Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What a great celebration of the Resurrection we had this past Sunday – the music was tremendous, the baptisms were moving and the living cross was a beautiful witness to the city of Dallas about our living Savior. It is wonderful that we take a Sunday each year to proclaim the Risen Lord with such magnificence. It is right for the Church to do so, but it is interesting to note that the Gospel writers who proclaimed the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, did so in whispers and not pomp and circumstance. We are not told in the Scriptures how Jesus was resurrected, only that it was by the power of God. We don't know if there was an explosion, if beams of light shot out from Heaven, or if Jesus just sat up. It was not revealed to the Gospel writers how it took place; the importance of the Resurrection was simply that it occurred.
This is why the next few weeks ought to be spiritually precious to us. After all the celebration has calmed down we go about celebrating the Resurrection in our daily lives in the same way as Jesus' disciples did so many years ago. It is important to remember that Easter begins a seven week period of celebration of Jesus' Resurrection which culminates in Pentecost Sunday when we once again celebrate the initiation of the Church through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. These next few Sundays are the “Sundays of Easter” and not the “Sundays after Easter.” A world of difference hinges on understanding this. Now is the time to continue to read Scripture and meditate upon the Resurrection, but also begin to seek to understand the Holy Spirit and its importance in your life. This is the way to peace and joy which Jesus promised to us when He spoke to His disciples just prior to His death and resurrection, “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27). Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Talk About the Passion
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Easter comes early this year; I hope that during this season of Lent you have been meditating on the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection for your life. It is important for each of us to understand the Passion of Jesus as being eternally relevant in our daily lives. If we make it merely an abstract concept or proposition, then it really loses all personal meaning. I remember my Ordination presenter Dr. Mac Hollins saying to me that it is not enough to know that Jesus is Lord of all; I must know that Jesus is my Lord. In the same way, we must remember that Jesus died on the cross not just for the world but for you and me in our 21st century lives. The cross of Christ has influence on every decision that you make or will make if you understand the meaning and importance of the cross. Two of the great thinkers in Christian history - Martin Luther and Thomas a Kempis - can help us to understand how to incorporate the Passion of Christ in our daily lives.
First, Luther shares how the Passion can help us in our struggles, “When your heart is thus established in Christ, and you are an enemy of sin, out of love and not out of fear of punishment, Christ’s sufferings should also be an example for your whole life . . . if a day of sorrow or sickness weighs you down, think how trifling that is compared with the thorns and nails of Christ. If you must do or leave undone what is distasteful to you; think, how Christ was led hither and thither, bound and a captive. Does pride attack you: behold, how your Lord was mocked and disgraced with murderers. Do unchastity and lust thrust themselves against you: think, how bitter it was for Christ to have his tender flesh torn, pierced and beaten again and again. Do hatred and envy war against you, or do you seek vengeance: remember how Christ with many tears and cries prayed for you and all his enemies, who indeed had more reason to seek revenge. If trouble or whatever adversity of body or soul afflict you, strengthen your heart and say: Ah, why then should I not also suffer a little since my Lord sweat blood in the garden because of anxiety and grief? That would be a lazy, disgraceful servant who would wish to lie in his bed while his Lord was compelled to battle with the pangs of death . . . For Christ’s Passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. Thus St. Paul admonishes us, “For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against Himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls;” (Hebrews 12:3) and St. Peter, “As Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind.” (1 Peter 4:1). But this kind of meditation is now out of use and very rare, although the Epistles of St. Paul and St. Peter are full of it. We have changed the essence into a mere show and painted the meditation of Christ’s sufferings only in letters and on walls.”
Second, Thomas a Kempis shares how the Passion of Christ can then give us the inspiration to follow Christ's call on our lives, “If, indeed, there were anything better or more useful for man’s salvation than suffering, Christ would have shown it by word and example. But He clearly exhorts the disciples who follow Him and all who wish to follow Him to carry the cross, saying: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23) . . . Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him. Many follow Him to the breaking of bread but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion. Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross. Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him . . . Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake and not for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if He should never give them consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus—love that is free from all self-interest and self-love!” Selah
Steve
Easter comes early this year; I hope that during this season of Lent you have been meditating on the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection for your life. It is important for each of us to understand the Passion of Jesus as being eternally relevant in our daily lives. If we make it merely an abstract concept or proposition, then it really loses all personal meaning. I remember my Ordination presenter Dr. Mac Hollins saying to me that it is not enough to know that Jesus is Lord of all; I must know that Jesus is my Lord. In the same way, we must remember that Jesus died on the cross not just for the world but for you and me in our 21st century lives. The cross of Christ has influence on every decision that you make or will make if you understand the meaning and importance of the cross. Two of the great thinkers in Christian history - Martin Luther and Thomas a Kempis - can help us to understand how to incorporate the Passion of Christ in our daily lives.
First, Luther shares how the Passion can help us in our struggles, “When your heart is thus established in Christ, and you are an enemy of sin, out of love and not out of fear of punishment, Christ’s sufferings should also be an example for your whole life . . . if a day of sorrow or sickness weighs you down, think how trifling that is compared with the thorns and nails of Christ. If you must do or leave undone what is distasteful to you; think, how Christ was led hither and thither, bound and a captive. Does pride attack you: behold, how your Lord was mocked and disgraced with murderers. Do unchastity and lust thrust themselves against you: think, how bitter it was for Christ to have his tender flesh torn, pierced and beaten again and again. Do hatred and envy war against you, or do you seek vengeance: remember how Christ with many tears and cries prayed for you and all his enemies, who indeed had more reason to seek revenge. If trouble or whatever adversity of body or soul afflict you, strengthen your heart and say: Ah, why then should I not also suffer a little since my Lord sweat blood in the garden because of anxiety and grief? That would be a lazy, disgraceful servant who would wish to lie in his bed while his Lord was compelled to battle with the pangs of death . . . For Christ’s Passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. Thus St. Paul admonishes us, “For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against Himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls;” (Hebrews 12:3) and St. Peter, “As Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind.” (1 Peter 4:1). But this kind of meditation is now out of use and very rare, although the Epistles of St. Paul and St. Peter are full of it. We have changed the essence into a mere show and painted the meditation of Christ’s sufferings only in letters and on walls.”
Second, Thomas a Kempis shares how the Passion of Christ can then give us the inspiration to follow Christ's call on our lives, “If, indeed, there were anything better or more useful for man’s salvation than suffering, Christ would have shown it by word and example. But He clearly exhorts the disciples who follow Him and all who wish to follow Him to carry the cross, saying: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23) . . . Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him. Many follow Him to the breaking of bread but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion. Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross. Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him . . . Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake and not for any comfort of their own, bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if He should never give them consolation, yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus—love that is free from all self-interest and self-love!” Selah
Steve
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Newsletter Article February 13, 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Several times in my sermons, I have cited a passage from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship about the importance of each Christian to pick up his or her cross and follow Jesus. This is a very important biblical understanding and is very appropriate as we are in the Lenten season and approaching Good Friday and Easter. Here is an excerpt from Bonhoeffer’s famous work:
“That is what we mean by cheap grace, the grace which amounts to the justification of sin without the justification of the repentant sinner who departs from sin and from whom sins departs. Cheap grace is not the kind of forgiveness of sin which frees us from the toils of sin. Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must the asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of His Son: “ye were bought at a price”, and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”I hope this inspires you at this time. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Several times in my sermons, I have cited a passage from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship about the importance of each Christian to pick up his or her cross and follow Jesus. This is a very important biblical understanding and is very appropriate as we are in the Lenten season and approaching Good Friday and Easter. Here is an excerpt from Bonhoeffer’s famous work:
“That is what we mean by cheap grace, the grace which amounts to the justification of sin without the justification of the repentant sinner who departs from sin and from whom sins departs. Cheap grace is not the kind of forgiveness of sin which frees us from the toils of sin. Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must the asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of His Son: “ye were bought at a price”, and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”I hope this inspires you at this time. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Newsletter Article January 30,2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the last two weeks something wonderful happened here in Dallas. It snowed. This was wonderful to me because Faith and Luke had never really seen snow and they were excited. We built snowmen and had a snowball fight. These were things that they had only heard Daddy talk about and Faith had feared that she would never get to build a snowman. I got to enjoy this snow with my kids as much as I would if I were a child again. Isn’t it wonderful how God has made us to be able to get so excited about new experiences?
God has made us so that our lives are enjoyable because of the serendipitous experiences we have, like the moment when we first fall in love. Yet, in our most important relationship – between ourselves and the LORD – many of us have become closed to encountering Him in new and exciting ways. Although, the LORD does not change, none of us has experienced the totality of all that God has in store for us. The Bible tells us that God is always doing “new things” and that as we walk daily with Him our minds and hearts will be continually opened to new understandings of Him and new possibilities in our lives. I pray that in this new year, you will be open to new ways of being with the LORD and experiencing His love. Along with the Apostle Paul, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19). Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
In the last two weeks something wonderful happened here in Dallas. It snowed. This was wonderful to me because Faith and Luke had never really seen snow and they were excited. We built snowmen and had a snowball fight. These were things that they had only heard Daddy talk about and Faith had feared that she would never get to build a snowman. I got to enjoy this snow with my kids as much as I would if I were a child again. Isn’t it wonderful how God has made us to be able to get so excited about new experiences?
God has made us so that our lives are enjoyable because of the serendipitous experiences we have, like the moment when we first fall in love. Yet, in our most important relationship – between ourselves and the LORD – many of us have become closed to encountering Him in new and exciting ways. Although, the LORD does not change, none of us has experienced the totality of all that God has in store for us. The Bible tells us that God is always doing “new things” and that as we walk daily with Him our minds and hearts will be continually opened to new understandings of Him and new possibilities in our lives. I pray that in this new year, you will be open to new ways of being with the LORD and experiencing His love. Along with the Apostle Paul, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19). Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Newsletter Article September 26, 2007
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
This week we are sending a team to Mexico (Michael Dunbar, Janis Woods, Rick Peggs, Sharon Vinson), and yesterday, the team that is going to Kenya met to prepare for our trip next month (Cindy Dudding, Melette Meloy, David Holt, Kenn Swehla, Steve Schofield). This may bring up the question in your minds: why do we do missions in foreign lands? The short answer is that Jesus commanded us to, but we will unpack that a little more fully. The PRIMARY reason we go on mission trips is to RESPOND TO CHRIST’S CALL - [Jesus declared,] “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8); Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20); He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). These commands of Jesus are clear and explicit.
Another important reason is it reminds us our primary allegiance in life is in God, and when we commit our lives to Christ, we are made brothers and sisters with people from all over the world. Remember the Bible’s description of Heaven, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9). The suffering people of Kenya and Mexico are my brothers and sisters, just as they are yours if you have committed your life to Jesus Christ. We know the obligation that we have to be our brother’s keeper, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if a man or woman claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him or her? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him or her, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his or her physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. (James 2:14-17). Knowing the extreme suffering that is going on in Kenya, with people dying daily from lack of food, how could I not go? What good am I as a Pastor of the gospel of Jesus Christ if I turned away? I want my children to know that when the cry of world’s suffering people is heard, those who have felt the saving grace of Jesus Christ respond with compassion and action because God loves them as much as He loves us. That is why we go. Selah.
This week we are sending a team to Mexico (Michael Dunbar, Janis Woods, Rick Peggs, Sharon Vinson), and yesterday, the team that is going to Kenya met to prepare for our trip next month (Cindy Dudding, Melette Meloy, David Holt, Kenn Swehla, Steve Schofield). This may bring up the question in your minds: why do we do missions in foreign lands? The short answer is that Jesus commanded us to, but we will unpack that a little more fully. The PRIMARY reason we go on mission trips is to RESPOND TO CHRIST’S CALL - [Jesus declared,] “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8); Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20); He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). These commands of Jesus are clear and explicit.
Another important reason is it reminds us our primary allegiance in life is in God, and when we commit our lives to Christ, we are made brothers and sisters with people from all over the world. Remember the Bible’s description of Heaven, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9). The suffering people of Kenya and Mexico are my brothers and sisters, just as they are yours if you have committed your life to Jesus Christ. We know the obligation that we have to be our brother’s keeper, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if a man or woman claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him or her? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him or her, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his or her physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. (James 2:14-17). Knowing the extreme suffering that is going on in Kenya, with people dying daily from lack of food, how could I not go? What good am I as a Pastor of the gospel of Jesus Christ if I turned away? I want my children to know that when the cry of world’s suffering people is heard, those who have felt the saving grace of Jesus Christ respond with compassion and action because God loves them as much as He loves us. That is why we go. Selah.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Newsletter Article August 22, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Along with “love” and “faith,” Jesus used the characteristic of “service” as the best evidence of being a true disciple. He continuously reminded His disciples, and us today, that He came not to be served but to serve. We are to do likewise. After exhibiting this truth powerfully by washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus says, "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:13-17). Our lives do not belong solely to us but to the One who made us, loves us, redeems us, and gives us life. He explicitly tells us that His purpose for our lives is to love and serve others. The Bible is clear, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . ” (Philippians 2:1-5). This Sunday, each of you will have a great opportunity to see where you can be of service to the LORD and to other people through the ministries in our Church – the “Simply Serve” celebration. We are having an event set up in the Family Life Center after each worship service that will allow you to know what ministry opportunities exist for you in the Church and give you an opportunity to join with others in service to the LORD and others. The promise of the LORD is that you will be blessed if you serve, and I can testify to the truth of that promise in my life. Have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Along with “love” and “faith,” Jesus used the characteristic of “service” as the best evidence of being a true disciple. He continuously reminded His disciples, and us today, that He came not to be served but to serve. We are to do likewise. After exhibiting this truth powerfully by washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus says, "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:13-17). Our lives do not belong solely to us but to the One who made us, loves us, redeems us, and gives us life. He explicitly tells us that His purpose for our lives is to love and serve others. The Bible is clear, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . ” (Philippians 2:1-5). This Sunday, each of you will have a great opportunity to see where you can be of service to the LORD and to other people through the ministries in our Church – the “Simply Serve” celebration. We are having an event set up in the Family Life Center after each worship service that will allow you to know what ministry opportunities exist for you in the Church and give you an opportunity to join with others in service to the LORD and others. The promise of the LORD is that you will be blessed if you serve, and I can testify to the truth of that promise in my life. Have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
Newsletter Article August 8, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am very excited about the big worship event this Thursday at 7 p.m. in our Family Life Center. We are having a District Transformation Conference at our church; we were selected because of our excellence in Contemporary Worship at our 9:39 service. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Jackie Rose-Tucker, selected us and invited many in the Rome-Carrollton District to come and worship at Dallas First on Thursday evening. The worship will be led by our own 9:39 Praise Team and the sermon will be given by Dr. George Morris on the topic of evangelism. The Foundation for Evangelism describes the ministry of Dr. Morris thusly, “Dr. George Morris is a native of Virginia, and was selected as the 2005 Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church by The Foundation for Evangelism. He is currently the Dan and Lil Hankey Senior Professor of World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council and is considered one of the most respected scholars on evangelism in the world. Morris received his B.A. Degree at Asbury College and M.Div. and D.Div. Degrees at Vanderbilt University. He was ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1964 and has ministered in the United States and in sixty-seven countries around the world. He has served rural circuit-churches, small town churches, suburban churches and two large inner-city churches. His last pastoral appointment was the First United Methodist Church of Peoria, Illinois, where he served as directing pastor for five years. In addition, he served on the General Board of Evangelism and the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, as well as the executive committee of the World Methodist Council. For sixteen years, Morris was the Arthur J. Moore Professor of Evangelism at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he became the founding director of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, a cooperative ministry of the World Methodist Council and Emory University. Currently, he is a member of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, the International Association for Mission Studies, the Advisory Committee of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute and the World Methodist Evangelism Foundation board of trustees.” I invite you to come and worship the LORD together with us this Thursday at 7 p.m. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
I am very excited about the big worship event this Thursday at 7 p.m. in our Family Life Center. We are having a District Transformation Conference at our church; we were selected because of our excellence in Contemporary Worship at our 9:39 service. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Jackie Rose-Tucker, selected us and invited many in the Rome-Carrollton District to come and worship at Dallas First on Thursday evening. The worship will be led by our own 9:39 Praise Team and the sermon will be given by Dr. George Morris on the topic of evangelism. The Foundation for Evangelism describes the ministry of Dr. Morris thusly, “Dr. George Morris is a native of Virginia, and was selected as the 2005 Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church by The Foundation for Evangelism. He is currently the Dan and Lil Hankey Senior Professor of World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council and is considered one of the most respected scholars on evangelism in the world. Morris received his B.A. Degree at Asbury College and M.Div. and D.Div. Degrees at Vanderbilt University. He was ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1964 and has ministered in the United States and in sixty-seven countries around the world. He has served rural circuit-churches, small town churches, suburban churches and two large inner-city churches. His last pastoral appointment was the First United Methodist Church of Peoria, Illinois, where he served as directing pastor for five years. In addition, he served on the General Board of Evangelism and the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, as well as the executive committee of the World Methodist Council. For sixteen years, Morris was the Arthur J. Moore Professor of Evangelism at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he became the founding director of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute, a cooperative ministry of the World Methodist Council and Emory University. Currently, he is a member of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, the International Association for Mission Studies, the Advisory Committee of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute and the World Methodist Evangelism Foundation board of trustees.” I invite you to come and worship the LORD together with us this Thursday at 7 p.m. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve
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