FAITHFULNESS IS NOT ENOUGH

I couldn’t believe my ears, but the words could not have been more clear: Faithfulness is not enough.  Even more shocking, those words came from the lips of General Superintendent Dr. Jerry Porter during our recent district assembly.  What in the world could he be thinking, especially since he was preaching to a crowd of the truly faithful?  To be honest, I was troubled for I’ve known lots of good, faithful folks.

But as I’ve reflected on those words, I’ve come to understand that Dr. Porter was not saying it wrong to be faithful.  However, faithfulness alone can be sterile, ingrown and self-centered.  So there must be more to it.  True faithfulness in our relationship with God has a natural linking word, perhaps one that flows from it—fruitfulness.  It is correct, I think, to say we must be faithful and fruitful if we are to be obedient disciples.

Of course, it is hard to tie “fruitfulness” into a neat, descriptive package, i.e., souls won, disciples trained, believers sanctified, missionaries sent, churches started. Context of life and ministry influences so much.  One could hardly accuse Harmon Schmelzenbach, the great pioneer missionary to Africa, of being unfruitful, though it took him seven years to see his first convert.

Having said that, we must be careful that we do not become complacent or content with just “being faithful” when we do not see souls saved or believers sanctified or churches started.  We must never be satisfied just because we’re faithful.

That’s why I believe the message for which the Church of the Nazarene was born to proclaim is so important today.  Our primary objective, the Manual reminds us, is “to advance God’s kingdom by the preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set forth in Scriptures.” (pg. 7)  If we are faithful to that mandate, then we will be fruitful and the church (our denomination, our district and your local congregation) will be renewed and ablaze again for God.

Being fruitful is the result of obedience to Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations.  (Matthew 28:19-20)  What a sobering, yet exciting mandate.  What a call to be fruitful!  There is a clear responsibility: all nations (Gk. panta ta ethnē).  No one is to be left out or left behind.  That means then that we must strive faithfully to bring Jesus to our neighbors by any noble means, that our services should attract, not tickle, them, and that our lived-out lives should make them hunger for Jesus Christ.  And it means our burden must be balanced.  We must never forget the most lost, those with the least opportunity to encounter Him, those far away from us both spiritually and geographically.  Our hearts must break just as much for them.  Christ’s call is to both!

One way to keep informed and our burden for the panta ta ethnē or “all nations” strong is to make sure we each attend Challenge Day, October 21, at the Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene.  Dr. Gustavo Crocker, the regional director of the Eurasia Region, is coming in from the regional office in Europe uniquely for our Challenge Day!  The Eurasia Region extends across eleven time zones, and God is working there in some of the most incredible ways in the history of the Church of the Nazarene.  Dr. Crocker’s report will thrill your soul and ignite anew your missionary passion that will reach all the way from India to … your neighborhood!  One of our pastors heard Dr. Crocker speak this past summer on another district and reported his message to be an “on the edge of your seat” experience.  You won’t want to miss hearing this incredible, dynamic man of God.  Urge everyone in your church to attend, too, especially young people and those who may be new to the Church of the Nazarene.  Let’s pray that it will be a life-changing moment with God for us all!

In being faithful to the twin mandates of heart holiness and the Great Commission, we will be fruitful.  Dennis Kinlaw says it well:  If we let God break us and spend us and possess us, we will live in fellowship with Christ, and our lives will be fruitful. (This Day With the Master, September 5)  My deepest desire for us all is that we be faithful and fruitful and, in the words of the apostle Paul, that [we] may live a life worthy of the Lord … bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10)

Yours and His,

John Seaman

MASON WEST COLUMBIA

September 18, 2006—Rev. Gerald & Jeanine Garcia never reached their intended destination.  After exiting I96 and turning south toward Indian Lake to attend the 2006 ministerial team Fall Workshop, their vehicle was broadsided by a car that ran a stop sign.  Rev. Garcia had to be extricated from their vehicle—suffering a broken sternum, three broken ribs and bruised lung-Jeanine from a broken rib and bruises.  God was gracious in sparing their lives. The Garcia’s and their eight children would benefit from notes of encouragement sent to garciag3@quiznet.net or 4404 W. Columbia Rd, Mason, MI 48854.

DISTRICT WIDE CHALLENGE DAY 2006

October 21, 2006—Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene will host this year’s Challenge Day with special guest Dr. Gustavo Crocker, Eurasia Regional Director.   With extraordinary credentials and experience, you will hear expertise at its best about cutting edge global ministry.  Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity from 10:00 am—3:00 pm to inform and inspire the youth and adults from your church.  Coffee and pastries will be served (donation requested).  Lunch may be purchased at nearby restaurants of choice.  A list of options will be provided upon your arrival.

ANNUAL MICHIGAN DISTRICT LADIES DAY

November 4, 2006—Join fellow sisters in Christ for a great day together at Owosso First Church of the Nazarene from 8:30 am—3:00 pm with special guest Joy Wisehart.  Call (989) 723-2229 or visit www.owossonazarene.com/LadiesDay online to register.

MINISTERIAL TEAM 2006 CHRISTMAS GALA

December 4, 2006—Pastors, Associates, Staff, Evangelists, Retired Elders and spouses are sure to experience an awesome evening at Jackson First Church with fine dining, Christmas cheer, and the sounds of inspiring vocalist Allison Durham Speer.  We ask that each church give this evening as a gift to all clergy and spouses by sending $10 per person to the district office no later than November 15th.  Formal invitations including registration form will be sent in October.  Thanks for giving your local ministerial team an  evening with district colleagues and friends to remember.

WINTER DAY BREAK ‘07

January 9, 2007—Another great ministerial team event will take place to kick off 2007 at  Owosso First Church of the Nazarene.   Evangelist Jim Mellish will be challenging the hearts and minds of those in attendance with encouragement and insight.   Save the date!

TEAM DAY ‘07

February 24, 2007—Reserve this special Saturday for an unprecedented opportunity to develop local church leadership in a state-of-the-art setting.  The Eastern and Michigan Districts have collaborated to offer workshops targeting children’s ministry (including child care) at Perry Nazarene; as well as multiple learning opportunities at Perry High School.  Keynote speaker, Dr. Tom White, Executive Director (U.S.) for The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc., survivor, author, and agent for the persecuted church in communist/Islamic countries, will be addressing both general sessions.  Olivet Nazarene University will provide morning wake up music and afternoon entertainment.    A block of hotel rooms will be reserved for Friday night lodging if your group has interest.  This is your chance to equip local leaders for more effective ministry.  Adult discounted registration rates are $20 if postmarked by February 1.  Standard registration rates are $25 if postmarked after February 1.  Birth—5th Grade discounted registration rates are $5 if postmarked by February 1.  Standard registration rates will be $10 if postmarked after February 1.  Watch for registration forms and brochures coming to your church soon.