The Pastor's Wife & Mom - A Tribute

The life of a pastor's wife is at the same time beautiful, blessed, complicated and confusing.  Yet, it is one of the most important and vital positions in the body of Christ.

In so many ways, a clergy wife sets the emotional and spiritual tone for the household, and becomes both the enabler and the encourager for every member of the family.  She is a critic at the right time when correction is needed, but she is a listener and an affirmer when her husband and children just want to talk. 

She feels lonely at times, and overwhelmed with parishioners at other times. She wishes the congregation understood the nature of her husband's call, but sometimes wonders what it all means herself.

She is a wife and mother first. She desperately desires more time with the family unit, but understands "balance" is a luxury and management is a must.

For most clergy wives, work outside the home is not an option. It is a necessity just to make ends meet. For others, it is a means of escape from the telephone and the "joy-suckers". Some feel called to their lot in life, while others all of a sudden just became a pastor's wife. For some, it is unbridled joy; but for others, they wonder how long they can hang on.

Yet, they are God's gift to His church and to those who lead her. They do not get enough credit, attention or reward. If anyone in the church needs to be prayed for, it is the pastor's wife. They need space. They need consideration. They need understanding. They need lots of love.

So, pastor friend, when you pause to recognize the moms in your congregation - don't forget the mother of your children. And in front of the assembled folks, let them know just how empty your ministry would be without your precious mate. Salute and honor her, my colleague! She is a treasure.

Why not give this week's podcast a listen?  It also honors "Mom"!  http://www.podcast.hblondon.org/

We'd love you to give it a listen before Sunday if you have time.  HB

The National Day of Prayer and Nascar

Although we published this in our Shepherd's Covenant this past Monday we felt it important enough to send a reminder through our blog.  We hope you are spending time tomorrow commemorating the National Day of Prayer.

Do you follow NASCAR? I do — sort of. I'm a Jeff Gordon fan. Not sure why, but it is interesting to follow the progress of those scientifically designed race cars making left turns while traveling at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

Sunday was a big day for the NASCAR fans who support the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Driver Joe Nemechek, and the #78 car, won the pole (best qualifying time) and eventually finished in 25th place at the Talladega Super Speedway. It was exciting because the one-car team, owned by the Furniture Row folks, was wrapped in the National Day of Prayer logo and colors.

Dr. Dobson held the chapel service before the race. And I noticed the announcers made a big deal about the #78 car and the fact that the National Day of Prayer will be held tomorrow, May 1st. It was a real serendipity.

Hopefully, you have made plans to commemorate NDP. Your participation does not have to be on a huge scale, but to be able to say "our church participated with tens of thousands of other groups" will be an encouragement to everyone. God will be glorified.

Here at Focus on the Family, we have organized a Prayer Marathon for our employees.

If you need more information, you can click into the NDP Web site at www.ndptf.org. Prayer guides are downloadable.

Sunday's NASCAR race was really exciting — so many lead changes. A lot like your life.

"How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him" (Matt. 7:11).

Hope your week finishes well, and don’t forget to check out this week’s podcast on “The Power of Prayer and Fasting.”

Stress Awareness Month

I understand we in Christian leadership experience at least 2 "stress points" each month, not to mention the fact we live a stressful existence.  So if you're stressed, take note of the points below. If you know someone who's stressed get them started on the suggestions.

The Health Resource Network, a non-profit health education organization, has designated April as Stress Awareness Month for the 16th consecutive year.

Community Chaplains of America, which provides care for individuals during difficult and stressful situations, have offered 10 simple suggestions on how to provide care and essentially reduce stress, according to christianpost.com.

• Provide a listening ear. Often, those who are going through stressful times simply need someone to talk to. Make an extra phone call or meet a friend for coffee and offer the opportunity for them to talk.
• Send an encouraging note. Words are powerful. In the age of emails and text messages, handwritten notes show that you took time and effort to show you care.
• Say "thank you." Offer your gratitude for people. Thank a coworker for his or her hard work or a waiter for serving you dinner. Everyone wants to feel appreciated.
• Laugh with someone. A good hearty laugh can relax you both and mentally lighten your load. Tell a joke or rent a funny movie with a friend.
• Perform a random act of kindness. Surprise someone with the unexpected. It can be as simple as paying for a friend's coffee or offering to watch the kids so a mom or dad can have that extra time to relax.
• Help someone organize. When the places and things around us are in order, we feel a little more put together. Take time to help a friend clean out a closet or scrub the bathtub.
• Take a walk. Exercise releases endorphins and makes us feel better all around. Walk around the mall with a coworker on your lunch break or meet a friend at a park after work and enjoy the fresh air.
• Share a smile. This contagious act can easily brighten someone's day. Smile to a passing stranger; it may make a big difference in his or her day.
• Get away. Get away from the everyday circumstances that may be causing stress. Plan a weekend getaway or a day trip with a friend.
• Pray. Say a quick prayer for your friend and put his or her stress in the hands of the Ultimate Provider and Healer.

Now don't you feel better? Could you please give me some feed back on something .. please? 

What is your #1 stress related challenge in your ministerial profession? Let me know. I think we could help one another.

So — on we go!  HB London

Daring To Dream Along With Martin Luther King

Am I overreacting when I say our nation is still racist?  Do you live in a racist area of the USA? If so .. why is it?  If not, what has made the difference?  Please note the following article I wrote for our last Shepherd's Covenant and give us your response by posting a comment back. 

I think back several decades to my boyhood days in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was a white boy in a racist society, but sheltered from all of that because I lived in an all-white world. As a youth, I'm not sure I ever really knew of a black/white segregation. Both races just kind of stayed to themselves. I played against, but never with, African-Americans. Now I work side-by-side every day with African-American colleagues who are also close friends.

Last Friday, I asked them if they thought Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the greatest African-American to come along in their lifetime. They both said yes. Why? Because Martin Luther King dared to face injustice peacefully, and he gave his life for a cause that lives on to this day: racial equality.

As I travel, I run across schools and highways named after Dr. King, but I'm not convinced that my "pastor" colleagues, Alex and Ralph, would feel comfortable in all churches — just as I might not. Why? Racism still exists.

I remember Dr. King's speeches — "I Have a Dream" and "I've Been to the Mountaintop," which was preached the night before he died. I marveled at his oratory and celebrated his courage.

True integration is not an event or an occurrence. It does not happen when you hug a brother of another race at a Promise Keepers event or pray together at a civil rights celebration. To be integrated is to be sensitive to the needs of others, and a seeker of greater understanding for a brother's situation.

We have very few African-American clergy at our pastoral ministries events; therefore, we have been intentional in going to them. We have a small percentage of African-Americans who work at Focus on the Family — even though we have attempted to recruit those of every race. Bottom line: we have a long way to go — all races do.

I pray that we all might dream along with Dr. King and that some day, arm in arm, we might all stand on the mountaintop with our Lord Jesus knowing that we have fought the "good fight" for racial unity and have received His well-done.

We just can't wait for the next colleague to do something. We must take the initiative. Who will be the next Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? And is it necessary that they also be African-American? Equality is every race's opportunity.

Americans Not Getting Enough Sleep

(Or, Why Is Everyone Falling Asleep During My Sermon?)

Hi Pastor Friend ... I run across a lot of weary clergy in my travels.  So many of them do not get enough sleep.  (See the report below).  How much do you get on an average? 

Two reports released last month by the Center for Disease Control show that Americans are sleeping less than they did 20 years ago, and that about 50 to 70 million people nationwide suffer from chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders. The research, which was done in 2006 and 2007, also revealed that:

• About 10 percent of adults report not getting enough rest or sleep in any of the previous 30 days.
• Only 29.6 percent of adults said they did get enough rest or sleep every day in the past month.
• About 13 percent of adults aged 18-34 reported insufficient sleep every day in the past month compared to only seven percent of adults 55 and older.

The results of another survey released this week by the National Sleep Foundation found that the average adult gets six hours and 40 minutes of sleep each night and that they estimated they need about seven and a half hours. According to the Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours sleep each night, teens need eight and a half to nine and a half hours, and children, aged 5-12, need 9-11 hours. Also, about one-third of those surveyed said they had fallen asleep or become very sleepy at work in the last month. The average worker gets up at 5:35 a.m., leaves for work at 7:50 a.m., and goes to bed at 10:53 p.m.

The CDC gives the following suggestions for those who are sleep deprived:

1. Stick to a regular sleeping schedule.
2. Sleep in a dark, well ventilated room at a comfortable temperature.
3. Avoid stimulating activities within two hours of bedtime.
4. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening.
5. Avoid going to bed on a full or empty stomach.
6. See a doctor if you are concerned about chronic sleep problems.

The National Sleep Foundation, which promotes March 3-9 as National Sleep Awareness Week in conjunction with Daylight Saving Time, believes that many factors are contributing to the changing sleep patterns in America. Such concerns as longer work hours, pressure to increase productivity, changing schedules, and overuse of caffeine and other stimulants all play a part in the difficulty Americans are having getting enough sleep.

For more details about the research go to www.cdc.gov/sleep and www.sleepfoundation.org.

Early Easter - Lenten Preparation

Perhaps you already know about all of this, but maybe you were so busy with Lenten activity that the following information has escaped you.

DID YOU KNOW? This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives. AND only those 95 years and older in your congregation have seen it this early. AND the next time Easter will be as early as March 23 will be 2228. AND the last time it was this early was 1913. AND the earliest date Easter can fall is March 22. AND the latest date is April 25. (See Snopes.com — February 2008.) So Easter this year is ... March 23.

What's the point? You mean other than the fact that the earliest possible date for Easter is March 22. AND no one alive today will ever see it that early. AND, when you're planning your Easter Sunrise Service, you need to take the early date into consideration. AND the same with Easter lilies. AND the same with promoting Easter effectively so that it does not just "slip up" on you.

One more thing to dazzle you on this Tuesday — Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, which is March 20. Next year — 2009 — Easter will be April 12.

Seriously, the Lenten Season, for those of us who serve the church, should be much more than planning for a big crowd and festive weekend. It should also be, for you, a time of preparation — your heart, your attitude, your message and your relationship with the Risen Christ.

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and 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 men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Cor. 2:2-5).                          —The Apostle Paul

I pray that your Easter activities will be underscored by the Spirit's power. May God richly bless you this week.  Thank you for your committment to read the blog and please consider commenting back.  We enjoy your input, as do the other readers! 

So, Will You Be Voting?

Wow! Dr. James Dobson has really created a "fire storm" with his comments related to Super Tuesday. As an individual — NOT as the founder and chairman of Focus on the Family — he stated, in so many words, that, if Senator McCain is the nominee of the Republican Party, he would not be able to vote for him. His words on the Glenn Beck program were, "I regret what happened last night. I'm between a rock and a hard place."

Dr. Dobson had said on Tuesday, detailing his personal opposition to McCain, "If McCain is the nominee, I will sit this one out," according to citizenlink.org. He has received a lot of criticism from friends and foes alike.

I have been asked by several people, "Do you mean that under no circumstance could Dr. Dobson vote for Sen. McCain?" I still think that remains to be seen.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council wrote on Feb. 6 regarding values voters, "If we reach September and the candidates you endorsed are not the final nominees, it will not mean the values movement has failed. I guarantee you that the frontrunner would have moved closer to our issues." Gary Bauer's Campaign for Working Families organization reported responses to his survey running 8-1 in favor of the Republicans "closing ranks" if need be.

As I write this note to you, I have also learned that Gov. Romney has dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. I also understand that he may have spent between 35 and 50 million dollars of his own money on his campaign. To me, there is something immoral about that — but it was his money.

Tom Minnery, our Vice President of Public Policy, is quoted as saying, "Dr. Dobson's decision is a position of a man who isn't swayed by political winds. He is a man of deep principle, deep philosophy." I for one know Dr. Dobson is a godly man with deep moral convictions.

We have a long way to go before a president is selected in November. So much can and will change. One thing for sure — we need to pray for our country and the democracy that allows us to cast our vote in the privacy of a voting booth.

So, will you be voting? "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Prov. 14:34).

*** Late breaking news:  Dr. James Dobson issued the following statement last night, speaking as a private citizen.

I am endorsing Gov. Mike Huckabee for President of the United States today. My decision comes in the wake of my statement on Super Tuesday that I could not vote for Sen. John McCain, even if he goes on to win the Republican nomination. His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me.

That left two pro-family candidates whom I could support, but I was reluctant to choose between them. However, the decision by Gov. Mitt Romney to put his campaign "on hold" changes the political landscape. The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Gov. Huckabee. His unwavering positions on the social issues, notably the institution of marriage, the importance of faith and the sanctity of human life, resonate deeply with me and with many others. That is why I will support Gov. Huckabee through the remaining primaries, and will vote for him in the general election if he should get the nomination. Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Sen. McCain. Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for President of the United States.

Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL

P.S. Our hearts go out to the families and churches that were devastated by the multitude of tornadoes that raged through six southern states earlier this week. In an attempt to reach out to pastors and their congregations, we would like to know if your church or another that you are aware of was damaged or destroyed. Please email us your contact information or theirs at pastors@family.org so that we may contact them. Thank you.

So - What Happened In New Hampshire?

I was amazed at the results of yesterday's presidential primary in New Hampshire. Were you? To be honest, I was surprised and a bit disappointed.

The polls had it pretty much right for the Republicans, but they missed it badly on the Democrats. In fact, I think the pundit that came closest to being right was Chris Wallace.

What do you think happened? Do you think Senator Clinton's near meltdown the day before the vote had anything to do with it, or because she carried a huge portion of the female vote?

Needless to say, she is now the comeback kid. In fact, I understand she more than equaled her husband's "comeback" of nearly 16 years ago.

Now the race for the White House seems wide open. Especially if Romney takes Michigan and Huckabee takes South Carolina — and Obama and Clinton swap states in Michigan and South Carolina. 

If you had to guess who each party's nominee will be, who would you say? I know politics are unpredicatable, but what would be your "guess"? Please let me know. 

A few weeks ago in response to our Pastor's Weekly Briefing column hundreds of you responded to our ethics question and your input was really helpful to us.

So — thanks for your time — and don't forget to encourage your people to register to vote and then vote.

HBL

World Class

Here at Focus on the Family, we have a directive to do what we do for you, the clergy and for all of our constituents, in a world class manner. What that means to us is "give it your very best." In other words, if it is worth doing — do it right.

With Thanksgiving behind us, I found myself reflecting back to last year's opportunity to attend the Notre Dame/ Southern California football game. I arrived early at the stadium to soak in all the drama and pageantry that surrounded such an event. It was great. The game was exciting, but the thing that impressed me so much was the attention everyone gave to detail. The bands were topnotch, the teams looked immaculate before the game, the coaches were in their respective places, the timing was perfect, the stadium was packed, the well-stocked concession stands were open and the ushers were friendly and helpful. The "rowdy" were not allowed to detract from the game. People around you in the stands were friendly and did a lot of high-fiving. They booed and cheered in all the right places. When the game was over, people by the thousands stayed around for the "after game" pep-rally band concert. The tickets were expensive, but all who attended would long remember their night in the Coliseum. I know I will.

What's my point? You are now in the Advent Season. There will be many and varied activities under your "watch." You will probably have more people attending your services than at any other time of the year. Be ready for them: Be prepared, be friendly, be respectful and be world-class — in other words, do what you do the very best way that you can. Be God honoring in every respect, and as Paul wrote to the church in Colossi: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17).

You are world class — so do what you do in a world-class manner. We are proud of you.

And now it is on to Christmas.

Check Your Gauges

I give a speech to clergy couples called "Check Your Gauges." It pertains to 1 Timothy 4, in which the apostle Paul told Timothy to watch his life (verse 16).  One of the gauges I suggest that pastors stop to check is the physical gauge.  Have you checked yours lately?

When the Lord called you into the ministry as co-laborers with Him, He made an investment in you.  Like parents sending their children off to college, He launched you into a world that would take its toll not only emotionally and spiritually, but physically as well. 

I remember a physician saying that all clergy live high-risk lives.  He helped me to see how pastors live in a world of the urgent, often fail to eat right and rarely get enough rest or exercise — but I knew that.

Then he told me to tell the pastors with whom I meet to be mindful of several things.  First, pastors need to watch their weight.  They shouldn't eat until they're full, he said, and they should never eat another french fry.  (Fat chance, I thought.)  Second, he suggested every pastor should know his cholesterol balance and blood pressure.  Third, every male pastor needs an annual prostate screening exam after his 40th birthday.

He said if pastors can keep these three levels in check, they most likely will have a healthy, productive life and ministry.  Good advice.  I thanked him for his interest in pastors and said I'd do my best to pass along his cautions as I meet with and encourage other clergy.

One more piece of advice: Take a day off — regularly.  Go for walks with your spouse.  Sleep seven or eight hours each night, listen to good music and do not let the sun go down on your anger.  Why?  Because you usually begin a new day the way you ended the last.  End of my sermon.

So, to my dear clergy friend, whom I love in the truth, "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John2)

Don't forget to check your gauges.  And feel free to comment on this or any other post we write.  We enjoy hearing from you.  Were you aware we have a weekly podcast you can access at http://podcast.hblondon.org/?  I just shared this past Monday, on the Seasons of My Life.  Feel free to listen in. 

In Pursuit Of "Lost" Passion

I met with a pastor this week who was suffering from passion fatigue. He was tired — having family problems, and sick of dealing with negative thinking and acting people. I felt for him, because I have been there.  Little things become really big things, and then all of a sudden you lose perspective. 

Here is what I suggest ...

1. Get some rest.  Take time off no matter what.
2. Laugh with someone. When you laugh you tend to forget the negative.
3. Stop taking yourself so seriously. If you were out of the picture (not including your family), would life go on? Would they have church this weekend? Would other critical needs be met by someone else? They most likely would.
4. Examine your motivation. Why do you do what you do? Is ministry a call to glorify God, or to be personally pleasing?  I think you know.
5. Why do you feel the way you do?  Have you lost at something, been disappointed, been rejected, failed in your effort to rescue someone?
6. What is your passion? Do you dream big dreams or have you settled for the ordinary? I deal with lots of folks who have stopped expecting the unusual.
7. Do you enjoy quality time with your best friend? No — not your spouse or your colleague but "the friend that sticks closer than a brother" — Jesus.  Do you?  Talk with Him!
8. Are there un-resolved conflicts at home? I promise you ministry suffers when the lights at home are fluttering.
9. What was the last good book you read? Reading encouraging, challenging things will rub off on you.
10. How's your health? Walking will sweep away anxiety. Go for a 30-minute stroll — do it now! And if you need to see a doctor — do it!

Passion for your mission is most important.  Lose it and your call turns into a job — and you don't want that.

Until next time — Be blessed!

Eternal Investments

A few days ago I shared with you about my sister-in-law's passing (A Passion For Lost People) and our need to be concerned about the eternal security of those in our circle of influence.  Today, I'd like to add to that thought.

When I was a young pastor, I was invited to spend a week at a missions conference at The Peoples Church in Toronto.  It was a life-changing experience. 

The pastor paid for an airplane ticket, hotel room and rental car, providing me with an opportunity to see missions work in action.  Missionary after missionary told his story, speaking of the amazing grace of the Lord to transform others from death to life.  The conference changed my understanding of the Great Commission and deepened my desire to see my church in Oregon get involved in tangible outreach.

That was 1975.  As an unseasoned pastor, I challenged my congregation to raise $25,000 to build a church for others.  They responded, and we helped establish a church in Guatemala near the Yucata Peninsula.  Two years later when I went back for the dedication service, hundreds of people gathered for worship, bringing glory to God. 

Since that time, the two churches I pastored have invested millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of man-hours into reaching people around the world with the love of Jesus Christ.

I tell you about my experiences in order to challenge you.  If you have not taken the risk to reach beyond your church walls into a world that desperately needs God's help, you have missed a glorious opportunity to be blessed and to see others find hope in Christ.

I would not have the passion for lost people today if I didn't have those experiences in Toronto and Guatemala.  If you don't have that passion, find ways to get involved in missions ministry and experience what God is doing internationally.  If you already have this passion, share it with your congregation and your family.  Your passion will be contagious.

"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord" (Acts 11:21)

Who Asks You The Big Questions?

As I come in touch with hundreds of ministry couples each year, I am amazed how few have someone to ask them "the big questions". 

Most couples have no one to hold them accountable. But if they are accountable only to themselves, or even only to their spouse, they live in a world of jeopardy. 

Each of us is just one decision away from failure, and none of us is immune to temptations and weaknesses. I am no paragon of virtue, so I built several habits into my life as a pastor that helped me stay accountable:

• I met every Tuesday morning with a group of men who cared for me. We held each other accoutable as a fellowship of Christian brothers who cared enough about each other to ask the big questions.
• During my three decades as a pastor, in each ministry I found a man who was willing to enter into a covenant with me. Like Johnathan and David, this friend "made a covenant ... because he loved [me] as himself" (1 Samuel 18:3) We promised each other to meet once a week, pray for one another by name as often as we did pray and ask each other the big questions.
• The third point of accountability was Beverley, my wife. She asked me the big questions, but she also picked up little weaknesses or concerns along the way that were potentially dangerous to us and my ministry if not addressed.

What are these big questions I keep talking about? They may take several forms, but one of the best summaries I know is the list Chuck Swindoll used when he served in Southern California. He and the other male staff members challenged each other with these questions periodically (quoted by Chuck Colson in The Body, Word, 1992):

1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandate of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?

A Passion for Lost People

My sister-in-law died this past week. She was standing in the kitchen all alone, suffered a massive heart attack and, in an instant, she was gone. She had had some physical problems, but her condition was improving. Now she is in eternity.

The sadness we feel is the loss, but more than that, we do not know for sure where she will spend eternity. She didn’t like to talk about spiritual things, but she was raised in a Christian home. We are praying that the grace and mercy of our Lord will be sufficient for her — that, in a moment of genuine repentance, she accepted Jesus into her heart.

In a day when “easy believism” is rampant and a “feel good theology” seems to be the direction so many pastors are taking, when and where do we preach for a decision?

There are times when I am haunted by the vast numbers of unbelievers in our world — in my little world. I hear the words from John 3:18: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Jesus!

When was the last time you spent time with an individual and actually shared the Gospel with them, and then led them in the sinner’s prayer? Paul said, “I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1 Cor. 9:19). I think it comes down to one thing: a passion for the lost and an urgency to see them saved and secure.

If you want to respond, please do so at pastors@family.org or enter a comment below. Also, tell your colleagues about the blog we have here and our new podcast, which can be accessed at http://podcast.hblondon.org.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Can You Waste a Vote?

This past week, Dr. James Dobson, the chairman of the board at Focus on the Family, wrote an op-ed piece for the New York Times that stated, “Speaking personally, and not for the organization I represent, I firmly believe that the selection of a president should begin with a recommitment to traditional moral values and beliefs. Those include the sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage, and other invaluable pro-family principles. Only after that determination is made can the acceptability of a nominee be assessed.”

The New York Times/CBS News poll shows white, evangelical Republicans agree with Dr. James Dobson. Nearly 60% of those who plan to vote in the primaries said they could not support a candidate they do not agree with on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

I wonder what the other 40% really believe? I wonder what you believe? Will you, like Dr. Dobson, only vote for a candidate that shares your basic values? If you can’t find a candidate who does satisfy you, will you just not vote? Would you favor a third party? Is it a “big deal” to you?

In a recent survey we did with SermonCentral, it reflected that only 17.3% of the pastors who responded were extremely interested in community, culture and political issues. 36.2% of those who participated in the survey said they were interested.

I am just wondering what those figures indicate. Will you be active in the presidential campaign? Will you address specific issues from the pulpit? (You can, you know.) Will you stick your neck out even though your political leanings might not be popular with the people you serve?

Do you feel your people are really engaged in the political scene? Are they well informed? Do you have a committee in your church that feels the responsibility to equip and inform your church family? It’s going to be interesting. The first primary is just 100 days away. I know ... a lot of questions to be answered.

Stay faithful.

Up Front and Down Home

"What would it hurt if every now and again a minister sat with his family on a Sunday morning?"

Nearly every Sunday for more than three decades, I went to church with my wife and two sons.  But I usually didn't worship with them — not really. You see, I was the senior pastor. 

When my older son, Brad, was a child, one day he asked me, "Dad, how come you never sit with us in church like all the other dads do?"

My answer seems hollow now: "Because I'm the pastor and I have to lead the worship service."

I'm sure it was okay to him, but as I reflect on my years of ministry, I see that I missed sharing some meaningful times of worship with my family. How about you?

Oh, I know what you might say: "Come on, H.B., we're up-front people. Our job is to lead, to make it happen."

Is it? Or, perhaps, we allow expectations — "the system" — to take us away from the privilege of worshiping with those we love. I hope not. Would it hurt if every now and again you sat with your family on a Sunday morning? It would be wonderful for your family and would send a powerful signal to those in your congregation who look to you for leadership. 

Leading or just "being in charge" can be a far cry from actual worship. I remember often being in my appointed place on the platform, watching ushers talk as visitors searched for a place to sit. And then there were those empty pews that were ordinarily filled with happy faces. Where were the Joneses today? I'd wonder. Is someone sick? Have they goneto another church? Or, as I looked over the bulletin, I'd see that a certain person was going to sing. He had never hit the high note in his life. Why should I expect him to hit it that day?

Do you get the picture? That wasn't worship! I was consumed with what was happening around me rather than with what God was doing in me. So, I started occasionally to sit in the front row with my back to the congregation. Then I could concentrate on worship. When it was time to deliver the sermon, I did so with a clear mind — because I had not been distracted, but had truly participated in worship. And, just as important, I had worshiped with my family.

Please don't think I've lost my senses, but I encourage you to just sit with your family some weekend. Become one of those who is lost in the wonder of genuine worship. While you're at it, take a look at the family beside you. What's that smile you see? It's only a happy bunch of people enjoying the company of one they love very much — you!

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" (Ps. 100:4) and, on an occasional Sunday, do it with your family.