grandmother’s funeral. Was his passing expected?”
“Yes. He was very very sick. How old was your grandmother?”
“Ninety-two. A great woman. Already miss her. It will be hard. How long will you be staying in Detroit?”
“Two weeks. You?”
“I’m not going to Detroit.” She smiled wryly as if acknowledging she had met her match..
“My brother-in-law is much better now. No more pain. I believe that. Do you?”
“Absolutely I believe that! I believe there is a greater life beyond the grave. What do you think?”
“I believe that too. I’m fascinated by the after-life. Been reading research on near-death experiences. Something to it all. You know? After we die?”
“I believe that. As a matter of fact I’m counting on it!”
She continued, “I think that you get to keep coming back and back again until you finally get it right.”
“Get it right, huh?” After a short pause I asked her, “So who determines whether you get it right or not?”
She pursed her lips and looked at her air vent overhead reflectively, “I suppose some higher power or being..whoever that might be. What do you believe?”
Without trying to smile too broadly, I looked into her eyes and responded, “I believe with all of my heart that all of us can have hope in this life beyond our deaths, by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” The man in the row in front of us did a lousy job of hiding his interest in my remarks, seizing the opportunity to lean back in his seat.
“Hmm,” she responded, with a warm smile. “I like that.”

For the rest of the flight we talked about books, her job, and her traveling adventures. Although Ashton’s bistro insight was whispering for my attention, showing love and genuine interest in this sweet woman was God’s special assignment for me during the early morning flight. As we talked, I found that though we were miles apart theologically, that she was precious to the heart of God. Had to be, sitting her deliberately next to a knuckle-head like me! We were just one seat apart – so close – so far in ways.

As we taxied into our gate in Utah, she said, “There’s something different about you that I like. I told you all about myself. I’m a bit embarrassed that I bored you with all of my beliefs and stories.” I chuckled and told her that it’s the least I could do for the peanuts! As we unbuckled our seat belts, she turned and asked, “So, what do you do?” Without blinking I told her, “I’m a German shepherd.” She cocked her head with a half-grin needing more elaboration. “I’m a pastor of a church in Suisun City.” Her half-smile turned into a full-blown one instantaneously. She nodded agreeably and said for the second time that morning, “I like that.”

She was nervous about her connecting flight, so I walked her to her gate sixty-three miles away. (Did I mention the bum knee?!)
“Here you go,” I said as I patted her arm, “Have a good flight to Detroit. I’ll be praying for you. God bless you.”
As I turned away I heard her say, “He just did.”

I think I floated onto my Philly-bound flight.

As a side note, I never got back to the Ashton article. Seed-planting and watering was far more compelling.