A Word from Our Superintendent
We have all preached about the Proverbs 31 Woman, but let’s reserve the gender and ask ourselves, “Am I a Proverbs 31 Man?” In Michelle McKinney Hammond’s book, In Search of the Proverbs 31 Man, she describes the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 man. Michelle writes:
Who can find a man of integrity? For such a one is of priceless value which perpetually increases. He walks in the fear of the Lord and observes all of the Lord’s statutes. He embraces wisdom wholeheartedly and continues in the way of sound discipline. He maintains discretion and does not depart from the path of righteousness, for he understands words of insight.
He treats his wife as he treats his own body, seeking her protection and well-being at all times. The heart of his wife rests beneath his covering and flourishes in all fruitfulness under the outpouring of his love. He is faithful, drinking from his own well, and is unceasingly satisfied by the wife of his youth, always loving her as a lover who loves still. He will do good to her and not evil all the days of his life.
Though he waxes strong, he exercises humility. He diligently works to answer and supply the needs of his family and household. His wife has no fear of the times to come, for he prudently considers the future and prepares for it.
He is kind to the needy, and his name is synonymous with a good report. His reputation precedes him; therefore, others seek his counsel and follow his example as well as instruction.
His mouth is a fountain of life to his household and to all who seek refreshing. He walks in confidence and sound judgment, administering wise instruction to his wife and children. He sets his house in God-ordained order. He redeems his household and covers its inhabitants with prayer.
He considers the words of his wife, celebrates her wisdom, and crowns her as a helpmeet for him. He grants her a double portion, blesses her gifts, and boasts of her achievements. He is clothed in love and faithfulness. He trusts and rests secure in the help of his Redeemer.
Many men appear to be desirable at first glance, but the man who fears the Lord is to be praised, for his witness endures the test of time and scrutiny. Give him the honor he has earned and let the work of his hands proper and be spread abroad.
If you want the minister’s home to be romantic year round and not just on Valentine’s Day, become a Proverbs 31 man!
Special Announcement from our Superintendent
Leadership Transitions
Women’s Ministry Director and Assistant Director
We have been receiving numerous calls from our churches desiring to know who will be our District Women’s Ministry Directors. The names that the Presbytery Board will be submitting to you at District Council for these strategic positions are Lori Hawkins (Director) and Tammy Waycaster (Assistant Director). Both of these fine ladies and pastor’s wives are strong leaders in Women’s Ministry. We are looking for them to be a dynamic team and they will be working together to energize and empower the women’s ministries of our local churches.
With these additional transitions taking place in our District leadership, I am thrilled that Bob Brown (District Honorbound Men’s Director) and Andrea Moss (District Girl’s Ministry Director) are positioning their respective ministries for even greater victories in 2012. Let’s give both of them our 100% support.
In the next District Update, we will take a closer look at Glenn Burks (transitioning in for District Secretary/Treasurer), Jeremy Austill (transitioning in for District Youth/CE Director), Ron Bush (transitioning in for District Ranger Boys Director), Lori Hawkins, and Tammy Waycaster. It is my desire that you become better acquainted with them as we approach District Council.
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Prayer Needs
The following individuals are in need of special prayer for various needs. Let’s take time to call their names in prayer.
Upcoming Events
Pastors Under 40 Lunch with the Superintendent – March 1, 2012
All credentialed AG ministers under the age of 40 are invited to join our Superintendent for a luncheon … just for YOU! Join Pastor Terry Bailey at The Black-eyed Pea Restaurant in Hendersonville, TN on Thursday, March 1, at 11:00 a.m. (central time) for a time of food and fellowship. Please RSVP by or before February 27th to Shannon at sbrown@tnaog.org or 615.431.0871.
Youth Pastors Lunch with the Superintendent – March 22, 2012
Hey Youth Pastors, you are invited to join our Superintendent for a luncheon … just for YOU! Join Pastor Terry Bailey and our DYD, Pastor Terry Allen, at The Black-eyed Pea Restaurant in Hendersonville, TN on Thursday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. (central time) for a time of food and fellowship. Please RSVP by or before March 19th to Shannon at sbrown@tnaog.org or 615.431.0871.
87th Annual TN District Council is April 9-11.
It is being hosted by Cathedral of Praise in Cordova, TN. The guest speakers are: Bryan Jarrett, Lead Pastor of Northplace Church in Sachse, Texas. To learn more about Pastor Bryan, visitwww.northplacechurch.com; Dr. Kent Ingle, President of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. To learn more about Dr. Ingle, visit http://seu.edu/president/index.php; and Shane Warren, Sr. Pastor of First Assembly of God in West Monroe, Louisiana. To learn more about Pastor Shane, visithttp://firstassemblywm.org/shane-warren-ministries. Online registration is now available and registration packets have been mailed to all churches. Additional details can be found on our District Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TNAOG.
*NEW … TN District Ministry Wives Retreat is May 10-12, 2012.
We are excited to announce the addition of a highly requested event specifically designed for ministers’ wives and ladies who are credentialed AG ministers. The first annual Ministry Wives retreat is scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend and will be held at Jackson Conference Center. Ladies, mark your calendar now and plan to be a part of this great opportunity to build closer relationships with like-minded women of God, enjoy a refreshing of your spirit, and good food, fun and rest. Watch for more details to follow.
Announcements
Great Article for Review
An article entitled “Let’s Be Honest” was submitted to Enrichment Magazine and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the publication. This impressive article was written by our own Pastor Tom Lindberg. Take a few minutes to read this article here and I’m sure you will enjoy it.
TN District Fine Arts Festival
The annual District Fine Arts Festival is March 9-10, 2012. If you have never been to a Fine Arts Festival, you owe it to yourself to come and watch the students of Tennessee as they perform in over 40 categories. We are blessed to have incredible talent in our District. Everyone is welcome to attend the festival free of charge as a spectator. Make some time to come out and support our students. This year’s District festival is being held at Trevecca University in Nashville. You can find directions to Trevecca and more details about this event online at www.tymyouth.org
LET’S BE HONEST
The Need For Integrity In Sermon Development, Delivery, And Decision
We’ve all said it: “Come on, let’s be honest.” That common expression can apply to many areas of life, but it supremely applies to preaching. When a man or woman stands before a crowd to preach, they are proclaiming God’s eternal truth (see John 17:17). Therefore, since we hold the truth-filled Word of God in our hands, it is incumbent that what comes out of our mouths is truthful. Paul instructs Timothy that a preacher must be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:3), and he tells Titus that God’s messengers need to be “blameless” (Titus 1:6). Let’s put it down big, bold, and clear: there are high, ethical standards which must be maintained when we prepare and present a sermon in God’s work.
The preacher who desires to sharpen his skill and effectiveness must ask at least three questions about preaching. First, we must ask what shall I preach? That will determine the content of your message. Next, we must ask why do I preach? That will determine the conviction of your message. Finally, we must ask how should I preach? That will determine the character of the messenger. Each of those three questions deserve a clear answer, but we will think together in this article about the final question—how should I preach?
Integrity in Sermon Development
The word “integrity” comes from the world of mathematics where its root is “integer.” By definition, an integer is a whole number in contrast to a fraction. So integrity implies that a man is a whole person marked by complete honesty and not a fractional individual who sometimes is honest while at other times he’s not. That has enormous implications for those of us who preach biblical messages.In 2 Timothy, Paul urged the younger pastor, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The word “approved” (dokimos) was used by those refining gold. Once all the impurities were removed from the ore, the gold was formed into bars and stamped dokimos, that is pure, impurity-free. That’s how the preacher must view his task as he prepares to proclaim God’s Word. We must maintain high, ethical standards as we assemble the material that we will preach.
Principally it means we must be accurate in handling the text of scripture from which we will preach. It is wrong at best and dishonest at worst to twist a biblical passage in an effort to make it say what we desire it to say. The Bible is not a soft, lump of clay God places in our hands so we can mold it to whatever shape and form we choose. Instead, it is a proven, settled rock of revealed truth which we need to humbly and diligently explore in order for its truth to emerge. The Holy Spirit not only inspired the biblical passage from which you will preach, but he also illuminates you the messenger so you can be an accurate, anointed spokesman for God.
Picture it like this: the Bible sits above us in order to guide us how to live and what to preach; we do not sit above the Scripture to determine our own standards or concoct our own messages. The prophet Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me” (1 Kings 22:14). Or consider the words of John Calvin a month before he died as he was saying good-bye to some preachers: “I have not corrupted one single passage of Scripture, nor twisted it as far as I know. I have always studied to be simple and clear.” A good rule of thumb is this: Don’t develop a sermon from a text if only one Bible version translates it the way you desire. Let multiple translations confirm your conclusion.
Another mark of integrity is we will not preach another person’s sermon. To do so would be unethical. I once received a letter from a pastor in Arkansas who told me he regularly listened to my sermons on the radio and then preached them a few weeks later in his church. Is that real preaching? It seems to me real preaching occurs when a man or woman communicates to a gathered congregation what the Holy Spirit has revealed to him through his personal study and interaction with the Scripture. One benefit of preparing a sermon is the Holy Spirit not only helps you develop the message, but He also develops you!
Deuteronomy 5 has an instructive verse on the dynamics of true preaching. The people said to Moses, “Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey” (verse 27). You see, good preaching must include a personal witness. Yes, other commentators, writers, and speakers will be read while preparation takes place, but integrity demands and the Spirit desires the finalized message to have your thoughts, prayers, and fingerprints all over it. You and I can milk many cows as we prepare to preach, but we must churn our own butter!
If all we desire to accomplish through our preaching is to inspire our people or explain a biblical text, then why not just play a DVD from some gifted, nationally- known preacher instead of wasting our time preparing? That’s insufficient because God’s people want a personal witness to the power of God. You see, if God is not speaking to you, how can He speak through you? People desire to see the Word become flesh in a man or woman, and then in turn have that preacher guide them so they can successfully navigate life and please God. That’s real integrity in the development of a life-changing message.
Integrity in Sermon Delivery
Have you ever heard this prayer before someone begins to preach: “Lord, hide me behind the cross so no one will be seen but you?” Now, I would never doubt the sincerity of the person offering that prayer, but I’m not sure God will answer it. You see, in preaching “the Word becomes flesh” (John 1:14). To use the words of the great Phillips Brooks, “Preaching is God’s truth communicated through human personality.” Who the preacher is—our words, our emotions, our body-language, our passion, our dress—cannot be hidden. Who we are as preachers will ooze out in our sermon. Therefore, it’s imperative that we are integrous both in our sermon development and delivery.
Some point to Philippians 1:15-18 as proof God can use any kind of sermon delivery—good or bad, ethical or unethical. While it’s true that our sovereign God can use any preached sermon, it would be foolish to lower standards to conclude integrity in delivery does not count. Remember, Paul is not urging anyone to follow the example of the jealous preachers in Philippians 1. That passage is the exception, and you do not build principles off the exceptions, but off the norms.
Think of Paul’s inspired autobiography as he reveals how he preached. In 1 Thessalonians 1.4-6 he wrote, “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” Then in 2 Corinthians he added, “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God” (2:17). What must we learn from Paul?
To begin, we must preach to please God. It is possible to undo in your delivery what the Holy Spirit accomplished in you during in your preparation. Excessive pointing to self is not pleasing to God during our delivery. The preacher must be marked by humility. Now humility is not putting yourself down, but it is lifting the Lord Jesus up. Remember, our God-given duty is to “preach Christ” and not ourself (see 2 Corinthians 4.5). Name-dropping will also hurt your delivery. As you name-drop, you’re saying to people, “I know important people. That makes me important as well.”
Any breach of pastoral confidence will also harm your delivery (and also the person you “out”). During the week you will rub shoulders and interact with many people. You will hear of successes and failures, victories and sins. To publicly share the successes and victories of others without permission is foolish and possibly damaging. To publicly reveal the sins and failures of others is wrong and possibly unforgivable!
In the 2 Corinthians 2 passage quoted above, Paul tells us we are not to be like people who “peddle the word of God.” The verb “peddle” comes from the Greek noun kapelos. A kapelos was a con artist, a street hawker, or a huckster who would say and do anything to manipulate people. Too many in our world today peddle a message which does not have a biblical foundation. The purpose of these peddlers is not to bring glory to God nor to see real-life transformation in people. Their main goal is self-enrichment. We must guard our integrity as we deliver God’s message.
Both righteousness and godliness are needed in preachers. What’s the difference between the two? Perhaps the difference is best understood when we view righteousness as affecting our outward conduct, while godliness affects our inner attitude. For the most part, God’s people are trusting. They want to trust the person who stands before them to preach. But integrity for the preacher is a precious commodity. With it, people will follow you; without it they won’t. To quote Billy Graham, “If you lose your money, you’ve lost little. If you lose your health, you’ve lost something important. But if you lose your integrity, you’ve lost everything.”
A preacher must lean hard upon God as he delivers the message (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Remember, it’s not our clever, little gimmicks which convert people and challenge others. It’s the Spirit of God using the Word of God. Let’s realize that if someone is persuaded to trust Christ merely by our clever argument or delivery skills, it’s probable that someone with a more clever argument or greater speaking skills than ours may lead them down a deceptive path. It’s the Spirit, not our human skill, which brings transformational life-change into the human heart (see Zechariah 4.6). To deny that is to deny our present existence as people who are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). That’s real integrity in the delivery of a life-changing message.
Integrity in Sermon Decision
The purpose of a sermon is not primarily to inform the mind; it’s main purpose is to transform the heart. That means a preacher should call for some kind of a decision at the end of every sermon. Just as a good insurance salesman would not think of showing a client a new insurance product without asking if they would like to buy it, so you need to preach for decision in each sermon.
The first recorded sermon in Acts is Peter’s clear explanation and powerful challenge in Acts 2. Here’s how the Apostle finished that sermon: “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation’” (verse 40). You see, Peter was clear in his call for a decision.
The integrity of the messenger matters greatly as we call people to decision. Phillips Brooks defined preaching as “God’s truth through human personality.” It’s possible to run clean water through a dirty pipe, but I sure wouldn’t want to drink it! As you compare that analogy to preaching, the implications are clear and convicting. There are many jobs in our world today where the character of the person doing the work really doesn’t matter that much. Hear me—preaching is not one of those jobs!
The integrity of preaching is front and center in 1 Corinthians 2. The Bible says, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Cor 2.3-5). Paul refused to use calculated theatrics or human techniques to manipulate a response. Be careful so you don’t get people to respond to your emotional appeal instead of to the true knowledge of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Martin Luther faced this problem in his day. As the Protestant Reformation began to spread, some of Luther’s followers resorted to manipulation, force, and less-than-honest methods of preaching to sway people. Luther would have none of it. In the spring of 1522, Luther marched to his pulpit and said, “I will preach, teach, and write, but I will constrain no man by force. I could play little games, but what would happen? A fool’s play. I leave it to God’s Word.” That’s integrity in asking people to follow Christ.
Charles Spurgeon was a beloved pastor, a great preacher, and a powerful evangelist. He preached for a decision and saw tens of thousands come to Christ. He focused on the integrity of the preacher when calling people to decision and wrote words which are difficult to improve: “The power that is in the Gospel does not lie in the eloquence of the preacher, otherwise men would be the converters of souls; nor does it lie in the preacher’s learning, otherwise it would consist in the wisdom of men. We might preach until our tongues rotted, till we would exhaust our lungs and die, but never a soul would be converted unless the Holy Spirit be with the Word of God to give it the power to convert the soul.”
Good preaching will always contain three essential components: what is said (logos), how it is said (pathos), and who says it (ethos). One verse in 1 Thessalonians 1 rolls all three into thirty concise words: “Our gospel (logos) came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction (pathos). You know how we lived among you for your sake (ethos)” (1 Thes 1.5). Let that verse be a model for both your preaching and your life.
Some years ago, I looked up the word “preach” in my Webster’s dictionary. The second entry said “to exhort in a tiresome manner.” Nothing could be further from the truth! Your preaching must be faithful to the Bible, borne out of a life of integrity, and dynamic to the listener in order that lives will be transformed.
The words of Robert Murray M’Cheyne are as true today as when he wrote them in 1840: “Remember you are God’s sword—His instrument. In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be your success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.” Amen! May you rise to God’s calling and be the best preacher you can be.
Transitions are a normal part of life and ministry. The Word teaches us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV). There are several transitions on the district level that I want to share with you this afternoon.
Todd Alexander has served as our Executive Secretary/Treasurer since 2008. The Board and Pulpit Committee at House of Grace in Gallatin, Tennessee have unanimously chosen Pastor Todd to be the pastoral candidate for their church. So, this coming Sunday, February 12, the membership will vote. With that developing, Pastor Todd has submitted his resignation as District Executive Secretary/Treasurer to be effective 30 days after District Council. Pastor Todd has served with excellence and we are appreciative of his strong leadership qualities.
When House of Grace needed strong leadership to navigate the church through turbulent and troubled waters in July 2011, I recommended Pastor Todd to serve as their Interim Pastor. The Lord helped him to turn that difficult situation around, and during the process, also changed Pastor Todd’s heart from serving in District leadership to becoming their Pastor. This change of heart was obvious to those closest to him. While I do not want to be presumptuous of the results of the pending vote, I do believe that Gallatin House of Grace is entering into a season of great growth and fruitful ministry. You will be hearing testimonies of many wonderful things ahead.
Because there is one year remaining on Pastor Todd’s term, we will elect a person to complete his unexpired term at District Council. The person the Presbytery Board will be submitting at District Council is Glenn Burks. Brother Burks has been serving as our District General Presbyter and previously served as our District Secretary/Treasurer for 17 years. With Brother Burks serving for only one year, this will allow your Superintendent to have someone who is greatly respected and has the experience and wisdom to help me further grow and learn in this role. During this year, we will consider how we can best move forward with our next Secretary/Treasurer.
As you already know, Terry Allen is also transitioning in leadership from District Youth/CE Director to National Representative for Calcutta Mercy Ministries. As I prayerfully worked through the process of determining our next District Youth Ministry and Christian Education Director, I realized many of our young pastors and youth pastors in Tennessee would have done excellent in this position. That realization was reassuring that our future is in good hands if the Lord tarries His return. One person emerged as a clear choice. The young man that the Presbytery Board will be submitting to you for consideration at District Council is Jeremy Austill. Jeremy is an emerging next generation leader and we will launch our youth ministries to the next level.
Rick Black has also submitted his resignation as our District Royal Rangers Director. Rick has served for the past 6 years and I consider him a loyal and trusted friend, like many of you do. His heart for mentoring men and boys in leadership was contagious. I have asked Ron Bush to serve as Interim Ranger Director through Ranger Adventure Week (“RAW”) in July.
Todd Alexander, Terry Allen, and Rick Black are men that I love and appreciate much. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with each of them. As their seasons of district ministry come to a close, please take time to express your appreciation to each one with cards and gifts. To help you become better acquainted with our new leadership, we will share bio information of Glenn Burks, Jeremy Austill, and Ron Bush in our next communication.
Your fellow servant,
Terry G. Bailey
District Superintendent
A Word from Our Superintendent
It is a new year, extremely cold and there has already been a dusting of snow on the ground in the Nashville area. I want to inform you that Terry Allen, our District Youth & Christian Education Director, submitted his resignation last week to the Executive Presbytery, to be effective at District Council, April 11, 2011.
Most of you are aware that Terry has been in a transition season, seeking the Lord for direction in ministry. He will be joining Calcutta Mercy Ministries, raising funds for the powerful ministry of Calcutta Mercy Hospital and for providing food for the kids of Calcutta, India. We are very excited for this door of ministry opportunity that the Lord has opened and challenge everyone to support them.
For almost eleven years Terry and Samalee have served our District with excellence. We will properly honor them at both Fine Arts and District Council for the great work they have done. In the mean time, take a minute to drop them a note to show your love and appreciation for them, as well as the incredible impact they have had on the students of Tennessee and the Kingdom of God.
TAllen@tnaog.org and SamaleeAllen@gmail.com
I thank God for the opportunity of serving beside this couple and I know that our Lord and Savior has much in store for them.
Your fellow servant,
Terry Bailey, Superintendent
Prayer Needs
The following individuals are in need of special prayer for various needs. Let’s take time to call their names in prayer.
Upcoming Events
TN District Prayer and Bible Camp Meeting is January 26-28, 2012. (Registration is required.)
The speaker is Rev. Martha Tennison, who is sure to bring a fresh & powerful Word from God. The cost is FREE, so mark your calendar and plan to start the new year off right by attending this event. It will be held at Bellshire Assembly of God in Nashville and online registration is available. If you have questions, please contact Shannon at sbrown@tnaog.org or by phone at 615.431.0871, ext. 237. To register, visit our website www.tnaog.org.
87th Annual TN District Council is April 9-11, 2012.
It is being hosted by Cathedral of Praise in Cordova, TN. The guest speaker is Bryan Jarrett, Lead Pastor of Northplace Church in Sachse, Texas. To learn more about Pastor Bryan, visit www.northplacechurch.com. Online registration and full registration packets will be available February 1.
Announcements
My Best Card of the Year – submitted by
Bob Brown, TN District Honorbound Director
Attached to this email message you will find a document with a note from our District Men’s Ministry Director and a letter he received concerning Light For The Lost. Please take a minute to read this encouraging attachment.
Giving to Jackson Conference Center
As we give to Jackson Conference Center, it’s important that it is clearly understood that the funds received are being used for overall operations of JCC. This is our property and belongs to us as a District. The JCC budget is separate from summer camp operations. With your gifts to JCC we maintain the property and make capital improvements whenever possible.
