SUMMER OF LOVE AND A FIRST-CLASS STAFF

"Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Tim. 4:11-16

Teaching and leading God's people in worship is serious business.  As we approach the last two Sundays of Pastor Dave's sabbatical I want to express my thanks to those who've filled in so capably, and take this opportunity to share some things about them.  Quite often, when a pastor steps away for sabbatical, he will look for capable teachers/preachers from outside the church to take his place on Sunday.  This can be true even if he has capable staff in key ministry roles.  In our case, not only did he turn the helm over to me, but he left it to me to arrange for staff to take his place.  That kind of confidence speaks volumes for him as well as for our staff at Salem First.  My thanks to Pastor Rich, Pastor Phil, Pastor Joshua, Pastor Greg, and Pastor Trevor for taking on one or more Sundays during this time.  I have had - we have had - very positive feedback from the church family.  The most common expression has been gratitude for the great messages while also expressing thanks because people felt they better got to know some of the other pastors.  It is in response to this that I decided to share a bit about those that have taken lead roles over the past two months.

The Church of the Nazarene requires that everyone seeking to be ordained to vocational ministry must have what they believe is a personal call by God on their life.  As such they may seek to be ordained as Elder or Deacon.  The difference between Elder and Deacon is essentially this: the Elder has a gift and call to preach whereas the Deacon has a gift and call to vocationally minister outside the call to preach.  There are qualifying steps to take, as well as educational requirements one must meet.  While meeting these requirements a person will usually hold a district Minister's License, one that allows him/her to pastor but requires annual renewal by the district assembly until approved for ordination.

On our staff we currently have seven ordained Elders, one ordained Deacon, and one Licensed Minister.  Pastors Dave, Joshua, Trevor, Rich, Phil, Marci and I are Elders.  (Pastor Rich was ordained by the Christian Churches, Independent.)  Pastor Carol is a Deacon; Pastor Greg is a Licensed Minister moving toward ordination.  (We also have a significant number of retired Elders from several denominations, including two retired Nazarene District Superintendents, Dr. Carl Clendenen and Dr. Jerry Manker.)

Pastors Dave, Rich, Phil, Marci, and I have all served as senior pastors.  Interestingly enough, all of us also had prior assignments as staff pastors before serving at Salem First.  Pastors Joshua and Trevor - both graduates of Nazarene Universities (SNU & NNU, respectively) believe God is calling/preparing them to eventually co-pastor a church plant.  Pastor Greg, a recent graduate of George Fox Seminary, was formerly the owner of Legacy Real Estate but felt God's call on his life.  Having sold his business he's now a budding teacher / theologian, and Salem First is his first full-time pastoral assignment.

It is an eclectic gathering of people, personalities, and gifts.  But all of them share the same call and desire to serve God's Kingdom.  Please continue to pray for them.  Encourage them, as well, with an occasional word or note.  Those small things can mean more than you know.

CRISIS CARE KITS: LOVE IN ACTION

Approaching, as we are, the last Sunday in August we're rapidly running out of time to package and prepare our latest shipment of Crisis Care Kits.  As of last Sunday we had donations for about 90 - running a good deal behind the 200 we usually send.  It's not too late to jump on board.  A $20 bill in Bill King's hand, or my hand, or anybody's hand you trust - is still the EASIEST way to get a baggie filled with all the emergency items.  Thanks for caring.

BETH MOORE: BE ENCOURAGED, BE EQUIPPED

The simulcast is two weeks from Saturday.  Beth Moore has been an encouragement to countless thousands in her equipping / discipleship ministry.  It's not too late to pick up a ticket for yourself or as a gift to someone who might not otherwise go.  You can call the church office or see someone at the Welcome Center on Sunday.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SUNDAY: FLOWERED SHIRT DAY

Some of you have asked about this so Carol and I decided to declare Sunday, September 4, Flowered / Hawaiian Shirt Sunday!!  WOW - I can hardly wait!!

Blessings to you all.  I hope this finds you encouraged by God's presence as you serve in God's family.

Pastor Jerry