NEO TEAM UPDATE
Little is Much When God Is in It!
I remember often singing the song, “Little is Much When God Is in It” as a child. I heard my parents tell of the first time they heard the song. It was at the 1956 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. God broke in as Verne Mullins sang. People were shouting, waving hankies, crying, running the aisles and reveling in the simple truth of the song:
“Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And he’ll not forget his own.
Little is much when God is in it;
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you’ll go in Jesus’ name.
Amen.”
I think most of us have a tendency to think what we are doing is not that significant and that nobody notices. This song reminds us that God notices and that he is doing more through our faithful obedience than we can imagine. Or as Paul says in I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore my brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, for your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Last week, Pawhuska Pastor Dan McCandless sent me an account of the “story behind the story” told by his Dad. I encourage you to read it (https://urgentink.typepad.com/pails/2024/09/little-is-much-when-god-is-in-it.html ) and listen to the Gaither Vocal Band singing “Little Is Much When God Is in It” in 2012. I hope God will encourage your heart with the simple truth of this song today!
October is “Appreciation Month”
Yes, I know this is usually the month we celebrate Pastor Appreciation. I want us to continue this … but expand it! What if we take the month of October to practice the skill of identifying the good in others, including our pastors, and affirming it? What if we intentionally communicate in some way every day words of blessing and encouragement to another member of the local expression of the body of Christ. Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, what if we would make sure at least one expression of appreciation each week was for the pastor(s)? What if some of the words were done anonymously so they didn’t even know who was sending the words of praise?
Our world is polarized, embattled and embittered. Families are torn apart. People with differing points of view have a hard time talking to, listening to, and understanding each other. Political disagreements are growing and anger is simmering as the media stokes the fire every chance it gets.
A key component of our Cycle of Resurgence is “Mobilizing All Nazarenes in Unity.” Of all the people in the world, the group that should be an example of tenacious unity, even when we see things from different points of view, is the body of Jesus. When the world looks at Christians, it should see people from every tribe, nation, and people group who love each other like family, because that is what we are. The world should see a body of people who are committed to loving each other and walking in unity no matter what cultural battles are raging.
So, I dare you to intentionally communicate in some way everyday words of blessing and encouragement to another member of the local expression of the body of Christ. Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, make sure at least one expression of appreciation each week is for the pastor(s). I believe this will make a difference in the unity in your church! That is why the writers of the New Testament place such an emphasis on us encouraging and building up one another.
PRIME TIME EVENTS COMING UP:
Prime Time Event @ Core Church
Sept 28, 2024,
11am-1pm Luncheon
1pm-3pm Fellowship & Cornhole
Prime Time Branson Trip
Dec 3-5, 2024
NEO School of Ministry Class
“Becoming a Holy People”
Monday Evenings, 6–9pm,
Starting Sept. 30
District Office or Zoom; $200
One of the distinctives of the Church of the Nazarene, is that we are a holiness people. But what does that mean? Is that still something that matters today? How do we help the people we will minister to understand that concept? These are some of the questions we will address in the class. This will be a very intensive class and will run five weeks. We will try to accomplish the work in four weeks but will reserve the last week if necessary. The class starts Sept. 30 and will go until Oct. 21 (or the 28th if needed). I will attach the student guide with my contact information on the syllabus main page. This is a vitally important class with what the churches are facing today. Come prepared to participate and learn. I look forward to seeing you all on Sept. 30. – Bret Metcalfe
Future Classes in English
- Preaching the Story of God, taught by Keith Schubert, beginning Nov 4th.
- Leading the People of God, taught by Austin Troyer, beginning Jan 6th.
- Administering the Local Church/John Wesley’s Theology, beginning Feb 17th.
Contact Pastor Bret Metcalf or Dr. McKellips, if you are interested.
