If the Church had an NFL-Style Draft

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

The NFL Draft is happening in Detroit today. Thousands of football fans have descended upon the city waiting to see what college football player is picked by their favorite professional team. The Chicago Bears with the first pick are predicted to choose a quarterback from the University of Southern California. Following the Bear’s choice, the Washington Commanders will have 10 minutes to make their choice. They will be “on the clock.” The Detroit Lions fans have to wait until the 29th pick to be “on the clock” in the draft (unless they trade up to select a player earlier) to see who will be wearing Honolulu Blue and Silver in the fall. 

Teams have been examining their own shortcomings; evaluating talent; and trying to predict what type of player is needed to achieve their goal of winning the Super Bowl. They are all looking for the next superstar and those hidden gems in the later rounds. Some teams find them. Others don’t (for many, many years the Lions did not choose wisely, but those days are over! That noise you are hearing is all the Lions’ fans roaring their approval of the previous parenthetical sentence). 

All this draft talk got me thinking of who the church might pick if it had opportunity to draft church members. What skills and qualities are needed to be considered a #1 draft pick in the church? If one evaluated a church’s weaknesses would it be determine a better preacher is needed? The fastest soul winner?  A sound Bible student/teacher? A savvy tech team member with a good ear for sound? A pied-piper-like youth worker? The ultimate kitchen volunteer or the best multi-tasking nursery worker?

The church isn’t like a football team. It doesn’t need a superstar in one area. The church needs people willing to serve with little regard for recognition. People who discover their gifts, then use them for the glory of God (not their own glory). The church needs people who love like Jesus more than simply being able to run fast or throw a ball far.

The goal of any church is not being the sole team that wins at the season finale. Instead, the goal is to get as many souls into glory at eternity’s grand finale (Notice the word play: sole vs. souls). Unlike Detroit football fans, our celebration will not be for on-field accomplishment of the Lions, but rather we will glory at the on-earth accomplishment of the Lamb! (Notice the word play: Lions vs. The Lamb). All this to say, the church isn’t looking to draft a few players; it should welcome all people whether they can throw a football or not.

The draft strategy according to that old football coach, the Apostle Paul (Ok, Paul never played football. If he had played in the NFL he undoubtedly would have been on the New Orleans Saints) is this: God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them (2 Corinthians 5:19-20a The Message. Underlining mine). Let’s do that—tell everyone, men and women—what God is up to and be the best representatives of the King of Kings that we can possibly be!

Church, you are “on the clock.”

Be a Carrier Pigeon, not just a Sponge

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Discipleship in many churches means a classroom; a teacher; and a Bible in everyone’s hand. It’s learning the nuances of scripture. Some folks have been in a Sunday School class or a home group for years. Years and years. They have studied scripture inside and out. They know their Bibles. 

But is that discipleship’s end goal? Make Bible scholars? Please note: This isn’t an anti-Bible slant. The Bible is the inspirited word of God. People need to read it, know it, preach it. Still the goal of the church isn’t to make Bible scholars but to make disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples.

The Great Commission does not read:
Therefore go and study the Bible, soak it all in, understand all the theological nuances of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and then TEACH. TEACH, TEACH, and continue to TEACH folks to learn everything I have commanded you. 

As we have emphasized teaching and learning, we have created churches full of sponges. They soak up all the theological truths that they possibly can. They are ready to argue and debate any Biblical topic. They have read 1 Peter 3:15: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. They are ready to give an answer. 

The problem is that these Bible students are rarely asked “to give an answer.” All their friends are fellow believers sitting beside them in the same Bible study. They only hang around Christians. So who are they discipling? Do they know even how to make a disciple? (Reminder: That’s what the Great Commission call us to do).

We need carrier pigeons not just sponges. We need those who will take the message of Jesus far and wide. (Here’s where my metaphor falls apart). Then we need those carrier pigeons (disciple-ers) to make more carrier pigeons (disciple-ers). Those brand new carrier pigeons will likewise take the message out too. It’s creating a culture where the message receiver (discipled) then becomes a message distributer (disciple-er). It’s disciples making disciples making disciples making disciples. 

Of course, we need to know the Bible in order to be a disciple maker. But the goal, the end game, is to make disciples, not simply Bible scholars. Our prayer should be that of Paul’s in Colossians 4: Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Colossians 4:4). We are to be proclaimers of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Sponges just soak up information and stay put. 
Carrier pigeons deliver the news. 
Be a carrier pigeon. 

Is JB Chapman Rolling Over in His Grave?

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

The 2024 Eastern Michigan District Assembly Journal had been distributed. The reports aren’t great. 

30% of churches on the district reported no conversions this year. Zero. 
46% of the churches reported no baptisms. Zippo. 
50% reported no New Nazarenes. Nadda.

If a body had no pulse (no conversions); no blood pressure (no baptisms); and no brain activity (no new Nazarenes), we would conclude that the body is dead or at least dying. 

Hey Lenexa, call hospice. The Church of the Nazarene is in trouble. 
Call the weed control company, the grassroots of the Church of the Nazarene are in the briar patch.
Call the WWE scriptwriters, the Church is on its back, and the referee is about to slap the mat for a third time.

Pick any “We’re-in-trouble” metaphor and that is us.

At least our cemetery has company, the Southern Baptists just reported that 43% of their churches reported no baptisms. You can read it here. Whoopie, we are not alone.

Blame the culture. Blame past church abuse. Blame politics. Blame Covid. Blame whatever you want, the truth of the matter is that churches (no matter the brand) in America are not fulfilling the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:19-20).  We aren’t making disciples (30% no conversions); we aren’t baptizing (46% no baptisms); we aren’t teaching (50% no new Nazarenes). 

So what are we doing? Why do we exist if we aren’t fulfilling what Jesus called us to do? 

In 1946, JB Chapman was disheartened by the state of the Church of the Nazarene and published a little booklet titled, “All out for Souls.” You can read it here.  In it he wrote: 

“Brethren, I was born in the fire, and I cannot endure the smoke. I am a child of the bright daylight, and mists and fogs and depressing gloom are not to my liking. I want to go all out for souls… 
“I want a revival that, like a summer shower, will purify the atmosphere of our churches everywhere, and which will awake the dormant forces of our people young and old. I want something so general and so divine that it will be uncontrollable. I want something that will reemphasize old-time moral and spiritual conditions…
“Something that will make this namby-pamby, soft-handed, compromising, cringing sort of holiness as obsolete as Phariseeism was on the Day of Pentecost.” 

If JB Chapman was saying that in 1946, what would he say if he were looking over the sorry state of many of today’s churches?  Once again we must “go all out for souls!” Once more we need to be revived. If not now, then when?  We can’t look at the reality and be unmoved. We must do something. Anything. It takes going all out for souls once more.  

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. Ezekiel 37:3-5

The Solar Eclipse is God’s Handiwork– and That’s Not All

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Millions and millions of people will be looking up in the sky today (hopefully with protective lenses on). All in an effort to see a total eclipse of the sun. Depending on the location, some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The best watching time for Central Church is 3:14PM. The sun will be 95% covered. The next total solar eclipse from coast-to-coast across the continental U.S. in will occur in 2045. So it makes sense that folks would want to look up and see it. It will be 21 years before another eclipse occurs throughout the USA again. 

But do we really need to wait 21 years before we see the handiwork* of God again? Not even close. We can see the handiwork of God in many areas and we don’t need protective lenses to see it. We are in Eastertide, and we celebrate the fact that Jesus is alive. As such, Jesus is enabling His people to do the work of God Almighty in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s more than talk. It’s happening. Look at all the good, Christ-followers are doing in the world. There are hospitals, orphanages and counselling centers. There are compassionate ministry centers, schools and, of course, churches. Every day ordinary Christians are doing extraordinary things in the name of Jesus Christ. God’s handiwork is all around!

Yes, today we see Creator’s handiwork in the skies, but every day we can see God’s handiwork if we just open our eyes and see it.

*FYI… some social media posts notwithstanding, I do not believe that solar eclipses nor the recent earthquakes in New York are indicators of the second coming of Jesus. His return is not precipitated by events in the United States. These events have been taking place as long as there has been a planet earth. Jesus will return when the perfect time has come. We are one day closer to His coming than yesterday, that is all I know for sure. 

Easter is Over. Now what? (For pastors and other concerned church members)

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Yesterday was the church’s Super Bowl. “He is risen” was proclaimed. The building was full. Everyone was excited. “He is risen, deed” was the shouted response. Today, the church is quiet. It sits empty. The Easter lilies are wilting. There are a few unfound plastic colored eggs in the courtyard. Some unread bulletins are in the pews and scattered about.

Now what?

Rest today if need be, then get to work. Preparing Holy Week services was not the “hard part.” The hard part is getting visitors and the occasional attender to return. That’s the goal. Priority #1. 

Contact any new guests that left their information. If they left a phone number, text them. If they left an email address, send a message. If they left a home address, send a personal note (not a form letter). If all they left was a name, Facebook stalk them and send them a private message. If they have children, have a children’s worker invite the child to an upcoming children’s event. Same goes, if there was a teenager present. If they left nothing at all, no name, no address, nothing– remember their face and pray for them. Let God do the rest. 

Keep the message short. Thank them for coming and invite them back. Simple. If you personally talked to them, refer back to that conversation. If they came with a family member or friend, mention how glad you were that person invited them to the service. Make any connection that you can. Pray they return.

Remember their names. Write them down or put it in your notes section on your phone. Pray for them daily. Be on the lookout. If they return this week or next, greet them by name. Ask about their family. Thank them for returning. Again, let the Holy Spirit do the rest. 

Your church need not be modern, cool, exceptional or in away similar to a megachurch. The music doesn’t have to be loud. There need not be special lighting and smoke. The sermon doesn’t have to be better than Billy Graham’s. You church may have none of those things. Let it be warm, inviting, caring, welcoming, interested in others, hospitable, biblical, missional, loving, and kind– that is Christ-like—and people will return. People still are looking for a place where they can encounter Jesus, feel a sense of belonging and be loved. Let that be your church. 

Easter is over. Let the work of the Kingdom begin!

Is the Church of the Nazarene the next Blockbuster?

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

Blockbuster and mom and pop video stores, once in every town, are now gone. Seeming overnight our viewing habits changed and today the buildings have been repurposed or sitting empty. Blockbuster couldn’t compete with new technologies and quickly became obsolete.

What does this have to do with the Church of the Nazarene? You can probably guess. Is your church like Blockbuster? Some are predicting that in the next twenty years, 100,000 churches in America will close their doors. How many of that 100,000 will be Nazarene churches? (You can read about the church emptying phenomenon here).

Unlike Blockbuster, not all the churches will close. There will still be a lot of churches in twenty years. The questions for the Church of the Nazarene are: 

  • What will the USA Church of the Nazarene look like if 25% of the churches close?  
  • What will happen to the global church which relies on the USA churches’ investment in the World Evangelism Fund (95% of WEF comes from USA/Canada)? 
  • How might the Church of the Nazarene repurpose buildings or utilize the funds from closed churches? 
  • More personal, will your church be one of those that closes its doors forever?

It’s an easy math equation. Look at everyone in your congregation, add twenty years to the ages of the folks sitting in the pews and if nothing changes you can draw your conclusion. 

“If nothing changes… “ What needs to change? Clearly, the Church of the Nazarene needs young people coming through the doors. What will it take to get younger people? These ingredients:

1)  Young people like Jesus. Preach Jesus.
2) Young people don’t need flashy. They need authentic. Young people can spot a phony a mile away. Be real. 
3)  Young people need to know you love them. Love without exception.
4) Young People need ownership. Don’t be afraid to give young people key roles and leadership. Listen to them. Help them. Teach them.
5) Young People aren’t perfect (neither are you). Don’t expect perfection. Leave room for errors, mistakes and outright failure. Keep trying. Don’t stop trying. 
6) Young People want their communities to flourish. Be the best neighbor.

I recently heard of a young alcoholic who had a Nazarene upbringing and went to a Nazarene college, then walked away from faith. Finally the prodigal made the good, hard decision to enter rehab. The Christian employers responded by telling this struggling addict not to worry about a job. It would be there after rehab. There were bigger matters at hand. “Get better” was the message from the owners (Way to go!). Blown away, the on-the-way-back-to-faith addict was grateful for their love and response. Their reaction spoke more volumes than a thousand sermons. The business owners were acting like Jesus. That’s our hope in a nut shell.

Have a church full of people who love, sacrifice, and are committed to Jesus – and one need not worry about shuttering the doors. The life-changing message of Jesus is still compelling!

Miracle Needed: The Resurrection of the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada 

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

The Resurrection of Jesus is the single most remarkable event in human history. We celebrate this remarkable Day in a little more than a week. The beating and humiliation of Jesus following an unjust system of justice has been done to others in the dark annals of human history. The same can be said about the crucifixion. While inhumane and horrific, others have endured similar deaths. But no one returned to life three days later. No one. It is the rock on which our faith rests. The miracle of all miracles.  

This is meant in no way to lower the importance or the power of the Resurrection of Jesus, but the church of Jesus Christ (or more specific to my situation, the Church of the Nazarene) in the United States needs a resurrection too. The church isn’t dead. So maybe it is too early to be calling for a resurrection. But the church is in trouble. In many corners it is on life support. We need another miracle of miracles. 

Experts are predicting the closing of 100,000 churches in the United States over the next 20 years. That number is approximately 25% of the churches in America. It is already is happening in the Church of the Nazarene. Less than 10 years ago there were 5247 Nazarene churches in USA/Canada. This past year the reported number of churches was 4417. What will there be in 10 years? 3,000? 2500? 

The questions can be asked: Are North American Christians too soft? Are we too busy? Are we too political? Are we too rich? Are we too divided? Have we traded our first love? Have we forgotten the hurting, the broken, and the “least of these”? Are we no longer embodying the holiness we profess? Are we mere shadows of the saints of past generations who sacrificed for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is our culture so strong and our faith so weak that we can’t overcome? 

I cannot fully answer those questions. I have my suspicions. I don’t like some of my conclusions. What I do know is this: We need a miracle. We need the Spirit of God to sweep in. It’s time to beg, plead, confess, and cry out like prophets of old. If not now, when? We need to be resurrected. The Psalmist question and plea should be ours:  Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:6-7

Start it in me, O Lord. Start it in me.

If your Religion (Preaching) is Dry as Dust, Don’t Be Surprised if People Blow You Off

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

“Only a dry as dust religion prompts a minister to extol the glories of heaven while ignoring the social conditions that cause people an earthly hell” – Martin Luther King Jr. 

Martin Luther King Jr. said nothing more profound and critical of the church/pastors than the above quote. In hindsight, one could have applied his words to the church leaders in Nazi Germany as Hitler was coming into power. They were applied to silent preachers in America during the Jim Crow era. They are applicable in today’s global crisis locations of Haiti, Ukraine and Gaza. They are even pertinent in our all-too-often posture toward those struggling with identity and mental health issues or gun violence or abortion on demand and the reasons women think this is their only option or poverty or the drug epidemic or the many other social ills in the United States today. The result of the deafening silence is a dry as dust religion.

I love thinking about heaven. I am planning on being there one day. But it’s probably not going to be today. Conversely, what is happening today is a world where many are living in hellish conditions. When I think, “What would Jesus do about this?” I am not always sure what He would do. It’s complicated. But I’m pretty sure He would not be silent.

Luke’s account of when the religious leaders complained to the disciples about Jesus in Luke 5, seems eerily similar to the religious side-stepping, wind-bagging and blind-eyeing of today’s problems: 

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

Notice the religions leaders question was directed to the disciples, but it was Jesus who answered them. He wasn’t silent. In effect He was saying, “I’m the doctor. I’m the cure. Where would you expect me to be?”

Where are the sick today? They are in Haiti, in Ukraine, in Gaza and in so many underreported areas that we never hear about. Where would we expect the Great Physician to be?

So go ahead dry as dust preachers, keep talking about heaven. You might get there one day, but in the meantime, start praying like Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I’m pretty sure that means praying and working for a place without violence (Isaiah writes, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” Isaiah 2:4), without hunger (heaven is described as a banquet), and no poverty (the streets are made of gold, right?). “On earth as it is in Heaven.” Preach that. Work for that. (Full Disclosure Alert: It’s not “either/or” proposition– either talk about heaven or work for heaven on earth. You can and probably will do both). 

Still one reason (there are many reasons) why the “nones” are out pacing Christians in USA/Canada census numbers is the perception that the church has been “dry as dust” promising heaven yet offering little help to our dying world. If your religion is dry as dust, don’t be surprised when people blow you off.

We’ve got to change the narrative. Flip the story. Go back to being the hands and feet of Jesus. Less positioning for power. More Jesus. Less Politics. More Jesus. Less name calling. More Jesus. Less head-in-the-sand. More open-eyed-reality-check. Less side-stepping, wind-bagging and blind-eyeing of today’s problems. More, more, more Jesus. Less talk of going up to heaven. More praying for heaven to come down to earth. 

Why Nazarenes should be in Prayer for Haiti

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

As you may have seen in the news, the nation of Haiti is in utter turmoil. The Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has agreed to step down and gangs rule much of its capital of Port-au-Prince.  These gangs have attacked the main prison to help thousands of inmates escape. The head of the UN’s World Food Program in Haiti, Jean-Martin Bauer, said on Monday that more than 360,000 people had now been displaced. The situation is dire. You can read a recent description here.

You may also recall, Haiti has endured numerous difficulties in the last 20 years. The country underwent a 2004 coup d’état, a catastrophic earthquake in 2010 killed over 250,000 people, and their last prime minister was assassinated 2021. The murders have not been apprehended. Haiti suffers from a shortage of skilled labor, widespread unemployment, and underemployment. Most Haitians in the labor force have informal jobs. Three-quarters of the population lives on US$2 or less per day. Haiti in the most populous Caribbean country, but also the poorest. There is widespread hunger.

Besides the obvious humanitarian crisis and suffering, why should Nazarenes be extra concerned and more diligent in our prayers?  Simple– Haiti has more Nazarene’s per capita than any other nation on earth. There are more Nazarene churches and higher church membership in Haiti than any one of the USA regions.* The nation is the size of Maryland and has 755 churches (Maryland has 64). In fact, Haiti has more Nazarene churches than the COMBINED total of one third of the 165 countries that the Church of the Nazarene is registered in including Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand.**

Haiti’s difficulties are vast and complex. There is not an easy remedy. A recent article in Ministry Watch outlines the evangelical response here. Good hearted, Christian short-term missions  from the USA may have hurt more than helped and new strategies should be examined and employed.***  Still Haiti is half the distance from Key West (720 miles) as is New York City (1434 miles). It’s on the USA/Canada doorstep. Nazarenes in USA/Canada cannot imagine the suffering our Nazarene brothers and sisters are enduring. 

Help begins with vision and prayer. Familiarize yourself with the issues in Haiti and pray informatively on how Nazarenes from around the globe might offer a creative and godly response to the suffering. Pray for the Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Pierre Antoine and  Emmanise Jacques and the 12 districts in Haiti. Pray for the 755 churches and the Haiti Nazarene Theological Seminary. But especially pray for the 147,182 members and fellowship Nazarene members (and all the attendees who are not members)—our brothers and sisters who are in grave danger, fighting malnutrition with a very uncertain future.  

Haitian Nazarenes are in trouble. They need us. They need our prayer. Take time when you gather to lift up our brother and sisters and consider an offering through NCM as they strategize the best steps forward.  

*Haiti has 755 churches. The closest USA region in the Southeast region (TNU) with 724. The Southeast region also has the most members and fellowship members of any USA region, but that TNU region is still over 50,000 members/fellowship members behind Haiti. 

**Haiti has 755 churches. The combined total of churches in the following 56 countries that the Church of the Nazarene is registered in is 752. Canada (145), Great Britain (69), Australia (31), New Zealand (29), Solomon and Principle (5), Equatorial Guinea (7), Burundi (16); South Sudan (19); Botswana (11); Sierra Leone (8); Senegal (3); Hong Kong (3); Mongolia (7); Taiwan (43); Solomon Islands (14); Vanuatu (5); Micronesia (6); Singapore (1); Timor-Leste (1); Fiji (21); Samoa (17); Cambodia (21); Thailand (31); Albania (6); Bulgaria (5) Croatia (1); Hungry (3); North Macedonia (0); Romania (3); Scandinavia (4); Egypt (0); Holy Land (4); Jordan (12); Lebanon (4); Syria (5); Armenia (4); Kazakhstan (8); Russia (15); Ukraine (12); Germany (10); Ireland (1); Luxemburg (0); Netherlands (12); Switzerland (1); France (9); Italy (6); Madeira Islands (0); Portugal (20); Spain (9); Bahamas (15); Curacao (0); Dominica (7); French Antilles and French Guiana (17); Virgin Islands (15); Suriname (7); Winward Islands (16)

***Flint Central Church has tried to avoid these issues by partnering with Panama with a wholistic approach in providing medical care/vision/spiritual care on two thirds of the yearly mission trips. Working with both NCM Panama and missional leaders, Central Church is currently building a medical clinic which will be managed and run by Panamanians. Plans are in the works for Panamanians to likewise come to Michigan for a mission trip experience in Flint. This approach is designed to avoid a “Voluntourism” mindset and truly a missional/partnership venture.  

“God, let us see things as they really are”

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

What should be our prayer throughout the rest of this tumultuous election year? Not including John the Revelator’s final, ultimate prayer that all believers should be praying– “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20); or the prayer that sounds like it’s coming from a Miss Universe contestant, “My prayer is for world peace;” what should be our prayer?

If a survey were taken on the most dominant prayer requests from a typical church prayer meeting, physical wellbeing would undoubtedly head the list. Certainly Jesus did and can heal. I’ve written two books concerning health issues (Shameless Plug: Chronic Pain: Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering and Got Cancer? There’s Help). God heals, but He doesn’t always. My ultimate prayer is not for my physical healing (although that would be nice too), but it does involve vision. Here’s my prayer for me and you this year:

“God, let us see things as they really are”

I want to be able to say like the former blind guy in John 9: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25). I want the eyes of the Savior. I want to see others as Jesus sees them. I want to see the world as the Almighty does. Sometimes I’m blind and, my guess is that, sometimes you are too.

Too often our vision is clouded by the version of the news we prefer.
God, let me see things as they really are!
Our vision is informed more by politics than Jesus.
God, let me see things as they really are!
Our vision is colored by our surroundings.
God, let me see things as they really are!
Our vision can be tainted by our own life experiences.
God, let me see things as they really are!
There are so many things that skew our reality.
God, let me see things as they really are!

Admittedly, I don’t know all there is to know– in the world, in my family or in the church I serve. I have blind spots. So do you. These blogs and my social media timeline convinced me that we don’t all see things the same way. Most of my social media friends and blog readers (not all) claim to be Christian. Most everyone believes their positions are supported biblically. But these nice, Bible-believing Christians (and sometimes not-so-nice) come to different conclusions– vastly different conclusions. We don’t see things the same way. “God, let us see things as they really are!”

If we could see things as they really are, then we could begin to collaborate to fulfill Jesus prayer for God Almighty’s  “kingdom come, will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Change begins with seeing. Here’s the formula: 1) See clearly; 2) define reality; then 3) pray for guidance, solutions, and the courage required to accomplish His will. It’s having His eyes, His heart, His strength, and His motivation. All of this begins with a simple prayer: God, let us see things as they really are!

When I was in Gaza

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

How much should the church say in response to complicated world issues? When should the church speak and when should the church be silent? James wrote, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Jesus didn’t speak out against Roman aggression and violence. He wasn’t holding protest rallies at Herod’s Palace following the beheading of John the Baptist. When and how much should the church speak into the matters in our world. This is especially complicated in a global denomination like the Church of the Nazarene. The world is complicated.

Nazarenes leaders and publications formerly took a stand in USA national politics. The October 26, 1960 issue of the Herald of Holiness had several articles (including those written from notable Nazarenes such as General Superintendent Hugh Benner, WT Purkiser, Kenneth Grider and C. William Fisher) written about being Protestant and not voting for a Roman Catholic. The articles were clearly siding with Richard Nixon in the 1960 US election. No one would want Bonnie Perry and the Holiness Today leadership involving themselves in the upcoming USA presidential election in such a manner. We want them to stay out of politics. Still there are times to speak out regarding world events. 

Desmond Tutu, a South African Anglican bishop, said, “If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” In other words, there are circumstances that demand a call to action. There are times when one can no longer be silent. 

The atrocities in Gaza are such a time. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers last Thursday that Israel had killed more than 25,000 Palestinian women and children since October. When does one say enough is enough?  How much killing is enough? How many innocent people need to die before we say we can no longer support such actions. The October atrocities of Hamas (1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals—including 764 civilians– killed and 248 persons taken hostage) are horrific and have been rightly condemned. Hamas is an evil, terrorist organization and the release of the remaining hostages should be demanded. Other Arab and predominantly Muslim nations should join in demanding release of the hostages. Even so, the church must add its voice and call for immediate humanitarian action in Gaza. The Church of the Nazarene Manual has statements regarding the value of children and youth (Paragraph 921) and coincidently the next paragraph (922) is a statement regarding war and military service and a plea for peace. The Manual demands it’s members protect children and to call for an end to the of violence. It demands us saying, “Enough is enough.” 

Will the 2023/2024 church be standing before the throne of God one day saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-39). 

To which He will reply, “When I was in Gaza.” 

One Statistic to Drop from the Nazarene Annual Pastor’s Report (APR) and Five Stats to Add

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

It’s the Nazarene Pastor’s Annual Report (APR) time and the all Nazarene pastors around the world shouted a collective “UGHHHHHH!!” As much as pastors don’t look forward to filling out the form (think of it as an ecclesiastical version of the IRS 1040 Form), the APR is an important tool for the denomination. It provides all the statistics of churches, pastors, attendance and offerings. It’s a pained necessity.

But the APR is not perfect. There are some things counted that makes one think the leaders-that-be are still in 1974. For example, why count Caravan* numbers (if you are asking, “what’s Caravan?” You’ve proven my point. For the uninformed according to the Foundry website, Caravan is a scouting—or kids’ club—type of program for children in first through sixth grade… Caravan uses an active, hands-on learning approach to help children grow physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually. Caravan focuses on teaching everyday skills with a distinctly Christian focus). Of the 4417 churches in USA/Canada in 2023 only 196 reported having a Caravan program. Canada only had 3 of their 145 churches report a Caravan program. If over 95% of churches (98% in Canada) aren’t running a program– is it worth reporting? (Note: Haiti and Papua New Guinee love Caravan; they account for 1/3 of the Caravan enrollees).   

If the numbers are meant to show church health, the Caravan program fails to meet this standard. Aren’t there better things that should be tallied? Of course, here are a few more relevant indicators of church health that should be counted:

  1. Children’s Bible Quiz. These numbers are not reported but the church thinks highly of this program as evidenced by the “World Quiz” at General Assembly. As far as I know, there is not a quadrennial “Caravan round up” or an alumni gathering of Phineas F. Bresee Award winners.
  2. Teen Bible Quiz. While I assume that there are more children quizzers than teens (I know there are more at the church I pastor), still teen Bible quizzing seems like a legitimate statistic to track. Again, there is world quiz meets at GA or NYC gatherings. Teen quizzing can be an important discipleship tool.
  3. Youth involvement in church ministries. Getting youth involved in the ministries of the church creates ownership in the church. For there to be a “church of tomorrow,” youth must be involved today. Tracking youth involvement is a key indicator of a healthy intergenerational church both of today and tomorrow.
  4. Number of volunteers working in ministries within the church building. Like the previous indicator, this number would track (at least somewhat), the “buy-in” of church folks into the programming of the local church. This year-to-year assessment could show if the ministries of the church are growing or producing more disciples and leaders.
  5. Volunteer Hours of the church membership outside of the church walls. This number would indicate both missionally and evangelistically how involved or not involved the church is in the community. Seems like an important number to track.   *Tracking hours could be difficult but following this number year-to-year would help evaluate the strength of the missional aspect of the church. If tracking hours seems too difficult, counting participants could also be done.

There are probably other indicators that could be counted to help determine the health of church. Counting these five areas is a start. 

*Written with apologies to heavenly Rev. Milton Bunker, one of the creators of Caravan and former member of the Flint Central Church of the Nazarene. It’s my contention, Caravan, at one time, was an important discipleship tool for children, but has run its course. 

Declining Nazarene Church Attendance is not simply a USA Problem

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Declining Church of the Nazarene Worship attendance is not just a USA (and Western Europe) reality. I thought it was (Canada churches saw a modest gain last year). When examining the worship attendance numbers from the six regions for the Church of the Nazarene, only the Africa region has shown an increase over the totals posted pre-covid. 

Here are the numbers:

Region                         2023 Attendance        2020 Attendance         Incline/Decline %
Africa                                387,730                       367,490                            +5.5%
Asia-Pacific                        64,814                        99,064                           -34.6%
Eurasia                               117,065                       214,622                            -45.4%
MesoAmerica                   214,316                       250,459                            -14.4%
South America                 163,274                       196,456                             -16.9%
USA/Canada                     329,900                      423,529                             -22.1%

At the release of the 2023 statistics, the General Secretary’s office touted the positive numbers: increases in membership; new Nazarene’s and profession of faith numbers. I would probably try to find a silver lining too. The reality is that the numbers are bad. Really bad. On-line attendance numbers were counted in the 2023 records (in prior years these numbers were not tallied), makes the hit seem less severe. (Full confession: The church I pastor has a healthy group of people who join on-line each week that cannot attend in person for one reason or another). Still, the in-person attendance free fall across the globe is staggering and should be the cause of major concern.

My assumption that the major decline was only a USA/Canada (and maybe Western Europe) thing, probably reveals a North American bias in me. The report shows that USA/Canada and Western Europe are not the only tough mission fields. These days everywhere seems tough. Asia/Pacific and Eurasia are apparently in worse shape than USA/Canada. 

Each region has its own unique challenges. There are wars in Eurasia. Asia/Pacific has had natural disasters. South America is dealing with failing economies. MesoAmerica has had violence and disruption. USA/Canada is fractured by politics and a shifting cultural. As such there isn’t a cookie cutter, one-answer-fits-all solution for a global church.

What can be done to overcome the global institutional decline in the Church of the Nazarene? Is there any recovery to pre-covid numbers? Do the numbers only reflect the negative impact of the pandemic or is it a Nazarene problem? Is the problem with the Nazarene message, methods, structure or something else? The most important question: Are the people gone forever?

A portion of the answer for a declining global church is a renewed call to prayer and disciple making. No matter where one is in the world, all Nazarenes should be praying and making disciples. Getting back to its roots of serving the most needy of society, but, not simply serving, also pointing the lost and needy to Jesus. It’s serving with a purpose of sharing Jesus. New converts are then trained in the ways of Jesus. The need for today, no matter where one is in the world, is the same as when P.F. Bressee hung the “Church of the Nazarene” sign above the Glory Barn. The way of “holiness unto the Lord” compels the church to “make Christlike disciples in the nations.” 

The declining attendance numbers across the globe need not be the last story, but should be a reality that vaults the church into action. It’s a wakeup call. There is work to do in the world. A lot of work to do. People still need Jesus. Will the church rise to the challenge or continue to slide into obscurity?

Jesus Demands We Give Up a Whole Lot More for Lent than Coffee or Chocolate

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Christians around the world begin observing the season of Lent today. It’s Ash Wednesday. Many people in observance of this season will fast from something dear to them. You’ve heard folks say, “I’m giving up ______ for Lent.” The fill in the blank answer can be anything from coffee to alcohol to chocolate to TV to social media to you-name-it. 

Of course, Jesus didn’t speak about the season of Lent. “Lent” isn’t mentioned in the Bible. Jesus never said, “Hey in the 40 days leading up to my death and resurrection, do this?” He never told us to give up chocolate or coffee. What he told us to give up was much, much more.

In discussing the cost of being a disciple in Luke 14, Jesus said these words:  those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33. Underlining mine). “Everything” is a little bit bigger ask than giving up donuts or coffee. “Everything” is, well, everything. Clearly, Jesus hasn’t asked us to leave everything like he instructed the rich young ruler… or has he? Our attempts to distance ourselves from the rich young ruler seems to justify our exemption from Jesus’ leave-everything-and-follow-me instruction. We say we are nothing like the Rich Young Ruler (Truth Alert: By world’s standards nearly all Americans are rich). Our excuse making leads us to thinking we don’t need to leave everything, in fact, we don’t need to leave anything to follow Jesus.

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus doesn’t promote an easy way. His demands are hard. He said,“small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13)?  We like to think that the road to life is wide and most everyone is on it… ummm… maybe not. Jesus also said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23). We like to think if we are doing the big and mighty (read: prophesying, chasing demons and miracles or in our context– preaching, putting the Enemy to shame in big ways or leading miraculous ministries), then clearly we are doing God’s will…. ummm… maybe not. We like to think if we say the magic words (Read: Lord, Lord) then we are “in”… ummm…maybe not. The black-and-white demands of Jesus should make all would-be followers take notice.

What if we were to take Jesus literally. What if Jesus meant what he said? What if (not just for Lent but for all times) we give up everything. We take up a cross and follow him (Jesus said to do that too). We give up our rights. We give up having things our way. We give up our importance. We give up our demands. We give up our position. 

The way of the cross is the road of humility. It’s the road of peace-making. It’s the road of gentleness, kindness, patience, faithfulness and self-control. It’s the road that refuses to gossip, grumble and backbite (social media included). It’s the high road. The Jesus road. The narrow road.  

What if this season of Lent (and always) we acknowledge that Jesus calls us to give up everything—that’s a whole lot more than chocolate or coffee for 40 days.

Have American Christians Chosen Easy over Faithful?

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

It’s easier to put forth a mission statement to “Make Christ-like Disciples in the nations” than it is to make a Christ-like disciple in one’s hometown.

It’s easier to blame the plethora of factors that have contributed to the decline in the church than it is to except responsibility for one’s own lack of effort or involvement in disciple making. 

It’s easier to say, “All of Scripture is God-breathed” than it is to follow one verse such as, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34).

It’s easier to think “Love your enemies” only applies to a superficial, ambiguous “enemy” in the great big world and not to one’s rival at work or school or church.

It’s easier to show a poster on social media stating that a denomination, like Jesus, stands with the outcast, than it is to engage the messy, complicated, long-hours-of-conversation with a trouble person struggling with identity, belonging, faith and life.

It’s easier to read “Love your neighbor” than it is to know the names of those people who live in one’s neighborhood. 

It’s easier to eat at Ruth’s Chris Steak House than it is to feed the hungry.

It’s easier to drink Fiji Natural Artesian Water ($3+ per bottle) than it is to build a well in Africa for those without access to clean drinking water.

It’s easier to live behind double locked doors, than to invite the stranger in.

It’s easier to buy another item for an overstuffed closet than it is to clothe the naked.

It’s easier to talk about being tough on crime, than it is to visit a prisoner.

It’s easier to place the elderly and infirmed into a facility and quickly ignore them, then it is to visit and care for them. 

It’s easier to rationalize Jesus warning in Matthew 25 than to heed His words: For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’(Matthew 25:42-43). 

It’s easy to choose the wide, crowded road than the narrow, lonely path.

It’s easier. Not better. Not faithful. Just easier.  

(FYI…it doesn’t end well for “easy.” See Matthew 7:13-14)

The USA Church of the Nazarene Attendance Decline is NOT the Result of Culture, Politics or Leadership, It’s Something Much More Personal

On By Rob Prince25 Comments

The 2023 Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada worship attendance statistics have been posted and as expected the numbers are not good. You can read all the stats here. All seven regions in the USA experienced decline. Of the 73 districts in the USA only nine experienced growth. Four of the five districts in Canada experienced modest gains (Canada Pacific District reported the same numbers as last year). The total decline for the USA church was 22,220. Maybe more telling of the dire circumstance is that there were only 23 new churches started in the entire USA. Only the South Central Region (SNU) had more churches at the end of the year than the beginning, These numbers are troubling. They are the current reality for the USA church.. 

How did we get here? The three most quoted theories:

  1. A shifting cultural landscape. The USA  is a different place than it was in 1964 (as Dr. Busic’s recent sermon has reminded us). It’s true. A lack of confidence in the church and traditional understanding of scripture regarding issues like LBGTQ+ issues are changing. But this doesn’t explain why other churches (See: Assembly of God) have not experienced the steep decline that the Church of the Nazarene has endured (see AG stats here). Others seemly have navigated the shifting culture waters without watering down their message.
  • The over politicization of the church has turned off many people. Too often the church has hitched it’s wagon to political parties. In a country, nearly evenly divided politically, any church identifying closely with one party is going to put off the other half of the populace. Only the Mormon church voted more Republican than the Church of the Nazarene in the 2020 election. But politics alone can’t account for the steep decline. 
  • John Maxwell famously stated that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” Is our problem with our leaders?  At the general level? The district level? As in all levels of management, some individuals are more competent than others, but to state that the church’s problems are based totally on leadership seems to be an easy cop-out-like answer. Our general church leaders are more than capable. No doubt, there are district superintendents that would be better suited in other roles, but not all of them. In fact, some DS’s that by my evaluation (probably skewed) are the most capable have also experienced the biggest declines. Maybe Maxwell was wrong.

The answer to the free-falling USA attendance, especially the dramatic post pandemic decline, lies in looking deeper into the mirror. The Church of the Nazarene’s stated mission is to “make Christ-like disciples in the nations.” That’s the goal, but we haven’t done it. We haven’t made Christ-like disciples. Or more personally stated, you and I haven’t made enough Christ-like disciples. Can you name a person you helped to make into a Christ-like disciple?

Would the attendance decline be lessened if we had made more and better disciples?  It makes sense that it would. Christ-like disciples attend worship when able. Christ-like disciples serve. Christ-like disciples invite their friends to also participate in worship and service. Christ-like disciples are generous. Christ-like disciples are the backbone of the church. Christ-like disciples weather a shifting culture, political biases, leadership issues, pandemics and everything else. 

The Church of the Nazarene’s failure to make Christ-like disciples on a consistent basis for the last decade or two has resulted in our attendance slide. We need to get back to not simply making declarative statements about Christ-like disciple making but actually make Christ-like disciples.

Dr. Jerry Porter was right. He preached a sermon I heard so many times, I could have preached it. He asked two simple questions relevant to our demise: Who is discipling you? Who are you discipling? The USA Church of the Nazarene attendance decline is NOT the result of culture, politics or leadership, it’s something much more personal. We (you and I) have not been making Christ-like disciples. The Solution to our demise is simple: Let’s personally live into our mission statement. You and I making Christ-like disciples. 

How much is too little (in pastoral compensation)?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Last week, I wrote on the extreme high salaries in Christian ministries and colleges. The question was “how much is too much?” Maybe the more accurate question for the majority of those in ministry is: “how little is too little?”

The majority of churches in this country are under 100 people. The average church seats 200 people, the average attendance is 60 people and dropping. There are plenty of discouraging numbers regarding the de-churching of America. You can read about it here.  With each former tither walking out the door, the question looms: How can a minister survive with declining attendance and declining offering totals?  The hard reality is: she/he cannot. 

It used to be at an interview for a prospective minister: “Does your spouse play the piano?” Now the question is: “Does your spouse have a job that can support your family and provide health insurance too?”

There aren’t many good answers to the dilemma of a church unable to pay a livable wage. Here are the choices:

  1. Second Career Pastors.
  2. Muti-point charge. (pastoring multiple churches)
  3. Bi-vocational pastor
  4. Pastor with spousal financial support
  5. Close the church doors.

(Let me also add, if a church cannot afford a livable wage for a pastoral staff member, DO NOT call one to the church. It is the duty of the church to provide a livable wage to the full time pastoral team).

There are problems with all of the above options. The possible problem with a second career pastor is: does this group have adequate theological/pastoral training? Pastoring multiple churches is getting past the mindset that a single pastor is always at a particular church’s beck-and-call. The problem with bi-vocational pastorate is the minister has only 24 hours in a day to juggle family/church/job. Most generally something suffers in such an arrangement. Not all ministers have spouses and not all of the pastoral spouses have the ability or desire to provide the financial support for their family. It’s obvious, closing the doors is not favorable outcome. 

Each church/pastor will need to decide what is the best option for their circumstance. These criteria should be considered:

  1. A full time pastor deserves a full time salary and benefits in line with what school teachers or social workers in the area are compensated. 
  2. If the financial situation of the church cannot afford a full time pastor, then the church body must understand their reality that a full time pastor is not an option. Either their pastor will be bi-vocational; or two (or three) churches must join together for a muti-point charge and the pastor will be like the old Methodist circuit riders (only with better transportation and technology). The church must be flexible in other words — in meeting times and in their expectation of their heart divided pastor in a multi-charge or bi-vocational situation .
  3. It’s a choice between closing the doors or having a pastor that is not always available.
  4. It is difficult (not impossible) to grow when the pastor is divided either between multiple churches and/or secular employment. Don’t expect your pastor to be the next Billy Graham or Apostle Paul.

How much is too little? In my first assignment, we were paid below the poverty line. We were young and didn’t really realize how poor we were. We were eligible for food stamps and free baby items through social services. We chose to accept neither and trusted that the Lord would take care of us. He did, but ours may have been the exception. It was a different time, back then. I’m not sure we could survive now in such an environment.

If too little is given to compensate a pastor, an unintended outcome of bitterness developing within the pastor or more likely the pastor’s family is real. The cost of pastor’s desire to reach the world in the midst difficult financial circumstances may be his/her family. If this unhealthy attitude develops, then the question of “How little is too little?” is a game changer. Moreover, if too little is given, the pastor will also more than likely have too little on which to retire (although I am very thankful for the Nazarene Pensions and Benevolence matching contribution change in 2024. You can read my article here). Again, the inability for adequate retirement planning is not a good desired outcome for the pastor.

Churches need to assess their current reality and not continue to expect a pastor to survive on too little. The cost of such expectation toward the pastor and his family is too high. 

How Much Salary is Too Much for Pastors, Christian College Personnel and Ministry Leaders?

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

Ministry Watch published a list of the highest paid ministry leaders. You can read the list here.  The highest paid was David Cerullo at a cool $4,520,383. (His wife was #92 placing an additional $409,919 into the family’s bank account). There’s money in owning an “inspirational network.” JoAnn Lindsey, of the Hal Lindsey Ministries, was #15 on the list at $750,000, and Hal Lindsey also made the list coming in at #62 receiving $470,000. There’s money in the end times too. Others on the list were Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse (#11); Sandiago Mellado of Compassion International (#58) and Hal Donaldson of Convoy of Hope (#63). I don’t want to write this, but apparently there is money in disasters and poor people. Ugh.

The synoptic gospels all record Jesus as saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). They also recorded Jesus as saying, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). In other words, for those on the list, it will be difficult, not impossible to enter the kingdom of God. Moreover, Paul gives Timothy instructions for those that are rich. He doesn’t condemn the rich. He warns them of the dangers (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10) and encourages them to be generous (See 1 Timothy 6:17-19). 

The list shouldn’t call the rest of us to be envious or filled with greed, but should make us pause and ask, “How much is too much?” Is Jesus example, whose sole possession of a robe at the time of his death, the goal? Jesus doesn’t appear to ask everyone to sell everything and give it to the poor like he did the rich young ruler. He doesn’t ask us all to leave everything and follow him, like he did the disciples. Is it appropriate for “Christian” ministries to have large salaries on their payroll? Is yours and my salary appropriate in light of the world’s poverty and need?

As far as I can tell, there are no Nazarenes on the list. Our General Superintendents aren’t getting rich in their positions. Although the same organization, Ministry Watch, also published a list of the 100 Highest-Paid Christian College And University Executives. You can read the article here. It’s no surprise, in our convoluted, sport-crazed society that a basketball coach heads the college highest paid list (Scott Drew at Baylor University earns over five million a year). The football coach at Liberty is second. According to the article, the only Nazarene to make that list is Bob Brower, president of Point Loma Nazarene University (#74 at $439,386).

Leaving aside the outrageous salaries of coaches (the tight end coach at Liberty is #78 on the list making $428,535. Seriously, a tight end coach?), how much is too much to pay Christian ministry or college executives. In my opinion, college president is the most difficult job in the our denomination. Too many people (faculty, students, parents, denominational leaders, boards of trustees, accrediting institutions, the government, pastors on the region, etc.) think they can tell the president what he/she should be doing. Being a Christian educator, especially in California with its rules, regulations and Title IX understanding, is tough. Being the president of PLNU is tough these days with the pastoral transition hullabaloo at San Diego First Church. Is it $439,386 tough? Maybe. I wouldn’t want Dr. Brower’s job for any amount of money.

My intent is not to throw stones, but to ask questions. We are in the process of setting the budget for the church where I pastor. We wrestle with what are appropriate salaries for our pastors and workers too. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is different from the cost of living in San Diego. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is also different from the cost of living in Somalia. People in the third world, might rightfully state that all of our USA salaries are shamefully high. How much is too much for a ministry leader, pastor or college president to make? 

Christian institutions (the church included) should be good stewards with the resources with which we’ve been entrusted. In all things, we need to seek the Lord’s guidance. The way we  spend our money is important. Are we generous? Can we do more for the poor? Are we blessing our communities? How much is too much? 

Before we pass judgement, we should look in the mirror.  

Election Year Preaching: Keep Jesus In, Politics Out

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

The nation is on the cusp of what could be the most contentious USA political season in modern memory. My approach to election year sermonizing is simple. Keep Jesus in, politics out. 

I don’t endorse a candidate from the pulpit. I don’t allow candidates to come “share their testimony” while up for re-election (I’m not opposed to Jesus-following politicians sharing their testimony, just not from the platform during their election). Side note: in 2016 a prominent presidential political figure wanted to “share his testimony” at Central church, I said, “Thanks but no thanks. We’d love to have you share your testimony after the election.” Haven’t heard from him since. (Notice the quotation marks are only around “sharing their testimony” when the intention is to garner votes, not garner praise to Jesus). 

The USA is more divided than ever. It’s quite possible that the eventual winner in the upcoming presidential election could win without 50% of the vote (depending on the third party candidates). When I look at those numbers, I remind myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for 100% of the people. So how do we reach 100% without alienating 50% or more? It’s done by preaching Jesus. Keeping Jesus in. Politics out. 

The reality is that preaching Jesus (and the Bible) will upset those on either side of the political spectrum from time to time. Jesus is the Lamb, not the donkey or elephant. Preaching Jesus is the antidote to partisan political rhetoric infiltrating sermons and thereby water-down the Gospel. Keep preaching Jesus. Let the Gospel speak for itself. Let the Gospel inform voters how to vote. Let Jesus be our Voter Guide. Let Jesus be our deciding factor. 

The preacher’s job is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. Period. The job description is simple: Make Disciples. Baptize them. Teach them the ways of Jesus (See the Great commission). I’m not called to make Republicans or Democrats or any other political party member or group. I am Christ’s ambassador, no other. I’m not called to tell you how to vote. I’m called to tell you about Jesus – the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the Answer and the truth of Jesus’ message can/should inform our voting. Just preach Jesus and all the rest (political and otherwise) will take care of itself!

In an election year, it’s important for the preacher to keep Jesus in and politics out. 

Dear Grand Blanc $842 Million Powerball Winner

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

This week’s winning $842 million Powerball jackpot ticket was sold at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc, Michigan– about a mile or so from my house. I didn’t buy the ticket. If I had, I would have had to turn in my credentials (Nazarene’s frown on gambling as we view it as an addictive tax on the poor) and I wouldn’t be writing this little blog (I’d be in Italy or someplace exotic). I didn’t win it. But if you did, here are a few tips.

Dear Grand Blanc $842 Million Powerball Winner,

Be careful. The Apostle Paul wrote: The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). You are about to see the truth of this Bible verse. Since in Michigan you can’t remain anonymous following winning a multi-state lottery, soon every acquaintance you have ever had will instantly want to be your best friend. Be very careful. Folks will turn to all sorts of evil intentions once they know you are sitting on a windfall. 

Be mindful. Jesus had some harsh words for rich folks. He said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). Gulp! But two verses later in explaining those words Jesus said, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 21:26). Whew! So it’s not impossible for things to end well for you, but it is difficult. There will be plenty of distractions that your new wealth can buy. Money has a tendency to make one suspicious (see about comments about being careful), gluttonous and prideful. It can make one lose sight of what’s truly important in life (Hint: It’s not money). 

Be generous. In another place, the Apostle Paul wrote, God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). You have the rare opportunity to be super generous and still have plenty left over for you and your family’s future. 

Be refreshing. Proverbs 11:25 states: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. The common thinking is that money changes people. It does. You won’t be the same now that your bank account has an extra $842 million dollars in in ($475 million if you take the one time buy out). But that doesn’t mean you’ll be worse. Be better. Use your money wisely. Don’t be in the statistic of the lottery winners who blew it all and ended depressed, friendless and penniless. Be the secret Santa that blesses people and worthy institutions. Be the kindhearted uncle that pays that gifted niece or nephew’s way through college. Be a better person than the who you are right now, and who you were when you bought the winning ticket. 

Finally, Paul wrote these words to his young apprentice Timothy on dealing with those who have wealth. It would be my final reminder for you as well: 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

You’ve been given a rare opportunity to be a blessing. Pray and use your new found wealth to do just that!

Your friend,

Rob

P.S. For the rest of us, who didn’t play (me) or didn’t win (probably you), the above tips regarding money are true for us as well. God has blessed all of us to be a blessing. Let’s do that thought out 2024.

The One Goal Every Christian Should Have for 2024

On By Rob Prince

What goals do you have for the New Year?  
Lose a few pounds? 
Start exercising? 
Be kinder, gentler, more Christ-like?
Read the Bible through in a year? 

All are good and valid goals. But how about this one: pray for the opportunity to lead one person to faith in 2024, and then disciple them in the ways of Jesus. 

Just one person. 
One person led to Jesus in 2024
Then help them in their first steps as a Jesus follower. 
That’s it. 
That’s the goal.

Maybe you have the person in mind that you would hope to lead to Christ. It’s your child, grandchild, neighbor or friend. Maybe you don’t know the person yet. You’ll need to pray, “God, show me who and then help me talk to this up-until-this-point-unknown-to-you person.”

Leading and discipling a person in the ways of Jesus is the single, most important thing you can do in 2024. Hands down. There is nothing greater. Not climbing Mt Everest. Not winning an election. Not getting gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nothing else is as important.

Which do you think matters in light of eternity–  an Olympic gold medal or a person walking on streets of gold?  Which would you rather say at the end of 2024—”I lost 10 pounds” or “a lost friend found Jesus” (OK, I hope to say both things).

Just as in any goal, it doesn’t just happen without effort. If you want to see lost people find Jesus in 2024, pray every day that God would give you opportunities and the courage to share his love when given the chance. Pray. Every. Single. Day. Pray for those that have yet to begin their walk with Jesus. Pray for the eyes of the Father; the Heart of the Savior and the words of the Spirit to be at work in you.

You will be surprised at how Jesus answers that daily prayer!

Happy, Hope-filled, Christ-filled 2024!

24 Hopes for 24 (Not totally in order)

On By Rob Prince
  1. I hope the names on my prayer list find out that Jesus changes everything.
  2. I hope the names on your prayer list find Jesus too (you are daily praying for folks to find Jesus, aren’t you?)
  3. I hope the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza end
  4. I hope the neighbors of Central Church think the church is a great neighbor.
  5. I hope people don’t go nuts during this election year
  6. I hope you consider reading the Bible-through-in-a-year
  7. I hope Conrad’s first word is “Grandpa”
  8. I hope the Lions win the Super Bowl (vs. the Kansas City Chiefs… so I can up trash-talking skills to my friends in KC)
  9. I hope the Michigan Wolverines win a National Championship in football (see above trash-talking skills which I would apply mostly to my Buckeye and Sparty fan friends).
  10. I hope gun violence in the United States declines (I hope it was no more)
  11. I hope the people who disagree with each other can have a charitable conversations.
  12. I hope the USA wins the most medals in the Paris Olympics
  13. I hope all those caring for a sick spouse, elderly parent or special needs child can find a bit of rest and relief.
  14. I hope people talking with phone on speaker at any store will run out of battery (the lone exception: When a husband is facetiming his wife to get her opinion on which holiday napkins to purchase. His choice will be wrong and another trip to Wal-mart will happen without such call.  Or so I’ve been told… ahem…). 
  15. I hope the lonely find a friend
  16. I hope the afraid find courage and strength and a place to freely express their concerns.
  17. I hope ALL CAPS people stop using ALL CAPS! 
  18. I hope that everyone feels welcome to attend Central Church. (By “Everyone” I mean anyone. If breathing… they are welcome).
  19. I hope the Pistons win at least one game in 2024 (a bigger hope than you might think)
  20. I hope people who back into parking spaces in a crowded parking lot know that irritates some people (ahem, pastors included)
  21. I hope everyone knows what a great team of pastors, office staff, facility crew, tech team and nursery staff we are blessed with at Central church
  22. I hope we all are a little more grateful and a little more generous and a little less cranky in 2024
  23. I hope you decide to be in church mostly in person (on-line when unable) every Sunday in 2024.
  24. I hope every reader of my lil’ 24 Hope List has a very good and happy New Year!

BONUS HOPE: I hope you and your family will end the year in church this Sunday! (Even better if its Central Church). –technically that is my last “hope” of 2023. 

Dear Potential Christmas Eve Worshipper!

On By Rob Prince

Merry Christmas! 

I’m not sure what led you to contemplate coming to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service…

  • Maybe your grandma invited you to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Central Church. Who can say, “no” to grandma?
  • Maybe Central Church is your church, you just aren’t here much these days. Life has become busy and Sunday mornings are a challenge for you.
  • Maybe you saw on social media a picture of last year’s candlelight service and you’ve thought, “That looks pretty neat, I’m going.”
  • Maybe you’ve been thinking about trying out a church service and Christmas Eve seems like a good time to try it (FYI… You’re not wrong).
  • Maybe it’s none of those reasons, still you are planning to join the Christmas Eve Service at Central Church this Sunday at 5PM.

Yahoo! I’m so glad you will be at Central Church. 

I’m biased, super biased, so take this with a grain of salt, but I love our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Except for Easter (duh!) it’s my favorite service of the year. 

What to Expect: 

  • A super warm welcome at the door. We’ve got great greeters.
  • A photo booth in the lobby. If you and your family want to take a Christmas picture, say “Cheese.”
  • Another warm welcome by an usher who will hand you an order of the service and ask you to take a candle. Don’t be surprised if you think, “There are nice people at this church.” I think that too.
  • A cozy pew or a balcony comfy seat. They aren’t Lazy boys but still comfortable
  • Friendly worshippers in your aisle Please note: the worshippers in your aisle might be new too, so pretend you are not new and greet them with a smile and “Merry Christmas!”
  • An orchestra rendition of a Trans-Siberian Orchestra song. You’ll love it. Trust me.
  • A lot of carols (join in singing or simply listen. Warning: You’ll probably start singing too. It’s hard not to join in. To quote Buddy the Elf,  “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”)
  • Some brief scripture passages read from Luke 2. The Christmas story, of course. We won’t be reading from the Book of Lamentations on Christmas Eve. 
  • A choir and orchestra with a powerful Christmas song. Be prepared for a jaw dropping “Wow!” to come out of your mouth. 
  • A cute kids’ Christmas video. Hey, who doesn’t love a cute kids’ Christmas videos?
  • A brief message by yours truly. The common misnomer –ahem– is that “brief” and “sermon” can’t be used in the same sentence, I’ll do my best to change that narrative.
  • Lighting a candle and sing Silent night (see the above Buddy the Elf quote) with a 1200+ of your newest friends. The warm glow in the sanctuary will be one of the most beautiful moments you will experience. No joke, it’s awesome!

Best of all what to expect:

God Almighty (that’s right the Creator of the universe, who came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem, grew to be a man, was arrested, beaten, crucified and buried, then rose on third day, and later ascended to heaven—that God Almighty) will very probably speak to you. Somewhere in the service—maybe in the singing, scripture reading, brief message from your truly (yes, brief) or when you’re singing Silent night—God Almighty will speak to you. Probably not in an audible voice, more likely in a deep-in-your-bones reality. You’ll get a sense that God loves you and wants the very best for you. You’ll get the impression that if God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. It’s a Divine Appointment, God has you on His calendar!

What to do next: 

Be receptive. Be open. Be honest. Be real. Be ready to receive the best Christmas gift ever—Jesus himself! 

Can’t wait to see you on December 24th at 5PM!

I’ll be the guy wearing a jacket, holding a Bible and doing my best to remember the K.I.S.S. Sermon method (Keep It Short, Silly). 

See you soon!

Pastor Rob

P.S. We have an “unplugged” service on Christmas Eve morning at 11AM. No Drums, no candles (except for in the advent wreathe) just a “chill-lax” service led by Pastor Joel Close (and a couple of other Close family members), singing carols and Pastor Jon Gildner keeping us focused on the Prince of Peace. I think you’ll love that service too. 

Christmas’ Color Isn’t Blue, Unless You Are

On By Rob Prince

This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. It is also called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice.” This Sunday is the Sunday of joy and as such we light the pink candle—which should make Barbie fans happy. 

Why does Pink represent joy? 

Pink is bright. It’s alive. It’s fun (again according to Barbie fans). Pink is joy.

Before pink, it’s blue. At least around here today. I’m writing this on the occasion of our Blue Christmas service. Blue is not traditionally a Christmas color. Purple is the color of Advent. Red and green are colors associated with Christmas too. People dream of a white Christmas. But Blue?  No, not Blue. Blue represents sadness. “I’m blue” is what we say when we are feeling down or melancholy. We aren’t supposed to be “blue” at Christmas. 

Except that many folks are. 

Last Sunday as the choir was singing, it dawned on me that my dear friend, Lisa who lived with Karla and me for 16 months before her passing in March, would have loved to had been there. She would have been sitting in the front row. Singing her heart out with the choir. Lisa loved music. Any music. All music. So as the choir sang, I looked over at the empty place that Lisa would have occupied and I got a little blue.

I know, Lisa is with Jesus. I’m glad for that. I know that she isn’t in pain and cancer is no more for her. I don’t wish her back. I just remembered the joy that she would have experienced and the joy that she brought to so many people who knew her. I envisioned her arms raised as she lifted her praise loud and long to Jesus. I missed my friend. It made me a little blue.

I think that’s why we have the service tonight. It’s not necessarily to wish our loved ones back (although when they have tragically passed away there may be some of those feelings). The service is meant to acknowledge our loss and to go to Jesus with it. It’s a time when we don’t have to paste on a smile like at an office Christmas party. There is no phoniness about a Blue Christmas Service. It’s just the opposite. It’s a time to be real. Honest. Unguarded. Open. Vulnerable even. It’s a time to cry out to the Lord in our “blue-ness’ and remember with the Psalmist: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18).

Blue Christmas might be where you are at this year. Or maybe you want to come to the service to simply support those who are going thought a tough season. This year our Blue Christmas service will have a little bit different emotion for me. I’m glad we have such a service. I bet you know someone who could benefit from the Blue Christmas Service too. 

You can read about about our friend and cancer here:

Did Covid Kill the COK (1000+ in attendance) Churches in the Church of the Nazarene?

On By Rob Prince

A year ago, I wrote a blog concerning the Churches of the Nazarene with an attendance of 1000+. The article stated how 51 churches (there are actually 52) in the USA/Canada had at one time averaged 1000+ in attendance, but only 19 churches were still averaging over 1000. The article listed the challenges to maintain a church of 1,000. You can read it here.  

One year later, the 2023 church year statistics have been posted* and the news is much worse. “In person” attendance across the board is plummeting.* No longer are 19 churches averaging 1000+. In 2023, only eleven churches reported having an in-person attendance over 1000. Moreover, only two of the eleven 1,000+ churches reported to “in-person” attendance growth: Lima Community, OH (+176) and Crossroads Cowboy, AR (+130). Only Crossroads Cowboy posted their best attendance year ever in 2023.

In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), Carey Neuhoff stated, “The “Stable” Church Is Disappearing. One-Third of Churches Report That They’re Growing, While 54% Are Declining.” It’s worse among the Nazarene churches that once averaged over 1000. Only eleven of the 52 churches reported growth (21.15%). Churches that showed an increase worship attendance are: Crossroads Cowboy (+130); Indianapolis First (+37); Kankakee First (+70); Lake Gibson, FL (+72); Lima, OH (+176); Nashville First (+72); Orlando CenterPoint, FL (+61); Pasadena First, CA (+35), Puyallup, WA (+162); Salem OR (+28), The Woods, MI (+209); and York Stillmeadow, PA (+139). 

Full disclosure: Flint Central Church (where I pastor) reported decline in attendance. In 2022, churches were instructed to include both in-person and on-line worshippers in the tally. In 2023 those two groups of worshippers were separated. Flint Central and other churches, no doubt, declined in attendance in part because of the decision to separate on-line and in-person worshippers (see the highest on-line attendance chart of the 52 churches).

There are 12 USA/Canada Nazarene churches that at one time averaged 2,000+. Last year,  three churches that reported 2000+. In 2023, only Oro Valley, AZ reported an in-person attendance over 2,000. Oro Valley, the largest church in USA/Canada, reported an attendance of 2033 , which was a decline of 557 from 2022. Bethany First saw its attendance dip below 2,000 for the first time in 41 years. Denver First, at one time the largest Nazarene congregation in the world averaging 2555, last year averaged just 306. Likewise, Salem Oregon at one time averaged 2309, last year reported an attendance of 358.

What are the learning points from these numbers?

1) Post Covid In-person attendance is down in most churches (not earth breaking news). The De-Churching of America is happening within the Church of the Nazarene as it is most other denominations. 

2) Even strong healthy churches are seeing their numbers decline. The decline is not necessarily because people are leaving (some are), but rather people are not attending in-person as much as they did pre-Covid.** Worshippers discovered that on-line is convenient. Any other commitment later in the day, a slight sickness or no desire of getting ready for church – are reasons for worshipping on-line. The “responsibility list” may not have changed much, but in-person attendance has changed.

3) Expect 2024 in-person attendance numbers to increase in healthy churches. With the separation of on-line and in-person numbers, and folks in 2023 still not fully returning from Covid, it may be that 2023 was rock bottom for the strong and healthy churches. No longer hampered by pandemic fatigue and re-starting programs and ministries, congregants are trickling back into the healthy churches. An increase (although not at pre-pandemic numbers) will likely occur.

3) On-line worshippers aren’t going away. Nearly every church listed on-line attendance but those numbers varied greatly from the Wooster, OH’s 930 to Lake Gibson, FL listing 16 on-line viewers (two of the 52 churches did not report an online attendance). Either some churches don’t worry about their on-line presence (they should) or they don’t have enough tech people/money to help in this area (more likely). Still on-line numbers matter. Not only is it the new “front door” to the church (most new comers have watched a service online first), on-line viewership is also the new “front pew.” For many “regular attendance” is now regularly watching the service on-line.

4) Covid may have hit the accelerator on the De-churching of America, but more importantly Covid exposed the heart of the church in America. It’s not good. Our discipleship methods have not produced whole-hearted Christ-like disciples. The battle for the heart of the Church of the Nazarene is underway between a “fundamentalist-like,” legalistic brand of holiness and a left-leaning, “progressive” brand. Young clergy (and others) see the in-fighting between these extremist camps and are walking away. Time will tell if the Church of the Nazarene will maintain its historic via media or middle way outlook and presence.

4) A metric change is needed (ironically, this article included). Counting “Noses and Nickels” (attendance and giving) is what historically has mattered. Tallying baptisms, number of people who are actively serving within the church, hours served within the community, and benevolence dollars spent on the needy are the metrics we should be tracking. I wrote about this here.

6) A vision for the new reality is needed for churches to break the 1,000-barrier or regain what was lost. Building a congregation is difficult these days. There are so many competing ideologies in a Post-Christian America, but it is not impossible for churches to grow. Real, authentic, loving, serving, missional congregations are still appealing especially to many millennials who are beginning to rethink their spiritual status. Churches that are appealing are the ones with vision for a better tomorrow. 

7). The 2024 emphasis from USA/Canada to “bless our community” as part of the ”cycle of resurgence” is a good starting point. Dr. Stan Reeder, no doubt, has seen these troubling trends and is making an effort to change the trajectory of the USA/Canada church. Reeder correctly assessed that Nazarenes must get out of their church buildings and into their communities through which ministry can happen and lives can be changed. 

Conclusion: 
Covid did not kill the strongest Nazarene churches, but it has crippled some. There are greater challenges today than ever for churches in USA/Canada. Few churches have totally recovered from the pandemic. The 2024 election cycle will create even more heartache (election years always do). Still, hope lies in what the Spirit of God might do if churches bless their community, believe that Jesus changes everything and are committed to coming together in unity. Hope lies in the old adage: “Bloom where planted.” Local churches authentically loving and serving in their communities is the hope for the Church of the Nazarene’s future just as it was the impetus to growth in the very beginning days of the Church of the Nazarene.

Top In-Person Attendance Churches (1000+ in-person attendance)

1. Oro Valley, AZ (2033)
2. Bethany, OK (1809)
3. Lakeland, FL Highland Park (1547)
4. Goshen, IN Crossroads (1471)
5. Beavercreek, OH Be Hope (1449)
6. Grove City, OH (1389)
7. Crossroads Cowboy (1365)
8. Olathe, KS College (1231)
9. Cincinnati OH Springdale (1194)
10. Lima, OH (1076)
11. Wooster, OH (1072)

Top Ten On-Line Attendance***

1. Wooster OH (930) 
2. Oro Valley (833) 
3. Be One, OH (828) 
4. Grove City, OH (780)
5. Flint Central, MI (597)
6. Bethany First (594)
7. Lakeland FL Highland Park (586)
8. Pismo Beach, CA (471)
9. Cincinnati OH Springdale (435)
10. Yuba, CA Hope Point (434)

*The 2023 South Florida attendance statistics listed are the exact same numbers as they were in 2022. Clearly those statistics of the former 1000+ churches in South Florida (Bradenton, Miami Bethany and Miami Hialeah Good Shepherd) are not accurate. 

**Giving numbers in the former 1000+ churches for the most part remains high (I didn’t do a thorough assessment of the giving). Antidotally, it seems that church giving has remained relatively constant even as attendance numbers plummet. One reason for this phenomenon is that people have not left a church, but rather their attendance patterns have changed and they continue to give at the same level.

***This list is only a measurement of those churches that at one time averaged over 1000 in attendance. These may be other churches that averaged a higher on-line attendance than those listed.

There Seems to be Some Disagreement about Disagreement

On By Rob Prince

There seems to be some disagreement about disagreement. How much can Christian brothers and sisters disagree and still be in harmony? How much disagreement is OK? Do we have to agree with everything? 

Paul and Barnabas disagreed. Yet they weren’t vilified for their disagreement. Both went on serving Jesus. In so doing, they covered twice the ground for Jesus as they would have had they not disagreed. It seems that these days if we are not in total agreement, then we are in total disagreement. There is little middle ground. There is less “can we agree to disagree” and still be brothers and sisters in Christ?  There is even less “I could be wrong.”

Discerning what is most important is important. Not every issue is a mountain. Many issues are molehills. I seem to remember a General Superintendent (It may have been Dr. Greathouse, but don’t quote me on this) say something along the lines on how not everything  we Nazarenes believe in carries the same weight. For example, he said, “if someone held me at gun point and wanted me to renounce Christ, I’d say, ‘pull the trigger;’ but if someone wanted me to smoke a cigarette or die, I’d say, ‘hand me a lighter.’” Too many times, we view the matter as a “pull-the-trigger” moment, when it should be handled as a “hand-me-the-lighter”  problem.

Discerning the mountains to die on is important. Disagreeing amicably is also important. To say, “I disagree” is not the same as saying “I am no longer wanting to be in fellowship.” It might simply mean, “I’m wrestling with this issue, and we could we talk about it?” Could we have a conversation?” Disagreeing, for the Christian, should never be equivalent to “I hate you and I’ll never talk to you.” Disagreeing should be more of “I wonder why we don’t see eye to eye on this matter? Isn’t that strange? Let’s talk about it, friend.”

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians seems to be what we all need to be praying a little more. “This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10.) Let our discernment be driven by an abounding love that allows for knowledge and insight. Through it all, may we strive to be pure and blameless in all we do. That’s a pretty big ask, only through Jesus can it be accomplished. 

If you disagree with anything I have written above, please hand me a lighter, don’t pull the trigger. 

Parable of the Man who went to a restaurant… once (Hint: It’s really about churches)

On By Rob Prince

Once upon a time, there was a hungry man. With no food in his cupboards and some extra cash in his pocket, the hungry man went to a restaurant near his house. He had driven by this restaurant many times, but had never stopped in for a meal. He decided to try it. Big mistake!

When he walked in there was no host or hostess to ask him how many were in his party or if he’s like to be seated. He wasn’t certain what to do. Finally he just sat down. After a very long wait, the food server finally came to his table and was quite rude. He mentioned something about how the man was sitting in “Jerry’s Booth.” “Who’s Jerry?” the man wondered. The menu was confusing and overpriced. When his order finally game, it looked terrible. It smelled and tasted worse. Nothing about this restaurant was good. Nothing. He left a meager tip, paid his bill and left. As he walked out of the door, he said, “I will never eat at another restaurant again. This place was horrible!”  We went home and took an antiacid and had bad dreams all night long.

About a week later, a friend invited the man out to dinner. “Oh no, I can’t go,” he said. “I went to a restaurant once. The service as bad. The prices were high. The food was terrible. I vowed to never go to a restaurant again.”  A few months later another friend invited him out for dinner. “Oh no, I can’t go,” he said. “I went to a restaurant once. The service as bad. The prices were high. The food was terrible. I vowed to never go to a restaurant again.” Other friends asked too. His response was always the same. 

His friends told him, “We won’t go to the restaurant of your bad experience. Not all restaurants are the same. We will go to a good one.”

The man would not budge. “They all serve food that no one can stomach. I’ll never go again!” No one could convince him otherwise. He refused to go to any restaurant to eat, no matter how many friends went or how many good reviews the restaurant received.

The man went to a church once too. It wasn’t good either. He’s not been back.

The moral of the story: No one declares after getting a bad meal at restaurant, that they will never go to any other restaurant again. Instead, they find a good restaurant. It’s the same with churches. There are bad churches. There are good churches. Find a good church. Invite your friends. Make it an even better church. 

The end.

P.S. I’m super biased but Central Church is a really good church. 

Be a Thermostat not a Thermometer

On By Rob Prince

Thermometers tell the temperature.
Thermostats regulate the temperature.
I want to be a thermostat.

I want to turn the heat down, not simply report the heat. Even from a quick purview of social media, it seems that all around me (not at my local church, thank the Lord!) the temperature has been rising over any number of issues. Angst is everywhere. Anxiety, fear, anger and worry drive people into heated corners. People are venting. Rhetoric is high. It’s hot. 

I don’t want to add to the rising social media temperatures. I don’t want to report on every heat-producing juicy detail, and in so doing keep the fires smoldering. I want to be like a thermostat and lower the temperature.

How does one turndown the social media and conversational (read: gossip) heat?

  • Accept that you don’t have all the facts. You might think you have all the facts, you probably don’t.
  • Acknowledge there are two sides to every story. Usually there are more than two sides.
  • Avoid rumors. Remember the “telephone game” in youth group? It starts with “I love red jelly beans” and after going through several people ends with “There are monkeys in the trees.” In other words, the beginning story and the ending story have nothing to do with each other. It happens in real life. Don’t believe everything you hear. 
  • Don’t demonize one another. People can disagree. On pretty big theological and biblical positions, people can differ; but that does NOT make either person a demon. The other may share your eternal accommodations. Be careful to demonize those that Jesus loves.  
  • Limit your social media vacuum. People tend to follow (and so only hear) like-minded people. We all do it. Just acknowledge that good people might disagree with the viewpoint on which you are constantly exposed.
  • Ask yourself: Do my posts, language usage, and tone reflect Jesus or do they add to the heated rhetoric?
  • Above all: Love. Be compassionate, kind, gentle and patient. 

Be a thermostat. Help turn down the heat, don’t add to it. 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

A New Nazarene APR (Annual Pastor’s Report)– Jesus’ Style: Counting What Matters

On By Rob Prince

Every pastor in the Church of the Nazarene must submit an Annual Pastor Report (APR). It contains the financial and attendance data from the previous church year. This data reports valuable information for the denominational research team. While the APR information may be prized to those few people in research labs and PhD candidates, a new APR short form could reflect more of what Jesus told us to track in the local church.* 

The Jesus-inspired APR Short Form would not have worship attendance (Jesus didn’t tell us to gather crowds); it would not include total monies raised (to Jesus, generosity wasn’t determined by the size of the gift. See: the widow’s mite); and it would not include monies spent on buildings (there are no directives from Jesus to build any edifices). Jesus wasn’t overly impressed with money, buildings or crowds. 

What would be included? Jesus’ Great Commission prioritizes baptisms and making disciples. Baptisms are easy to track (who got wet?). Discipleship is harder. Our disciple making matrix has been classroom (small group) learning.  A better determiner of disciples-making is service involvement. Discipleship is caught not taught (although that is an oversimplification. Obviously, teaching is involved). Instead of counting Sunday School (small group) numbers, let’s track the number of people serving in some capacity. The new Jesus versioned APR would reflect baptisms the number of people serving (questions 1 and 2)

In Jesus’ famous judgement day, sheep and goat parable (Matthew 25:31-46), the priorities are feeding the hungry, offering drink to the thirsty; sheltering the stranger; clothing the naked; caring for the sick and visiting the prisoners. In other words, prioritizing the poor and justice matters. Any numbers on a APR should reflect the hours that disciples are in the community and dollars spent on addressing issues of poverty and injustice. (questions 3 and 4).

Here’s what the entire new APR form would look like:

Number of Baptisms
Number of People involved in ministry/service in the church
Number of hours spent in ministry/service in the community
Dollars given to help the poor/needy.

To appease the folks in Lenexa, there could be a box at the bottom of the form with the following question: Did you pay your apportionments in full? Yes or No. (Note: Jesus never told anyone to pay apportionments, but including the question would make the bean counters happy and show a commitment to the denomination).

That’s it.
That’s the form. 
Four numbers to track and one question to answer.

This Jesus-inspired APR short form would be basis on which success and failure are determined and what is highlighted at denominational gatherings. If we get those four numbers right and we focus on just those four things, then all the other numbers on the APR long-form will take care of themselves.

Let’s simplify and prioritize the things that Jesus called us to prioritize. 

*The long form with its bazillion questions (slight exaggeration) could still be collected for the researchers. Somewhere someone might benefit from knowing the number of children enrolled in Caravans (If you have to ask what’s “Caravans” put “zero” in that column), or maybe not.

**This post in no way is a dig at the research team at the Nazarene GMC. They do valuable work, and I deeply appreciate their efforts. The post is directed toward what is most beneficial to the local church and how churches can be laser focused in accomplishing the mission of Christ.

Turn Thanksgiving Upside Down

On By Rob Prince

Thanksgiving week is the week to count your blessings. “Name them one by one. And it will surprise you what they Lord hath done.” At least that’s what John Oatman’s lyrics and Edwin O. Excell tune reminds us to do. (Yes, the Count your Blessings jingle was written by a guy named Edwin O. Excell. Google it. It’s a great name. But I digress…). With apologies to Mr. Oatman and Mr. Excell, what if we did the opposite? What if we looked at all the things for which we are not grateful? What if we counted our troubles and named then one by one. Name all the bad habits, troublesome hang ups, deep hurts and mean people. What if we turned Thanksgiving upside-down?

I’m not Thanksgiving’s version of the Grinch. I like Pilgrims, turkey and Detroit Lions’ football (win or lose). I like being thankful too. My intentions are not to be a “Debbie-Downer” during this festive week. But what if we created a “not-so-thankful” list, and then immediately handed (metaphorically, of course) the list over to God. What if we were to give God all the junk for which we are not pleased with and say, “God this “not-so-thankful” list is now yours and my prayer is that by November 2024 this list is flipped! Instead of bitterness, hurt or anger, I want to be thankful. 

Not thankful for a nasty habit? What if by next year, you and Jesus have defeated it?

Not thankful for some part of your body type, personality, or lack of capability? What if by next year, you learned to appreciate the person God created you to be.

Not thankful for a painful past? What if by next year, you look at your past with sadness, but also with amazement on how God has enabled you to move beyond the pain of your yesterdays and into a joyous celebration of your todays and tomorrows!

Not thankful for a mean or dishonest person?  What if by next year that person grew a big, hairy wart on the end of their nose? No, I’m joking. What if by next year God either changed them or changed your outlook toward them? 

What if your “not-so-thankful” list was turned into next year’s very thankful list? Then (thank you Mr. Oatman and Excell) you will be surprised, pleasantly and joyfully surprised, at what the Lord has done!

Jimbo Fisher’s Buy-Out to Not Coach Football = Nazarene Mission Giving in 2022 (almost).

On By Rob Prince

Did you see that Texas A&M University decided to fire its football coach, Jimbo Fisher, and bought out his contract for 75 million dollars? You read that right. They are paying him 75 million to do what Karla wishes I wouldn’t do, sit on the coach and watch football. A public university is giving a coach (a winning coach by the way) 75 million to go away. Jimbo might not have won enough football games for the Texas A&M fans, but he won the lottery and he didn’t even buy a ticket. I wonder how all the hard-working professors, class room aids, and janitors in Texas A&M Aggie-land feel about an idle football coach making slightly more than they do (by “slightly,” I mean more than they will ever earn in their entire life). If you need evidence we live in a crazy world with mixed up values, consider this “Exhibit A.”

Take a wild guess of how much Nazarenes worldwide in 2022 gave to missions?  

$75,482,018 

Nazarenes gave about the same amount for missions as what Jimbo Fisher will get for sitting on his couch twiddling his thumbs. 

$75,482,018 was given by Nazarenes to pay the salaries for missionaries all over the world, to establish medical clinics, schools and pay for a hospital in Papua New Guinee. It paid for emergency relief to disasters through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. It paid for churches to be built; radio broadcasts to be made; and help to be offered in literally thousands of ways. It paid for the world-wide effort (well, in 164 countries effort) to evangelize and show and tell the world about Jesus. $75,482,018 did a whole lot of good.

It’s hard to raise $75 million dollars for missions. Back in the day in the Church of the Nazarene, there were two big offerings that funded the world-wide mission effort: The Thanksgiving and Easter Offerings. That was it. Typically pastors would stand in the pulpit on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (this Sunday) and encourage mission giving. Pastors would say stuff like, “The Bible talks about tithes AND offerings. Bring your tithe which will fund the local church AND bring an offering to be given for missions.” There were special Thanksgiving envelopes provided by the denomination and everything. The Thanksgiving Offering was a big deal. It was a reminder that we need to be generous toward missions. Some churches still receive a Thanksgiving offering this week (our Mission Outreach Sunday was in October when we took pledges for mission giving). All are efforts to raise around $75 million. 

I don’t know what Jimbo Fisher is going to do with his $75 million. I hope he tithes to his local church. I hope Jimbo is generous and does good with his money, but it won’t come close to doing all the good that is being done around the world with virtually that same amount of money. I hope you are generous with your slightly less than $75 million (by “slightly” I mean a lot less). Whether you have a little or a lot the Paul writes, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7. 

How to Get the “Never Attending” People to Jesus

On By Rob Prince

According to the US census bureau, the number of people who acknowledge attending a weekly religious service has gone down slow but steady since 2008. But those who disclosed that they never attend church has risen dramatically (see graph).

This explains the decline in attendance in most churches. The “regulars” are coming (although not quite as regularly); the “once-in-a-whiles” are not coming at all. 

Why did the “some-timers” become “no-timers”? Studies will show that there is not a single factor which has led to this decline in the de-churching of America. There are plenty of reasons. Some valid. Some not. 

Here’s the problem: If people have this life to determine their eternal accommodations, then there is no time for a detailed review of all the variants and subset reasons why the “some-timers” became “no timers.” Let the PhD candidates wrestle with those questions in their doctoral research projects. In the meantime, the situation is more like a building fire than a specimen to be examined. We are not afforded the time for analyzing the circumstances that led to the fire; it’s time to rescue the perishing (wasn’t there an old hymn by that name?). It’s time to go on the offensive. But how do we do that? How do people who have never come or don’t want to come or who have been hurt in the past by the church start coming or come back to church (and discovering Jesus)? 

The attractional method stopped working. “Build it and they will come” doesn’t work either. Christmas Cantatas, bus ministries, and cold calling on neighbor’s doors armed with the four spiritual laws might be met with someone armed with a Colt 45.  Most of the things that worked pre-2000s don’t work today, yet churches still want to play by the 1990’s rule book.

What works? Relationships work. Love works. Getting the church into the community, not asking the community to come into the church. That works. Blessing the community in as many ways as possible works.  Many in the world don’t think they need the church (or Jesus), it’s time for the church to show the world all the good and love the church (and Jesus) provides. When the church does that– it’s beautiful. It’s attractive. “No-Timers” become “One-timers,” then as they see authentic love within the pews, the “once-in-a-blue-moon-timers,” discover Jesus (or rediscover Jesus) and become, glory upon glory, “all-most-always timers.” 

Reversing the downward trend is as simple as Jesus instructions, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  It’s living into Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ’s love compels us.” As we are compelled to bless our community with Real, Authentic, Love—they will see Christ and His Bride in their beauty and return once more.

Everything has changed. Nothing has changed.

On By Rob Prince

We used books when I was a kid. Real books with paper and pages and everything. A phone book. The Yellow Pages The Wish-book from Sears and Roebuck. Encyclopedia Britannica. A Webster dictionary. A road atlas. All were staples of every house (we had everything but the encyclopedia). 

Cars didn’t have computer chips then. Only NASA had computers. Not houses. Not cars. Our cars had seat belts, but who used them? Car seats for babies? C’mon, I was in my mama’s arms. As I got a little older, I would curl up on the floorboard of the back seat and sleep. As a teenager, on several occasions, I was a passenger in the back of a pickup truck. Not the backseat (there were no backseats in pickup trucks), I rode in the cargo bed. Bumpy roads were both fun and scary. 

I owned a Walkman on which I played a cassette tape (the eight-track generation was before my time). I made a mixtape from my favorite songs off an AM radio station. Later I ordered cassettes and then CDs from Columbia House. I had a boombox too. My dad called my music choice “devil music.” I would tell him it was Christian music. Petra, Stryper and DeGarmo and Key were a few of my choices. I’m not sure my dad was convinced. His favorite words: “Turn it down!”

Cameras and phones were two completely separate things. Cameras used film, which we would take to Fotomat in the parking lot of K-Mart (my hometown had the distinction of the very first K-Mart). Several weeks after the picture-worthy event had happened, we would get the pictures back. Usually someone’s head was cut off or they weren’t looking at the camera. My brother Fred was never smiling. Sorry, no retakes. 

Our phone was a rotary variety and was located on the kitchen wall with a 12-foot (usually tangled-up) cord. We had a party line. That sounds fun (Party Line!  Yippee!!), but in fact it wasn’t fun. “Party Line” meant we shared the phone line with the Evans family who lived kiddy-corner from our back yard. We had to quietly lift the receiver to see if someone from the Evans’ household were already talking on the phone. Mrs. Evans was always on the phone. My brother Fred got in trouble for listening in on Chuckie Evans’ teenage conversations (maybe that’s why he wasn’t smiling in the family pictures). 

Life is different these days. Technology is different. Somethings are better (no party lines). Somethings are worse. I don’t pine for the “good old days,” but I do pray for better days ahead. Everything has changed, but the author of Hebrews reminded us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is the Constant. Here’s the profound truth: Jesus hasn’t changed, but Jesus changes everything, In the midst of a constantly changing world, Jesus is the Rock on which we stand. Our world needed Jesus then. Our world needs Jesus now. Jesus was the answer then. Jesus is the answer now. 

Everything has changed, but nothing has changed. We still need Jesus!

The Shocking Irony of Heaven: Your Next-Door Neighbor

On By Rob Prince

If there are heavenly mansions (in the way we think of mansions); I hope Christians who can’t get along with other Christians here on earth are next door neighbors in Glory. A fundamentalist-leaning who loves Jesus living beside a progressive-leaning Christian who also loves Jesus— having to borrow cups of sugar when baking a dish-to-pass for the heavenly pot-luck banquet. Wouldn’t that be the shocking irony of heaven? FYI… words of wisdom from an antacid-popping-pot-luck survivor: if there are pot-lucks in eternity, it won’t be in heaven. But, presumably, there will be people who disagree on some pretty weighty issues here on earth residing in Beulah Land. 

If we are going to spend eternity together, it makes sense that we start the get-along process here on earth. According to Paul, since believers have been made new in Christ, they have a new ministry. Paul calls it “the ministry of reconciliation.” 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18. 

In other words, Christians “ghosting” other Christians or bashing fellow believers on social media does not compute in “the ministry of reconciliation.” Any misunderstandings, grievances and differences within the family of God should be a point of deep consternation for any true follower. 

The ministry of reconciliation is active. It doesn’t happen without effort. Those made new in Christ can’t assume the other won’t receive the reconciliation advances or worry that their attempts at reconciliation might be weaponized against them. A new creature reconciled in Christ becomes a reconciler. That means bridging the gaps, tearing down the walls, sending the extra texts, leaving the extra voicemails, going the extra mile and extending the arms of friendship. It’s taking a “whatever-it-takes” mentality into this “ministry of reconciliation.”

Eugene Peterson’s version puts it this way: We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. (2 Corinthians 5:19. MSG). Can’t we drop our differences? Can’t we make things right? We better try. If the heavenly housing supervisor has a sense of humor, we might be neighbors on Golden Avenue. 

If the Hated Feel Hate, it’s Hate

On By Rob Prince

Some Christians say: “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” (Note: it’s debatable whether they actually do this). Be that as it may, forget hating “sin” or “sinners,” maybe Christians should work on not hating each other. “We don’t hate the person,” we say. “We hate their teachings; hate what they are doing; hate the organization of which they are affiliated; and hate their attitude.” Who determines hate? The “hater” or the one the hate is directed toward? If the hated feel hate, it’s hate.

John was obsessed in his letter about hatred between brothers and sisters (FYI… He is not referring to biological families, but the family of God). Apparently, hatred within the church walls has existed even before the first church carpet committee convened, but (from John’s perspective) it is always (yes, ALWAYS) unjustified. 

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 1 John 2:9

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 1 John 3:15

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. 1 John 4:20

Those (even pastors) who harbor hatred toward those who claim Christ will be in for a rude awakening according to John. 

What does hatred toward fellow believers in the modern world look like?

  • Hatred is not attempting to make amends. Hatred is a social media lambast toward a fellow believer without following Jesus’ instructions of Matthew 18 of talking to the offender first. Hatred is passive aggressive posts with no conversation prior. Has there been discussion with the person before hitting “send”? Have a couple of believers spoke directly to the other to right the wrong before the airing of grievances? 
  • Hatred is refusing to acknowledge the other. It’s ignoring– then justifying the snubbing with an excuse of “they wouldn’t receive any attempts at reconciliation.” How does one determine that to be true? Sent one text? Maybe two? Is that going “the extra mile” that Jesus talked about?  Leaving one voicemail is going an extra foot, there are 5,279 more feet to go to get to an “extra” mile. 
  • Hatred is telling lies and weaponizing or “sanctifying” scripture to justify the lies (aka Satan’s tactics to Jesus in the wilderness). 
  • Hatred is speaking poorly about the offending brother or sister to others (aka gossip).
  • Hatred is referring to the other in derogatory terms. Wait a minute, some might say: “Jesus called the Pharisees “snakes,” “hypocrites” and “white washed tombs” among other things.”  I say, “Look in the mirror, friend, you ain’t Jesus.”

Why are young people leaving the church? Maybe they’ve seen too much mudslinging between so-called believers; too much hatred spewed toward those whom Christ loves; too much vitriol comments on social media; heard too many hate filled sermons; and seen a lack of love toward the least of these. They’ve seen it on all sides on just about every issue. They’ve seen too much and they’ve said, “Thanks but no thanks. I like Jesus. I don’t like His so-called followers.”

Before differentiating our hatred of sin and/or sinners, maybe we should try not hating our fellow believers. 

Confessions from a Pastor of 35 years.

On By Rob Prince

Pastors aren’t always…

  • great preachers (I’ve preached my share of stinkeroos).
  • knowledgeable of every piece of Biblical minutia (They aren’t walking commentaries). 
  • in good mental health (People battle depression, loneliness, anxiety… pastors do too). 
  • mindful of social media (Have you posted stuff you regret? Pastors do too). 
  • care-free. (Some church stuff stinks. Sometimes comments sting and pastoring is hard.)
  • up-to-date on every political happening (They don’t watch Fox News or CNN all day. Neither should you).
  • perceptive of the character flaws in individuals (Pastors can be duped, just like you).
  • male (we have three great female pastors at Central church).
  • aware that Sister So and So had a birthday (Birthdays and anniversaries aren’t memorized).
  • the best pray-ers in the church (Have you heard Sister So and So pray? She touches heaven. I wish I had remembered her birthday and wish I prayed like her). 
  • healthy (sickness happens—through poor habits or poor genes or poor who-knows-what).
  • attentive to every financial decision in the church (Someone bought new communion trays? Cool!)
  • timely in returning phone calls, texts and emails (Sometimes they’re too busy. Sometimes they forget).
  • astute financially (Bible college doesn’t have a lot of high finance classes).
  • good judges of temperature in the sanctuary (Last Sunday in the foyer: “Pastor, it’s too hot” and “Pastor, it’s too cold”).
  • good judges of the noise level in the sanctuary (Last Sunday in the foyer: “Pastor, it’s too loud” and “Pastor, it could be louder”). 
  • mind readers (I didn’t know about that thing you never told me about. Sorry).
  • snappy dressers (GQ or Mademoiselle models we ain’t).
  • up on the latest cultural lingo (see above usage of the phrase “snappy dresser”).
  • grammarians. (see above usage of the word “ain’t”).
  • auto mechanics, HV/HC repair men or carpenters (Jesus was a carpenter, most pastors aren’t).
  • the best choice to drive the church van (Some pastors are bad drivers. Or so I’ve been told…). 
  • prepared to handle criticism (Silently count to ten before you respond… 1…2…3… BOOM! Oops.)
  • in the best place, spiritually (Shocking, but true. Sometimes like Elijah in 1 Kings 18, pastors are on top of the world. Sometimes like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, they are curled up in a fetal position).
  • perfect. (In fact, they are rarely perfect. Ok. Never. They make mistakes, just like you).
  • prayed over enough (Our enemy knows if the pastor gets messed up, the potential for many to be hurt is real. Pray for your pastor. Every day. Right now. Pray).

Pastors are called by God. That’s it. Pastoring is a calling. It’s not a job. It’s not a career. It’s a calling. Successful pastors know the challenging work of pastoring is a matter of knowing, trusting and keeping one’s eyes on Jesus and always remembering God’s call upon his/her life.

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

Who are you eating dinner with?

On By Rob Prince

Who do you eat meals with? (Dear Grammar buffs…sorry about the dangling preposition). For me, it’s usually Karla. Sometimes I eat with church folks. Once in a while I eat alone. Often in the gospels we are told how Jesus ate with “the tax collectors and other sinners.” Occasionally the gospel writer will add “prostitutes” to the unsavory group. Tax collectors, as you probably know, were considered collaborators with the occupying Roman enemy. They were hated. The worst of the worst. And “other sinners” could be described as “even worse.” Then add the prostitutes… well, you know, where they stand. So, Jesus ate with “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse than that” people.

If we are to be like Jesus (and we are); if we are to act and think and love like Jesus (that’s the goal); then here’s a simple question: When was the last time you had dinner with “the worst of the worst and even worst and sometimes worse than that” people?

Maybe that’s too hard. In my mind “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse that that” people, are child molesters, serial killers or drug kingpins. I don’t know too many serial killers and drug kingpins. Let’s make the question a little easier: When was the last time you had dinner with “the not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” people? 

For some it’s every night, I’ve described someone in your home. They are good people. Not so bad. Even nice. Just don’t know Jesus. Some of us eat with them a lot.

For others, you will have to think about it. It’s been a while since you shared a meal with “a not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” person. Maybe it was last Christmas when your crazy cousin Willodeen was at the family gathering talking about was her seventeen cats. Think about it: When was the last time you had dinner with “the not-so-bad, and even nice, just don’t know Jesus” person?  You are probably a Christian. All of your friends are probably Christians too. You know a few “not-so-bad, even nice, just don’t know Jesus” people, but you’ve never had dinner with them. It’s your mail carrier; the check-out lady at the grocery store, maybe your next-door neighbor. 

Where did Jesus meet so many tax collectors, prostitutes and other sinners? Maybe they had a special club where they hung out. Or more likely, Jesus was intentional in making friendships with those people far from God. Jesus probably went out of his way; cleared his calendar; and prioritized their gatherings and made hanging out with “the worst of the worst and even worse and sometimes worse than that” crowd kind of fun. It seems like they wanted to be with Jesus too. 

If we truly want to be like Jesus, then maybe instead of sucking down a Coney dog (Detroit style for me, please) with our Christian friends, we should be thinking about who we know that doesn’t know Jesus; is far from God; but with whom we might share a meal. Try it. You’ll be more like Jesus if you do. Make the meal fun, and pass the mustard!

War, Evil and Our Trivial Disagreements 

On By Rob Prince

The world is on pins and needles observing the war in Gaza. The suffering is incomprehensible sitting in our comfortable living rooms watching the events unfold. I’ve never been in a war-torn area. I’ve never heard bombs and gunfire outside my bedroom window. I’ve never had a loved one raped or murdered simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time or who was of the “wrong” nationality or “wrong” religion. 

It is heartbreaking. So we in America pray, pray, pray. 

As we watch the evil atrocities of Hamas and the scarcity of the basic necessities of life in Gaza, it makes the petty things we, Christians in America, fight over seem all the pettier. 

A couple of weeks ago, a few people took acceptation to a blog post of mine. Folks from the right and left didn’t like it (usually a sign I was on target). They wrote and said mean things. Lies even. My skin is pretty thick when it comes to things written or said; but my skin is not thick enough if it were bullets being fired. Compared to the situation in the Middle East, my tribulations are extremely light and momentary. In fact, I don’t like using the word “tribulations” in comparison to the suffering occurring in our world. We need to put in perspective our trivial disagreements.

I get it. Theology matters. We want to be correct biblically, of course. People will not always agree with our nuanced look at scripture and theology. Fundamentalists, Calvinists and Wesleyans hold different beliefs about the Bible, women in ministry, the atonement and a host of other things. We all believe in Jesus. We might be neighbors in heaven. Can’t we turn down the rhetoric? 

John Wesley said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?” It’s a good question. 

I get it. I’m a white, over sixty (boo hoo) male. I’m not excluded because of my gender or race. Maybe I shouldn’t be the one stating this, but our bickering over non-essentials is not worth the fight. In our ever-divided world, for many their “non-essential” list is shrinking, and their “essential” list grows. But should it? Our trivial differences seem so inconsequential as people’s lives are destroyed and so many are left wondering about their very survival in the Middle East. 

As the world watches in horror the events in Gaza, of course, our enemy is not the innocent Israeli or Palestinians. Neither is our enemy those Christians who might view scripture differently. There is evil in the world and it’s not the Methodists, Baptists or Catholics. Our Enemy is the roaring lion of whom Peter instructs: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). In such a time, we believers must stand as one and denounce evil in all of its forms (Reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22). We must pray, weep and hope together. In the face of evil, Christian brothers and sisters must live into Romans 12:9: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. In other words, know the Enemy. It’s not my Christian brother or sister who might differ with me on the nuances of Scripture or end times theology. It’s really not.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:16-18

Be Happy. Not Sad. 

On By Rob Prince

Once upon a time there were twins, Humperdinck Bartholomew and Salvador Montgomery. To make things simple, their parents called Humperdinck Bartholomew, “Happy” and called Salvador Montgomery, “Sad.” Never wanting one boy to think the other was more favored, Happy and Sad’s parents made sure the boys always had the exact same things. Throughout their lives Happy and Sad had everything identical, except one thing– their attitudes.

Happy had a blue shirt, and loved every thread.
Sad had a blue shirt, but wished it were red.

Happy had a toy truck. “Wow! it rolls far!” 
Sad had a toy truck, but wanted a toy car

Happy had chocolate cake. “Yummy, it’s cake! Right?” 
Sad had chocolate cake. His favorite cake was white.

Happy had a Christmas list, and wanted something on it.
Sad had a Christmas list, and wanted everything on it.

Happy had holey jeans. He thought, “I’m wearing the latest style.”
Sad had holey jeans. He threw them in the big junk pile.

Happy got a B on a test, and said next time I’ll do better.
Sad got a B on a test—Jealous of those with a better letter.

Happy went to church. He enjoyed every song.
Sad went to church. The preacher preached too long.

Happy grew to be a man, and appreciated sunshine or rain. 
Sad grew to be a man, and found reasons to complain

Happy got married. They rarely had a fight. 
Sad got married. His wife could do no right.

Happy had kids. Even small things caused celebrations.
Sad had kids. They never met his expectations.

Happy when wronged, forgave those with whom he disagreed.
Sad when wronged, took to social media. Slander guaranteed.

Happy had a job, worked hard, excelled in all he did.
Sad had a job, worked little, behind his desk he hid. 

Happy was old and passed on all that he had learned.
Sad was old. Toward future generations– unconcerned.

Happy reach the end of his days, thankful and glad.
Sad reached the end of his days, grumpy and mad.

The moral of the story: 
Be happy. Not sad.
Count your blessings, don’t compare them.

Second moral of the story: 
Don’t name your kid, “Sad.” It’s a terrible nickname.

The end

The Big Fat Juicy Lie about Small Churches 

On By Rob Prince

There is a lie floating around about small churches. A big fat juicy lie. The false narrative asserts that small churches are nothing but trouble. To those sensing a call into ministry, the Great Fib says, “Stay away! Don’t go there!” Sucked into the faulty story, many called into ministry believe it’s better to plant a church, or start a Christian coffee shop or do just about anything else than to go to an existing small church in a small town and deal with the stuck-in-their-ways, older congregation.  

Reality: Small churches can be a huge blessing to the community and pastor. I was called out of a small church (so was my brother and others). It’s a doctor’s office now. My wife’s small church had people called into ministry. It is closed too. Those two churches were not failures. The doors are shut, but the ministry of the Elmwood and Reading Churches of the Nazarene continues through those of us who are still serving the Lord.

Granted it’s been a while, but my first church was the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene in the Thumb of Michigan. I joke about being a “Bad Axe Pastor.” Saying it fast without annunciation sounds a little funny. 

There were 40 people present on my first Sunday as a Bad Axe pastor. The church was located on a side street. Even people who lived in Bad Axe for years, didn’t know where the church was located. The parsonage and church were so close together, they were connected with a tunnel between the basements. The church fellowship hall was the parsonage basement. Eventually the living room became a Sunday school classroom. 

I was a solo preacher. Meaning I was also the lawn care provider, snow shovel-er, counselor, sometime special singer (big regrets over that), bulletin designer, director of VBS, bat exterminator (yikes), youth group leader, senior adult director and shortstop on the church softball team. You name it, I did it. 

I made mistakes in Bad Axe. Too numerous to count. But the good folks of Bad Axe loved me anyway. Folks would drop off vegetables from their gardens or homemade goodies. We lived below the poverty line and the district paid for half of our health insurance. Still, it was such a rewarding time for a young pastor and spouse. 

I loved Bad Axe (if you couldn’t tell). It was a good ministerial start and I’m a better pastor today because of my three years as a Bad Axe pastor. 

All this to say, small churches aren’t bad. They aren’t mean (there might be a meanie or two in some places). They aren’t pastor-assassinators and joy-killers. 

I recently wrote on the slow leak of young people leaving the church; but there are plenty of young people who want to stay. We need them to stay. Small churches need young pastors. They need the vitality that young pastors bring. They need new life, new energy, and a new hope for the future. A good small church will love to be pastored by a young adult!

Don’t believe the big fat juicy lie that small churches aren’t worth the trouble. Don’t believe the false narrative that small churches are mean, hard-hearted or void of potential. Small churches can be such a blessing to their community and their young pastor! 

(as part of “Pastor Appreciation Month,” I’m taking time to appreciate the wonderful church’s where I have been blessed to serve)