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That ain’t holiness

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” -Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride.

The theological circles I run in are known for their adherence to holiness. We take serious God’s call to “Be holy as I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16). Sadly, it seems some in my tribe are confused as to what “holiness” entails. 

Allow me to offer a few tips (just “a few,” my list is not exhaustive) on holiness. Hopefully this clears up some of the muddle…

If your version of holiness is….

  • more about you than Jesus, that ain’t holiness.
  • unkind, unforgiving, unjoyful, unhumble that ain’t holiness.
  • unloving toward neighbors and enemies that ain’t holiness.
  • uncaring toward the poor and needy, that ain’t holiness.
  • focused on outward persona rather than inward purity, that ain’t holiness.
  • childish not child-like, that ain’t holiness.
  • bullying others on-line or in person, that ain’t holiness.
  • comparable to the Pharisees, that ain’t holiness.
  • hypocritical or hyper-critical, that ain’t holiness.
  • cliquish more than a welcoming, that ain’t holiness.
  • snooty and gossipy, that ain’t holiness.
  • attention seeking more than Jesus seeking, that ain’t holiness.
  • envious, greedy, lustful or prideful, that ain’t holiness.
  • rude, harsh and self-seeking, that ain’t holiness.
  • bombastic and belligerent, that ain’t holiness.
  • record keeping of wrongs, that ain’t holiness.
  • condemning the sin in others while covering up one’s sinful habits, that ain’t holiness.
  • pushing people out of the kingdom rather than inviting folks in, that ain’t holiness.
  • lacking in generosity, that ain’t holiness.
  • critical of social media mudslinging, then promptly slinging mud on social media, that ain’t holiness.
  • full of “gotcha questions” meant to trap and belittle, that ain’t holiness.
  • championing “truth” while telling half-truths and outright lies, that ain’t holiness. 
  • depicted by who you hate rather than who you love, that ain’t holiness.
  • fueling heated arguments rather than godly conversations, that ain’t holiness.
  • blind to the giant log in one’s own eye, yet judging the speck in someone else’s eye, that ain’t holiness.
  • more about legalism than charity, liberty and grace, that ain’t holiness.
  • dismissing the above list and getting defensive about the areas that reflect your own poor attitudes and behaviors, that ain’t holiness either.
  • Anything other than being like Jesus, quite simply…  it ain’t holiness. Period. 

Dear English majors, I know, “ain’t” isn’t a word. I also know the “holiness” that some folks proport to be “protecting” or “promoting” isn’t holiness. 

It’s something, but it’s not holiness. 

The Best Residence for the Aging Church of the Nazarene

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

The Church of the Nazarene (CotN) was founded on October 13, 1908. There are only three people currently living in the world who are older than the CotN: Maria Branyas born March 4, 1907;  Tomiko Itooka born May 23, 1908; and Inah Lucas  born June 8, 1908. That’s it. Just three people. Presumably none were at Pilot Point, Texas 116 years ago.

Obviously, denominations don’t age like people. Unlike people, many denominations are dead– they just don’t know it. Which got me thinking about the supercentenarian, Church of the Nazarene. If the CotN were an elderly person, what kind of care would be required for the old gal? 

The options for the elderly are:

Hospice care is mostly for people with less than a year to live. While there are those who exaggerate the demise of the CotN, no one thinks she will be dead in a year. Hospice is not the option. 

Palliative care is a treatment plan where all know the patient is not getting better, but health care providers try to make the person comfortable. It’s holding the hand and saying kind words until they pass away. It might be sooner, but it’s probably later. Is the Board of General Superintendents (BGS) simply holding the hand of a sick and probably dying denomination; offering little hope, but whispering nice (overly rosy) things in her ear? At times, it might seem like it, but there is still strong life bubbling in various places.

Memory care is provided to the patient who has forgotten who they are. Like in palliative care, the plan is to make the person comfortable–  not letting them hurt themselves or others. Some might say that the CotN has forgotten who she is and the principles on which she once stood. They conclude that  people are hurt because of her misremembering. But unlike the horrible corridors of a memory care unit, many still know, love and desire to live into the CotN’s history. Regaining those early principles is the challenge, but its history hasn’t been forgotten. 

Does anyone think the CotN is ready for Independent living? Many argue she is more divided than ever (see Jesus’ comments of feeble houses in times of division in Matthew 12). She isn’t as strong as she used to be. She needs help. Independent living seems out of the question at this contentious point.

That leaves Assisted Living as the last and best option. The church is not dead, but she needs support. Factionist’s witch hunts on the right and tantrum throwers on the left have threatened to end the via media that has characterized the church from its inception. Each far side’s critics claim the church is drifting toward the other’s extreme. They vocalize its doom on social media and try to pull her to their side. A tug-of-war has ensued for the CotN’s heart and soul. She needs assistance not a mortician. 

More than ever the CotN needs leadership. The original BGS member, Phineas F Bresee, famously said (not original to him): In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things charity. Current BGS members, charged with giving vision and direction, must remind the church of Bresee’s words. Shout it, if necessary. Like a traffic cop on a busy intersection point us back to the via media. Silence is death. It’s time to be heard. The rest of us must then follow in assisting the church to the via media. It’s moving (or staying) in the center of the narrow road, away from the extremists on either side. 

A healthy denominational assisted living is located on the via media and it’s where the CotN best resides. I’m still hopeful that’s will be our address.

Edited to read: This is NOT a new or a negative concept. The Church has always required ASSISTED LIVING. It’s the Lamb and His Bride; a marriage made in heaven, where God’s Holy people are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do Christ’s bidding for the Father’s glory. 

Edited to also add: I wrote on the Church of the Nazarene’s need for the middle road in 2021. You can read it here: https://wordpress.com/post/robprinceblog.com/1958

What Can Be Learned from the Closure of Eastern Nazarene College?

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

When the news broke that Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) was closing last week, it felt like a friend had died. Not a friend that you see every day, or even once in a while, but a friend nonetheless. Hearing that the doors were closing for good brought a deep sense of sadness over me. The news hit me hard for someone with no real connection to the school other than my “Nazarene-nerdy-ness.”

I have friends who graduated from ENC and who have been on the faculty and staff there. I heard stories of God’s faithfulness and provision through the life of ENC. I had only been on the campus of Eastern Nazarene College one time. It was back a few years, before Covid, we went on the Sunday morning to the Wollaston Church of the Nazarene on the campus of ENC. We walked around and saw the buildings. I was surprised on how close the campus was to the ocean. I thought it had such potential. Now it’s closed. 

When a loved one that I haven’t seen in a while passes, I think, “I knew she was sick, just not that sick. I wish I had known…” Could anything have been done to help ENC if we comprehended her dire circumstances? Maybe. Maybe not. I wish we had known…

Sometimes when attending the funeral of older relatives, I peruse the room and see kinfolk that I’ve only seen at funerals, the holidays or a random reunion. When greeting the distant cousins at the wake, I think, “Who will be next?  The matriarch has died. Who will be the next family member eulogized?” ENC’s closing made me think about the other Nazarene institutions in the same manner. Are others on life support? Is ENC’s passing a harbinger of more trouble in the Church of the Nazarene or is it an anomaly?  

I want to think ENC’s demise was caused by a dwindling student and Nazarene population in the Northeast. It wasn’t helped by an over saturated higher education system in Boston and the plethora of options from which prospective New England students might choose. I’m sure there are many more factors than the ones spouted off by some of my conspiracy-first-truth-later brothers and sisters on social media. Still, was ENC’s demise the first of many deaths or the unexpected and unfortunate passing in an otherwise healthy organization?

I fear it’s the former, not the latter. If it is the former, what can we do to stop the bleeding? How can we better communicate the urgency of those in dire straights without causing my aforementioned Chicken-Little-like, brothers and sisters (these social-media-dilettantes are on all sides of the theological/political spectrums, by the way) from further miscommunicating ill-informed opinions (I’m not casting stones. I’ve been there. I’ve probably had my share of ill-informed opinions too). 

How can we help the other institutions stay afloat and not hurt them, that’s the point?

Maybe now is simply a time to mourn the passing of a dear friend, but sometime soon we must examine our reality and make the necessary adjustments so more funerals don’t follow. 

Should the Church of the Nazarene and the Global Methodist Church merge?

On By Rob Prince12 Comments

The United Methodist (UM) church is in the process of splitting. The largest number who have left the UM are those who have formed the Global Methodist (GM) Church. The main “dividing line” between the UM and GM is that the GM holds to a traditional view of marriage, like the Church of the Nazarene (CotN). In fact, many statements made about the new Global Methodist church could end with the phrase “like the Church of the Nazarene.” So the question becomes, if the Global Methodists and the Nazarenes are so much alike, should these two groups seek to merge into one bigger, stronger denomination?

The Global Methodists are still forming as not every church disaffiliating with the UM has done so. As such, the membership numbers are a little difficult to pin down. There are approximately, 4500+ GM churches and 4,417 CotN churches in the United States. When the dust has settled the CotN might not be able to claim to the be the “largest holiness church.” The GM may have those bragging rights (in a sanctified manner, of course) in the United States, at least.

The GM has some groups from outside the United States, the CotN is in 164 world areas. Globally, the CotN is positioned to welcome the GM churches and give structure, guidance to a  truly a worldwide mission effort.  

The educational institutions were a sticking point in the some of the merger discussions with the Wesleyan Church/Church of the Nazarene in years past. The close proximity between colleges raised questions of viability and sustainability. That would not be an issue with a GM/CotN merger. The GM has a few “recommended” colleges but none that are specifically “GM” universities. Again, the CotN has eight universities in the United States and Canada and over 50 educational institutions around the world. Instantly the GM would have colleges of its own and education points around the world.

Historically, the Church of the Nazarene is a church of mergers. Part of its DNA has been to find like-minded holiness people and come together for greater affectedness in reaching the world for Jesus. A GM/CotN merger would provide the greatest application of this mindset in its history. Instantly, the new church would have influence and a greater awareness across the United States and world.

The new church, a Nazarene/Methodist Church, would provide a freshness to the CotN that has been lacking in these challenging times. A Pilot-Point-like excitement could develop with new brothers and sisters coming together. With more voting delegates, it would eliminate the “good old boy” network of familiarity and nepotism that at times has plagued the CotN. Leaders from both groups, would rise to the top forging a fresh glory for a global outreach. It would provide more preaching points and greater opportunity for evangelism. A united holiness effort could infuse a Holy Spirit empowered energy and be exactly what is needed today.

Certainly there are obstacles to a Global Methodist/Nazarene merger. But what better time to discuss such a move than before the Global Methodists church is fully established and when the Church of the Nazarene could use a renewed vision. This might be the best time to form a new, united holiness church called to make Christ-like  disciples in the nations. 

Is it too late for Revival in the Church of the Nazarene (USA/Canada)?  

On By Rob Prince6 Comments

There is no question on the necessity of the church to be revived. A quick look at the numbers reveal that in-person attendance is plummeting. Churches are closing. New churches are not being started. Young people are not being called to pastoral ministries. The clergy along with the people in the pews are aging. The writing is on the wall. It’s only a matter of time before the funeral processional begins. Something needs to happen (read: REVIVAL) or the Church of the Nazarene will die!* But is it too late for her to turn around?

Luke writes of the revival following Pentecost. It can happen. The church was adding people every day (Acts 2:47). In a short period of time, the number of believing men grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4). In spite of opposition from within (Ananias and Sapphira) and pressure on the outside, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (Acts 5:14). Revival was happening. It was the work of the Holy Spirit and the believers were in “one heart and one mind” (Acts 4:32). 

The Holy Spirit is still at work, but would anyone declare the Church of the Nazarene to be in “one heart and mind”? The church seems to be more divided than ever. There’s too much “us vs. them.” There are too many labels. There are too many sub-groups and factions. Social media loudly clamors for attention on all sides. There are too many separate entities fighting for their corner of the table. The U.S.S. Nazarene is sinking, does it matter who is sitting at the captain’s table?

It’s never too late for the Holy Spirit to right the ship. But it sure seems like the window of revival is closing for the Church of the Nazarene. There are those who say, “Let her die.” I’m not one of them. She can be revived. There is resurrection hope. 

The answer seems simple to write, but hard to obtain. Quit fighting. Quit dividing. Quit weaponizing social media. Quit demonizing those with a slightly different theological bent. Quit. Just quit. This is not a call that one side or the other needs to quit, every side must quit the chatter. Jesus highly priestly prayer calls all believers to be unified (see John 17:20-21). Can’t the church live into that prayer? Can the church be on one heart and mind?

Is it too late for revival? It’s never too late. The church willing to humbly settle its differences in an age of division and angst? Are its members willing to pray along with Jesus to be one? That’s the question. 

If it is too late for a revived Church of the Nazarene, don’t mourn too long. God will rise up new groups like in the late 1800’s when the Church of the Nazarene or the Holiness Church of Christ or the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America started. These new groups will do what the current version of the Church of the Nazarene is not always doing. A united people who will proclaim holiness of heart and life and offer good news to the least of these. God isn’t impressed with brand names. If the current version of Church of the Nazarene isn’t cutting it, God will raise up a church who will. 

Is it too late? No. But it is getting late…

*Obviously, there are exceptions. There are good churches doing good things. I am super biased but I think Flint Central Church is such an exception.

Imagining if my dad had not been Born Again

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Like George Bailey, Jimmy Stewart’s character in It’s a Wonderful Life, so much would be different if my dad had not been BORN AGAIN.

When my dad stumbled into a tiny Nazarene church 64 years ago and subsequently met Jesus, he was a high school dropout, auto-working, alcoholic and with three kids and a wife who wanted a divorce.

How would the world be different had my dad not met Jesus? Where do I begin?

  • My parents would have been divorced.
  • I never would have been born.
  • Karla would be married probably to some rich tycoon that she met when working in the airlines (she might have been richer, but not happier).
  • No Alex. No Ben. No Conrad.
  • None of the people that I have met and helped as a pastor would be at the same place. Jesus would have sent someone to those folks (He is faithful) but it would have been different.
  • Would my sisters have been as successful as they were? Probably not. They certainly wouldn’t have met their spouses. Pam met Lloyd in church. Beth met Jon at Olivet.
  • My brother, most certainly, would not have become a preacher; not met his wife, Teri, they met at Olivet too; and not have helped all the people he was able to aid throughout his ministry and life.
  • Same is true for all of my parents’ grandkids from my siblings (all went to Olivet).
  • Probably my dad would have died young because of his alcoholism—like his parents and grandparents and great grandparents before him.
  • My mom, with just a high school diploma and three little kids, would have had a difficult life as a single mom. She too didn’t know Jesus at the time, who knows what kind of career or job she might have been able to get.
  • We all know the tragedies of the unhealthy mix of poverty, fatherless homes, and alcoholism. My family would probably have landed square in the middle of that whole statistical mess.

It’s hard to imagine all that would be different had my dad not made the best decision of his life to follow Jesus after visiting that little Nazarene church.

As we recognize dads this weekend, I can’t help but appreciate the Holy Spirit’s prevenient grace extended to my dad that led him to a church on a Sunday night 64 years ago. I’m thankful that he looked at his life and knew changes needed to be made. I’m so glad for the prayer he mumbled out by his bedside that night (Remember: the power of prayer is in the One who hears the prayer, not the one who prays the prayer). I’m so incredibly thankful that Jesus saved my dad! Without that happening so many lives would be different today.

Dads, your decisions make a difference. They affect more than you. Like my dad so long ago, make godly, faithful choices. You will not regret it! Neither will your kids!

Happy Father’s Day!

The Toughest Job in the Church of the Nazarene is NOT General Superintendent

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

The toughest job in the Church of the Nazarene is NOT General Superintendent. It’s not regional director, district superintendent or pastoring a large church. By far the most difficult job is university (or college… I’m looking at you in Quincy, MA) president. The difficulty lies in the fact that so many groups think they have a right to tell the president how to do the job. The list is long: faculty, students, staff, board of trustees, parents, general superintendents, the accrediting associations, the government, athletic governing bodies, local church pastors, fringe Nazarene groups like The Holiness Partnership and Nazarene’s for Peace, and a multitude of groups from outside the Church of the Nazarene. Everybody believes they have a right to the university president’s ear.

These vested voices are coupled with the burden of educating a student body who endured the pandemic, deals with social media pressures and life in these turbulent times. Ask any college (not just Nazarene) and they will tell you that their mental health services are being used at an all time high. Students feel the weight and pressure of college life like never before. Along with such realities come the societal stress aftermath (drugs, alcohol, depression, suicide) that offer the opposite of help. The college presidents’ job is much more complicated than simply educating young adults.  

Moreover the colleges are becoming less and less “Nazarene.” One school’s Nazarene student body population is 7%. It’s hard to maintain Nazarene identity when less and less students know anything about the Church of the Nazarene. (Olivet’s attempt to address this issue by offering a free four year tuition to the NYC senior class participants was well received by students and their families, not so well received by the other colleges. The “Olivet Way” was seen as pushing the other colleges out of the way). 

Of course, the other main issue (maybe the biggest issue) pressing on college presidents is money. It’s expensive to maintain a Christian university these days. There are less traditional college-age people in the population. Less students are attending college Less tuition means less money, yet inflation doesn’t stop. The pressure of keeping everything afloat is enormous. A Christianity Today article from 2023 stated that 18 Christian colleges closed since the pandemic. You can read the article here. A few more are on the brink of closing (including a Nazarene school? Who knows). The economics of a Christian university is challenging. 

Added to all of this the Church of the Nazarene is currently going through a shakeup in its university presidents. Olivet’s president began in 2021, Ambrose, Mount Vernon and Eastern installed new presidents in the past year; Point Loma is in the process of electing a new president; Northwest’s president has announced he will retire next year. MidAmerica and Trevecca both have presidents who are in their 70’s and will likely retire in the next few years. This change in leadership may not be bad. It will be different for each campus. Bringing in the right person is paramount for the school (obviously) but also for the denomination. 

All this to say, we need to be in prayer for the universities and their presidents. Christian higher education leadership is the toughest job in the Church of the Nazarene. The second toughest job is youth pastor (that’s a blog for another day).

College and Seminary President Prayer List:
Ambrose University— Rev. Dr. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo 
Eastern Nazarene College – Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr
MidAmerica Nazarene University—Dr. David Spittal
Mount Vernon Nazarene University—Dr. Carson D. Castleman
Olivet Nazarene University—Rev. Dr. Gregg Chenoweth
Northwest Nazarene University—Dr. Joel K. Pearsall
Point Loma Nazarene University– TBD
Southern Nazarene University– Rev. Dr. Keith Newman
Trevecca Nazarene University—Rev. Dr. Dan Boone
Nazarene Bible College—Rev. Dr. Scott Sherwood
Nazarene Theological Seminary—Rev. Dr. Jeren Rowell

What if Pastors (including DSs) were Compensated Equally?

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

Could Acts 4:32-34 be applied to the way we operate our churches today? The plural use of “churches” is intentional because this passage and the one in 2 Corinthians is often applied to a “church” (singular). But what if the verse was applied to multiple churches on an entire Nazarene district or (or if I were really radical) across denominational lines.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. (Acts 4:32-34)

The Macedonian churches were applying the activity of Acts 4 way beyond their local setting. Paul wrote how the Macedonians responded to the financial crisis of the Jerusalem church: In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). 

Have you seen any churches (not those in “extreme poverty” like the Macedonians, but any church, anywhere) welling up with rich generosity, not for their own wants and desires but, for a church down the road? Have you seen them giving “beyond their ability” to give to bless another church? Have you seen any church “pleading… for the privilege” to give to another church? Raising money not so that local church could build a nicer sanctuary, but raising monies so the church down the road could keep their sanctuary doors open or provide a living wage for its pastor. 

Radical Idea Alert: What if churches across a district or region pooled their monies and every pastor was compensated equally. What if we compensated faithfulness or years of service or academic achievement. What if size didn’t matter. While we are at it, what if District Superintendents were included in the same salary pool. They were likewise compensated on years of faithful service just like every other pastor on the district. No more. No less. 

Back-to-reality Alert: Who’s kidding who? In the first century preachers were not getting paid (don’t tell Karla) and there were no church mortgages or sound systems or denominations or… well… you get the idea. We all agree there are differences between the 1st and the 21st century. But what if we shared a little more than we do? Collaborated a little better. Prayed together more often. What if churches and pastors acted more like teammates rather than competitors. What if instead of becoming territorial if another church is planted in one’s area, we rejoiced. What if some churches had food pantries and other churches in the same area distributed baby supplies or helped out with utility bills. 

What if churches shared people resources too. What if musicians or singers or masons and carpenters would freely work at churches other than their own. What if pastors in stronger churches were willing to step in and help in creative ways with struggling churches. What if church folks stopped being/thinking like the rest of the world with a “me first,” “my family first,” “my church first,” or “my country first” selfish mindset and instead had a kingdom mindset of rich generosity to all. 

Maybe the New Testament church got some things right (minus the hot mess known as “Corinth First Church”). Maybe, just maybe, if churches today were blessing others, like the church in Acts 4 or the Macedonian churches, God’s grace would powerfully be at work in all our churches. 

My Graduation Party PTSD

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

As the calendar turns to June, it can only mean one thing: High School Graduation Party Season. It’s a time of year that brings forth a bit of PTSD in me.

When I graduated from Garden City West High School High School (Go Tigers! West is best, East is least!!), my folks threw me a party. We had a picture board (highlighting my senior year afro which should be the reason for my PTSD, but it’s not), a trophy display (second place in the cub scout pinewood derby, among other similarly prestigious achievements) and cake (Sam’s didn’t exist then. My mom and Dunkin Hines provide the cake). It was a grand affair. But my brother, Fred, was unable to attend  because he was a poor seminary student in Kansas City at the time. 

Fred, too poor to travel, but not too poor to help me celebrate, sent a singing telegram from a guy dressed in a gorilla costume. Nothing says, “Happy Graduation” like a singing gorilla, right? Instead of just some stranger dressed as a gorilla, I thought it was my brother, Fred, in the gorilla costume. I thought Fred had lied about not coming home in an effort to surprise me on my happy day.

Now for the PTSD: At the sight of the singing gorilla, not thinking it was a stranger but Fred, I ran and jumped into the singing gorilla’s arms. Once in the gorilla’s clutches (PTSD alert), I quickly realized that the dude singing with the spicy burrito breathe was not Fred. It was a stranger. I was in his arms and like the song from that era, the one-hit-wonder Sérgio Mendes’, classic, Never Gonna Let you go; I thought the gorilla was, in fact, never gonna let me go. He kept singing and singing, all the while hugging me with a King-Kong-like grip. 

If you know me, you know, I am not much of a “hugger.” I hug Karla, that’s about it. I wish I were a hugger, I’m not. Hugs aren’t bad. They are fine signs of affection. I just can’t bring myself to doing it very often. It’s odd. It’s weird. It’s a societal faux pax. For this I blame the gorilla and his never-gonna-let-me-go grip. I’m not sure if I’m afraid of never being let go or never wanting to smell that spicy burrito breathe again. 

Here’s the good news, even though I might not be a hugger, our Heavenly Father is. Like in the prodigal son story, when the boy returns the Bible says, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). Our Father is waiting to embrace us. He wants us in His family. No matter where we’ve been or how far gone we are. He longs for us to be home with Him. Best of all, Paul wrote: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). In other words, our Father never lets us go (and He doesn’t have spicy burrito breathe). Praise the Lord!

Only 49 USA/Canada Nazarene Pastors Are Under 30— A Few Suggestions to Address the Problem

On By Rob Prince6 Comments

On January 1, 1990 Karla and I packed everything we owned into a U-Haul and drove from Alanson, Michigan (where I had been the youth pastor) to Bad Axe, Michigan. It would be my first church as a solo pastor. I was 26 years old. By today’s standards, I would have been a rarity.

There are 4,331 lead pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada, only 49 lead/solo pastors are under 30 years old. Moreover, just 10.1% of the pastors are under 40; where as 40.1% are over 60.* These statistics lead one to ask several questions:

  • Is God not calling young people into ministry these days?  
  • Are young people not heeding the call?
  • Do would-be, young Nazarene pastors disagree Nazarene theology and polity**
  • What is happening and what will happen when these old pastors start retiring if there is no one to replace them? 

Clearly, the dwindling of young pastors is a problem. What can be done to increase the total of ministers under 40? It begins in middle school, maybe earlier. Here are a few suggestions:

Pastors modeling Christlike behavior. Seeing more young people called into ministry begins with healthy pastors modeling before the congregation a life in the Spirit and a joy in the calling of God. 

Preacher’s talking about the joys of pastoring. Not every assignment is a joy, but faithful pastoring is rewarding. Being able to share the joys new babies in baptism or dedication; experiencing the new birth of a young teenager in Christ; having the best “seat” in the house for weddings; helping families through the rough patches of life; and saying the closing words at the funeral of a saint are the joys of pastoring that cannot be overstated. Good, godly pastors are the best antidote for more pastors.

Parents/grandparents speaking kindly and appreciative of those in the ministry. Much of a young person’s knowledge of the ministry comes from what is spoken about the clergy in their home. Gossip, backbiting and hateful words are heard and remembered by children. Likewise, kind, appreciative words go a long way in establishing a respect for the ministry.

Professors speaking favorably of pastoral ministry. In particular, speaking positively and expressing the need for small town pastor in the college classroom. Many ministry majors have been steered away from pastoral ministry from the horror stories heard in the university. “Small town or small churches are small for a reason,” they’ve been told; “people are stuck in their ways; they won’t listen to a young pastor;” and “a small church will eat you up and spit you out.” Such lessons, while may be true is some cases, but do not help encourage those 30 and under to become small town/small church pastors.

The denomination could offer the elimination student debt for ministers of small churches. Making pastoring a small church more affordable should be a priority for the denomination. Getting creative with funding of small churches is essential. Many churches have unloaded their parsonages in the last twenty years and now cannot afford to pay a young pastor (often saddled with debt) a living full time salary.

Districts setting up small town/small church grants could also assist with making small church pastoral assignments affordable. Districts could set up funds to assist pastors salaries or health insurance costs. This is not a totally new concept. When I was pastoring Bad Axe, the district paid half our health insurance, since the church could not afford it. Similar incentive plans to assist small churches which would help in the recruitment and retention of pastors in smaller settings. Most districts have enough excess funds to afford an incentive program. 

Church members recognizing they have two choices: get younger or die. Choose the former, then do whatever it takes to convince a young pastor to come to the church and then do whatever it takes to support that pastor. Choose the latter, do nothing and watch the church die a slow agonizing death.

Sadly too often young people have been given a negative picture of small churches from bad pastors, gossip in their homes, negativity from some college professors, the lack of affordability and have decided, “Thanks but no thanks.”  Churches must be willing to turn over the keys (and purse strings) to a new generation of pastors; district superintendents must be willing to endorse and support young pastors; and young men and women must heed the ministerial calling or there won’t be a church to turn over to the coming generations. 

*The numbers only reflect lead/solo pastors. There are plenty of pastors who serve as associate pastors in some capacity who are under the ager of 30. Some of them will become lead/solo pastors. Still 49 pastors under the age of 30 seems like an absurdly low number. 

**The argument that 30 and under people have disagreements with our theology and/or politics of many people in the churches seems more antidotal than factual. For example, many young people agree with the church’s traditional Biblical position regarding human sexuality. They don’t support with the all-too-often posture toward those who disagree. They don’t like the anger and hatred spewed. Many love Jesus and the church. 

Conrad’s Celebrating His First Birthday and the Greatest Gift

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

My grandson, Conrad, will have completed his first trip around the sun on Saturday. Hooray! Conrad’s first year of life has seen the Michigan Wolverines win a national championship in football and the Detroit Lions play in the conference final. Based only on football, he’s already had a better first year, than my previous 60. This Saturday we will be celebrating year #1.

My son and wife, Alex and Blaire, are throwing a big bash for the occasion. I don’t remember if my parents threw me a “One Year” birthday party for me or not, I suspect they did not. Will Conrad remember the Saturday’s party? I doubt it. Even so, a big group will be there for the happy day!

I’m not sure if there will be a candle for him to blow out or a cake to eat. He’s a Prince, so there had better be ice cream (we Princes love our ice cream). We will probably sing “Happy Birthday to you” at some point. There will be presents to open. If he’s like most kids, he will probably be more enthralled by the wrapping paper, bows and the packaging than the actual gift inside. None of those things really matter, as a grandparent, I will be happy if he is happy.

I’m learning being a grandparent is different from being a parent. I recently read that a mom to her kid says: “You get what you get. Deal with it.”  But that same mom as a grandma says: “Would you like your grilled cheese sandwich cut into stars or hearts?”

It’s true. As grandparents to a soon-to-be one-year-old infant, we want the best for Conrad. Of course, the best, the absolute best, gift is Jesus. More than any gift he will receive on Saturday, we can’t wait for him to receive the gift of Jesus into his heart and life. He’s too young to understand spiritual things. He won’t receive Jesus this Saturday. But one day, one great day, he will have the opportunity to accept Jesus into his life. When that day comes Jesus says that the angels in heaven will be throwing a party for the occasion (see Luke 15:7). I’m not sure that there will be streamers, balloons, ice cream and cake in heaven, but there will be a party!

The Bible reminds us that this life is short. Conrad is at the starting gate; I’m eyeing the finish line. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James’ point, in light of eternity, we aren’t occupying space on this spinning globe for very long. So, make sure you’ve received the great gift, Jesus. The parties on earth are fine (even if the kid won’t remember birthday #1). A much bigger imperative is to make sure that our names are written on the party banners in heaven.

That’s a party you’ll remember and rejoice in for all eternity!

Questions for the Six Nazarene Pastors who are 90+

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Of 4,331 lead pastors in the USA/Canada Church of the Nazarene, six men or women are nonagenarians. That is not a new sect or denomination. Nonagenarian is not the same as non-denominational. Nonagenarian is a person between the age of 90-99. There are currently six pastors, 90 years or older, who are still active lead pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada. Wow! 

That’s impressive. I’d like to meet these nonagenarians. I have some questions for them. 

  • Have they been pastoring their whole adult life?
  • Is this a second career? A third career?
  • How do they stay relevant?
  • Do they consider those church members in their 60’s as the “youth group”?
  • Were they ordained by Hardy Powers or GB Williamson?
  • Do they ever catch themselves saying, “When I was a kid back in the Great depression…”?
  • At District Assembly do they ask to give their pastor’s report first, just in case they are in heaven before  District Assembly adjourns. (There have been times I’ve prayed to be in heaven before District Assembly adjourns). 
  • Do they call Dr. Jim Diehl to preach a revival so their people can hear from someone younger (Dr. Diehl will be 87 on his next birthday and is still preaching). 
  • The Bible is always fresh, but do they run out of new stories to tell when still preaching in their 90’s?
  • Do they consider anything written by Fanny Crosby as “contemporary music”?
  • When they read Caleb’s self-description in Joshua 14, “I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then” (Joshua 14:10-11); do they think, “wait until he gets a little older then he will know…. Blah, blah, blah…”
  • Are they still pastoring because they can’t afford to live on their social security or meager Nazarene pastor’s pension?
  • Have they inquired about the special provision in the manual that states: “If a pastor has been pastoring since before the presiding General Superintendent was born, their church gets a free pass on paying it’s World Evangelism Fund (Note: that’s NOT in the Manual). 

My real questions are: What lessons could they share about pastoring? What’s the secret of pastoring at 90+?

Will I be pastoring when I am 90 years old? Both my parents died at 83. My odds on hitting the 10th decade of my life aren’t good. I’m not going to lie, now that I am in my 60’s I have an eye on retirement (with both boys and more importantly our only grandson living in Kansas City, Karla has her eye on that grandbaby). One day (probably long before 90), I will retire, but I hope to never stop serving Jesus. I want to serve him until he calls me home. Should God Almighty call out, “who will pastor this church?” and I’m still kicking in my 90’s, like those six Nazarene pastoring heroes and Isaiah, I hope I will say, “Here I am send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Under Pressure? Read this

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

On Tuesday I had a lumbar puncture where the doctor inserted a hollow needle into the space surrounding the spinal column in the lower back to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid. The hope for this procedure was to lower the fluid pressure surrounding my head to below normal levels (without giving me a crazy spinal headache) and relieve my migraines. If this sounds like fun, you need your head examined (ha). It wasn’t fun, and I don’t think it worked. Which is mostly a big bummer. 

Relieving pressure in other areas of life can be difficult to overcome as well. Maybe more so. Students talk about the pressures in school. Thanks to social media these anxieties have substantially increased over when I was in high school and college. Often in the workplace there is pressure to perform, sell or increase productivity. Even within our homes there can be pressure brought on by money issues, trauma, grief, poor communication and so many other factors. There isn’t a needle that a doctor can inject to bring relief in any of these situations. 

In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about all the pressures the has endured. It’s a lot. Shipwrecks, beatings, starvation, hardships, many dangers and then he writes, “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). He had a lot on his plate in other words. Still he concludes, “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). It’s the same attitude that James encourages us to have when he writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). 

I’ve yet to counsel a person (or counsel myself for that matter) who is going through pressures and trials who “delight” in them as Paul tells or “considers them pure joy” like James. It’s tough. It stinks. We want to scream or escape or scream while we are escaping. Delight? Pure joy? Fat chance. When in the throes of such circumstances and troubles, is it possible to get to delighting or considering them joy?

Paul and James aren’t saying the situations are easy. Don’t hear that. Trials by definition are “trying.” They try or patience. Try our endurance. Try our attitudes. They can even try our Christianity. The only way to “delight” and experience “pure joy” is to step back and take a bird’s eye (heaven’s eye) approach. See things as God does. Are you still living and breathing? Praise the Lord! Have you managed to keep your attitudes Christ-like thus far? Praise the Lord! Do your friends see you as an example of faithfulness in trials? Praise the Lord! Will a health care provider, fellow student, co-worker, family member or someone else come to Jesus because of your model? Really praise the Lord! Is Jesus, who endured far more than you, getting the glory for your situation? Praise. The. Lord!

Trials aren’t fun. In my case, chronic pain stinks. But if someone, somewhere, somehow, in some way finds Jesus through it—then bring it on! I consider it pure joy! I will be delighting all the way to Glory with my new-in-faith friend! 

If you want to read more about my Chronic Pain journey read this: https://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Pain-Finding-Midst-Suffering/dp/0834132257/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3B926J59O2SDN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jocs3EQ9dvvvhGr1Is3mgg.Koms5WFgzLoxXnWgnwFCwKzrt4LIYt7cSlSGesuD3YA&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+prince+chronic+pain&qid=1715856520&sprefix=rob+Prince+chronic+pain%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1

If you want to read more about our journey with our cancer friend, read this: https://www.amazon.com/Got-Cancer-Theres-Help-Victory/dp/B0B7HBZYXL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZYGRTITO87H7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ioQtZRdY_5o2j6CYF1D4hh71Lp011q3OHYeTgoPXfqPGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.6TEFSqW9eWUwz5qwkmFxdCTviUwcEbyI4BxeZ1DhSPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+prince+got+cancer&qid=1715856570&sprefix=rob+prince+got+cancer%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1

What do Mosques, Buddhist temples and your church have in common?

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

We are living in post-Christian America. This is not news. More people mark “none” when asked about their religious preference than ever before. Knowledge of the Bible and acknowledgement of the need for Biblical truth is at an all-time low. People are no more interested in entering a church, as they or even a long time Christian might be interested in entering a mosque or Buddhist temple. 

For argument sake, let’s say a mosque or Buddhist temple was being built on a corner that a fine Christian passes every day. They watch the building getting built. Maybe they even think to themself, “that’s a nice building.” Would they go to jumah (prayer service) in the mosque on a Friday or a gathering at the Buddhist temple?  Probably not. What if there was a big sign out front that said “All are welcome” would the fine Christian go in? Probably not. More than likely, it doesn’t even cross the fine Christian’s mind to attend a meeting.  They just drive on by.

For argument sake, let’s continue to think the fine Christian had a neighbor who is super nice. They’ve had cookouts together. The neighbors are always willing to lend a hand, a cup of sugar and they grab their mail when gone. They are the best neighbors. What if that guy comes to the fine Christian and says, “Hey, we are having a special service at the mosque or temple, I’d love it if you would come. Don’t worry about not understanding things, I will help you and explain everything. If you get uncomfortable at any time, we can leave. No worries. It’s a special day and I’d love to share it with my special friends.” Would the fine Christian go? There is a far more likelihood that they would go to the mosque or temple with the friendly neighbor under those circumstances. Even with no intention of converting, they will go because it was important to their friendly neighbor.

Nonbelievers in Post Christian America think about your church, the way you might think about a mosque or temple. It’s foreign to them. No matter how well kept the building. They aren’t coming in. No matter what is put on the electronic sign in the front of the church. They aren’t coming in. They don’t know the customs. They have questions: Can anyone just show up? Does one need to get permission to attend? They wouldn’t want to offend anyone. It’s foreign to them. As they drive pass your church, it doesn’t even cross their mind to attend a service. But if a trusted friend invites them to attend a church service, they just might come. If for no other reason than curiosity. They know their friend would be with them, answer any questions and would help them. A friend’s invite is what it will take to get Post Christian America population to come to church.

Be that friend.                                                                                                                                                             

Invite that neighbor. 

Allow God to do the rest.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Why I Choose to Stay Nazarene

On By Rob Prince7 Comments

I was saved in a Nazarene church. Called to preach on a Nazarene campground. Sanctified while attending a Nazarene college. I graduated from a Nazarene college and the Nazarene seminary. The Church of the Nazarene is the church who ordained me. My first job with a real paycheck was at a Nazarene campground. Except for a brief time when I was working at a Presbyterian church while in seminary, every paycheck I have received from the age of 19 forward has been from a Nazarene institution (summer intern in college; worked at the library and in admissions while attending college; worked for the Nazarene Publishing House for two years in seminary; and of course pastoring in six different Nazarene churches). If not for the summer intern position, I would not have met my wife (she was transferred to the local airport for the summer, while I summer interned in the church). Both my sons and their wives are graduates of Nazarene universities. All of my siblings and their spouses are Nazarene institution grads. All their kids went to a Nazarene college too. I owe a lot to the Church of the Nazarene in other words. A. Very. Lot.

But that doesn’t mean that I have blind loyalty. Like everyone with even a passing interest, I see the divides within the church. There are various factions within the church—on the far left, the far right and nutty folks somewhere in the middle. I have friends who’ve left on their own accord and others who were pushed out. I know very capable individuals who have been overlooked for leadership positions, while much less qualified people were pushed to the front. Politics, bad theology, nepotism, greed and pettiness have all infected the church at various times. As a global denomination, I see the challenges in keeping unity across international borders. During last year’s General Assembly, I heard gossip from the floor of the assembly and in social media posts and I saw first-hand its malicious undergirding. I see her faults in other words. The Church of the Nazarene isn’t perfect.

Still I am a Nazarene. I love this church. I will work, pray and do all I can to help her. For me that means working in the local church. Doing all I can to enable this local outpost of the Church of the Nazarene to being a bright shining light in its community. In my opinion, it is. 

If you are reading this, you probably know I write a lot. Some golf, I write. But you won’t read me bashing the church I love. You won’t see me hypercritical of decisions made (even decisions I completely disagree with). Why? I have a debt to her. I want to help her, not tear her down. There are ways to see positive change. Condemning or attacking on social media is not one of them. I love the church. I want her better. I want her to remain true to P.F. Bresee’s vision in the footsteps of William Greathouse and Mildred Wynkoop and so many others. I will work toward that end. I hope you stay and will join me. 

I want to live holiness. Working locally. Praying globally. Staying focused. Being positive. Promoting unity. Encouraging others. Loving people. Making disciples. I will be with her to my ending days when a Nazarene preacher prays the benediction at my funeral service.

The Church of the Nazarene is stuck with me. I choose to stay.

National Day of Prayer: Shut Up and Listen

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Have you ever been in a conversation with an overly-wordy-talker (OWT)? You know how those conversations unfold:

OWT: Hey you, blah, blah, blah, and then I said blah, blah, blah, blah and oh yeah… blah, blah, blah and you know blah, blah, blah…

You: Hi…

OWT: well, I think blah, blah, blah because he said blah, blah, blah also blah, blah, blah, blah blah and I meant to tell you blah, blah, blah…

You: That’s interesting, but…

OWT: No, no blah, blah, blah have you heard blah, blah, blah, and don’t forget blah, blah, blah, blah blah, blah, and who knows blah, blah, blah. What do you think?

You: You could try…

OWT: Of course, blah, blah, blah is better than blah, blah, blah and If you don’t mind blah, blah, blah, when you blah, blah, blah and then blah, blah, blah…

You: Excuse me, but…

OWT: Oh, blah blah, blah really irritates me and blah blah, blah and did you hear blah, blah, blah and I’m going to scream blah, blah, blah…

You: Wait…

OWT: Ok. Good talking to you. Bye 

You: Bye (under your breath) Grumble. Grumble. Grumble.

That’s not a conversation. It’s a monologue. I wonder if that’s how God feels about our time in prayer with Him? Have you heard ourselves pray? Too often it goes something like this:

Us: Dear God, blah, blah blah, and oh my God… blah, blah blah, and don’t forget blah, blah blah, blah, blah, blah, and if you don’t mind, blah, blah, blah, and one more thing… blah, blah blah, and ok two more things… blah, blah blah, and blah, blah, blah, blah and then there’s… blah blah, blah, blah and Aunt Martha’s gout…blah, blah, blah and please, please, please… blah, blah, blah and pretty please… blah and, blah, blah, blah… ummm…  Amen. 

God:  

Of course, I can’t speak for God. I don’t know how the Almighty responds to the too wordy, one sided monologues that we too often call prayer. I just know how I feel when a too-many-words-talker starts bending my ear. Ugh!

Today is the National Day of Prayer. How about trying this… instead of thinking of it as the National-Day-to-Place-As-Many-Requests-to-the-Almighty-As-One-Possibly-Can Day, think of it as the National Listening-for-the-Almighty-to-Speak Day. 

Psalm 46:10 doesn’t say, “Blab on and on and know that I am God.” It says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Maybe we should do that on this day of prayer. Be still. Quiet. Listen. It’s being like Samuel when he took Eli’s advice in 1 Samuel 3:9 and simply prayed: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 

God might be trying to say something to us, but can’t get a word in edgewise. We might be surprised at what the Lord might say if only we’d stop talking and started listening. Slow down. Quiet. Still. 

In other words, (I write this in the nicest way that I can): Shut up and listen!

A few simple Questions Concerning Heaven, Hell and Judgment Day

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

1)  Do you believe in heaven, hell and a coming Judgment Day? 

2) If you answered “no,” then might I suggest reading the Gospels. Jesus seemed to talk a lot about such things.

3)  If you answered “yes,” then (here’s a tough, in your face question) how much do you have to HATE someone to NOT TELL them about the either/or eternal accommodations for everyone who has ever lived?

The Bible is clear on the cost of our salvation. Peter put it this way: For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:18-19. NLT).

“Jesus paid it all,” we sing. What about us? What is our investment in others?  In assessing our efforts to see people come to Christ, are we going “all out”? Do we give a maximum effort to see that the people we love have a relationship with Jesus too? If not, why not? If we believe people will face judgment and then spend eternity without Christ, shouldn’t we walk over broken glass if needed to see these folks spend eternity with Jesus?

I’m not suggesting that we bully, guilt, scare, annoy or manipulate people to make a decision for Christ. No knocking people on the head with our big King James Bibles. I am suggesting that we take our call to make disciples much more serious than it seems that we do. Have you prayed for people who don’t know Jesus today? Have you fasted on their behalf? Have you thought through conversations you might have with them concerning their eternal accommodations? Have you asked the Lord to give you wisdom, the right words and to open the doors when the time is absolutely right? Are you prepared to walk through those open doors?

If one believes in a real heaven, a real hell and a coming Judgment Day in which all will stand before a holy God, then giving maximum evangelistic effort seems like the only appropriate response. 

What could possibly be more important?

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 Prince28 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.