Scott’s Comments at the Annual Meeting
October 22, 2017
FBC Godley
I found myself thinking about a trip our family took about 10 years ago. It has always been a dream of mine to show my kids where I grew up in Tanzania - to see some of the things I had seen growing up, to taste the foods, and enjoy a hot cup of chai with a chapatti or samosa, to visit with old friends…or drive through one of the many game parks to see God’s incredible handiwork. Well, through what I would call some Divine circumstances - God gave us that opportunity - and really…it was the trip of a lifetime!
Part of our adventure was renting a Land Rover and driving across the country to the town where I was born. I was like a kid in a candy store, I think, as I caught a local bus early in the morning on the day we were to leave to get the vehicle. It was all like I had imagined in a thousand dreams! Two spare tires…the ham radio with it’s oversized antenna looming over the back…the rugged 4’ jack bolted on the front bumper…twin diesel fuel tanks…4-wheel drive with the high and low nobs beside the gear box just like I remembered we used to have…it was spectacular - and I think I must have been smiling the whole way back to the guesthouse where my family was staying as I thought about the 1200 miles ahead of us.
After a few pictures and loading up - we set out on our grand adventure. And it was a remarkable journey, with plenty of surprises and great memories. But what I was thinking about today was when we had our first flat. I suppose it was inevitable, people always seem to find a good thorn or long nail along the road in Tanzania…and I guess it was our time. But honestly, I was still excited. Having a flat on safari…this is what it’s supposed to be like, right? Well…that beautiful jack bolted on the front didn’t actually work! I think it must have been put there for show! But there was nothing else to do except try to figure out how to make it work…and try as I might…it just seemed destined to fail. Before long a guy walks up and seeing my frustration, no doubt, and being curious and wanting to help in some way…he jumps in to help. We worked for a while…and then two guys rode up on a bicycle. Curious about the sight, they stopped to look …and after a while…because they no doubt felt they might be able to resolve the problem - they politely moved us aside and began to work. Before long…we had a small crowd, with lots of willing hands and advice - and there I was, just watching from the roadside…amazed that perfect strangers…to me and each other….would stop and help with such vigor and determination. When the jack finally worked…there was a collective cheer and plenty of smiles as they all seemed to take part in changing that tire…kind of like a victory lap! And before long - with the flat tire replaced - we were all on our way to our various destinations.
That would be our last mechanical surprise. No, on our return, which we were hoping to make the drive of a little over 500 miles in one day…I started smelling diesel. At first I thought it was my imagination and then Leslie noticed it. So…I pulled over and popped the hood. Sure enough, diesel was dripping out from the fuel pump…and we were miles from anywhere - especially anywhere they would have a spare part and mechanic to fix it. So, off we went - and I figured that the faster I drove the closer I could get to help if need be. Everything seemed to be working according to plan…I called a missionary friend in a town ahead so that arrangements could be made for us to stop in to a local garage where we could have it fixed. But as we drove along…I started hearing this grinding sound. At first it was almost imperceptible, maybe I was imaging things, right? No! The sound only started to get louder and louder…but with a leaking fuel pump what was I supposed to do, right? I pushed ahead and prayed harder! Well, before long, as we started going up the final set of hills to the town…I was smelling a lot of diesel…and now the transmission seemed to be slipping! The further I climbed the hills, the louder it got…and the slower I began to move! By now we had reached the edge of town and I’m on the phone with my friend Bill asking him where he is and where the garage is…with the smell of diesel and the incredible grinding sound…and the steady loss of power…I knew we didn’t have long! And just as I’m talking to Bill, trying to figure out where he is - two things happened simultaneously: I saw Bill standing beside the road waving at me…and the drive shaft broke off and we can to a stand still! Literally, we stopped right beside him! (And little did I know - right beside the garage where a team of workers rushed out and pushed it straight in to get it all sorted out.)
There is a lot more to all that story - and yes we got it all fixed and were on our way the next day… but what I’ve been thinking about in relation to our time this evening is that flat tire…and the leaking fuel pump…and the drive shaft dragging on the road until we came to a stop. All of those things slowed our progress…and even caused us to stop along the way.
You know, as an association - a group of churches - we are on a journey. We want to get from where we are to where God wants us to be - and if I could be more specific - to that place where we see a great move of God…where God is doing such a redeeming work in our county that people begin to wonder if there is a spiritual awakening under way…where the altars of our churches are so filled with the people of God, recommitting themselves to Him and crying out for God to do a greater work, and living their lives with fresh devotion to him…that people begin to think a revival is taking place…you see…that is where I want to go…where I think God desires to take our county…and it is what we work and pray for.
But for that to take place, I think there are some fundamental things that need to occur. We have to come alongside people and churches that are stuck or broken down…and that’s not easy. But I’m not sure I would have ever gotten that tire changed had I not had some help! You know, there are a lot of people like that - and some churches. What would happen if we truly started to look out for one another - and even help out those that just need help - even if it doesn’t increase attendance at the church you attend or lead? I don’t know…but I think that is the kind of relationship God wants us individually and as churches to have with those around us. I have been especially blessed to watch as Southside City Church has come alongside a sister church in our association - sending people and leaders each week to the church - making a year long commitment - to discern what God might have that church look like in their community. You see, it will likely never increase Southside’s attendance - but I think that is something of what it mans to help and serve - and to think more about the Kingdom of God more than our own campus. I guess I want to encourage us, individually and as churches, to look around and help those that need and want help…
There is something else I think important for us to consider: If there is one thing that is necessary for us to get from here to where God would have us…I think it is prayer. And mostly I’m speaking of corporate prayer. We know all about the importance of prayer. We have preached about it, we sing about it…but do we actually pray? I’ve been so encouraged to hear of prayer groups that have started over the past year - or prayer rooms that have been set up…these are actually answers to prayer! But the great need is still for God’s people to pray! Like a leaking fuel pump, prayerlessness will cause us to loose power and rob us of arriving at the very place we long to reach! Prayerlessness will in fact cause us to speed up and busy our lives - and miss the very things God would have us do! Pastors, I want to encourage, no challenge you…to lead the church God has entrusted you with to go deeper in prayer and crying out to Him. Just look at that first church in Jerusalem - and what God did when they cried out to Him in desparateness and fervency - Might God respond in similar ways were we to pray as they did?
But more than anything - do you know what will stop us dead in our tracks? A lack of love for one another. Time does not permit me to remind you of the central importance of love…and yet I have been amazed to hear, at times, how people speak to those that lead them…at times I hear of not just a lack of love…but down-right ugliness! And yes, I know, that works both ways and I’m sure there is plenty of fault to lay at any of our feet….but brothers and sisters…let me remind us…love is to be the defining characteristic of who we are in Christ! BY THIS WILL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES - IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER! And didn’t Jesus say: A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Oh I know that love is not easy, and it gets messy and the outcome is unpredictable at times...and sometimes people don’t respond like we would have them…but our responsibility is still to love one another!
Can you imagine what God might do as we work together…helping one another to build HIS Kingdom (by sharing and giving and serving)…can you imagine what God might do as we increasingly find ourselves praying together (desparate praying for the salvation of our neighbors and for God to do a great work in each of our communities - praying for greater boldness in our testifying of what Jesus has done for us and what He can do for anyone who turns to Him)…and what might happen if we, the church in Johnson county - if every Christ-follower in your fellowship - were known for the love we have for others?!
Conclusion: If you are willing to be a catalyst in the church you attend of what I am talking about - of looking around and encouraging the church you attend to truly be missional in your communities and come along side of people, and even churches, that need help - of actively working to deepen your church’s prayer life - of renewing your commitment to walk in love and to be an advocate for helping the people where you worship show greater love - I want to ask you to stand. Friends, I know this may not be the kind of director’s report you have expected to hear (I don’t know what you expect) - but something inside of me burns with a deep longing for God to do more than we could ever do ourselves - and yet I find myself coming back to these fundamental marks of the Christ-filled life: helping our neighbors, deepening corporate prayer, and recommitting ourselves to a life of love.
Pray
October 22, 2017
FBC Godley
I found myself thinking about a trip our family took about 10 years ago. It has always been a dream of mine to show my kids where I grew up in Tanzania - to see some of the things I had seen growing up, to taste the foods, and enjoy a hot cup of chai with a chapatti or samosa, to visit with old friends…or drive through one of the many game parks to see God’s incredible handiwork. Well, through what I would call some Divine circumstances - God gave us that opportunity - and really…it was the trip of a lifetime!
Part of our adventure was renting a Land Rover and driving across the country to the town where I was born. I was like a kid in a candy store, I think, as I caught a local bus early in the morning on the day we were to leave to get the vehicle. It was all like I had imagined in a thousand dreams! Two spare tires…the ham radio with it’s oversized antenna looming over the back…the rugged 4’ jack bolted on the front bumper…twin diesel fuel tanks…4-wheel drive with the high and low nobs beside the gear box just like I remembered we used to have…it was spectacular - and I think I must have been smiling the whole way back to the guesthouse where my family was staying as I thought about the 1200 miles ahead of us.
After a few pictures and loading up - we set out on our grand adventure. And it was a remarkable journey, with plenty of surprises and great memories. But what I was thinking about today was when we had our first flat. I suppose it was inevitable, people always seem to find a good thorn or long nail along the road in Tanzania…and I guess it was our time. But honestly, I was still excited. Having a flat on safari…this is what it’s supposed to be like, right? Well…that beautiful jack bolted on the front didn’t actually work! I think it must have been put there for show! But there was nothing else to do except try to figure out how to make it work…and try as I might…it just seemed destined to fail. Before long a guy walks up and seeing my frustration, no doubt, and being curious and wanting to help in some way…he jumps in to help. We worked for a while…and then two guys rode up on a bicycle. Curious about the sight, they stopped to look …and after a while…because they no doubt felt they might be able to resolve the problem - they politely moved us aside and began to work. Before long…we had a small crowd, with lots of willing hands and advice - and there I was, just watching from the roadside…amazed that perfect strangers…to me and each other….would stop and help with such vigor and determination. When the jack finally worked…there was a collective cheer and plenty of smiles as they all seemed to take part in changing that tire…kind of like a victory lap! And before long - with the flat tire replaced - we were all on our way to our various destinations.
That would be our last mechanical surprise. No, on our return, which we were hoping to make the drive of a little over 500 miles in one day…I started smelling diesel. At first I thought it was my imagination and then Leslie noticed it. So…I pulled over and popped the hood. Sure enough, diesel was dripping out from the fuel pump…and we were miles from anywhere - especially anywhere they would have a spare part and mechanic to fix it. So, off we went - and I figured that the faster I drove the closer I could get to help if need be. Everything seemed to be working according to plan…I called a missionary friend in a town ahead so that arrangements could be made for us to stop in to a local garage where we could have it fixed. But as we drove along…I started hearing this grinding sound. At first it was almost imperceptible, maybe I was imaging things, right? No! The sound only started to get louder and louder…but with a leaking fuel pump what was I supposed to do, right? I pushed ahead and prayed harder! Well, before long, as we started going up the final set of hills to the town…I was smelling a lot of diesel…and now the transmission seemed to be slipping! The further I climbed the hills, the louder it got…and the slower I began to move! By now we had reached the edge of town and I’m on the phone with my friend Bill asking him where he is and where the garage is…with the smell of diesel and the incredible grinding sound…and the steady loss of power…I knew we didn’t have long! And just as I’m talking to Bill, trying to figure out where he is - two things happened simultaneously: I saw Bill standing beside the road waving at me…and the drive shaft broke off and we can to a stand still! Literally, we stopped right beside him! (And little did I know - right beside the garage where a team of workers rushed out and pushed it straight in to get it all sorted out.)
There is a lot more to all that story - and yes we got it all fixed and were on our way the next day… but what I’ve been thinking about in relation to our time this evening is that flat tire…and the leaking fuel pump…and the drive shaft dragging on the road until we came to a stop. All of those things slowed our progress…and even caused us to stop along the way.
You know, as an association - a group of churches - we are on a journey. We want to get from where we are to where God wants us to be - and if I could be more specific - to that place where we see a great move of God…where God is doing such a redeeming work in our county that people begin to wonder if there is a spiritual awakening under way…where the altars of our churches are so filled with the people of God, recommitting themselves to Him and crying out for God to do a greater work, and living their lives with fresh devotion to him…that people begin to think a revival is taking place…you see…that is where I want to go…where I think God desires to take our county…and it is what we work and pray for.
But for that to take place, I think there are some fundamental things that need to occur. We have to come alongside people and churches that are stuck or broken down…and that’s not easy. But I’m not sure I would have ever gotten that tire changed had I not had some help! You know, there are a lot of people like that - and some churches. What would happen if we truly started to look out for one another - and even help out those that just need help - even if it doesn’t increase attendance at the church you attend or lead? I don’t know…but I think that is the kind of relationship God wants us individually and as churches to have with those around us. I have been especially blessed to watch as Southside City Church has come alongside a sister church in our association - sending people and leaders each week to the church - making a year long commitment - to discern what God might have that church look like in their community. You see, it will likely never increase Southside’s attendance - but I think that is something of what it mans to help and serve - and to think more about the Kingdom of God more than our own campus. I guess I want to encourage us, individually and as churches, to look around and help those that need and want help…
There is something else I think important for us to consider: If there is one thing that is necessary for us to get from here to where God would have us…I think it is prayer. And mostly I’m speaking of corporate prayer. We know all about the importance of prayer. We have preached about it, we sing about it…but do we actually pray? I’ve been so encouraged to hear of prayer groups that have started over the past year - or prayer rooms that have been set up…these are actually answers to prayer! But the great need is still for God’s people to pray! Like a leaking fuel pump, prayerlessness will cause us to loose power and rob us of arriving at the very place we long to reach! Prayerlessness will in fact cause us to speed up and busy our lives - and miss the very things God would have us do! Pastors, I want to encourage, no challenge you…to lead the church God has entrusted you with to go deeper in prayer and crying out to Him. Just look at that first church in Jerusalem - and what God did when they cried out to Him in desparateness and fervency - Might God respond in similar ways were we to pray as they did?
But more than anything - do you know what will stop us dead in our tracks? A lack of love for one another. Time does not permit me to remind you of the central importance of love…and yet I have been amazed to hear, at times, how people speak to those that lead them…at times I hear of not just a lack of love…but down-right ugliness! And yes, I know, that works both ways and I’m sure there is plenty of fault to lay at any of our feet….but brothers and sisters…let me remind us…love is to be the defining characteristic of who we are in Christ! BY THIS WILL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES - IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER! And didn’t Jesus say: A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE UNTO YOU, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Oh I know that love is not easy, and it gets messy and the outcome is unpredictable at times...and sometimes people don’t respond like we would have them…but our responsibility is still to love one another!
Can you imagine what God might do as we work together…helping one another to build HIS Kingdom (by sharing and giving and serving)…can you imagine what God might do as we increasingly find ourselves praying together (desparate praying for the salvation of our neighbors and for God to do a great work in each of our communities - praying for greater boldness in our testifying of what Jesus has done for us and what He can do for anyone who turns to Him)…and what might happen if we, the church in Johnson county - if every Christ-follower in your fellowship - were known for the love we have for others?!
Conclusion: If you are willing to be a catalyst in the church you attend of what I am talking about - of looking around and encouraging the church you attend to truly be missional in your communities and come along side of people, and even churches, that need help - of actively working to deepen your church’s prayer life - of renewing your commitment to walk in love and to be an advocate for helping the people where you worship show greater love - I want to ask you to stand. Friends, I know this may not be the kind of director’s report you have expected to hear (I don’t know what you expect) - but something inside of me burns with a deep longing for God to do more than we could ever do ourselves - and yet I find myself coming back to these fundamental marks of the Christ-filled life: helping our neighbors, deepening corporate prayer, and recommitting ourselves to a life of love.
Pray
