The Test Has Begun!
Every now and again a Pastor goes through what could be considered a time of testing.
It's not really a pass or fail test, it's just a test.
Only those in the ministry would have any idea about what I am speaking of in this article.
The ministry can be the most rewarding thing this side of heaven on the other hand it can also be times of pain and discouragement.
The times of reward were like what we experienced this past Sunday when our church was privileged to see 5 more people go through the waters of baptism.
A long with that we welcome back to our church family:
Mrs. Nina Downey.
Mrs. Nina is a very special lady to everyone at Emerald because for many years she literally put her heart into the ministry and her legacy will continue for many years to come.
So; Mrs. Nina; welcome HOME!
A another reward was the service on Sunday night.
Jerry has confided in me that he really believes his true calling is in youth evangelism. So when he shared that with me I immediately put him to work in planning a Youth Sunday.
No strings attached, crank up the music as loud as they wanted and let the youth really take charge of the worship service.
I am pleased to report that they did an outstanding job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I pray that what we did this past Sunday evening will become a monthly thing for us at Emerald.
Hey listen, I am not anti-contemporary. As matter of fact for those of you who are old to remember the contemporary group; Phillips, Craig & Dean you will discover that they are still to this day one of my favorites.
One of their songs still speaks to my heart even to this day:
"Mercy Came a Running to Me."
That's the rewarding part.
The discouraging part often comes when you as a Pastor literally pour your heart into a church and then people fail to trust your leadership.
One thing I can not make any do is trust my leadership at Emerald; however, after seven years and seeing what God has done through those seven years we must be doing something right.
I often hear of people's complaints and I have to ask myself:
"What are they looking at?"
Are they not seeing the same people saved that I am seeing? Are they not seeing people join the church like I am? Are they are not seeing the Youth of our church on fire for the things of God?
Youth, let me offer you a word of caution at this point. Don't let church folks put your fire out. You keep going for the glory of God because as your Pastor I support you 100% and I am so very proud of you.
I guess people see what they want to see. It's like the ole saying; "Some people can't see the forest for the trees."
May I offer a suggestion: "Open your eyes."
Oh maybe there's another issue that needs to be resolved.
Jesus said unless a man is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
When God is moving in the very midst of His people there are some who choose not to see they simply want to find something to moan and complain about.
I just don't know how much more I need to do to prove my leadership as the Pastor of Emerald. But there is one thing I will never do. I will not sell my convictions to the highest bidder or to the loudest complainer.
In a few weeks a special business meeting is going to be called concerning a vote as to whether or not we should move our worship services out to the new building.
I pray that everyone in attendance on that day will speak his or her mind during the meeting instead of cornering people in the parking lot and complaining.
If you are content with where we are right now we are in trouble. God never called us to be content, He wants us to be moving forward. And if moving forward means we move our worship services out to a building that will provide more room it seems like a no brainer to me, however, I am just one person.
So I must admit the special meeting is going to be a mandate on a Pastor's leadership ability.
So I am ready to accept whatever decision you choose to issue forth as a church family.
Church family, those of who are really committed to the cause of Christ please bathe this meeting in a time of special prayer because what we want more than anything else is the will of God to be accomplished.
Please church, open your eyes and see what God is doing and what God wants to do!
It will change all of us radically.
God bless you and always know; I love you and Jesus loves you.
I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Lord's day but in the mean time if there is anything our church can do for you please do not hesitate to contact us.
 Jesus loves you and so do we at Emerald.
 Sincerely Preacher Curt
We are building this church on the following principle:
"We are not concerned about what you can do for our church, we are more concerned about what our church can do for you"
Feel free to drop me an email at:
pastor@emeraldbaptistchurch.com
I would love to hear from you.