Ministry Job Postings (August 12)

BVBID'ers,

2 More positions: 1 Pulpit, 1 Youth Ministry

**Hey, I've got an entire packet of information about the youth minister position, if interested. I'll e-mail it to ya'.**

1.Youth Minister
Dear Applicant,
Mandarin Church of Christ is seeking a full time youth minister. We are a loving and growing congregation located in Jacksonville, Florida. The successful candidate will plan and deliver youth programs to junior and senior high school students. Please review the attached candidate package for job description specifics and a profile of our congregation. Youth Minister salary will be commensurate with candidate experience. Submit resumes to: Mandarin Church of Christ, Attention – Youth Minister Search Committee, 12791 Saint Augustine Florida 32258; or e mail to jobs@mandarincc.com. For additional information, call 904 268 5683.

2. Pulpit Minister
Linary Church of Christ is seeking a pulpit minister who will capably meet
the obligations of preaching, teaching and facilitating the continued growth
of the congregation and its various ministries.

Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to Linary
Church of Christ, Minister Search Committee, 1244 Old Highway 28,
Crossville, Tennessee, 38555, or email same tolinarychurchofchrist@gmail.com.

For general information regarding Linary Church of Christ, please visit our
website at www.linary.com, or contact the church office at 931-484-5961.

Salary and benefits are commensurate with education and experience.

Thanks again, David

Preaching Job Opening (August 5)

BVBID'ers,
Here's another job opening to check out! Hot off the press! They are seeking someone NOW!

Ottawa, Kansas; 25-30 miles SW of Lawrence, KS;
The 15th Street church of Christ, Ottawa, KS, a 102 year- old
congregation, is seeking a full-time pulpit preacher , able and
willing to work with youth, to be a part of our family for years.
If married, wife must be supportive and actively involved in the work
of the congregation.
Ottawa is an ideal community fin many ways, including its location.
Sunday morning attendance is 70-100. We have a modern building and
classrooms on seven-acre site in a desirable area of Ottawa.
GREAT POTENTiAL FOR GROWTH!

Call Pat Robinson, 785-893-4184, or email: butchie3740@wildblue.net
for further information, or send a resume to:
Pat Robinson, 3740 E. 245th, Lyndon, KS 66451

2 Preaching Job Openings

Attention all BVBID'ers,

I received information on 2 new job openings over the last week!

1. Lynn Lane church of Christ
Idabel, Oklahoma; Full-Time Minister; 85 member congregation
Located in SE Oklahoma.

Their e-mail remarks follow:

My name is Corey Green and I worship with the Lynn Lane church of Christ in
Idabel, OK. Luke Guthrie, a former Bear Valley student (one of the many we
have helped support at Bear Valley thru the years) gave me your name and
contact information.

As stated, we are searching for a full time minister to come and work with
us in Idabel. We are a faithful congregation of about 85 members in
southeast Oklahoma. We currently have two part time ministers working with
us, but we have reached a point where we believe a full time minister could
help us more. We are hoping to find a young to middle aged minister with a
young family who is strong in the faith. We have a good number of young
families and children and hope to really stregnthen this group as well as
our older members.

We would greatly appreciate any help you give us in our search. If I need
to send any specific information, please let me know. Please feel free to
pass this information on to anyone you know who may be interested in working
with us. You can contact me via this email or my cell number is
580-286-1717.

Thanks for your time and help.

Corey

2. Hydro church of Christ
Hydro, Oklahoma; 60-70 member congregation; 65 miles from Oklahoma City, OK

Their e-mail remarks follow:

The Hydro (Oklahoma) Church of Christ is looking for a preacher to fill our pulpit
and evangelism in our community. If you know of any that are interested in
helping us with this work please feel free to call , email, or forward their
resume and any recordings of sermons they might have. Thank you in advance.

Kent Abbott
kenta@pharmcarecorp.com

**Any Questions?? Just call or e-mail me!!**

~Jon
720-422-4940
jwarnes@bvbid.org

The Way to Becoming a Christian

Dorothy was instructed to follow the yellow brick road. Her desire was to get back to Kansas and ultimately back to where she belonged…home. The way to Christianity and ultimately into the arms of a loving Father requires us to follow directions which will keep us from deviation. Many in the world wish to tell you there are various ways to be a Christian but unfortunately they neglect Scripture or the seriousness of Scripture. If Dorothy were to listen to the world today she would be told that any color road will get her to the same destination. Let’s examine the required directions to take in order to become a Christian.

Hearing God’s word initiates a truth seeker’s journey which draws us closer to a relationship with the Lord. When we hear His words and they pierce our heart and mind we begin to develop a faith (Romans 10:17) which encourages our desire to know Him better.

Believing that God sent His Son to redeem man for his sins is an incredibly important step that cannot be over looked. Belief in God’s scheme of redemption doesn’t just create a nice, warm-fuzzy feeling. In the Bible, the word belief is either coupled with an obedient action or inferred when relating to a belief and personal relationship in God (Acts 8:12, 36, 38; John 3:36).

Repentance is a result from being convicted by God’s word that we are truly guilty of sin. What repentance is, is a determined action to turn away from our evil deeds or basically, do an ‘about face’ in our current walk towards destruction. A truth seeker desires to please God because their love and faith is now directed at God’s will (Acts 2:37-38).

Confessing Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior is another crucial step for the truth seeker. Jesus states that the person who confesses Him before man will be confessed before God the Father (Matt. 10:32). Also, confessing Christ Jesus as Lord is just a part of the whole in the journey to being a Christian (Romans 10:9). The love for God and His will is so overwhelming that it cannot be held in and He wants that love to pour out by expressing it through words.

Baptism is the final step along the way to becoming a Christian. The book of Acts shows numerous accounts of people completing their search for God through baptism (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 16:15, 33; 18:8). These people, too, had a destination to reach and followed God’s perfectly planned road to redemption.

Will you follow the correct road to everlasting life in Christ?

Why the Church is a Blessing

From Okinawa to North Carolina to Illinois to Texas, back to Illinois and on to Missouri then to Nebraska and finally to Colorado. Oh wait, on to Georgia and now back to Colorado. My family and I have been a part of many congregations and have been the partakers of many blessings. The blessings of the church manifests itself in so many ways within each local assembly, but everywhere we go or have been, there are three consistencies to acknowledge.

The first is the blessing of fellowship in the church. The companionship with the saints provides so much edification or building up spiritually. Our family’s faith has been and continues to be refreshed and fortified through our bond and unity with the brethren. Relationships made are rich and will continue thru this lifetime and thru eternity. Furthermore, when Christians fellowship with the saints we also are in fellowship with God the Father and Jesus (1 John 1:3). What a joy!

The second blessing is the food in the church. Oh now, we all know about the churches of Christ and their ability to add girth to our bodies, but the delicious food I mention here is of the spiritual type. God’s word has always been served up abundantly on a regular basis. If you will, the teachings of the Lord’s church gives adequate nutrition to the body. The brotherhood never misses a meal and the dessert upon which we receive comes thru programs like: Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, devotional periods, lectureships, just to name a few. With dependable, seasonal preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), both milk and solid food are rich blessings in the church of Christ.

Finally, the blessing of being in the family of God, the greatest family on earth, is in the church. What’s important to point out is that it is not the act of any congregation to “add” someone to God’s family. When we are obedient to God’s word (Acts 2:38) and submit to His will, He does the adding to His own family (Acts 2:47). As a child, I would get so excited knowing I was going to Grandma’s house to see all of my relatives. Now, as a Christian, it excites me knowing I get to see my family members at steady doses throughout the week.

You’ll discover rich blessings being a child of God. The blessings of being in fellowship, partaking of spiritual food, and having the greatest family ever all flow forth from our Heavenly Father because He loves us so!

Ministry Principles for Following

Paul’s dealings with the church in Ephesus serves as an excellent outline for all Christians. Serving in the Lord’s church is an honor and every member should take the opportunity to carefully read through Acts and specifically the texts centering around the church in Ephesus. Throughout these chapters, evangelistic principles are perfectly arranged in God’s word by Luke’s penmanship and await us to explore the treasures. For one who desires an opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity as a minister, I hope I will consistently remind myself how Paul’s ministry principles are applicable to the Lord’s church today.

Our first glimpse will start in Acts 18:19. It appears at first Paul wastes no time getting to Ephesus, making a few acquaintances, making sure Aquila and Priscilla are settled, and off he goes into the sunset. It’s possible it was a rather quick stop in relation to past duty assignments, but we should not overlook his actions in verses 18-21. I appreciate the fact Paul remains consistent throughout Acts in regard to always entering the local synagogue, then teaching and reasoning with the Jews. I get a sense Paul understands these Jews who are faithful in the synagogues can also be just as diligent in the Lord’s church. He used to be just like them desiring to please God as he believed who God was. This is an important principle reminding us we should never forget who we once were and that there are many lost souls who need to be reached. I also see a principle in making sure that faithful, well grounded Christians are in place to be the constant the church needs during times of growth and maturity, just like Aquila and Priscilla were to the Ephesians. Aquila and Priscilla take Apollos aside and teach him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26) which shows their competence in the Word and indicates Paul’s wise decision on who should remain in Ephesus.

Paul returns to Ephesus in Acts 19:1 and immediately another ministry principle is observed. He becomes acquainted with disciples who were baptized into John’ baptism. Paul, too, teaches them the way of God more accurately and baptizes them into the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). What I notice is Paul being the excellent protector of the faith by asking questions of those who say they are disciples of Christ. I believe he never beat around the bush and always got straight to the point in discussions with people regarding Christ. Paul continues his synagogue teaching and does so for three months. Verse 8 says that he continued reasoning and persuading them. This is a wonderful example of persistence and patience. These words “reasoning” and “persuading” imply gentleness and a genuine attitude that would be different from simply arguing with someone. It is taking the time and patience needed to figure out exactly what method would best teach and reach someone.

In Acts 19:8 it states Paul spoke out boldly. As a minister, I see I should never be timid in teaching in class, sermons, or whatever. Being bold does not equate to being harsh as some people would think. Boldness is a display of confidence in God’s will. Paul moves on to the school of Tyrannus when the hearts of the Jews become hardened. Paul has the presence of mind to realize there is no more growth and to continue in the synagogue would not benefit the Lord’s church (Acts 19:9-10). While the people were willing to be reasoned with, he stayed. When they “spoke evil of the Way” he realized that it was not time for patience any longer.

Within the two years at the school, all of Asia heard the word. I see an excellent principle that if any secular (school) or religious (synagogue) institution allows a Christian to teach in their building, do not hesitate!

In Acts 19:15, the evil spirit is well aware of who Paul is. This shows me Paul was respected and feared in Ephesus. Congregations and ministers must be diligent in spreading the gospel of Christ with accuracy everywhere possible in their community. Not all of the citizens will like the church but they will know of it and quite possibly have a healthy respect of her.

Acts 20:17-38 is rich with principles for ministers and their elders. Paul’s emotional departure clearly shows the bond he has with the eldership. Paul indicates that he disclosed all information to them (vs. 20). He honored their position as elders and God’s ordination of them. Paul also indicates this life is not about him but his ministry he received from the Lord (vs. 24). Paul charges the elders to be on guard for the sake of the flock and for themselves (vs. 31). These principles are of the upmost importance in having a relationship with the local congregation’s eldership. There are occasions where an eldership is not following God’s will and a minister must pray how to handle the situation forthright and as loving as possible. When a minister has an eldership that is in compliance with God’s will it is the minister’s duty to submit to them and serve. When these leaders (elders and minister) are a cohesive unit the following of members will be great and great things will be done for Christ’s church.

Courage Is Needed As A Leader

Courage Needed as a Leader
While the majority of humans live life without making it into history books, there are plenty of examples of leaders who are remembered for all time. The greatest of these leaders all possess an attribute which inspires us, motivates their followers and often is the source of defeat for their enemies. This attribute is courage. In my opinion, courage is needed as a leader. We find many accounts of courageous leaders throughout history. These leaders who rely on their courage show up in many different areas. They are found among famous sports leaders, in the trials of war, in biblical accounts and as martyrs.
Don Haskins was the basketball coach who was recently made famous from the movie based on the story of his life called Glory Road. Coaching basketball in the west Texas in the 1960’s, Don had the courage to recruit and play the first all-black starting players ever in this region. Due to extreme racism, he was met with venomous reactions from hate letters to actual violence aimed at him and his team. Coach Haskins had what great leaders need to follow through with great ideas even when they are received with such hatred. He had the courage to follow through and to do the right thing. He was an exceptional man with the determination to teach an entire region to accept others, regardless of their color, as equals just as God created them. It was a struggle, but eventually his team did so well while enduring many outside problems, they were the 1966 NCAA men’s basketball champions. In 2007, the entire 1966 team was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for their amazing season led by Coach Haskins.
Another great sports leader of our recent time who displayed great courage was Herman Boone. During the same time and racial climate, Coach Boone, an African American, was given the job as head coach at T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria, Virginia). A controversy surrounded this due to the recent court-ordered desegregation and the well-loved coach, Bill Yoast lost his job to Boone. Children from an “all black” school were bussed to school to join the previously “all white” school with violent reception from the white community. Imagine the danger Herman Boone and his family found themselves entering when he took this new job.
The friction between the two varying cultures among the players was just as tense. At first there was no acceptance given or received on either side of the opposing pigments, but Coach Boone was too courageous to allow this to persist. Even with the physical danger involved, this coach stood against the odds, made an ally in Coach Yoast and led his team to victory. That year, his team won the 1971 Virginia State High School Football Championship. They won more than that, though. They followed their courageous leader and found love and respect for each other regardless of skin color!
Another great leader, Eric Liddell, shows great courage as a runner and later leads others in missionary efforts in China. His public story begins in the year 1921. Eric was an athlete who excelled in track and rugby. He was also a strong follower of Christ and was asked to speak to large groups. His popularity continued when in 1924 he qualified for the Olympics and he took a stand, according to his conscience, to abstain from running in events on a Sunday. Eric missed the races he was favored in. Yet he won the 400 meter race he was not expected to win and did it in world record time.
Instead of continuing to pursue his running career, he chose to join his brother in China in the mission field. Again, this took tremendous courage on his part. China was communistic and dangerous for Christians. He brought his family and in 1937 he went to a very dangerous area of China which was filled with civil violence. In 1943, after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, all foreigners were put on house arrest. During a two year period they were all in a small compound. Eric Liddell died in 1945 from cancer, just six months before he would have been released. This amazing leader gave his life as an example to all who were watching.
The next leader who exhibited great courage was a Dutch woman named Corrie ten Boom. Corrie was raised in a family of tremendous faith. When the German troops invaded Holland in 1940, Corrie felt she should help and risked her life by joining the underground movement. In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie tells of how she eventually lead the largest faction of this underground community in Holland which housed and smuggled Jewish people to safety from the deadly German army. She knew at any moment she could be caught and either sent to a concentration camp or killed on the spot. She also knew as a Christian, she needed to do anything she could to protect the helpless.
Eventually, Corrie and her entire family, who were as dedicated as she was, were caught and sent to concentration camps. All of her family, except her brother, eventually died in camp. She was beaten, starved, and humiliated. Yet, she and her sister still had the courage to read the Bible and teach the other women in the camp about Christ. They knew they would be killed if anyone found out, but their courage based on the belief they were doing what must be done, kept them teaching.
Miss ten Boom was eventually released towards the end of the terrible war. Instead of retiring as a tired elderly lady, she began to speak about what happened during the war and about forgiveness. She continued to lead and serve by gathering support to open rehabilitation centers for those who were abused, as well as the abusers, who all needed a loving place to heal, forgive, or find forgiveness.
What gives these leaders their courage? For some, they are simply good people with good hearts. Their desire is to do what is right when fighting for their individual cause. Most of these courageous leaders have a common thread. Most of them have a faith in Jesus Christ and attempt to live out that faith. They believe the promises of the Lord that He will never leave or forsake those who love Him. Deuteronomy 31:8 is one such promise, “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Also, Joshua 1:9 reaffirms this promise, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” These promises where given to Joshua. Joshua is certainly an example of a leader who was courageous.
Perhaps my favorite example of courage was Stephen. Beginning in Acts 6 we read about Stephen. Stephen was chosen as a servant by the apostles and they laid their hands on him. He did great wonders and signs and taught the gospel. His courage to speak the truth eventually brings him before the Jewish council. Even though he has been accused of blasphemy because of what he teaches, with great courage he preaches to the council. He compares them to those who persecuted the great prophets in Acts 7:52-53, “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”
The council becomes furious and begins to stone Stephen. Instead of running in fear or even hiding his head with his arms, his courage founded in his faith in Christ was so great, he looks up towards his reward with joy. Acts 7:55-56 says, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” Acts 7:59-60 continues to record this event, “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep”.
Christians might wonder how they can find the kind of courage to be the leaders of today. By simply putting all their faith in Christ and His promises to always be with them, and to be their strength, will give them the courage needed for any situation God allows in their paths. Leaning on scripture like 1 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” Matthew 28:20 Jesus says, “…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
In conclusion, God gives the formula of strength that can equip leaders with courage in Eph 6:10-17, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”