Revitalize Your Church

I've been teaching FLAME (Ministerial Training) Courses in Frankfort, Indiana this week. It's been a great week so far -- with tomorrow being the last day. The first half of the week, I taught Church Leadership, and now, I'm teaching Evangelism. This afternoon, my class of 30 students along with 30 additional teens , went out into the community to be a blessing. We went in groups of 3-5 people, and everyone returned rejoicing as they reported everything that had happened. Altogether, they prayed with 125 people and one horse. It's been wonderful having Cathy, Luke, Wes and Hannah here with me. There are 290 attending this FLAME, making it the largest one in history. Dr. JoAnne Lyon spoke this morning, and inspired everybody. I also had the privilege of meeting a new friend, Dave Ward, who is a brilliant scholar -- professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, who is also finishing his PhD at Princeton.

Please pray for Dave & Mary Lou Stevens, the beloved cooks for all our FLAME (non-traditional ministerial preparation) Courses. They were in the middle of a FLAME in Stroudsburg, PA, when Dave became seriously ill, and was hospitalized in a local hospital. Please pray for the volunteers who jumped in as substitue cooks -- and pray also that their culinary offerings will not lead to indigestion. (just jesting about the indigestion! I know you guys will do do great. The Lord can work miracles, and the director, Wayne Richards is truly grateful for your willing spirits!)

I was impressed by something that happened a few weeks ago, when I was teaching a FLAME Course in South Carolina. These classes are to fulfill ordination requirements for people pursuing the ministry. Al Thompson, one of my students was a repeat -- He didn't need the class -- He'd already taken it (didn't flunk either, but passed with an A) -- and, in fact, is already ordained. Yet, he came back for another round of FLAME and guess what he did? He brought four other guys (Larry, Dale, Ken, and Joshua) from his church in North Carolina along with him! Isn't that cool?? Kudos to the Five Amigos for diving deeper and seeking ministerial training that will truly benefit you and your church!! What a great experience for you to share together! Way to go Pastor Al. You're an outstanding leader, and obviously loved by the people of your congregation.

I am at Table Rock, South Carolina, teaching a course on Evangelism to a wonderful group of 24 eager students. They are insightful and engaging. It's fun to teach a group so ready to learn and grow.

Here's a little video taken last week at FLAME, where I was teaching. No, I didn't tape any of my Homiletics students to the wall -- and I did not attack the small town pastors with water balloons. Thanks to Dale Argot for the lead.

One day last week, while teaching, I wore all black. People kidded me, calling me "Johnny Cash" or "The Man in Black" or "A Boy Named Sue." During break time, on a whim, I decided to play the part -- picked up a guitar, and sang a wobbly version of "I Walk the Line." "Thank you. . . Thank you very much."

Had a great week teaching FLAME courses this past week -- Church Leadership and Spiritual Formation. Met some outstanding students, who are (and are preparing to be) effective leaders in the Wesleyan Church. It was an unusual week of teaching, as every spare moment of free time, someone wanted to talk with me about issues of life and ministry. I didn't mind it a bit, and was happy to help -- but found myself totally whipped by the end of the day. Arrived safely home last evening to joyfully reunite with my family after waiting three and a half hours at the airport for my suitcase. I think the luggage handlers in Chicago will live long because they certainly resist the impulse to rush. I don't have to preach, or do anything in the services today -- I'll just be a pew potato for a change!