Exciting times! 2012 has already begun and I'm getting behind already. There are events to schedule and an intense summer to plan. Let the fun begin.

I've made a commitment to the Lord to slow down my pace as to appreciate His beauty and blessings. God is working all around us and we're too busy to recognize it. I know that's true for me. I've been so busy trying to "handle" and "develop" the ministry that I've missed the beauty of the Lord. God is doing amazing things all around us. He is saving people from Hell. He is restoring marriages. He is putting back together broken lives. God is good! He is always good. May we slow down long enough to see and appreciate God's goodness.

 

Exciting times! 2012 has already begun and I'm getting behind already. There are events to schedule and an intense summer to plan. Let the fun begin.

I've made a commitment to the Lord to slow down my pace as to appreciate His beauty and blessings. God is working all around us and we're too busy to recognize it. I know that's true for me. I've been so busy trying to "handle" and "develop" the ministry that I've missed the beauty of the Lord. God is doing amazing things all around us. He is saving people from Hell. He is restoring marriages. He is putting back together broken lives. God is good! He is always good. May we slow down long enough to see and appreciate God's goodness.

 

Seriously? 

As I'm going through my checklist of things that I NEED to get done today, it strikes me that I have not updated the website since The Destiny House (a month ago)! I can't believe it. I had to do a double take because I thought I was mistaken but no, it’s true. My apologies. I thought I had added that task to my weekly task schedule but I did not. Silly me. What was I thinking? Maybe things will slow down? Well...I'll just add it to me weekly task schedule for safe measure. 

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving Day is only a couple of days away and our hearts and minds are racing with gratitude. It is easy to think about all the hard times we have had this year and never focus on the blessings. I heard a speaker once say that there is such a thing in the church culture called "ministry math". He went on to explain, we could receive 10,000 words encouragement and affirmation and only 1 word of negativity or complaint and the only word we will remember is the negativity. Unfortunately he was exactly right. We have a nature to replay and rehearse the bad things in life and discount the good things that the Lord has done for us. 

I personally have much to be grateful for. I have a meaning and intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior. I have a beautiful and amazing wife. I have two adorable children. I serve in life giving and life changing ministry. I help lead a great and passionate church. And I get to eat Mexican food at my discretion. It's awesome! I don't carelessly use the word awesome but my life is truly a blessing and gift. I really do believe that I'm living the dream! 

My prayer and hope is that you and your family will have a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you spend time remembering all the ways that God has been blessed you this year and praise His glorious name for everything good thing he has done. Love you.  

Seriously? 

As I'm going through my checklist of things that I NEED to get done today, it strikes me that I have not updated the website since The Destiny House (a month ago)! I can't believe it. I had to do a double take because I thought I was mistaken but no, it’s true. My apologies. I thought I had added that task to my weekly task schedule but I did not. Silly me. What was I thinking? Maybe things will slow down? Well...I'll just add it to me weekly task schedule for safe measure. 

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving Day is only a couple of days away and our hearts and minds are racing with gratitude. It is easy to think about all the hard times we have had this year and never focus on the blessings. I heard a speaker once say that there is such a thing in the church culture called "ministry math". He went on to explain, we could receive 10,000 words encouragement and affirmation and only 1 word of negativity or complaint and the only word we will remember is the negativity. Unfortunately he was exactly right. We have a nature to replay and rehearse the bad things in life and discount the good things that the Lord has done for us. 

I personally have much to be grateful for. I have a meaning and intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior. I have a beautiful and amazing wife. I have two adorable children. I serve in life giving and life changing ministry. I help lead a great and passionate church. And I get to eat Mexican food at my discretion. It's awesome! I don't carelessly use the word awesome but my life is truly a blessing and gift. I really do believe that I'm living the dream! 

My prayer and hope is that you and your family will have a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you spend time remembering all the ways that God has been blessed you this year and praise His glorious name for everything good thing he has done. Love you.  

Destiny House This will be our 3rd year to host the Destiny House ministry and we're glad to do it. This ministry, at the core, is the very purpose of our existence. As followers of Jesus, it is our mission to KNOW Christ and make Him KNOWN. And that's exactly why we do this ministry. We want people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and we to make our Lord know by all people. That's why we LOVE the Destiny House Ministry.

Progress. We have about 95% of our cast completed. The hell scenes are decorated. Heaven is being decorated as I write this blog entry. The major props will arrive next Tuesday. The meals are planned. The registration team is prepared. The counseling team is waiting. The crowd control team is ready. The actors are excited. The childcare team is assembling. The support crew is eager. We're standing ready to serve the Lord and see how He will bless this ministry.

You can help. The devil is attacking this ministry by causing problems in families, setting up obstacles and making us busy. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” We need people to stand in the gap and make this ministry happen. We need more people to join the following teams: food team, registration team, childcare team, security team and counseling team. Please don't wait to be asked personally; just volunteer your help and you will be used. We need everyone's help! 

Pray. Please be praying for every detail of the Destiny House: the actors, support teams, counselors, sound equipment, whether, props, etc. Pray also for the people who will tour the Destiny House. It's too important not to pray.  

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Destiny House This will be our 3rd year to host the Destiny House ministry and we're glad to do it. This ministry, at the core, is the very purpose of our existence. As followers of Jesus, it is our mission to KNOW Christ and make Him KNOWN. And that's exactly why we do this ministry. We want people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and we to make our Lord know by all people. That's why we LOVE the Destiny House Ministry.

Progress. We have about 95% of our cast completed. The hell scenes are decorated. Heaven is being decorated as I write this blog entry. The major props will arrive next Tuesday. The meals are planned. The registration team is prepared. The counseling team is waiting. The crowd control team is ready. The actors are excited. The childcare team is assembling. The support crew is eager. We're standing ready to serve the Lord and see how He will bless this ministry.

You can help. The devil is attacking this ministry by causing problems in families, setting up obstacles and making us busy. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” We need people to stand in the gap and make this ministry happen. We need more people to join the following teams: food team, registration team, childcare team, security team and counseling team. Please don't wait to be asked personally; just volunteer your help and you will be used. We need everyone's help! 

Pray. Please be praying for every detail of the Destiny House: the actors, support teams, counselors, sound equipment, whether, props, etc. Pray also for the people who will tour the Destiny House. It's too important not to pray.  

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Talk About Refreshing.

Catalyst 2011 has been an amazing breath of fresh air. The labs (classes) were very practical examples of how to be more efficient in ministry and the speakers were off the charts good. There was doubt in my mind that we were NOT in this sold-out audience by accident; it was by God's design. The encouragement, challenges and inspiration that was poured into our hearts was needed and desired. Thanks you Jesus! It was absolutely and utterly amazing. I feel blessed to be apart of a church that encourages its Pastoral Staff to participate in events like these. God is always on time! 

Five Things You Can Be Praying About: 

• Pastoral search. Please be in constant prayer as we seek the Lord's direction and wisdom in calling the next Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church. (Proverbs 3:5) 
• Travel. Pastor Jeff and I will be traveling home tomorrow morning. (8 hour drive)
• NLR Football Team Meal. We're providing a dinner meal and an encouraging word for the NLR football team before their game on October 14th @ 3pm.
• Destiny House. We have lots to do before the Destiny House is here. We've had many distractions along the way and we need to remain focused in our mission to lead people to Jesus. Please pray for every detail of the Destiny House.
• Life change. We're in the midst of some very significant changes at FBC but let's not miss what God is doing in and through our church. In the Bible God cosistently says, FEAR NOT BECAUSE I AM WITH YOU. Maybe you need to hear that and sit with that statement for a awhile. God is with us, and because He is with us we have no reason to be distractted from what He wants to do in and through our faith family. Let's pray that God would changed us and use for His namesake.

Talk About Refreshing.

Catalyst 2011 has been an amazing breath of fresh air. The labs (classes) were very practical examples of how to be more efficient in ministry and the speakers were off the charts good. There was doubt in my mind that we were NOT in this sold-out audience by accident; it was by God's design. The encouragement, challenges and inspiration that was poured into our hearts was needed and desired. Thanks you Jesus! It was absolutely and utterly amazing. I feel blessed to be apart of a church that encourages its Pastoral Staff to participate in events like these. God is always on time! 

Five Things You Can Be Praying About: 

• Pastoral search. Please be in constant prayer as we seek the Lord's direction and wisdom in calling the next Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church. (Proverbs 3:5) 
• Travel. Pastor Jeff and I will be traveling home tomorrow morning. (8 hour drive)
• NLR Football Team Meal. We're providing a dinner meal and an encouraging word for the NLR football team before their game on October 14th @ 3pm.
• Destiny House. We have lots to do before the Destiny House is here. We've had many distractions along the way and we need to remain focused in our mission to lead people to Jesus. Please pray for every detail of the Destiny House.
• Life change. We're in the midst of some very significant changes at FBC but let's not miss what God is doing in and through our church. In the Bible God cosistently says, FEAR NOT BECAUSE I AM WITH YOU. Maybe you need to hear that and sit with that statement for a awhile. God is with us, and because He is with us we have no reason to be distractted from what He wants to do in and through our faith family. Let's pray that God would changed us and use for His namesake.

Jaycob and I have been having a great time listening to some awesome thinkers and pastors. It has been a season of mental and spiritual growth, but we are tired! We'll rest up some tonight and head back home tomorrow. Here are some nuggets we've heard the last day or two...

When's the last time you went through a crisis with just God? --Francis Chan

The enemy knows that everything depends on my connection with God! Sure he's gonna try to distract me! --Chan

Are you present enough in your prayer life that He hears you? --Chan

Fear in the mind causes stress in the body. --Mark Driscoll

When we fear people we make them functional gods.
If you fear them you can't love them.
Our fear and faith should be with God!

Are you committed to things or people God never called you to! --Driscoll

Fear isn't rational but it's always powerful!
Fear is vision without hope.
Fear makes us false prophets.

The solution: Fear not! Why not? I am with you!
Don't just listen, believe and do!

When we say to God, "show me your glory" He says, "I already have! Look at Jesus!" --Judah Smith

Since when is Jesus not enough?

Jaycob and I have been having a great time listening to some awesome thinkers and pastors. It has been a season of mental and spiritual growth, but we are tired! We'll rest up some tonight and head back home tomorrow. Here are some nuggets we've heard the last day or two...

When's the last time you went through a crisis with just God? --Francis Chan

The enemy knows that everything depends on my connection with God! Sure he's gonna try to distract me! --Chan

Are you present enough in your prayer life that He hears you? --Chan

Fear in the mind causes stress in the body. --Mark Driscoll

When we fear people we make them functional gods.
If you fear them you can't love them.
Our fear and faith should be with God!

Are you committed to things or people God never called you to! --Driscoll

Fear isn't rational but it's always powerful!
Fear is vision without hope.
Fear makes us false prophets.

The solution: Fear not! Why not? I am with you!
Don't just listen, believe and do!

When we say to God, "show me your glory" He says, "I already have! Look at Jesus!" --Judah Smith

Since when is Jesus not enough?

Dave Kinneman - "You Lost Me"
Why do young people leave the church in their late teens and 20s?

People and their environments are different today. More kids are born to unmarried moms, fewer kids are "launched" by age 30 than ever before, there is far more media connectivity today. Most 20 somethings have 10 1/2 hours of media input per day.

Of 18-29 year olds who grew up in church...
Only 17% had an adult mentor
16% learned how the Bible applies to their field of interest (56% of all students plan on entering a
science related field)
20% believe that Jesus speaks in a relevant personal way.

We have failed because we have tried to mass produce disciples!

How did we lose you? With half-baked answers to thorny questions!


Where do we go from here? Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

"Do we grow churches or make disciples?"
Leadership is necessary, it IS a spiritual gift.
The biggest issue they see in the next 10 years is the Authority of Scripture.
"Most of us are Biblically illiterate"

What does the church need today? We need something bigger than ourselves--GOD! We need a passionate pursuit of Jesus. We need to PRAY!


The Importance of a Leader's Heart
Michael Hyatt

In a college aged small group, by age 55
15% won't admit they know Christ
65% will be compromised by the world
20% will remain committed/intentional
TOO MANY LOSE HEART! But it is possible to get your heart back!

You will maximize your influence as a leader when you embrace 5 truths about your heart...
1. Your heart is the essence of your identity.
2. Your heart is the most valuable leadership tool you have.
3. Your heart directly impacts your influence.
4. Your heart is either healthy or unhealthy.
5. Your heart is under constant attack


Be Present!
Jon Acuff

1. Be Available (to God)
a. how much do you feed social media
b. hang up and arrive (don't give your family the silver medal)
c. I'm your kid not your content
d. friendship matters
e. don't invest in the next and new and miss the now!
f. like the older brother (Prodigal Son) we miss the party because we're slaving

2. Get Available
a. Push away from the table (self-help books, or whatever your distraction)
b. Unplug - cultivate your own Central Park
c. Ask "why?"
d. Don't compare your beginning to somebody else's middle.

Critic math: 1,000 compliments + 1 insult = 1 insult


David Platt
I Corinthians 10:6--> looks back to Exodus 32 and Aaron's golden calf

Golden Calves of Today...
1. We've become leaders without conviction (Aaron gave a sinful people exactly what they wanted
wanted) Man-centered tradition vs. God-centered truth. God is more interested in the sanctity
of His Word than the success of our ministry!
2. We've established salvation without dedication (celebrating salvation while reveling in sin)
3. We have manufactured worship without humiliation (Using God's instructions to worship some-
thing man-made)
4. We have created a God without retribution.

Jesus sweat blood because the cup was the wrath of God against sin!

Dave Kinneman - "You Lost Me"
Why do young people leave the church in their late teens and 20s?

People and their environments are different today. More kids are born to unmarried moms, fewer kids are "launched" by age 30 than ever before, there is far more media connectivity today. Most 20 somethings have 10 1/2 hours of media input per day.

Of 18-29 year olds who grew up in church...
Only 17% had an adult mentor
16% learned how the Bible applies to their field of interest (56% of all students plan on entering a
science related field)
20% believe that Jesus speaks in a relevant personal way.

We have failed because we have tried to mass produce disciples!

How did we lose you? With half-baked answers to thorny questions!


Where do we go from here? Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

"Do we grow churches or make disciples?"
Leadership is necessary, it IS a spiritual gift.
The biggest issue they see in the next 10 years is the Authority of Scripture.
"Most of us are Biblically illiterate"

What does the church need today? We need something bigger than ourselves--GOD! We need a passionate pursuit of Jesus. We need to PRAY!


The Importance of a Leader's Heart
Michael Hyatt

In a college aged small group, by age 55
15% won't admit they know Christ
65% will be compromised by the world
20% will remain committed/intentional
TOO MANY LOSE HEART! But it is possible to get your heart back!

You will maximize your influence as a leader when you embrace 5 truths about your heart...
1. Your heart is the essence of your identity.
2. Your heart is the most valuable leadership tool you have.
3. Your heart directly impacts your influence.
4. Your heart is either healthy or unhealthy.
5. Your heart is under constant attack


Be Present!
Jon Acuff

1. Be Available (to God)
a. how much do you feed social media
b. hang up and arrive (don't give your family the silver medal)
c. I'm your kid not your content
d. friendship matters
e. don't invest in the next and new and miss the now!
f. like the older brother (Prodigal Son) we miss the party because we're slaving

2. Get Available
a. Push away from the table (self-help books, or whatever your distraction)
b. Unplug - cultivate your own Central Park
c. Ask "why?"
d. Don't compare your beginning to somebody else's middle.

Critic math: 1,000 compliments + 1 insult = 1 insult


David Platt
I Corinthians 10:6--> looks back to Exodus 32 and Aaron's golden calf

Golden Calves of Today...
1. We've become leaders without conviction (Aaron gave a sinful people exactly what they wanted
wanted) Man-centered tradition vs. God-centered truth. God is more interested in the sanctity
of His Word than the success of our ministry!
2. We've established salvation without dedication (celebrating salvation while reveling in sin)
3. We have manufactured worship without humiliation (Using God's instructions to worship some-
thing man-made)
4. We have created a God without retribution.

Jesus sweat blood because the cup was the wrath of God against sin!

Catalyst 2011 > Day One: 

[the highlights from my lab sessions]
Lab opening session:
David Kinnaman

 

Who is it that you're trying to reach? 

Failure to launch generation
This generation is not capable to stand on their own until much later in life.  We are left with unmarried, immature, un-discipled and still seeking 30 something's 

Students watch 10.5 hrs of media a day

Disciple making: 
(18-24 yrs old)
17% had a adult mentor
16% learned how the bible is relevant 
20% believe that Jesus spoke in relevant and understanding way

This generation needs:
Solid relationships 
Vocation Skills
Biblical Revelation
 
LAB 2-Nancy Duarte
Presentation 

What is a story 
1. Big ideas - whats at stake? 
If you want to move people from who they are (reality) to who they need to be (ministry) you must resonate with them. 

Elements of a Story:
1. Likable hero 
  > Tool 

  > Gift

  > Unstuck 
2. Encounters roadblocks 

3. Saves the Day

[Beginning] - what is > what could be > what is > what could be > what is > what could be > new bliss [End]
 
Star moment : Something they'll always remember

Closing Session: David Platt
Exodus 32; 1 Corinthians 10

Four golden calfs leaders have built in this day in age: 
1- We have become leaders without conviction
2- We have devised salvation without dedication
3- manufactured worship without humiliation
4- We have created a God without retribution 
    
2 Corinthians 4:4

Catalyst 2011 > Day One: 

[the highlights from my lab sessions]
Lab opening session:
David Kinnaman

 

Who is it that you're trying to reach? 

Failure to launch generation
This generation is not capable to stand on their own until much later in life.  We are left with unmarried, immature, un-discipled and still seeking 30 something's 

Students watch 10.5 hrs of media a day

Disciple making: 
(18-24 yrs old)
17% had a adult mentor
16% learned how the bible is relevant 
20% believe that Jesus spoke in relevant and understanding way

This generation needs:
Solid relationships 
Vocation Skills
Biblical Revelation
 
LAB 2-Nancy Duarte
Presentation 

What is a story 
1. Big ideas - whats at stake? 
If you want to move people from who they are (reality) to who they need to be (ministry) you must resonate with them. 

Elements of a Story:
1. Likable hero 
  > Tool 

  > Gift

  > Unstuck 
2. Encounters roadblocks 

3. Saves the Day

[Beginning] - what is > what could be > what is > what could be > what is > what could be > new bliss [End]
 
Star moment : Something they'll always remember

Closing Session: David Platt
Exodus 32; 1 Corinthians 10

Four golden calfs leaders have built in this day in age: 
1- We have become leaders without conviction
2- We have devised salvation without dedication
3- manufactured worship without humiliation
4- We have created a God without retribution 
    
2 Corinthians 4:4

Missing Things: 

I'm really enjoying the rest that I'm getting. Lily is not here to wake me up at 5am, there are no diapers  to change but I sure am missing home. I left for New York last Wednesday and haven't been home since. That's crazy! I miss my bed, senor tequila, my church but most of all I miss my family. I can't wait to be home again.

Things Coming Up:

After all the dust has settled, my mind is racing to the big ministry events coming up this month: October 14th is lunch for the North Little Rock football team (130 people @ 3pm) and October 26th-31st is the Destiny House. We're getting all the final touches done on both of these events. We need several people to jump in and help. Feeding the football team will take a lot of people who can help decorate, greet, cook and serve our guests. Destiny House will take a lot of set up, scene creation and a lot of extra hands on deck. It's gonna be a fast paced month but a VERY fruitful month. We're gonna see several people come to know Christ this month; it's going be awesome!

Today Things: 

Pastor Jeff and I are in Atlanta, GA at a pastor's conference. The first day is cram packed with labs or classes on a variety of topics ranging from culture, missions, leadership, story telling, influence, etc. It's going to be SO good, not to mention needed. Please pray for refreshment and renewal today! 

Missing Things: 

I'm really enjoying the rest that I'm getting. Lily is not here to wake me up at 5am, there are no diapers  to change but I sure am missing home. I left for New York last Wednesday and haven't been home since. That's crazy! I miss my bed, senor tequila, my church but most of all I miss my family. I can't wait to be home again.

Things Coming Up:

After all the dust has settled, my mind is racing to the big ministry events coming up this month: October 14th is lunch for the North Little Rock football team (130 people @ 3pm) and October 26th-31st is the Destiny House. We're getting all the final touches done on both of these events. We need several people to jump in and help. Feeding the football team will take a lot of people who can help decorate, greet, cook and serve our guests. Destiny House will take a lot of set up, scene creation and a lot of extra hands on deck. It's gonna be a fast paced month but a VERY fruitful month. We're gonna see several people come to know Christ this month; it's going be awesome!

Today Things: 

Pastor Jeff and I are in Atlanta, GA at a pastor's conference. The first day is cram packed with labs or classes on a variety of topics ranging from culture, missions, leadership, story telling, influence, etc. It's going to be SO good, not to mention needed. Please pray for refreshment and renewal today! 

Let's Review:

Things have been a blur! As I look back over the events of the last couple of weeks, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. FBC's Pastor of Worship, Bill Simmons resigned his position and my father, Michael Kramer passed away.

Losing Pastor Bill from our Pastoral Staff is a big deal. He's an irreplaceable. I have never met another worship pastor like Bill Simmons and finding someone to follow in his footsteps will be a difficult task. It saddens my heart to see him leave but I solemnly believe that God is in this process and is in absolute control. God can be trusted with our future and He can be trusted to bring us the right worship pastor to lead us through this next season of great and life-changing ministry.

The death of my father was completely unexpected and extremely difficult to accept. There's long and boring story about my family history that I would be glad to tell you about at latter date but I will omit it from this blog to retain your attention. The short version is that my father was incredible man who touched every life he came in contact with and he was about the only family I have ever known. You can read his obituary at this link: http://www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com/obituaries_details.php?obituariesID=505.

It was a huge hit for me because he was the only person who valued me, pursued me and invested in me. I really mattered to him and I cannot say that about anyone else in my family. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother, brother and sister but I didn't have the same connection and understanding with them as I did with him. I had planned to one day peel back the layers of who he was, what his parents were like and what was unique about our family but that's not going to happen. I dreamt about introducing him to the love of my life (Heather) and the two best gifts I have ever been given (Lily and Jude) but that's gone too. It's like losing a piece of you. It was a difficult time but the good news is that I got some much need time with family that I didn't know existed. It's been like hearing my life's story for the first time. What a rush! It was good for me to be there and it was also therapeutic for me to preach his burial service. I know it may seem odd to most people but it was important for me to speak for my father.  He was truly an incredible man and it brought me so much peace to proclaim his character, commitment, compassion and care for others (look there all "C" words - just like a preacher). My heart is still full from that experience but now my focus is shifting towards carrying on his legacy of impacting every life I touch. 

What's Next? 

I flew in from Scranton, PA to Atlanta, GA last night. I was supposed to make a connection for Little Rock but I decided to just stay in Atlanta. Well...there's more to the story...you see, Pastor Jeff and I were scheduled to be in Atlanta for the Catalyst Conference. I just decide to cut out the 8 hours of driving I would have had to do.

I am SO excited to be here and I'm ready to be refreshed. Catalyst is a huge conference for Pastor to be encouraged and equipped to go back to their local churches and continue the mission of leading people to Jesus. The speakers and lab teachers are many of the spiritual heroes we have only read of in books. It's gonna be good to refuel our spiritual and emotional tanks by hearing God's word proclaimed, connecting with other pastors and dreaming together of WHAT SHOULD BE at Faith NLR.

After all the events that have transpired this year it will be good for Pastor Jeff and I to regroup and stack hands on how we will lead the church through this next season of ministry. Please pray for us as we seek to recharge our batteries before we come home ready to serve Faith Church. 

 

Let's Review:

Things have been a blur! As I look back over the events of the last couple of weeks, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. FBC's Pastor of Worship, Bill Simmons resigned his position and my father, Michael Kramer passed away.

Losing Pastor Bill from our Pastoral Staff is a big deal. He's an irreplaceable. I have never met another worship pastor like Bill Simmons and finding someone to follow in his footsteps will be a difficult task. It saddens my heart to see him leave but I solemnly believe that God is in this process and is in absolute control. God can be trusted with our future and He can be trusted to bring us the right worship pastor to lead us through this next season of great and life-changing ministry.

The death of my father was completely unexpected and extremely difficult to accept. There's long and boring story about my family history that I would be glad to tell you about at latter date but I will omit it from this blog to retain your attention. The short version is that my father was incredible man who touched every life he came in contact with and he was about the only family I have ever known. You can read his obituary at this link: http://www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com/obituaries_details.php?obituariesID=505.

It was a huge hit for me because he was the only person who valued me, pursued me and invested in me. I really mattered to him and I cannot say that about anyone else in my family. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother, brother and sister but I didn't have the same connection and understanding with them as I did with him. I had planned to one day peel back the layers of who he was, what his parents were like and what was unique about our family but that's not going to happen. I dreamt about introducing him to the love of my life (Heather) and the two best gifts I have ever been given (Lily and Jude) but that's gone too. It's like losing a piece of you. It was a difficult time but the good news is that I got some much need time with family that I didn't know existed. It's been like hearing my life's story for the first time. What a rush! It was good for me to be there and it was also therapeutic for me to preach his burial service. I know it may seem odd to most people but it was important for me to speak for my father.  He was truly an incredible man and it brought me so much peace to proclaim his character, commitment, compassion and care for others (look there all "C" words - just like a preacher). My heart is still full from that experience but now my focus is shifting towards carrying on his legacy of impacting every life I touch. 

What's Next? 

I flew in from Scranton, PA to Atlanta, GA last night. I was supposed to make a connection for Little Rock but I decided to just stay in Atlanta. Well...there's more to the story...you see, Pastor Jeff and I were scheduled to be in Atlanta for the Catalyst Conference. I just decide to cut out the 8 hours of driving I would have had to do.

I am SO excited to be here and I'm ready to be refreshed. Catalyst is a huge conference for Pastor to be encouraged and equipped to go back to their local churches and continue the mission of leading people to Jesus. The speakers and lab teachers are many of the spiritual heroes we have only read of in books. It's gonna be good to refuel our spiritual and emotional tanks by hearing God's word proclaimed, connecting with other pastors and dreaming together of WHAT SHOULD BE at Faith NLR.

After all the events that have transpired this year it will be good for Pastor Jeff and I to regroup and stack hands on how we will lead the church through this next season of ministry. Please pray for us as we seek to recharge our batteries before we come home ready to serve Faith Church.