Lead Pastor of River of God Church in Enola, Pennsylvania.
It is obvious that the Holy Spirit of God has pursued Pastor Tim Halbfoerster throughout his life. The one that Jesus promised God would send, the Comforter, had come into his world, at just the right time, and commissioned him to be a peacemaker within the kingdom.
I am interested by the many ways that God is at work in this world. His Word says that the Spirit is the giver of gifts, and that each believer has a special role to play in the body of Christ; pastor Tim's story is a great example of this. His journey has lead him through some places in ministry that might have buried others, but the unique gifts and calling that he has been given have allowed Holy Spirit revival to be brought to the church he pastors. They have birthed in him a passion for seeing resolution and peace brought to conflicts within the church. Bridge Builders is a ministry that he has helped to create as a resource to supplement local church efforts to resolve conflicts through training, coaching, and mediation between parties involved in relational challenges. The goal is to tear down the walls of conflict and create bridges to peace.
Jesus proclaimed blessing over the peacemakers in his famous Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:9. Listen to how The Message version puts it, "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."
Pastor Tim said, "I couldn't pastor without being filled with the Holy Spirit". There are so many things we've been inspired to do. I think the challenge for us in ministry comes when we strive to make that place on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to help us develop a culture of peace in our lives and ministries. We need the Holy Spirit to help us submit ourselves to one another, to learn from each other, and be intentional about living for God. We need the Holy Spirit to help us stay in the shadow of the cross...
"Fill us with your Spirit, oh God, and help us to be refreshed and renewed in the River."
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Unchurched Survey Two
My second interview was actually conducted with a friend of a friend... Chris is not actively attending any church. Although, when he was young, his parents thought it was important for him and his brother to have some exposure to organized religion, so they all attended the Catholic church. At some point his parents left it up to him to decide whether or not he wanted to go to church. He was never really impacted by what he had experienced, either positively or negatively, and hasn't attended church since.
His interest include domestic politics, specifically reducing the size and scope of government, a national drug enforcement policy, science policy, funding, education, as well as entrepreneurship.
He believes most people don't attend church for the same reason that he doesn't, "they have never felt a connection to religion or been moved to truly believe a particular church's teachings and thus see no point in attending". He even went further to say that, at this place in his life, he wouldn't even look to attend a church. His spirituality is not something he feels the need to share with others in his life. This poses a couple questions- What are we doing, or teaching, to allow people to connect with the God we follow in faith? Is there a clear and practical purpose, or point, for what we are about?
Wrapping up the interview, I asked Chris what encouragement he would give to pastors in their work. He said pastors should always emphasize the positive societal aspects of religion like respecting other people, trying to help where they can, being selfless and generous, and being honest in their dealings with people. Pastors should not emphasize the negatives such as highlighting differences between people. "Don't encourage proselytizing. Don't tell people that your religion is 'right' and others are 'wrong'". Don't focus on the "reward aspects of religion," positive or negative. He said that he very much doubts that many people, in the moment they are considering their actions, are truly considering whether or not a particular course of action will cause them to be sent to heaven or hell. Fear or guilt should never be used to motivate people. (Agreed!)
However, all these suggestions force us back to evaluating how we are presenting the church... Are we living our lives reflecting the grace we have been offered? We should be worshipping the one who made it possible, growing in our relationship through community, prayer, and devotion, and reaching out in the same forgiveness and grace that was extended to us.
His interest include domestic politics, specifically reducing the size and scope of government, a national drug enforcement policy, science policy, funding, education, as well as entrepreneurship.
He believes most people don't attend church for the same reason that he doesn't, "they have never felt a connection to religion or been moved to truly believe a particular church's teachings and thus see no point in attending". He even went further to say that, at this place in his life, he wouldn't even look to attend a church. His spirituality is not something he feels the need to share with others in his life. This poses a couple questions- What are we doing, or teaching, to allow people to connect with the God we follow in faith? Is there a clear and practical purpose, or point, for what we are about?
Wrapping up the interview, I asked Chris what encouragement he would give to pastors in their work. He said pastors should always emphasize the positive societal aspects of religion like respecting other people, trying to help where they can, being selfless and generous, and being honest in their dealings with people. Pastors should not emphasize the negatives such as highlighting differences between people. "Don't encourage proselytizing. Don't tell people that your religion is 'right' and others are 'wrong'". Don't focus on the "reward aspects of religion," positive or negative. He said that he very much doubts that many people, in the moment they are considering their actions, are truly considering whether or not a particular course of action will cause them to be sent to heaven or hell. Fear or guilt should never be used to motivate people. (Agreed!)
However, all these suggestions force us back to evaluating how we are presenting the church... Are we living our lives reflecting the grace we have been offered? We should be worshipping the one who made it possible, growing in our relationship through community, prayer, and devotion, and reaching out in the same forgiveness and grace that was extended to us.
Joel Hunter
Joel is the Pastor of Northwood Assembly in Houston, Texas and the new Director of Discovery and Development for the Assemblies of God (A position created to search out and spur on church planting interest among AG college students).
Growing up as a pastor's kid in Chicago laid a foundation of truth in Joel's life that stayed with him and eventually brought him to a place where he heard God's prompting to serve in a greater way in the Kingdom. Getting to where he is today wasn't a direct route, but often as Christians, we make our plans and God directs our steps. Joel had set out to play NCAA basketball on scholarship at Purdue until a serious back injury redirected his path. He continued to pursue this love to play ball at Evangel University until one day God began redirecting his calling to pursue a life of full-time ministry. Along the way, someone influential in ministry planted a seed in his life that today has grown to produce fruit far beyond his imagination.
"It's all about the One" he said in class. Joel had big dreams. Hopes that he would be used to make a big impact on this world for the kingdom. With just a small group of people they set out to do this, and the "success" they are experiencing today didn't happen overnight, at first. It started with One family that came and gave their lives to Christ. "New converts are ready to do God's work". Northwood Assembly is made up of a vast majority of people that have experienced God for the first time and are readily serving in their communities. But it all started with one.
Today, their vision is still big! Northwood Assembly wants to plant 125 churches in the largest cities around the country. Northwood New Orleans is the one...
As God directs our steps, who or what is the "one" that He has placed in our path?
Growing up as a pastor's kid in Chicago laid a foundation of truth in Joel's life that stayed with him and eventually brought him to a place where he heard God's prompting to serve in a greater way in the Kingdom. Getting to where he is today wasn't a direct route, but often as Christians, we make our plans and God directs our steps. Joel had set out to play NCAA basketball on scholarship at Purdue until a serious back injury redirected his path. He continued to pursue this love to play ball at Evangel University until one day God began redirecting his calling to pursue a life of full-time ministry. Along the way, someone influential in ministry planted a seed in his life that today has grown to produce fruit far beyond his imagination.
"It's all about the One" he said in class. Joel had big dreams. Hopes that he would be used to make a big impact on this world for the kingdom. With just a small group of people they set out to do this, and the "success" they are experiencing today didn't happen overnight, at first. It started with One family that came and gave their lives to Christ. "New converts are ready to do God's work". Northwood Assembly is made up of a vast majority of people that have experienced God for the first time and are readily serving in their communities. But it all started with one.
Today, their vision is still big! Northwood Assembly wants to plant 125 churches in the largest cities around the country. Northwood New Orleans is the one...
As God directs our steps, who or what is the "one" that He has placed in our path?
Brian Bolt
Pittsburgh City Outreach.
Armed with new life, vision, and a hope to lead others in the city experience the same, Pastor Brian is pursuing his passion for the Kingdom of God in Pittsburgh. Not so long ago he was the one on the streets looking for the next fix to get him through the day, now he and his wife are walking the streets rescuing men and women from the hands of the enemy through the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.Pastor Brian is driven. He was set free from his chains and this freedom compelled him to search for a practical method of raising up others captive by their vices. His search brought him to the Victory Outreach Church Model. His vision? Reach the men, reach the family. By starting a men's home in the heart of his community he was able to give food, shelter, and opportunity for new life to these men. He began living life with them and discipling them to be who God created them to be. These men became the foundation of the church which he was called by God to plant in the city. Eventually this vision spread out to start a home that would give the same opportunity to women.
Listening to him speak of his call to reach the broken and hurting people in the city causes you believe that God can and will do the impossible to accomplish it. Whether that be through overcoming the common obstacles of planting churches in the city or by transforming forgotten lives into world changers.There are some principles that need to be drawn out from the current context and reflected on before making application. Starting a home for men in white, middle-class suburbia is probably not going to fly. However, God's Calling, Vision, and a Passion for Christ and His people... those are transferable into any context.
Armed with new life, vision, and a hope to lead others in the city experience the same, Pastor Brian is pursuing his passion for the Kingdom of God in Pittsburgh. Not so long ago he was the one on the streets looking for the next fix to get him through the day, now he and his wife are walking the streets rescuing men and women from the hands of the enemy through the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.Pastor Brian is driven. He was set free from his chains and this freedom compelled him to search for a practical method of raising up others captive by their vices. His search brought him to the Victory Outreach Church Model. His vision? Reach the men, reach the family. By starting a men's home in the heart of his community he was able to give food, shelter, and opportunity for new life to these men. He began living life with them and discipling them to be who God created them to be. These men became the foundation of the church which he was called by God to plant in the city. Eventually this vision spread out to start a home that would give the same opportunity to women.
Listening to him speak of his call to reach the broken and hurting people in the city causes you believe that God can and will do the impossible to accomplish it. Whether that be through overcoming the common obstacles of planting churches in the city or by transforming forgotten lives into world changers.There are some principles that need to be drawn out from the current context and reflected on before making application. Starting a home for men in white, middle-class suburbia is probably not going to fly. However, God's Calling, Vision, and a Passion for Christ and His people... those are transferable into any context.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Unchurched Survey One
My first survey was conducted with a friend that I recently reconnected with from grade school. She was raised in a Catholic family and later married in an Episcopal church. This is the church that is currently attended once or twice a month. "Admittedly, I don't attend church as often as I should". In the second grade during her CCD class a teaching on child baptism & hell started bringing a disconnect between the God she believed in. "My God doesn't punish those who don't deserve it".
Maybe because it is a survey about the church, since she has kids, she focused most of her life's interests there. Anything that keeps the interest of her children and helps nourish their faith- choirs, plays, play groups, and even the opportunity for them to participate in outreach programs, like learning to help the needy. It's obvious from the interview that caring for her kids is a number one priority in life. Deep inside the core of a parent is a desire to care for the little ones entrusted to us. As a church, we need to develop a family friendly community in which all generations can experience fullness in life.
The next question focused on why most people don't go to church. She feels that the views of most churches are antiquated. People don't value religion like they used to. For her personally, fundamental differences in her beliefs and those of the Catholic church made it difficult to continue there. "Attending can be a chore with kids that have a hard time sitting still for a few minutes, let alone 60".
So what would she look for in a church to attend and what advice would she give pastors? "A sense of community and acceptance." The pastor should be one that is welcoming and fun to be around. Sermons should motivate people to be involved in their church and community, and it helps if they are entertaining. Pastors should stay excited by religion and what it can do for people. "It definitely shows when they lose steam". Perhaps conducting periodic surveys can help them stay connected with the needs and wants of their parishioners. (What a great idea!)
There are a few items that we could learn from here. People long for community and acceptance from the church. They trust the church to stay true to the God it represents, and stay practical and relevant to their families. Listening to the people we journey with can help in efforts to accomplish this. However, we should never discount staying close to voice of God. His Spirit prompts us to understand His heart in ministering to the people in our lives.
Maybe because it is a survey about the church, since she has kids, she focused most of her life's interests there. Anything that keeps the interest of her children and helps nourish their faith- choirs, plays, play groups, and even the opportunity for them to participate in outreach programs, like learning to help the needy. It's obvious from the interview that caring for her kids is a number one priority in life. Deep inside the core of a parent is a desire to care for the little ones entrusted to us. As a church, we need to develop a family friendly community in which all generations can experience fullness in life.
The next question focused on why most people don't go to church. She feels that the views of most churches are antiquated. People don't value religion like they used to. For her personally, fundamental differences in her beliefs and those of the Catholic church made it difficult to continue there. "Attending can be a chore with kids that have a hard time sitting still for a few minutes, let alone 60".
So what would she look for in a church to attend and what advice would she give pastors? "A sense of community and acceptance." The pastor should be one that is welcoming and fun to be around. Sermons should motivate people to be involved in their church and community, and it helps if they are entertaining. Pastors should stay excited by religion and what it can do for people. "It definitely shows when they lose steam". Perhaps conducting periodic surveys can help them stay connected with the needs and wants of their parishioners. (What a great idea!)
There are a few items that we could learn from here. People long for community and acceptance from the church. They trust the church to stay true to the God it represents, and stay practical and relevant to their families. Listening to the people we journey with can help in efforts to accomplish this. However, we should never discount staying close to voice of God. His Spirit prompts us to understand His heart in ministering to the people in our lives.
Unchurched Survey
This assignment was to interview 2 friends that are unchurched. For the sake of understanding, unchurched describes a person who either does not go to church or is not a follower of Jesus Christ. The next two blog posts are my reactions to the experiences I had with the following survey questions.
- Are you actively attending any church?
- If not, have you ever been invovled with a church? Describe your experience.
- What are a few issues or topics that impact or interest you?
- Why do you think most people don't attend church?
- If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
- What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Given my current position as a church planter I have had numerous conversations with folks that are not currently attending a church. They either never have or have not attended in a while. If we would just take the time to listen to their experiences and heart cries we would open up many more opportunities to join them in their faith journey.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Blog Plans...
In the weeks ahead I will be posting a few interviews with "unchurched" friends, a few new believers in Christ, and remarking on in class interviews with a handful of church leaders.
Brian Bolt www.pittsburghcityoutreach.com
Tim Halbfoerster www.riverofgodchurch.org
David Kennard www.riversideconnect.org
Jason Lamer www.penndelyouth.com
Terry Drost www.peckvilleag.org
Nick Poole www.nickpoolenow.com
Gerry Stoltzfoos www.freedomvalley.org
Dan Miller www.bmha.org
Sam Masteller www.sammasteller.com
Bill Ellis www.riversideconnect.org
Bob Kapp www.christian-life.com
Todd Bube www.gtaog.org
Mike Hammer www.mycelebrationchurch.com
Courtney Lien www.gtaog.org
That's the plan, updated from my BB Curve.
Brian Bolt www.pittsburghcityoutreach.com
Tim Halbfoerster www.riverofgodchurch.org
David Kennard www.riversideconnect.org
Jason Lamer www.penndelyouth.com
Terry Drost www.peckvilleag.org
Nick Poole www.nickpoolenow.com
Gerry Stoltzfoos www.freedomvalley.org
Dan Miller www.bmha.org
Sam Masteller www.sammasteller.com
Bill Ellis www.riversideconnect.org
Bob Kapp www.christian-life.com
Todd Bube www.gtaog.org
Mike Hammer www.mycelebrationchurch.com
Courtney Lien www.gtaog.org
That's the plan, updated from my BB Curve.
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