Norm L., Author at Church Letters Blog

Do You Have a Girlfriend/Boyfriend Church?

November 2, 2017October 28, 2017 by Norm L.

I would imagine you’ve never seen an article start with that headline!

Please take a few moments to hear me out on this and then you will see the significance behind a question like that….

FINDING THE PERFECT MARRIAGE FIT

Most of us who are married remember those days of “finding the perfect fit” for our lives. While we knew there would be a process involved in dating, courting, engagement and finally that wonderful wedding day, we were willing to put up with some of the heartache and heartbreak that came along with it. The reason is that we knew if we were patient and of course, as a Christian, prayed for God’s will and purpose that we would soon find the “perfect fit” for our lives to live “happily ever after.”

Perhaps there are those who are reading this that have been married for a long time, and you are still on your honeymoon. That’s wonderful! For the most part, people conclude that they, in fact, married someone who “changed” within a few years following the wedding. The butterflies have flown away it seems, and the “hard work” we were told about regarding marriage has set in. Those who truly love the Lord and their spouse have a decision to make, and it’s to answer this question in their hearts: “Is it worth it to work through some of the situations together, or should I just throw it all away and try again with someone else?”

3 Reasons Why Giving Someone a Ministry Position Because They are Persistent is a Bad Idea

October 9, 2017 by Norm L.

As Pastors, we’ve all been there at one time or another. There’s that one person who has asked over and over again to be part of a ministry that we know would be a bad idea. However, their persistence has turned into insistence and word is starting to filter out into the congregation about the situation. While you know the “back story” of why you would rather they don’t serve in that particular ministry, others have not been filled in, and of course, you’re not going to do that either.

Let’s face it… there are ministry opportunities that exist within the church that you have been attempting to fill for a long time, but it seems that to find a person passionate about a particular ministry, who is also gifted to serve can seem like an impossible task.

So we relent and give them what they’ve been asking for, or more to the point… demanding.

Here are 3 reasons why that’s a bad idea, AND you should leave ministry positions unfilled until you are sure you have the passionate person serving in the proper ministry.

5 Honorable Actions When Leaving a Church (Layperson)

March 5, 2019September 25, 2017 by Norm L.

This is an article addressing the situation of church attendees moving on to another church, and how it can be done in a way that brings honor to the Lord.

Did you know there’s an honorable way to leave a church that is beneficial to both the “leaver”, as well as those connected with the person or family who are leaving to attend elsewhere? Did you know there are ways to leave a church in which God is honored and precious souls are preserved in the entire process?

Pastoring for over 35 years, I have seen the full range of “leavers”, and have observed many different methods people use as they move on. Some of those methods have done more damage to the Kingdom of God than anything I know, while other times, there is such a spirit of Kingdom unity that even though there may have been some hurt involved, that impact was lessened due to this Christ-like attitude.

So, I want to present to you five honorable actions that will go a long way in maintaining unity in the body of Christ, as well as the testimony of the believers involved.

Lone Ranger Christians

August 31, 2022August 30, 2017 by Norm L.

One of the greatest deceptions of the enemy in this day is the belief that the local church is not needed for the disciple of Christ to grow, while that same Christian becomes captive to a plethora of voices and opinions via social networking connections, television, radio, the internet, etc.

One can easily see how the enemy enjoys this ploy and how effective it is in this last day, especially in light of a scripture in the Word; Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Essence of a Pastoral Response

August 16, 2017 by Norm L.

PASTORS are shepherds of flocks; as evangelists are messengers of God, as prophets have a spiritual ministry of prayer, discernment and prophecy, as teachers are instructors, and apostles are delegates of the church on mission. But far too many people who are called pastors do not shepherd flocks – they are too often one of the other designates of Ephesians 4:11. But if we are ‘pastors’, in that we have “pastor” in our title, we ought to be just that; at least be capable of a pastoral response.

The pastoral response is simple: the ability to ‘see’ someone, where they’re at, to validate that position they’re in, and to respond with care, in facilitating healing. That is how we might expect a shepherd to act as he or she cares for his or her single sheep.

The pastor is a shepherd, first and foremost. But it doesn’t mean that he or she is not also an administrator, or an apologist or a teacher – indeed, Ephesians links the gift of pastor with teacher. Indeed, Paul may not be seen to be limiting the roles – we may bear effectual facets of all five – apostles (delegates of the church), prophets (spokespeople of the church), evangelists (messengers of the church), pastors (shepherds of the church), and teachers of the church. The church needs all five types of leaders.

Letter to Church – Raising Missions Awareness

March 2, 2019August 16, 2017 by Norm L.

Jesus said in: Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Those words spoken by the Lord are at the heart of our desire to share the Gospel with the world through our Missions giving here at First Christian Church. Sadly, the Great Commission has become for many people the “Great Omission”, as they have failed to realize the supreme importance Jesus placed on reaching the lost.

Remarkably, there are still many people around this world that have not yet heard the name of Jesus, and the freedom He offers through a life surrendered to Him. The Bible also tells us: Luke 19:10 -For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” We are compelled to seek out those who are lost, and impart to them the Gospel message…or the Good News!

We Miss You in Church Letter

March 2, 2019August 16, 2017 by Norm L.

I write briefly to let you know that you have been missed at church the past few weeks.

I trust all is well with you and your family, however, I wanted you to know that when you are not able to be with us, you are missed very much.

While life can be busy for all of us to the point it seems we have no time to just relax for awhile, I encourage you to place your relationship with the Lord and His family near the top of the list of priorities. I believe with all my heart that as we allow God to take His rightful place, many of the other areas of life find a way of working out as we are dependent upon His wisdom. James 1:5 says: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Congratulations on Job Promotion

March 2, 2019August 16, 2017 by Norm L.

I wanted to take this opportunity to send a letter to congratulate you on the promotion you received on your job.

Harry Truman said the following: “I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work.”

How true it is that when we think about the quality of our job and not the quantity of our check, the second half of that equation often falls in line. We also realize that God is the ultimate rewarder of the efforts of men, and he is the one who exalts and promotes in reality. 1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.