Dear FCC Family & Friends,
“It still gives me the creeps to think that son-of-a-gun could do that.” These are the words of Danny Anderson, 53, of Prosser, Washington, who recently learned a painful lesson – beheaded rattlesnakes can be dangerous!
According to msnbc.com, Anderson cut the head off of a 5-foot rattler and left it under his pickup. According to Anderson, “When I reached down to pick up the head, it raised around and did a backflip almost, and bit my finger. I had to shake my hand real hard to get it to let loose.”
The venom caused immediate swelling of the tongue as it circulated throughout his body. Fortunately Anderson received quick and efficient medical treatment and will make a full recovery. According to Mike Livingstone, a wildlife biologist, he has never heard of anyone being bit by a decapitated snake before.
This nasty, yet news-worthy incident reminded me of the time a young Judean shepherd cut the head off a giant in the Elah Valley. Not only did faithful David utterly defeat his foe with God’s mighty power, he took that necessary unpleasant step to ensure Goliath never got up and fought again.
I believe that these stories are good reminders that the enemy doesn’t give up easily. Though the devil was crushed (Genesis 3:15) and humiliated at Calvary and the tomb, he is still striking with fatal resolve. Sadly, once we taste victory in Christ, we either fail to aggressively cut his head off in our lives; or sometimes just as deadly, fall into the trap of foolishly thinking that he has just given up and won’t strike again.
To live the abundant life Christ died to give us, we must take the necessary steps to safeguard our new redeemed lives. Though crushed, the devil is still striking. Though fatally wounded, he is luring the world into thinking he is benign. Though his eternal fate is documented, there’s still a lot of fight in him.
Friends, let me remind you that greater is He that is in you (Holy Spirit) than he that is in the world (devil). But let me also remind you, a snake is a snake! Be careful out there.
This Sunday I will be sharing a message entitled ‘Get Up!’ from John 5. Come worship the living Lord with us during an unforgettable morning!
In the Fight,
Steve
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Slow Down!
Dear FCC Family & Cherished Friends,
I have been greatly alarmed this summer by a disturbing and reoccuring news story happening across America - parents leaving their children in vehicles. Recently a man in Benecia forgot his small child was in the car and left him all day in the sweltering vehicle. The result was tragic and fatal. Last week in Arcade, New York a 5-month-old baby died after his mother forgot to drop him off at day care and left him in her hot car all day while she worked. This poor child was the 19th child to die in a hot car this summer according to Fox News.
Please join me in praying for these families. The guilt, associated with the grief of losing a child, must be an unimagineable nightmare.
Clearly the underlying culprits of this tragic trend are stress, fastlane living, lack of priority focus, and the distractions of modern technology - namely mobile phones. With so much to do and little time to do it, people have learned to accept and even embrace 'survival mode' as the societal norm. How many people do you see in any given day in Solano County trying to do too many things at once, all while talking to somebody on a phone? Perhaps I'm describing you. And guess who suffers? The kids do. Pathetically, the children of America have been reshuffled, misprioritized and forgotten - laid on the altar of ambition. Friends, we are so distracted by life, we're forgetting our greatest treasures from God - our kids!
These shocking headlines are evidential - we need to slow down. We need to trust God more. We must get still and get transparent and confess - "Lord, I'm overwhelmed. My priorities are doing a headstand, and as a result my family is suffering. Help!" Recently I challenged the church to stop being so dignified (ie. religious) and cry out. Get honest and real! He sees what you're doing and the warp speed in which you're doing it. Talk to Him! His promise is that if you'll make your relationship with Him the ultimate bend of your life, He'll take care of the stuff and details you're stressing over (Matthew 6:33). Friends, it's time to get back to basics - God and family.
In the midst of your daily stress, ask yourself, "Will this even matter in five years? Will I even remember it?" What we will remember is time we toiled needlessly, missing out on God and our family. Long forgotten are met deadlines; but never forgotten are missed-out times with our spouses and young ones.
I love you enough to challenge you to slow down. In all of your chasing, God is your answer. In this hot, high-speed vehicle we call 'life', your Father knows where you are, remembers you, and will never leave you behind.
This Sunday I'll be sharing practical real-life advice from 1 Kings 19 from the ministry of Elijah. Come hear about God's prescription for depression. Interested? I hope to see you there!
In the Fight
Steve
I have been greatly alarmed this summer by a disturbing and reoccuring news story happening across America - parents leaving their children in vehicles. Recently a man in Benecia forgot his small child was in the car and left him all day in the sweltering vehicle. The result was tragic and fatal. Last week in Arcade, New York a 5-month-old baby died after his mother forgot to drop him off at day care and left him in her hot car all day while she worked. This poor child was the 19th child to die in a hot car this summer according to Fox News.
Please join me in praying for these families. The guilt, associated with the grief of losing a child, must be an unimagineable nightmare.
Clearly the underlying culprits of this tragic trend are stress, fastlane living, lack of priority focus, and the distractions of modern technology - namely mobile phones. With so much to do and little time to do it, people have learned to accept and even embrace 'survival mode' as the societal norm. How many people do you see in any given day in Solano County trying to do too many things at once, all while talking to somebody on a phone? Perhaps I'm describing you. And guess who suffers? The kids do. Pathetically, the children of America have been reshuffled, misprioritized and forgotten - laid on the altar of ambition. Friends, we are so distracted by life, we're forgetting our greatest treasures from God - our kids!
These shocking headlines are evidential - we need to slow down. We need to trust God more. We must get still and get transparent and confess - "Lord, I'm overwhelmed. My priorities are doing a headstand, and as a result my family is suffering. Help!" Recently I challenged the church to stop being so dignified (ie. religious) and cry out. Get honest and real! He sees what you're doing and the warp speed in which you're doing it. Talk to Him! His promise is that if you'll make your relationship with Him the ultimate bend of your life, He'll take care of the stuff and details you're stressing over (Matthew 6:33). Friends, it's time to get back to basics - God and family.
In the midst of your daily stress, ask yourself, "Will this even matter in five years? Will I even remember it?" What we will remember is time we toiled needlessly, missing out on God and our family. Long forgotten are met deadlines; but never forgotten are missed-out times with our spouses and young ones.
I love you enough to challenge you to slow down. In all of your chasing, God is your answer. In this hot, high-speed vehicle we call 'life', your Father knows where you are, remembers you, and will never leave you behind.
This Sunday I'll be sharing practical real-life advice from 1 Kings 19 from the ministry of Elijah. Come hear about God's prescription for depression. Interested? I hope to see you there!
In the Fight
Steve
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Unbreakable
Dear FCC Family & Friends,
Like many of you I have been horrified by the disturbing unimaginable images being shown over the airwaves of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. A reliable span that stood for over thirty years broke apart during rush hour traffic last night, sending motorists to the Mississippi River below. Many stunned survived, however recovery efforts continue in this shocking event.
Living in the Bay area, bridges are a way of daily life for many in our FCC family. When we appraoch one, our thoughts are more concentrated on tolls than whether the thing will hold us up or not. We just assume that, "Hey, it's been relaible for many years. It's always gotten me from over here to over there." This news out of Minnesota might change that perception for awhile.
Let me share and identify a bridge I know personally that is absolutely unbreakable. The bridge I'm referring to is not an engineering feat of iron and concrete; but love, mercy and grace. The bridge that is unbreakable is Jesus Christ! He is the only God-endorsed connector that allows safe travel to God. Despite the claims of many such bridges, His blood-stained cross stands tall and reliable, grounded deeply in the bedrock of His unshakeable Word. It is safety high above the raging peril below. Yes, Jesus is the bridge - the only way from over here to over there.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" - John 14:6
Friends, the bridge is ready and your toll has been paid. The rest is up to you.
This Sunday I will be sharing more from the prolific ministry of the prophet Elijah. Hope to see you there!
In the Fight,
Steve Kiefer
www.1stchristianchurch.org
Like many of you I have been horrified by the disturbing unimaginable images being shown over the airwaves of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. A reliable span that stood for over thirty years broke apart during rush hour traffic last night, sending motorists to the Mississippi River below. Many stunned survived, however recovery efforts continue in this shocking event.
Living in the Bay area, bridges are a way of daily life for many in our FCC family. When we appraoch one, our thoughts are more concentrated on tolls than whether the thing will hold us up or not. We just assume that, "Hey, it's been relaible for many years. It's always gotten me from over here to over there." This news out of Minnesota might change that perception for awhile.
Let me share and identify a bridge I know personally that is absolutely unbreakable. The bridge I'm referring to is not an engineering feat of iron and concrete; but love, mercy and grace. The bridge that is unbreakable is Jesus Christ! He is the only God-endorsed connector that allows safe travel to God. Despite the claims of many such bridges, His blood-stained cross stands tall and reliable, grounded deeply in the bedrock of His unshakeable Word. It is safety high above the raging peril below. Yes, Jesus is the bridge - the only way from over here to over there.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" - John 14:6
Friends, the bridge is ready and your toll has been paid. The rest is up to you.
This Sunday I will be sharing more from the prolific ministry of the prophet Elijah. Hope to see you there!
In the Fight,
Steve Kiefer
www.1stchristianchurch.org
Friday, July 20, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - What a Church!
Dear FCC Family & Friends,
By the way, if I haven’t told you lately - I serve the greatest congregation west of the Mississippi!
During the last few weeks Michelle, the kids and myself have had a blast entertaining out-of-state family members. It’s been fun playing the role of tour guides, showing off the spectacular place the Lord allows us to minister. Of highest joy has been the honor of introducing them to you – our California kin. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and seeing firsthand why we rave about FCC and our little corner of the planet.
Earlier this week I took my niece Brittaney to San Francisco to Haight-Ashbury, a place she had studied recently in college. We found it to be quite groovy and far-out man! After checking out a few more places together, we started to smell something other than sourdough bread in the air – my clutch burning. Although we loved the many city hills, my little VW didn’t!
After allowing it to cool down a bit we started the trek back to Fairfield. On the Bay Bridge (of all places!) the car began to die and lose all forward momentum. Did I mention that we were in the far left-hand lane in rush hour traffic?! It’s amazing how zealous a prayer-life can become in such circumstances. I didn’t want my sweet young niece to worry, so I Kung-Fu gripped the steering wheel and ‘had a little talk with Jesus’ hoping He’d make it right. He did! By His loving kindness we got across many lanes onto the shoulder of the freeway before losing all power to move. Just a few hours earlier we had been laughing at Nehru jackets in store-fronts while devouring ‘Cherry Garcias’ in sugar cones, now we were stuck. My car had unexpectedly become a German-engineered paper weight!
It’s funny how the combination of proper perspective and God’s people make all the difference. Brittaney and I made the best of it. We had purchased a couple of bags of mini-doughnuts at Fisherman’s Wharf and quickly figured that if we each ate one a day, we could last through July! We laughed and made the best of it because we took an eternal perspective on things. Friends, in five million years when I’m just as alive as ever, a worn clutch will be a non-issue! Think about it.
Next, as mentioned, God’s people rallied and came through. I felt terrible calling anybody the first night of VBS. Being the loving, compassionate and resourceful one, our elder Mike Kleeman quickly attained a car dolly and he and his son Andrew came to the rescue. What a relief! Their attitudes were stellar as they worked efficiently in tandem to get us back on the road – towed, but on the road. Since then, several other FCC family members have offered mechanical advice and have even offered their own vehicles until the repair is completed. Wow, what a church!
In closing, as I mention frequently from the platform - we are not a perfect church. We are comprised of highly fallible people, who over the course of time predictably disappoint each other in one way or another. Our leaders likewise are not perfect. We’re human. We’re fallen. We’re a rag-tag lot who most likely cause our Father to do a whole lot of head-wagging. However, one thing I know – we’re sincere in our efforts to love God and others in ever-increasing ways. Wasn’t it Jesus who told us that it is by our “love” that the world would see our authenticity and take notice? Friends, perfection we lack. Love we’ve got!
In the Fight,
Steve
By the way, if I haven’t told you lately - I serve the greatest congregation west of the Mississippi!
During the last few weeks Michelle, the kids and myself have had a blast entertaining out-of-state family members. It’s been fun playing the role of tour guides, showing off the spectacular place the Lord allows us to minister. Of highest joy has been the honor of introducing them to you – our California kin. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and seeing firsthand why we rave about FCC and our little corner of the planet.
Earlier this week I took my niece Brittaney to San Francisco to Haight-Ashbury, a place she had studied recently in college. We found it to be quite groovy and far-out man! After checking out a few more places together, we started to smell something other than sourdough bread in the air – my clutch burning. Although we loved the many city hills, my little VW didn’t!
After allowing it to cool down a bit we started the trek back to Fairfield. On the Bay Bridge (of all places!) the car began to die and lose all forward momentum. Did I mention that we were in the far left-hand lane in rush hour traffic?! It’s amazing how zealous a prayer-life can become in such circumstances. I didn’t want my sweet young niece to worry, so I Kung-Fu gripped the steering wheel and ‘had a little talk with Jesus’ hoping He’d make it right. He did! By His loving kindness we got across many lanes onto the shoulder of the freeway before losing all power to move. Just a few hours earlier we had been laughing at Nehru jackets in store-fronts while devouring ‘Cherry Garcias’ in sugar cones, now we were stuck. My car had unexpectedly become a German-engineered paper weight!
It’s funny how the combination of proper perspective and God’s people make all the difference. Brittaney and I made the best of it. We had purchased a couple of bags of mini-doughnuts at Fisherman’s Wharf and quickly figured that if we each ate one a day, we could last through July! We laughed and made the best of it because we took an eternal perspective on things. Friends, in five million years when I’m just as alive as ever, a worn clutch will be a non-issue! Think about it.
Next, as mentioned, God’s people rallied and came through. I felt terrible calling anybody the first night of VBS. Being the loving, compassionate and resourceful one, our elder Mike Kleeman quickly attained a car dolly and he and his son Andrew came to the rescue. What a relief! Their attitudes were stellar as they worked efficiently in tandem to get us back on the road – towed, but on the road. Since then, several other FCC family members have offered mechanical advice and have even offered their own vehicles until the repair is completed. Wow, what a church!
In closing, as I mention frequently from the platform - we are not a perfect church. We are comprised of highly fallible people, who over the course of time predictably disappoint each other in one way or another. Our leaders likewise are not perfect. We’re human. We’re fallen. We’re a rag-tag lot who most likely cause our Father to do a whole lot of head-wagging. However, one thing I know – we’re sincere in our efforts to love God and others in ever-increasing ways. Wasn’t it Jesus who told us that it is by our “love” that the world would see our authenticity and take notice? Friends, perfection we lack. Love we’ve got!
In the Fight,
Steve
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - A Real Place?
Dear FCC Family & Friends,
Do you believe in a place called Hell?
In recent months Carlton Pearson, a prominent mega-church pastor in “Tulsa-rusalem” denounced the very existence of Hell; and in the process lost most of his members, his credibility and a stellar reputation. According to Pearson, a crisis of faith occurred when he could not reconcile a merciful God with a customized place of torture for unbelievers. He eventually denied the infallibility of the Bible and now views it as a book by primitive men about God, filled with mistranslations, political agendas, pagan leanings and human emotions. According to an ABC News report, Pearson states that people who believe in Hell create it for themselves and others. “People who believe in devils and demons become that in consciousness and they act it out.”
So, what do you believe? Consider the following.
According to Hank Hanegraaff, Jesus of Nazareth spent more time talking about Hell than He did about Heaven. In His infamous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) He warned about the dangers of Hell a half a dozen times. In His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) He repeatedly warned against the judgment to come. In His famous story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16), He graphically portrayed Hell as a real place of unspeakable torment.
The whole idea of choice demands that we believe in Hell. Without Hell, there is no choice. And without choice, Heaven would not be Heaven.
Common sense tells us much about the reality of such an agonizing place. Without Hell the wrongs of murderers and tyrants would never be righted. Even ancient people knew this! David knew that for a time the wicked might appear to be getting away with it, but in the end the God of justice would prevail.
Lastly, if there is no Hell, there is no need for a Savior. Why would God Himself submit to the most agonizing torturous death for no reason? Without Hell there is no need for salvation. Without salvation, there is no need for a sacrifice. And without sacrifice, there is no need for a Savior.
Jesus used the worst place imaginable, Jerusalem’s stench-ridden burning dump, to describe and compare Hell – a place never created for people, but instead for the devil and his angels. People who go there will go there by their choice – not God’s! A bloody cross proves that point.
So, what do you believe?
Friends, Jesus lived a real sinless life, laid down His life on a real cross and died for our real sins; and three days later walked out of a real grave, so, you and I wouldn’t have to ever enter a real Hell, but instead enjoy a real indescribable eternity with God. Really!
To quote an ugly preacher I saw in the mirror this morning – “It’s dumb to go to Hell!”
In the Fight,
Steve
Do you believe in a place called Hell?
In recent months Carlton Pearson, a prominent mega-church pastor in “Tulsa-rusalem” denounced the very existence of Hell; and in the process lost most of his members, his credibility and a stellar reputation. According to Pearson, a crisis of faith occurred when he could not reconcile a merciful God with a customized place of torture for unbelievers. He eventually denied the infallibility of the Bible and now views it as a book by primitive men about God, filled with mistranslations, political agendas, pagan leanings and human emotions. According to an ABC News report, Pearson states that people who believe in Hell create it for themselves and others. “People who believe in devils and demons become that in consciousness and they act it out.”
So, what do you believe? Consider the following.
According to Hank Hanegraaff, Jesus of Nazareth spent more time talking about Hell than He did about Heaven. In His infamous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) He warned about the dangers of Hell a half a dozen times. In His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) He repeatedly warned against the judgment to come. In His famous story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16), He graphically portrayed Hell as a real place of unspeakable torment.
The whole idea of choice demands that we believe in Hell. Without Hell, there is no choice. And without choice, Heaven would not be Heaven.
Common sense tells us much about the reality of such an agonizing place. Without Hell the wrongs of murderers and tyrants would never be righted. Even ancient people knew this! David knew that for a time the wicked might appear to be getting away with it, but in the end the God of justice would prevail.
Lastly, if there is no Hell, there is no need for a Savior. Why would God Himself submit to the most agonizing torturous death for no reason? Without Hell there is no need for salvation. Without salvation, there is no need for a sacrifice. And without sacrifice, there is no need for a Savior.
Jesus used the worst place imaginable, Jerusalem’s stench-ridden burning dump, to describe and compare Hell – a place never created for people, but instead for the devil and his angels. People who go there will go there by their choice – not God’s! A bloody cross proves that point.
So, what do you believe?
Friends, Jesus lived a real sinless life, laid down His life on a real cross and died for our real sins; and three days later walked out of a real grave, so, you and I wouldn’t have to ever enter a real Hell, but instead enjoy a real indescribable eternity with God. Really!
To quote an ugly preacher I saw in the mirror this morning – “It’s dumb to go to Hell!”
In the Fight,
Steve
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Redeemed!
Dear FCC Family & Friends,
Crown him with many…bones?! All Hail King…Elwood?!
Wake the neighbors, kids. Last night Elwood, a 2-year old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix was crowned ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ in Petaluma. Often referred to as “Yoda” or “ET”, the dark colored and hairless canine is beyond description. All I can relay for your wildest imagination are the words - mohawk, bug eyes, and tongue. Let those imaginations run wild. Interestingly, Elwood’s owner, Karen Quigley, rescued the mutt just two years ago. According to Quigley, “The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell.”
That reminds me of another story.
A. J. Gordon was the great Baptist pastor of the Clarendon Church in Boston, Massachusetts. One day he met a young boy in front of the sanctuary carrying a rusty cage in which several birds fluttered nervously. Gordon inquired, "Son, where did you get those birds?" The boy replied, "I trapped them out in the field." "What are you going to do with them?" "I'm just going to toy with them, and then I guess I'll just feed them to an old cat we have at home." When Gordon offered to buy them, the lad laughed and exclaimed, "Mister, you don't want them. They’re no good. They're just little old wild birds that can't even sing very well. They aren’t worth anything." Gordon replied, "I'll give you $2 for the cage and the birds." "Okay, it's a deal, but you're making a bad bargain." The exchange was made and the boy went away whistling, happy with his shiny coins. Gordon walked around to the back of the church property, opened the door of the small wire coop, and let the struggling creatures soar into the blue.
The next Sunday he took the empty cage into the pulpit and used it to illustrate his sermon about Christ's coming to seek and to save the lost -- paying for them with His own precious blood. "That boy told me the birds were not songsters," said Gordon, "but when I released them and they winged their way heavenward, it seemed to me they were singing, 'Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed!'"
Friends, maybe like those field birds, you don’t sing very well or have been led to believe you’re not worth much. Or maybe like ol’ Elwood you have a whole lot of ugly in your past and have come pretty close to the edge. The cross of Jesus is proof that you matter greatly to the heart of God. As your pastor, let me remind you that it’s not about what you do; instead, it’s about what your Redeemer has already done for you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Crown him with many…bones?! All Hail King…Elwood?!
Wake the neighbors, kids. Last night Elwood, a 2-year old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix was crowned ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ in Petaluma. Often referred to as “Yoda” or “ET”, the dark colored and hairless canine is beyond description. All I can relay for your wildest imagination are the words - mohawk, bug eyes, and tongue. Let those imaginations run wild. Interestingly, Elwood’s owner, Karen Quigley, rescued the mutt just two years ago. According to Quigley, “The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell.”
That reminds me of another story.
A. J. Gordon was the great Baptist pastor of the Clarendon Church in Boston, Massachusetts. One day he met a young boy in front of the sanctuary carrying a rusty cage in which several birds fluttered nervously. Gordon inquired, "Son, where did you get those birds?" The boy replied, "I trapped them out in the field." "What are you going to do with them?" "I'm just going to toy with them, and then I guess I'll just feed them to an old cat we have at home." When Gordon offered to buy them, the lad laughed and exclaimed, "Mister, you don't want them. They’re no good. They're just little old wild birds that can't even sing very well. They aren’t worth anything." Gordon replied, "I'll give you $2 for the cage and the birds." "Okay, it's a deal, but you're making a bad bargain." The exchange was made and the boy went away whistling, happy with his shiny coins. Gordon walked around to the back of the church property, opened the door of the small wire coop, and let the struggling creatures soar into the blue.
The next Sunday he took the empty cage into the pulpit and used it to illustrate his sermon about Christ's coming to seek and to save the lost -- paying for them with His own precious blood. "That boy told me the birds were not songsters," said Gordon, "but when I released them and they winged their way heavenward, it seemed to me they were singing, 'Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed!'"
Friends, maybe like those field birds, you don’t sing very well or have been led to believe you’re not worth much. Or maybe like ol’ Elwood you have a whole lot of ugly in your past and have come pretty close to the edge. The cross of Jesus is proof that you matter greatly to the heart of God. As your pastor, let me remind you that it’s not about what you do; instead, it’s about what your Redeemer has already done for you!
In the Fight,
Steve
Friday, June 15, 2007
Pastor's Perspective - Ministering to the Minister
Dear FCC Family & Friends,
Please take a moment and pray for the Graham family. Yesterday Ruth Graham died. She was 87. In the very end she was surrounded by her husband, Dr. Billy Graham, and all five of their children. Dr. Graham said, “Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team. No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.”
This week in Cupertino, I had the opportunity to be an audience member under the teaching of Dr. Henry Cloud. For two incredible days he and his associate, Dr. John Townsend, taught us leadership principles. Wednesday Cloud reminded us as pastors of how closely the vision and mission of our churches are tied to us personally; that we are the very “guardians” of them.
Recently and sweetly, several of you in the church have asked me, “Steve, as you strive to take care of the church, who is taking care of you? Who encourages you? Who is ministering to the minister?”
On a weekend where I could/should be writing about fathers, I felt a special spark to write about the one who ministers to the minister unlike anyone else in my life – my beautiful wife Michelle. Friends, she is the one who takes care of me and has been my strongest encourager for many years – even before I was a pastor. Without her I simply could not do what I do.
While Dr. Cloud reminded me that as lead pastor I’m a pillar-person of vision; the Holy Spirit reminded me, “Steve, you couldn’t be that person without another often overlooked pillar-person in the wings, your wife.” So, at FCC as I try to uphold a standard and Christ-honoring direction, God in His beautiful planning and forethought is using one of His precious daughters to uphold me!
Recent studies show that upward of 80% of pastor’s wives are discouraged and feel unappreciated. Yet, if you stop and think about it, their roles are absolutely foundational to the success of the churches in which they serve. As they go, so do their husbands; and as their husbands go, so does the church. Yesterday, even the greatest evangelist of modern memory reminded us that he couldn’t have done what he has done without his dear Ruth – his treasured teammate.
In closing, thank you for the opportunity to be your pastor. I adore what I do and still pinch myself that I get paid to do it! It’s a joy occasionally peppered with migraines, but I love it because I love you. Your sweet compliments continue to bless and encourage me tremendously. However, I want to remind all of you, there is an unsung pillar person in the wings who lovingly and patiently provides a unique ministry to me that allows me to do what I do day after day. For her life and influence I’m humbled and eternally grateful.
In the Fight,
Michelle’s Husband
Please take a moment and pray for the Graham family. Yesterday Ruth Graham died. She was 87. In the very end she was surrounded by her husband, Dr. Billy Graham, and all five of their children. Dr. Graham said, “Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team. No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.”
This week in Cupertino, I had the opportunity to be an audience member under the teaching of Dr. Henry Cloud. For two incredible days he and his associate, Dr. John Townsend, taught us leadership principles. Wednesday Cloud reminded us as pastors of how closely the vision and mission of our churches are tied to us personally; that we are the very “guardians” of them.
Recently and sweetly, several of you in the church have asked me, “Steve, as you strive to take care of the church, who is taking care of you? Who encourages you? Who is ministering to the minister?”
On a weekend where I could/should be writing about fathers, I felt a special spark to write about the one who ministers to the minister unlike anyone else in my life – my beautiful wife Michelle. Friends, she is the one who takes care of me and has been my strongest encourager for many years – even before I was a pastor. Without her I simply could not do what I do.
While Dr. Cloud reminded me that as lead pastor I’m a pillar-person of vision; the Holy Spirit reminded me, “Steve, you couldn’t be that person without another often overlooked pillar-person in the wings, your wife.” So, at FCC as I try to uphold a standard and Christ-honoring direction, God in His beautiful planning and forethought is using one of His precious daughters to uphold me!
Recent studies show that upward of 80% of pastor’s wives are discouraged and feel unappreciated. Yet, if you stop and think about it, their roles are absolutely foundational to the success of the churches in which they serve. As they go, so do their husbands; and as their husbands go, so does the church. Yesterday, even the greatest evangelist of modern memory reminded us that he couldn’t have done what he has done without his dear Ruth – his treasured teammate.
In closing, thank you for the opportunity to be your pastor. I adore what I do and still pinch myself that I get paid to do it! It’s a joy occasionally peppered with migraines, but I love it because I love you. Your sweet compliments continue to bless and encourage me tremendously. However, I want to remind all of you, there is an unsung pillar person in the wings who lovingly and patiently provides a unique ministry to me that allows me to do what I do day after day. For her life and influence I’m humbled and eternally grateful.
In the Fight,
Michelle’s Husband
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