March 3/4 - I preached
675 in worship (29.1% increase from 2006)
283 in Sunday school (8.4% increase from 2006)
March 10/11 - I preached
622 in worship (11.3% increase from 2006)
258 in Sunday school (0% increase from 2006)
March 17/18 - I preached
696 in worship (17.8% increase from 2006)
273 in Sunday school (15.7% increase from 2006)
March 24/25 - Pastor Dave preached & Youth Musical
997 in worship (70.7% increase from 2006)
275 in Sunday school (11.3% increase from 2006)
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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5 comments:
You guys kick butt...what an awesome ministry. I have two good friends attending Charter Oak and they are on fire.
Chris...I have given alot of thought about your comment a couple of days ago. The only person who failed me was myself. I knew how bad I was suffering, but chose to bury it because I was having success in my ministry. The church was growing and people were excited. It was a great ride!
But In the process of trying to be all things to all people, my own faith suffered. I knew I was a pastor, but I forgot how important my own faith was. Now that I am away from ministry, I am closer to God and rely on his love daily. I'm not saying that success went to my head. I guess I lost perspective on who was guiding my ministry, and what that meant. I learned that I couldn't have a strong doctrinal, biblical and personal ministry, without a close personal walk with Jesus. The lack of that relationship allowed depression to consume my life. The people around me never really knew what I was going through.
But I have learned the power of openness. I now have a ministry to those with depression that is all based upon having a personal, saving faith in Jesus Christ. It's not about success or failure, it is about love and hope.
Thanks for caring...it means alot.
Randy,
I realize you may have learned a lot from what you have gone through. But have we as your brothers and sisters in Christ learned anything?
I will be honest with you, I don't want to be let of the hook so easily. I'm not in a small group with any pastors right now. I have an accountability partner who asks me the tough questions, but I have to admit, I'm not there for anyone in ministry right now.
Chris...you are there for your co-workers at Charter Oak. The best thing you can do is be available for them. God will definitely place you in the path of a brother or sister pastor in need at some point in your ministry. When that time comes, I know you'll stand in the gap for them
This blogroll has done alot for me. I am encouraged daily by the posts as well as the prayers I have received. I feel like I am getting know all you guys a lot better. That means alot to me.
Chris,
I'm glad you're asking that tough question. I have been in an accountability group with four other pastors for the past 18 months and it has been the most blessed thing in my ministry. It has come to the place where I am in contact with at least one of them on a daily basis. I laugh with them and I vent to them and I pray for them and with them. It is awesome. I feel like I have someone I can go to now when I feel like this tough life of ministry is getting too hard for me to handle. I cannot over-encourage you to get involved with a group. Blessings on you bro.
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