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Today as I observe and experience life in America I am shocked at how so many of my friends and family choose to be ignorant. Yes, I said it!

People who are calling themselves Christian today and turning their eyes away from the evil that is spreading like a plaque through our modern day churches, where the Bible is trampled and pages are ripped out so as not to offend someone, and being led by Pastors ignoring sin as described clearly in scripture are soon going to find themselves standing on the outside wondering what happened. This is not said in judgement but in concern for those who are following leaders who know how to tickle the ears and appeal to the flesh.

When our government passes laws that totally ignore God’s word and make it a crime to obey the basic tenets as given in holy scripture it is time for us as citizens to change that government and replace the evil with the good! This country’s founding fathers put in place the mechanism, if honored, that can peacefully change and manage our governments at all levels.

It is every Christian’s responsibility to stand strong on God’s word and to be active and to make the changes in our God given power to make these legal changes by utilizing these laws that are in place. These laws which also protect our rights to free speech and to worship without interference by the government, also give us the right and responsibility to select who we want to represent us in our government. This is most important for Christians because if we do nothing we are saying to evil, “you decide for me”, “you pick my representatives”!

This amazing country that we live in was most certainly founded on Biblical Judeo Christian values by men who were far from perfect but were given supernatural guidance. The true history of the Pilgrims and the Puritans has been so corrupted by todays education system of indoctrination that even the teachers that are teaching it are dumbfounded when they learn the truth! The history of patriotic pastors and the determination of their church members reveals that it was in fact the church that was the backbone that led to our independence as a nation. King George and his counselors proclaimed initially that the uprising in the colonies was brought on by Presbyterians.

It was the ‘Great Awakening” with George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, and others that brought spiritual unity across denominations and the Colonies together in such a way that the idea of a “united Nation” could actually be realized. It was the hand of God that truly moved through George Whitfield as he traveled from town to town preaching the gospel with power and authority, reportedly over 18,000 sermons throughout nearly all 13 colonies. It was the love of God and the appreciation of God’s word that brought the country back to the founding roots that reminded the colonists/settlers why their parents and grandparents came to America and why they were in America too. Our Christian history in the forming of this nation can not by denied or ignored and anyone who does so is not a friend of yours, of our country or of God!

I have studied the Bible for over 60 years and I love and believe it. I accept God as almighty and Jesus as His only son whereby only by faith in Him can anyone be saved! I have studied our American history for many years. I have heard many challenges to our humble beginnings and respect others ideas and beliefs, I respect that they can be sincerely wrong and misguided just as many in our churches today are. Our concern is that many are being led to a lifetime of deceit, misery and eternal damnation.

As a minister to Pastors let us insert here that we have many wonderful Pastors who are brave Champions for God serving throughout America today and we applaud them. Sadly there are many many more Pastors who are willingly silent as their sheep are being hurt by government and regulatory changes. These Pastors are feeling the same impact on their families and saying nothing and doing less. As a Pastor you can not allow someone to shut you up because they say “something is Political”. As a Pastor you must teach truth and right from wrong. It is not showing “grace” if your silence allows your congregants to go into eternity without a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ! 

If you are not calling sin out at all levels from personal lifestyle to governmental laws redefining marriage and God’s design for man and woman, then it may be time to step back and review your own relationship with God! Yes, this may sound hard but these and other sins are specifically identified in God’s Holy Word!

History shows that when God’s people turned away from His statutes and his commandments then His judgement would always come! It also shows that when His people repented and fell before Him he would forgive their sin. Pastor, I trust that you are in God’s word and faithfully study it. You may be a wonderful biblical scholar. Now I will challenge you to become an expert on our American History too, at least know how we began as a nation and how Pastors were a vital part of this.

Pastor you are not alone. There are many Pastors in your community that feel your pain, confusion and maybe your shame but now is not the time to hunker down in a fetal position. Now is the time to educate yourself. You become the expert. You “Shepherd” the flock God has given you with boldness. Prepare your flock by equipping them with knowledge and the truth of what is happening in our world today. You teach with authority of the scripture without fear of man but fear of God! Surround yourself with other Pastors who will join you. Start or join a Champions Table. Your family and congregation need you to be strong and above all don’t be afraid of your sheep. You are there to fight for them not with them!

There are four action items that I suggest:

#1 Read “The Black Robe Regiment” by Pastor Dan Fisher (a must for Pastors)

#2 Take the “Biblical Citizenship Course” offered by The Patriot Academy and FREE through “TPUSA Faith”

#3 Read “One Nation Under God” by Attorney David Gibbs, Jr, “Ten things every Christian needs to know about the Founding of America”

#4 Read “The American Story” by David and Tim Barton,  by America’s foremost authorities on America’s Founding Fathers

These 4 things will give an accurate historical foundation of this country that is Biblical and supported with actual documentation. It is what every Christian in America should know! (We have provided these links for you for convenience only. We have no tie to any of these authors other than being Christian brothers.)

As a prayer ministry we are constantly praying for our Pastors. We love and provide encouragement to Pastors around the world. If you would like for me and Linda to pray for you and start sending you our personalized e-prayer please register with us. We know how hard pastoring is and you need to know someone is faithfully praying!  

I pray that you will do the 4 things suggested and you will see for yourself why I say “The Past Reveals the Truth”

 

 

Until you see something in vivid living color you just can’t get the full picture. It is nothing like a news item or breakroom table talk. Linda and I have had the privilege to watch a private screening of the movie “Sound of Freedom” starring Jim Caviezel. He plays Tim Ballard a Homeland Security Agent who leaves his job to rescue children from sex trafficking. This heartbreaking true story put a new meaning to the statement sex trafficking for both of us! The movie takes you deep into South America into the dark world that is real for thousands of children. Then it brings us to our own backyard. Get ready to be glued to the screen and your heart beating out of your chest!

On July 4th this movie opens on screens all across the country and many in Hollywood have literally fought against its release. When you see the conditions of these children and the attitudes of the criminals regarding them you will be Shocked! Let us warn you, it is happening near you, guaranteed!

Linda and I want to humbly and boldly ask you to go and see this movie and if possible take a group. No this is not a Christian movie with a gospel message. What it is, is another wake-up call to the church and its leaders to see what is happening to the children and families in your community!

There are so many areas Pastors and Ministers choose to be silent on, if you are silent on this one perhaps you should rethink what you stand for and who do you really serve. We love our Pastors but the church and these children need Shepherds who will defend them and fight for them just like David did when he fought a lion and a bear who came after his sheep. Praise God for you who do stand and fight and are not afraid of the enemies who are attacking your sheep!

This is a powerful movie in which Jim Caviezel said it is the most important movie he has ever been in second only to “The Passion of the Christ” where he played the role of Jesus.

Now watch this movie trailers and order your tickets: Sound of Freedom Get Tickets Now

There are more people in slavery today than anytime in history. Sex trafficking is a 150 Billion Dollar a year industry and the USA is one of the top customers!

The closing service on Yom Kippur is called Ne’ilah. The Ne’ilah prayer is …

O keep open for us Your gate of mercy, at the time of the closing of the gate. Now that the day is waning. The day is passing; the sun is setting; O let us enter Your gate at last. O God, we beseech You, forgive, pardon, take pity; grant us atonement; subdue our sin and iniquity.

http://www.mjcnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/MJC_Contemporary_Machzor_20111.pdf

Neilah (means closing) and is the final service of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). This is the most serious appointment God gave His people Israel (Leviticus 23). This is a day devoted to seeking atonement or forgiveness of sins.

In ancient Israel when the day would end at sunset, the gates of Jerusalem would close. This last service of Yom Kippur is taking place during the last minutes of the day. The closing of the Jerusalem gates painted an important picture for the people of Israel. As the people thought about the closing of the gates of the city and that they day was about to end, they would realize that their opportunity to convince God to forgive them of their sins was also about to end.

What purpose do gates serve?

A gate is a point of entry. Gates prevent or allow the entry or exit of individuals.A metal fence

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(https://www.morfix.co.il/נעילה) Ne’ilah: closing, locking

The gates are not only closing, but they will be locked. This means people cannot enter locked gates unless they have the key, or someone else unlocks the gate for them.A picture containing text

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What do we learn about gates in the Bible?

(Deuteronomy 16:18 JPS) Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God gives thee, tribe by tribe; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.

(Deuteronomy 21:18-19 JPS) If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, that will not hearken to the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and though they chasten him, will not hearken unto them; then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

(cf. Deuteronomy 25:7, Proverbs 31:23) Elders sit at the gates.

Elders, judges and officers’ rule and judge from the gates of the city. In some way, when the time comes for people to meet God, they will go to the Gates of Heaven to be informed of God’s judgement and learn whether or not they are welcome to enter the gates.

In Jeremiah 17:19-27 we read that Prophets went to the city gates and declared judgement for disobeying God’s Word. Judgment happens at gates. At gates people find out whether their sins are forgiven or not. And if they’re not forgiven, people receive their judgement for their sins or disobedience.

Now let’s see what Yeshua says about the gates of heaven.

(Matthew 7:13-14 TLB) “Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way. But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.”

Yeshua told us that there are two gates; one leads to life and one leads to destruction. The gate that leads to death is wide so it is easy to follow and many people enter it. On the other hand, the gate to life is narrow and hard to follow so only a few people enter the gate of life.

Narrow

(Thesaurus): cramped, limiting and restrictiveA picture containing text, vector graphics

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The road and gate to heaven is narrow. They are cramped, limiting and restrictive. People want to be free to do anything they want, and to go anywhere they want, but this is not possible if we want to live with God forever. In Leviticus 23 we read that on Yom Kippur we must deny ourselves or live a life with limits and restrictions if we want to please God.

(Galatians 5:13 NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

(Galatians 5:13 CEV) My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.

Our freedom does not allow us to do things which are identified as sin in God’s Instructions (the Bible). We are free to live for God and serve Him according to His Instructions given in the Bible. We may be free, but we have to deny ourselves of things if we want to walk through the narrow and restrictive gates of heaven.

(Exodus 7:16) “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me in the wilderness.”

God gave Moses a message for Pharoah. People often quote the first half of this message which was to inform Pharoah that God wanted His people to be free. But that is not all God said to Pharoah. He also told Pharoah the reason for the freedom. The people of Israel were not being freed from their slavery so they could be their own master and decide what they wanted to do. They were being set free to serve God. I think God has a different definition of freedom than most people.

(Proverbs 14:12 TLB) Before every man there lies a wide and pleasant road that seems right but ends in death.

(Proverbs 14:12 MSG) There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again – it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

The wide-open road is so appealing to so many people. Yet the Bible informs us that looks are deceiving. Our eyes are fooled as the wide-open road really leads to death. The road (and all that is happening on the road) seems so harmless. People are smiling and enjoying themselves. Yet, the smiles will soon disappear. People have been deceived and fooled by Satan, and the road will lead them to Satan (who will be waiting for them in hell).

Yeshua is the narrow gate

(John 10:7-10 NLT) “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved. … My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Yeshua is the gate. He invites and allows people to enter a land filled with good pastures. Yeshua must allow us to enter His presence or heaven.

(John 10:1 NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!

When we want to enter our home, we use our key to unlock the door. This is the proper way to enter our home, or any building. When you see someone put a key in a door you probably don’t think too much about it. But, if you see someone climbing over a fence or into a window of a home, what would you think? The first thought that should come to your mind is, “Is this person trying to break into the building or home?”

Yeshua is the gate; the legal and proper way to enter property or a home. If people try to enter the Kingdom of God any other way besides going through Yeshua: the gate, they are trying to enter a place they have no right to enter. If you want to experience a rich and satisfying life here on earth, and forever with God, Yeshua is the only gate.

(Revelation 21:25-27 NASB) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

There will never be any sin in the New Jerusalem so there won’t be anything that could keep people separated from God or forbid them from entering His presence. Once judgement has taken place and we’ve been admitted or thrown into our eternal home, no one will be left wandering about trying to illegally enter heaven so the gates of heaven will never be closed (or locked).

I read in an article that there is a paradox presented in the Neilah service when it mentions that the gates will be closing. Jewish tradition has us rushing to repent before the gates close, yet there’s also the belief that God always welcomes the sinner and is always eager for us to turn in repentance. 

What’s the rush to enter the gates?

There is never a time when we are not welcome to return. And if God is always eager to receive the sinner in repentance, then what’s the rush? If God does not close His gates, and prevent people from entering His presence, why is there a service telling people the gates are about to close so they better pray with all they’ve got?

If we live only with the assumption that repentance always is available, then we would never be motivated to actually change at a particular instance. Just as knowledge of our certain mortality infuses our life with a need to seize the day, so does the push of Yom Kippur as a time particularly favorable to teshuvah (repentance) inspire us to more focused contemplation than a more open-ended process would. [www.jewishjournal.com/culture/religion/yom_kippur/225057/neilah/]

If all we think about is that the Gates to Heaven are always open, people have no reason or need to enter now. People can choose to continue living a life without God, assuming they’ve got lots of time before they need to change and put God first. For this reason, the Ne’ilah service is necessary.

Once the service ends, and people exit the doors they’ll be confronted with many necessary needs of life. God may still be on their minds, but He will no longer dominate their thoughts like He did during the service. The things we think about and do outside the gates of Temple are not sinful, but once the service ends, God will not have the same place in our minds as He had during the service.

(James 4:14 NLT) How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

You know for sure that the morning fog will disappear, but we do not know when. Time is constantly moving forward, and we have no clue when our life will end. We do not know exactly when we will die, but we do know that we are closer to the time of our death then we are to the time of our birth.

(Everyman’s Talmud, p. 110) However true it be that repentance is possible up to the moment of death, it is considered unwise to postpone it. ‘R. Eliezer said, “Repent one day before your death.” His disciples asked him, “Does then, anybody know on which day he will die?” He replied to them, “How much more reason is there for him to repent today, lest he be dead tomorrow; and as a consequence all his days will be spent in repentance”’ (Shab. 153a).Diagram

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What great insight! Right up to the second, we breathe our last breath, we have an opportunity to repent. But the reality is that we do not know the exact time we will die. Therefore, we cannot postpone repenting of our sins or turning back to God. We need to do it now!

(Neilah Poem) Faster-faster I hear the Chorus of the Hosts on High. Not words but God’s soft unspoken plea is heard- “Keep open your gate! Keep open your gate!” The stars wink down above me. … The Shofar calls an end – a Neilah. Yet as I leave His sanctuary His silent Shofar calls. “Keep open your gates for Mine are never closed.”God’s gates will be open tomorrow, a year from now, etc. But right now, God has your attention. Right now, your mind is focused on God and the gates of heaven. Once you stop reading this article, things will change. God wants to know if your gates are open, and if you will invite Him to enter and be Lord of your life. If you invite God to enter your gates, He will invite you to enter His gates. Would you like to enter His gates now?

Accountability is not usually something men (especially Pastors)embrace and yet it is what it takes to grow, improve, stretch us, push us, save us from ourselves, motivate us, coach us, teach us, and so much more!

This is my Champions Table that I meet with every Friday morning. For over 10 years these Pastors have been meeting with me and holding me accountable to be the godly man I am expected to be and need to be.

They regularly ask me questions about my character, my habits and my goals. We have a series of questions that we ask each other that are very pointed that every man faces such as specific temptations morally, family/spouse relationships and basic attitude issues. ( much more personal over time)

The Champion Table is not a meeting! It is brothers who have grown to genuinely trust and have real agape love for one another. It is our “Safe Place” to get real…very real!

If you do not have face to face or in your face accountability then you are no where near where God has for you. You can only do so much alone.

Even Jesus had Peter, James and John! Moses had Aaron, Hur and Joshua!

Let’s face it, sometimes we need trusted men to hold up our arms because we are weary. We need brothers to pray for us as we feel we are about to be crucified or thrown into the fire.

With real trusted accountability you build that kind of bond!

Why not consider becoming a Champion and joining our “Table of Champions” pastors network. It is simply a group a pastors throughout the world who have embraced accountability.

Your spouse will be happy, your children will be blessed and your church will be very thankful. Every Pastor owes it to those we serve to have personal accountability!

Now what about you? We are here to serve you!

We are praying for you pastors!

Today as we look around in nearly every community Satan is running rampant! My last call was a Pastor who had to witness a dying child from an overdose. Last week an innocent teenager was killed in a drive-by shooting. Another Pastor in my community was rejoicing at the success of their private K-8th grade school but praying for more pastors to join his fight in his poverty stricken neighborhood. The distress of the covid/vaccine narrative put every pastor in a position that forces decisions and comments that someone he serves will likely be in disagreement. The financial impact of todays economy is hitting pastors and their families very hard. Gasoline prices and grocery prices are hindering or crippling many pastors ability to minister.

The discussion of politics in church has made so many pastors too timid to preach the full gospel for fear of offending someone and believe me it is affecting you more than you know. It is not a matter of politics when our children are being taught trash in school! It is an attack on God’s Word and you need a pastor who will fight and defend you and your family without fear! Preaching fearlessly in the whole armor of God takes great courage these days!

Pastors need to feel your love and support today more than ever.

As members of a local church, we are considered “Sheep” and the Pastor is our “Shepherd”. These shepherds are being stretched, attacked, threatened and under-minded at every turn. The “Church” is being harassed and ridiculed publicly on TV and Social Media daily. Many of our elected officials blatantly support efforts to rid our countries established Christian values and the next thing to go will be your church!

Your Pastor needs your love! Every Pastor has their story, their struggles, their family issues and unrealistic expectations by their “sheep”!

This article is not one of complaint or condemnation but one of crying out to you to pray for your pastors and their families. Your pastors need to know that they are loved and appreciated! They need to know that as “Sheep” you need and want truth preached. Your pastor needs to hear from you that you want and need a strong bold leader to follow and if they will lead with courage, you will follow!

I challenge you now to be bold and call your pastor today! Your honesty will be the evidence that you sincerely do love your “Pastor”!

At the very least, send this article to them, with your love!

With the help of many, All Pro Pastors International organized and hosted an extremely well-attended Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast in Plant City, Florida on September 15, 2021.

In a faith-filled Grimes Family Agricultural Center, more than 650 folks heard powerful and inspiring testimonies from Lieutenant General (retired) William G. “Jerry” Boykin and Mike Lindell, founder/CEO of the My Pillow organization. And the best news – by the end of the event, 48 people had made decisions for Christ.

General Jerry Boykin is one of the original members of the Delta Force and has spent much of his career in Special Forces. His work in this area of the military placed him in many legendary battles. He was commander of the Delta Force team portrayed in the movie Black Hawk Down. He also led the operations to remove and capture the notorious General/Dictator Manuel Noriega of Panama. Throughout his talk at the breakfast, the highly regarded warrior and author credited God for divine intervention and encouraged everyone attending to make a relationship with Jesus a priority in their life.

Mike Lindell’s journey to faith in Christ was not an easy road, but today he gives all glory to God for the restored success of his companies and for his non-profit outreach ministry, the Lindell Recovery Network. His incredible life gave inspiration and hope to many who attended. As a thank you gift, he provided breakfast attendees with a copy of his new book, What are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO.

All Pro Pastors International was thankful for its title sponsor- Lighthouse Ministries, and for the eight platinum sponsors, as well as the delicious breakfast by Fred’s Market Restaurant and program printing by Beit Tehila congregation.

Dan Shock with Florida Marketplace Ministries has assumed responsibility for follow-up with those who made new decisions for Christ at the event.

In addition to serving in-person attendees, the Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast was livestreamed to more than 175 countries, thanks to producer/director Jade Fulford and the All Pro Pastors International’s reach throughout the world.

With such a wonderful turnout for this first-ever event, the APPI ministry and its supporters are encouraged that the 2022 prayer breakfast will have even more in attendance. If you or your organization would like to be involved, please contact Paul Pickern by phone (813-481-8743) or e-mail (paul@allpropastors.org).

Every effort will be appreciated because we can never have too much help in sharing the Gospel.

Please invest in this great ministry with a generous gift today or become one of our ministry partners by clicking here! 

To watch the entire event click : Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast 2021

Article written by: Cheryl Johnston

“When You’re Burned Out, Wounded and Overwhelmed”
By Dr. Gregory R. Frizzell ©

When Paul Pickern so graciously asked me to write some articles for All Pro Pastors International, I was deeply humbled and honored. Having just written a research book on pastor’s prayer meetings, I have thoroughly studied today’s global ministries to pastors. There is absolutely no group as crucial as pastors and no ministry more powerful than All Pro Pastors International. They even have a ministry to pray for pastors which I strongly encourage pastors to use.
Because pastors are facing unprecedented pressures, I sense this introductory article should be a testimony of encouragement and practical help. It is the story of how God’s grace transformed my life and ministry at a time of devastating difficulty and impossibility. My earnest hope is that our experience of God’s grace and deliverance will be an encouragement to pastors today. Absolutely nothing is more important than encouraging and strengthening the Lord’s shepherds. Pastors are the enemy’s primary target and God’s primary means for spreading Christ’s kingdom. They and their churches are the spiritual soul and fate of our nation and world. Loving and uplifting pastors is a burning passion of my heart.
Having been blessed to work with persecuted underground pastors, I have witnessed how God gives incredible joy and power in even the darkest places. In today’s intense conditions, it is crucial for pastors to have a joy, passion and power that is truly of the Holy Spirit, not circumstances. We are now far past what academics, personality and programs alone can overcome. But while the early Church and Christian reformers faced even worse challenges than most today, they totally transformed their world for Christ. We too can trust in the risen Lord Who is “the same yesterday, today and forever!” (Hebrews 13:8) I pray this testimony brings glory to God and fresh hope to pastors and their churches.

A Story of God’s Grace in the Fire
“Be Careful What You Pray For”

We often hear the half-joking phrase, “be careful about praying for patience because you know how you get it.” While of course we definitely should pray for this important grace, it is among the more challenging of the spiritual fruits. Shortly after graduation from seminary in 1983, I unwittingly discovered another somewhat risky prayer. It was when I prayed “Lord give me some good experience for growth in ministry.” Well, the Lord definitely answered that prayer, though a lot different than I expected.
Just as I was considering a call to pastor a church with strong growth potential, I got a call from another church. It was to be the Associate Pastor/Minister of Evangelism in a church in a very high crime, declining area. Then shortly after they contacted me, the TV news erupted with a catastrophic scandal involving sex abuse allegations about their church run daycare. In that day, such a thing was virtually unheard of. There was devastating publicity on every TV station and newspaper for a six state radius. I thought “phew,” I am so glad I didn’t go there!
But surprisingly, the embattled church still wanted to proceed in trying to fill their staff position. They asked me if I would at least please pray about coming to be their Associate Pastor of Evangelism. Of course in my most spiritual voice, I told them, “Oh yes, I’ll pray about it.” Frankly, I thought to myself, that’s an easy one — I’m not going into a situation like that. No way! I just knew the Lord would surely have me to go to the much easier church where I could quickly reach more people. But when I actually prayed about it, the Lord definitely led me to go to the church in the intense battle. I wish I could say I was perfectly brave and noble, but I had some very deep concerns. I even told the Lord of many perfectly logical reasons why I shouldn’t go. But somehow, He just wasn’t buying my human reasoning. So, I told the church that I would come.
Ominously, even before I arrived on the church field more allegations erupted and soon brought additional arrests. Legal bills were exploding to shocking levels on top of a major church building debt. The surrounding community was hit with a shocking new crime wave and an even greater stream of people began moving away. But unbelievably, circumstances were about to get even much more intense. After just a few months as associate pastor, the responsibility to become their pastor suddenly fell to me. Though conditions seemed hopeless, the Lord was about to teach me that nothing is too hard for Him. But, it would require me to learn some lessons I really thought I already knew. It would also take five years of almost indescribable pain and battle.

Coming to the End of Our Own Strength

As the church entered into a continuous five year nightmare, the circumstances were far worse than I could ever describe in any article. In the first three years, the battles were so intense my life was actually threatened for trying to help “that” church. A seminary professor told me in forty years of teaching, he had never heard of anything so extreme. He said, it was essentially the “Chernobyl” of the church world. (Not exactly a title you desire.) Yet, the core people of the church truly loved their Lord, their church and their inexperienced young pastor. I owe those dear people an eternal debt of gratitude.
So for five years, we aggressively used the best evangelism, discipleship and growth programs in existence. I sought to faithfully preach the whole counsel of Scripture and we even had weekly church prayer meetings. Toward the end of the fifth year, church decline was bad enough that things were getting really desperate. As a last ditch effort we conducted a massive community-wide visitation campaign to over five thousand households. But with a rapidly declining community and constant negative news coverage, the church continued downward. Even after all of the intense efforts, we were seeing few people saved, rising disunity, very few visitors and continuing decline. Five years earlier we were four to five hundred in attendance, but had dropped to well less than two hundred and fifty.
The church was increasingly discouraged and so was their pastor. Though I could still preach and put on a fairly good face, I was seriously burned out, wounded and dry. I also began to deal with some painful ongoing health issues. Yet, I personally knew some persecuted believers who had incredible joy and evangelistic power in some of the darkest regions of earth. I also realized the early Church and Christian reformers had great joy and power even in the face of horrific torture and martyrdom. So I knew greater strength, joy and closeness with Jesus were definitely possible. Then what was wrong with me? I felt great condemnation and failure over my strong feelings of doubt, frustration and weakness. At that point, I seriously considered leaving the ministry. I actually took the air traffic controller test and passed with a high score. It was God’s grace alone that kept me from leaving. Once I committed to stay, the Lord gave me peace He would do something that would one day encourage other pastors in days of intense battles. With pandemics and growing persecutions, such days are now a reality for millions.

Three Life-Changing Revelations

As I sought the Lord for greater closeness, joy and power, He led me to do a very deep study of John 15:4-16, 1 Corinthians 2:1-4, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Acts 1:4-8, 4:29-34, 5:41 and James 5:16-18. In these texts, it became clear that abundant spiritual fruit and Spirit-empowerment flow only from deep closeness with Jesus, fervent prayer and full yieldedness of heart. As I further researched the leaders of great awakenings and persecuted believers, the Lord opened my eyes to three specific points of inadequacy in my walk with Christ. Though by today’s rushed patterns my prayer life might have seemed above average, it was definitely not sufficient by God’s standards in Scripture and historic awakenings. The Lord graciously helped me see three missing elements that ultimately made a vast difference in my life and church. I pray these insights will help fellow pastors as much as they transformed me.

First, I realized I was focusing so much on God’s love, I was neglecting the reverential fear of His holiness. As a result, I had settled for using some popular heart cleansing/surrender guides that were simply not complete enough to bring specific yielding in all key areas of sin and self. (Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Corinthians 7:1) The Lord helped me see that there were actually around seven areas I needed to yield fully and consistently. (Most cleansing/growth guides deal with only four or five general areas.) I also saw that full surrender to Jesus had to involve a continual yielding of “self, weights of hindrance and heart idols,” not just sin. (Matthew 16:24; Hebrews 12:1-2) I was discovering that Jesus wanted to be Lord of even our motives and secret thoughts. And while of course we are all very much a work in progress, we do have to at least be in serious, intentional progress.
I began to realize being “under grace” in no way meant I could marginalize ever-deeper growth and surrender. If the Apostle Paul needed to continually “press toward the mark” and “perfect holiness in the fear of God,” I surely needed it all the more! But I really didn’t have a clear enough handle on how to walk in that. The Lord was revealing that I needed to more fully revere His awesome holiness. After much prayer and study, the Lord led me to develop a seven category pattern of Scripture to pray through. There were twelve to fourteen Scriptures and issues for each major category. Bear in mind, this was to be a process prayed through over several days, not at one prayer time. It was to be a grace relationship of love and surrender, not a legalistic guilt trip.

Second, the Lord helped me recognize that my personal time in His word and prayer was stopping short of the relational abiding in Christ described in Scripture. (John 15:4-16) I realized many quiet time models either left out or marginalized two or three essential biblical elements of full surrender and empowerment in Christ. Many prayer patterns stopped at general confession (with little emphasis on specific repentance.) Most models further omitted any intentional time to meditate on God’s word and truly listen to His voice.
I also noticed many devotional patterns tended to focus more on personal desires and needs than God’s kingdom and righteousness. They were kind of a reverse of Matthew 6:33. More importantly, I sensed God wanted me to view time in His word and prayer more as truly experiencing a relationship than just doing my prayer and Bible reading. Though the changes did require some additional time, it wasn’t exorbitant, undoable or legalistic. Over the next several weeks I began to experience a major difference in closeness with Jesus.

Third, the Lord helped me more fully understand that all true growth and power flow solely from His grace and Holy Spirit-empowerment, not legalism or religious works. (Galatians 3:1-3, 5:16; Ephesians 2:8-9, 5:18) I knew as I embraced the deeper cleansing and yielding, I had to stay focused on my full acceptance by God’s grace in Christ. It was so freeing to realize God doesn’t convict His children to condemn, but to transform us by His grace and Spirit. So rather than dreading deeper cleansing and yielding, I knew I was to desire it out of love for Christ. (1 John 3:3, 5:3) So with these three biblical principles firmly in my mind, I began a twelve week focused journey of deeper surrender and more complete time in God’s word and prayer. It was the beginning of a relationship journey that would utterly transform my life, ministry and church!

A Wounded, Weary Pastor Renewed and Empowered

During the first few weeks, I slowly prayed through all seven key areas of cleansing and surrender. Those specific areas were: thoughts/heart focus, attitudes, words/social media, all relationships, sins of transgression, sins omission, yielding of self /weights and heart idols. Soon, a much greater revelation of God’s holiness gripped my heart. As the Lord brought deeper brokenness and godly sorrow, a reverential fear of the Lord became much more real. Over just those first weeks, the Lord revealed no less than eleven specific areas for confession, repentance and deeper surrender.
Several issues were things I had no idea were hindering God’s Spirit (i.e. confession without repentance, selfish motives, secret thoughts, people I had not fully forgiven, prideful ambition, desiring the praise of men, self-preservation, etc.) I found when I truly allowed the Lord to deeply search all areas, I saw things I would never have seen with the more brief, general patterns. But praise God, it was about grace, growth and empowerment, not condemnation and guilt! Above all, it was about embracing the life-long journey to ever-more fully know, love and revere the Lord. (John 17:3; Matthew 22:37; Ecclesiastes 12:13)
By the end of about nine weeks, I was becoming a very different person. Though many situations at the church were actually worse and my physical condition more painful, God gave me a joy and peace unlike anything I had ever known. He was teaching me that my peace, joy and love had to be in Jesus alone, not my personal, family or ministry circumstances. Though I have certainly had to re-learn and grow in that truth many times since, it was a huge turning point. My preaching was empowered like never before and God’s word came much more alive to me. Before long, the Lord was revealing some powerful new insights to help my beleaguered church.

Two Essential Principles of Spiritual Power

While I still had (and have) plenty of battles, pain and need for growth, God was opening my eyes to two key principles. First — it is impossible to experience full New Testament-type joy, power and intimacy with Christ without New Testament-type prayer and surrender to Christ’s Lordship. Second — we will never be any more full of the Holy Spirit, than we are willing to be daily emptied of both sin and self. While we experience it all by trusting in God’s grace and Spirit, we must nonetheless choose the continuous growth and yielding. There really isn’t a short cut and none of us ever outgrow the need to be perfecting holiness in both the love and reverence of God. (John 15:9-13; Philippians 2:12-13, 3:10-14) The Lord wants none of us to be in a spiritual coast mode.
As busy pastors, it can be easy to overlook this need and casually assume “oh yes, I’m already doing the cleansing and yielding.” Yet, we may unwittingly be doing a watered-down version rather than one of full biblical completeness and depth. That had definitely happened to me but I didn’t realize it. The truth is, the Lord wants to be taking all of us ever-deeper. No matter how long we’ve served God, there is always more to know of Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14) In the many verses describing believers’ call to ever-deeper holiness and prayer, there is absolutely no hint that we can be casual or unintentional. (2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 12:14) But thank God, His grace and love are with us every step! Growing in Holiness is not a walk of condemnation, legalism or works that we have to endure. Rather, it is a relationship of grace we get to experience for God’s glory! (John 15:9; 1 John 5:3)

A Broken Church Revived and Empowered

As the Lord was transforming my own life, He then revealed the following two truths about my role as pastor. (1) It is impossible for believers to know, love and revere God fully if pastors do not clearly teach both His love and holiness. (2) It is impossible for churches to function in New Testament-type joy and power if pastors do not clearly teach and consistently call them to New Testament-type prayer and surrender. I realized that if I said (or implied) that a brief little devotion is all believers need, then that is all they will likely do. (And most won’t even do that.) In that moment, I knew what God wanted me to teach and preach for the next six months. So using the key Scriptures that had so transformed my life, I taught the more complete biblical patterns of abiding in Christ by His word, prayer and surrender.
First, I started by teaching my members to embrace more complete biblical times in daily prayer and Scripture. Though I was not asking that my peoples’ quiet times be unduly long, they would experience a pattern for deeper surrender, closer listening to God’s voice and prayer that was more Spirit-empowered. The goal was for their time in Scripture and prayer to be more a dialogue of talking and listening to God through His word. So for a few weeks, a core minority of my church transformed their patterns of personal prayer and Scripture. They would also seek to meditate, listen and apply God’s word, not just read it.
Second, I taught my people the seven element pattern for ongoing deep yielding of sin and self. While it was not some magic formula, it did provide a clearer biblical mark toward which we are all to be pressing continually. Indeed, how can people fully yield and daily “press toward the mark” if they really don’t have one that is clear and practical?
We also discovered that the seven elements of cleansings and growth were very practical for ongoing daily use (after the initial deeper focused cleansing.) By being seven categories, a believer could easily focus on one different life area each day. In that pattern, believers freshly surrender and grow in all key areas of life each week. Though it’s certainly not a magic formula, I have never found a better way to help believers continually “press toward the mark” and “perfect holiness in the fear of God.” And for sure, none of us will ever outgrow the seven biblical areas of cleansing and growth.

All God Needs is a Dedicated Remnant

(Judges 7:1-7)

As any pastor surely knows, it is usually just a small minority that will embrace deepest commitment to holiness and prayer. For my first few years of pastoring, I was much troubled that a majority of people seemed somewhat lukewarm about deeper prayer, repentance and soul winning. It was freeing when God revealed to me that He begins His deep working through a dedicated remnant, not the lukewarm majority. Leaders if we are not careful, it is easy to spend so much time catering to the majority, we fail to take the remnant to true New Testament depth and power.
While in my church it was only a remnant that responded to the call to deeper quiet times and surrender, I focused on deepening that remnant. And what God did through that small minority was phenomenal! Within about three months, some of my people were definitely praying both alone (and together) on a new level. The Lord was changing both our personal and corporate prayer patterns. And while answers to prayer often come quite slowly and gradually, in our particularly desperate need the Lord moved with merciful swiftness and power.
Though we had tried all the best growth programs and visited over 5,000 households in six weeks, the church was steadily declining. Yet as people began to pray on a deeper level, the Lord led several to pray specifically that He would “send laborers” into our church body. Some of us sensed God had given a promise from Matthew 9:37-38. Miraculously after a few weeks, several people just suddenly started visiting our church. And this was right in the middle of horrific publicity and a rapidly declining area.
The first Sunday when about seven walked the aisle to join our church, it was like a Red Sea miracle. In fact when the first ones came down the aisle to join, I almost felt like saying, “What do you want?” (I was so out of practice!) And as many more people joined in coming weeks, several literally said, “We want to go to work for God.” Just as He promised, the Lord was sending laborers and tithers into our struggling church! In truth, I think some of my people had more faith than their pastor. While answers to prayer definitely don’t always come fast, the effectual, fervent prayers of yielded hearts still avail much!

A New Passion and Power For Soul Winning

One crucial change was the difference that came to some marriages and family relationships. We also saw some remarkable healing in broken and strained relationships between church members. But an especially powerful change was a new passion to intercede and witness to lost people. Those who had gone deeper in prayer were definitely praying with greater effectiveness, fervency, faith and power. One particularly quiet shy woman began to fast and pray for thirty lost people. And though she had never before led anyone to Christ, she actually went to witness to most of the people on her list. Within six months, I baptized twenty-one of her thirty! For those months, the Lord probably used that unassuming little praying lady more than anyone. But the answers were just beginning.
Though our church had been praying for about sixty lost people for five years, only a very few had been saved. And as people began to pray with much greater power and faith, we saw forty-five of the sixty saved and baptized within nine months! One of our men began fasting and praying for a co-worker who was notoriously rough and violent. That rough co-worker was among those who were gloriously saved and became one of our most faithful witnesses for Jesus.
A Sunday School teacher had long been praying for a son who was drifting. For years there was no change except for the worse. But as her closeness and surrender went to another level, she said “my prayers are just different now. I truly believe God has shown me my son will be saved and become a minister.” A few weeks later, that young man gave his life to Christ. And you guessed it, for many years now he has been an ordained minister in Middle Tennessee.

Deeper Unity and Healed Relationships

As God’s moving increased, many church members at last saw wayward children restored, spouses saved and relationships healed. And though our people still didn’t all enjoy the same worship style or agree on all issues, God gave us a stronger love and unity anyway. And finally the legal and financial answers began to happen.
After five years of an intense legal battle, the Lord brought full court vindication and victory for the church and people acquitted. But then we needed another miracle. We faced over-whelming debt from over five years of legal fees. Once again through intense united prayer, God graciously moved and saved the church. The Lord led eight kind-hearted attorneys to forgive the church close to a million dollar debt. And one of those attorneys came to Jesus!
Dear pastors, while answers definitely don’t always come quick, God can yet move in even the darkest places and times. But, it still requires the effectual, fervent prayers of yielded hearts. (James 5:16) Regardless of new theories, programs, academics or strategies, these can never replace true heart-yieldedness and powerful united prayer. Yet if we are not careful, we can easily wind up placing greater focus and time on everything in the world except the one thing that brings full New Testament power. (Mark 11:17; Acts 1:8; James 5:16-18) And while it is certainly not the intent, a subtle form of spiritual inoculation creeps into our lives and churches. In “inoculation” we embrace a weakened version of something that keeps us from getting the real thing. There is little question this is a major unrecognized hindrance for countless busy leaders and churches.

Overcoming Today’s Spiritual Desensitization and Inoculation

Sadly, many well-meaning believers have unwittingly embraced prayer and surrender patterns that stop short of true biblical abiding in Christ’s fullness and power. Given society’s saturation with impurity and materialism, believers can also become “desensitized” to some common daily patterns that are seriously hindering God’s Spirit. And when the Spirit is hindered, believers are much more vulnerable to marriage and parenting failures. Because we live in a day when so few have seen true biblical revival and awakening, it is easy to become so accustomed to sub-normal patterns, we can begin to think that is all there is. We then fall into the unconscious trap of “measuring ourselves by ourselves” rather than God’s word and Spirit. (2 Corinthians 10:12) There is an important truth in a statement by late revivalist Manley Beasley. “We will generally have about as much of God as we’re willing to settle for.” (Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6)
Though today is a sound-bite, cliffs-notes type society, fullest New Testament power and closeness just don’t come from sound-bite prayers and surface confession. Because of well-meaning efforts to give people something brief and simple, believers can quite easily get stuck in below average (or shallow) patterns. Thus with many, their spiritual life is a lot like trying to drive a car at Interstate speeds in first gear. No matter how hard someone might try, no one can travel seventy miles per hour in first gear.
Given the prevalence of overly-quick, surface devotions, it is a virtual certainly that many are experiencing an unintended form of “spiritual inoculation.” While believers will surely experience some joy and strength, it is often not the rivers of living water and powerful prayer Jesus intends for His people. (John 7:38; Mark 11:22-24; James 5:16) When people embrace weakened versions of prayer and surrender, they are hindered from experiencing the full reality of Christ’s fullness and power.
It is crucial for believers to realize there really is a major difference between a little devotional moment and God-seeking, heart yielding prayer times. And though believers may be filled with all kinds of intellectual Bible knowledge, doctrines and new methods, one thing is certain. None of us will ever rise spiritually above the height of our personal prayer life and depth of our heart surrender and closeness to Christ. (John 15:4-13; James 5:16) Yet by God’s great grace, deeper surrender and fullness are definitely not out of reach for even the busiest believers and pastors!

A Word of Grace and Hope for Pastors

In writing this testimony of my first church, I pray one thing is clear. All of the transformation was solely by the incredible grace, mercy and power of God. It certainly wasn’t some eloquent, impressive pastor because they didn’t have one. Though we aggressively tried all the programs and strategies of the day, they were not what turned the tide. And while we certainly “said” a lot of prayers, during the first five years, most were not quite the “effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous that avail much.” But in His marvelous grace, the Lord helped us see that James 5:16 has an opposite truth it is all-too easy to ignore.
Just as the “effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avails much,” the ineffective, casual prayers of the unyielded avail little. This is almost surely a major reason so many have been “praying for revival” and so few churches have actually seen it. The Bible is clear that just “saying” voluminous prayers does not mean they are necessarily powerful. (Isaiah 58:1-6, 59:1-2) In His grace, the Lord was showing our church that prayers and surrender needed to go higher. Yet with some fairly simple and practical biblical adjustments, the Lord helped a broken, discouraged people move more into the flow of His grace and power. And though we were far from perfect, the Lord did a “surprising work of grace.” If He could move in a setting like ours, there is surely hope for those who now read these words.
More each day, my fervent prayer is to encourage and help pastors in the fiery assaults they now face from every angle. And I very much write as a fellow learner, not some exalted lecturer of others. In sharing my testimony of God’s grace in a broken church, I am mindful of the importance of accuracy and balance. So to be clear, I am definitely not suggesting God led us to some magic formula that guarantees quick answers and continuous growth. The precise timing and number of how God moves is always in His hands, not ours. Neither am I implying if we just pray and surrender enough, everything will be rosy and we’ll see miracles by the minute. That is definitely not the case. We still live in earthen vessels of flesh with persecutions and spiritual warfare ever-increasing. Yet as we cast ourselves on God’s grace, there is great hope in His mercy and strength. The Lord Jesus has not lost His power and can still do “surprising works of grace!”

Christ’s Great Desire to Strengthen Pastors

Above all else, I pray this article brings encouragement and hope to fellow soldiers of the cross. The last thing I desire is for any pastor to feel condemned or discouraged about their difficult settings or lack of growth numbers. Thank the Lord, He does not judge us by church size or growth patterns. In some cases, church members just will not respond to serious calls to deeper prayer and surrender. All we can do is faithfully seek to encourage and equip. The response is ultimately up to them. I am further convinced some of the greatest eternal rewards may well go to pastors who were never called to write a book or privileged to see explosive growth. God most rewards the faithfulness, humility and purity with which we serve in our own appointed places. In fact, among God’s greatest heroes of faith are some of our bi-vocational pastors. Though they may be called “part-time,” there is nothing part-time about the hearts and ministries of so many.
It is also true that some of God’s greatest pastors have at one time or another been viciously attacked, fired, falsely scandalized or abandoned. (Some examples are the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul, Jonathan Edwards, etc.) Obviously, none of these were failures! And sometimes, it is the next pastor that gets to see the church grow. Our call there was to plow and deal with hindrances. That too is surely no failure. In truth, plowing and sowing are often harder than reaping. But remember, our gracious Lord definitely notices and rewards “degree of difficulty and sacrifice.” (Mark 12:41-44)
And pastors, even when we have totally blown it and it is all our fault, remember the ignominious failures of several leaders in the Bible. Yet, the Lord still loved them and used many again! Even as I write these words, I have a sense some readers need the encouraging message of Psalm 24:16. “Though a righteous man fall seven times, he will get up.” If the Lord still loved and used Peter, there is hope for us. So please don’t stay down dear pastor! Great are the Lord’s compassions and His mercies are new each morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) And for pastors who may think “I’m just too far along in my ministry for major changes, God can still restore years locusts have eaten. And think of the key “old men” God picked and used in Scripture. I have seen several ministers of advanced years, experience a remarkable new work of grace.
As shepherds, the most crucial thing any of us can do is make sure we are truly abiding in the fervent prayer and surrender the New Testament describes. Sadly, I must confess there have been times since those early ministry years when I drifted back into what I call the “Martha Syndrome.” (Luke 10:38) And it always negatively impacted my life, family and church. This happens to us when (like well-meaning Martha), we get so busy trying to work for Christ and people, we don’t spend enough time with Him in prayer and total heart surrender. And just like Martha, we inevitably end up frustrated, vulnerable and spiritually powerless. The Lord is always as much (or more) concerned with our relationship with Him and what we are than just going through the outward actions of ministry. All of our works will be judged by what “sort” they are. (1 Corinthians 3:13)

Avoiding the “Martha Syndrome”
Modern Pastors’ Most Subtle Risk

Pastors, whether we are contemporary or traditional, reform or non-reform, charismatic or non-charismatic, the foundations of biblical prayer and surrender are equally non-negotiable for us all. If we are not mindful, the ministry itself can become as something of a false idol and mistress we place above closeness and full surrender to Christ Himself. The Lord is a jealous God who is grieved by over-focus or reliance on anything more than closeness and first love passion for Jesus. For Abraham, the key turning point was when God asked Him to sacrifice Isaac, his greatest love and promise. Pastors if we let them, even “blessings, ministry and outward success” can become heart idols that come ahead of God Himself. But thank the Lord, He is willing to renew us afresh if were turn to Him with all our hearts. (Zechariah 1:3)
Another vital key is for pastors to pray together and be partners, not competitors. That is why ministries like AllProPastors are so crucial. Absolutely none of us are designed to function as lone rangers! (And it would be arrogant to think that we are.) Frankly, I don’t believe I would have made it without a few special pastors who truly be-friended me. I would likely not be alive except for the personal friendship and prayers of Henry Blackably and T. W. Hunt. So as important as are activities, education and innovative programs, they can never replace powerful personal and united prayer with others.
There is actually one sense in which today’s unpresented explosion of education, innovative methods, ready-made sermons and strategies can become a subtle risk. It is the risk of emphasizing and relying more on these than on deep surrender, prayer and Holy Spirit-empowerment. Many pastors are even tricked into thinking “it is alright if my prayer life is kind of average because my main strength is preaching, pastoring, administration, or vision casting.” This is surely among Satan’s most damaging deceptions for today’s shepherds.

Distractions Bring Powerlessness and Vulnerability

Beyond question, too little time in prayer and surrender leaves pastors vulnerable to pornography, wrong relationships, and all other pitfalls. Fervent prayer also makes a huge difference in withstanding today’s unprecedented pressures upon marriage and parenting. The problem with the “prayer is not my main strength mindset” is that it is the exact opposite of the example and teaching of Jesus, the Apostles and virtually all leaders of historic awakenings. Since fervent prayer and surrender were definitely their priority practices, so too they must be ours! To do less is to do without God’s fullest anointing and power. Regardless of what some may think, we do not have a plan that is better than God’s.
After nearly four decades of researching historic awakenings and missions movements, it has never been more clear that fullest New Testament power and awakening must start with deeply cleansed, revived pastors. (Joel 2:17; Malachi 3:2-4; Acts 6:4; 2 Corinthians 7:1) As few before, our generation must re-learn the essential principle of the apostle Paul. Though he was a brilliant man of learning, he did not rely on high learning, leadership persona or persuasive words of men. His primary reliance was on the “demonstration of the Spirit and power.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-4) He summed it best when he wrote, “The kingdom of God is not in word (or talk), but in (spiritual) power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20) Regardless of the excellent new tools we are blessed to use, New Testament-type power still requires New Testament-type prayer, surrender and Spirit-empowerment. (Zechariah 4:6)

The Testimony From Then to Now

Though my first church never again saw quite the numbers of that initial strong move, God continued to do extraordinary things through deeper prayer and surrender. While we had little extra money, the Lord birthed a multi-state radio ministry and book distribution that ultimately went into many languages. Indeed, all that God has done in my life since, began from His grace in the faithful people of my first church. I will never forget their commitment. Then five years later in 1994, I contracted a devastating case of Lymes disease which was improperly diagnosed and treated. The illness did significant long-term damage. My doctor said I would likely need to go on disability as intense writing, preaching and missions travel would be difficult if not impossible.
As I prayed over this, I was begging God to heal me. And while in many cases He will heal, the Lord spoke through 2 Corinthians 12:9. It was where the Apostle Paul was begging God to deliver him from an incredibly painful thorn. But, the Lord told him “no.” He promised sufficient grace to give Him power in midst of pain and weakness. While I definitely did not want to hear that answer, I knew God could bring greater strength and fruit out of pain. So rather than healing, the Lord’s answer was to call me to still deeper levels of prayer and surrender. (And the truth is, we can always go deeper.) And though at that time I had never written an actual book, the Lord promised grace to write multiple books and spread them over key mission fields worldwide. In spite of many disappointments, battles, discouragements and struggles, God has been faithful to His word!
While, I have lived with pain and periodic bouts of extreme fatigue since 1994, there are now over forty books and resources on many mission fields. Solely by God’s hand, at least one book is printed in more than forty languages. And though doctors said extensive travel would be near impossible, the Lord has sent me nearly three million miles conducting over a thousand church and pastor renewal conferences.

God’s Strength in Our Impossibilities

Though better circumstances and healing can surely bring God glory, His grace can also be very real in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:10) If we walk in trust, His grace and joy are stronger than our circumstances. Though I have seen God’s gracious hand in forty years of ministry, I think the greatest joy is seeing the Lord work in prayer/renewal conferences in churches and pastors groups. The joy is actually seeing Christ’s shepherds and people face to face. For churches, our primary conference has been Going Deeper With God. With pastor groups, it is Principles of New Testament, Great Awakening-Type Ministry. And especially when ministering among persecuted underground pastors and churches, I have undoubtedly learned far more from them than they learned from me.
Because my heart passion is to help pastors and churches, I close this article with a mention of two practical books. The two Scripture-filled books are: How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life and Returning to Holiness, or its later version, Return to Me Says the Lord. The book, Return to Me has appendices that are practical tools for effective daily prayer, full surrender and evangelistic intercession.
As readers might guess, these are the books God birthed from His gracious movement in my first church. The studies are specifically designed to raise believers’ level of prayer and deepen their surrender to Christ’s Lordship. They are about deeper intimacy, joy and power in Jesus. Above all, the studies are about glorifying God’s name and spreading Christ’s kingdom. The books are encouraging and practical for individual, small groups or church-wide growth and renewal. By God’s grace, people have donated nearly two million of these books in strategic mission fields.
In the US and Canada, we sell books for reasonable prices to make it easy for churches to use. The books can be obtained at www.frizzellministries.org for those in North America and Canada. Just go to our website and click on the “Ordering Resources” tab to find the particular books. For those outside North America, go to http://masterdesign.org/frizzellspecial.html. (Some of our other books are distributed only in the mission countries and are therefore not available on our website.)If I can help with information about a book or conference, it would be my deepest joy. Please feel free to contact me at info@frizzellministries.org.
As today’s darkness and persecution intensify, may God encourage, guide and protect all of His shepherds. It is and shall always be the most important calling on earth! As go pastors, so goes our churches. And as go our churches, so goes our cities, nations and the world. Let us determine to ever-abide in Christ and His word in us. In Him, we can “ask whatever we will, walk in joy and bear much fruit to the glory of God’s name!” (John 15:4-13)

To the Glory of God and Christ,

There are many principles and keys to successful Christian leadership but most are not as vital as prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful communication tools given to man to use to commune with our heavenly father. Do not burden yourself by attempting to pray as good or as fluent as some of your ministerial colleagues or spiritual mentors. Simply ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray as best as you can. The ever wise Holy Spirit will teach you Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye”, and will divinely connect you with those who will help sharpen and perfect YOUR praying style. Diligently learn from those God has brought into your life, but learn as led by the Holy Spirit. When I attempted to pray as some of the prayer warriors I respected, I did not connect with the Lord as I expected. When I trusted the Holy Spirit to help me pray based on what He and others taught me, then I truly felt the power of God as I prayed. This is the best type of praying leader you should desire to be, the one God has ordained you to become.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and best example of how to obey God prayed while he was on earth. Jesus prayed for himself in John 17:1-2 “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.” Jesus also prayed for his disciples as shown in John 17:9-10 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them”.  One of my deepest desires is for every pastor and ministry leader to be able to prayer this prayer as often as needed. This particular prayer emphasizes the accountability we have to God for those given to us, but more importantly clarifies that we are simply custodians for these truly belong to God our father. Finally Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:20-21 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”.

I offer these 3 examples in John 17 to highlight the importance of praying for ourselves John 17:1-5, praying for those God has ordained us to lead, John 17:6-19 and also praying for those whom will believe in Jesus in John 17:20-26. This is one of the best examples of God’s expectation of prayer from his servant leaders. Take the time to read study and meditate on John 17 for Jesus provides profound guidelines for mastering the essentials of prayer for these 3 categories of his children which are most important to our mission on earth.

I have seen the biggest results in my life when I pray according to God’s mission for me and those he has called me to lead. Let’s be clear, God is certainly concerned about our personal welfare, such as health and family success and balance. He is also highly interested in us praying for his will in our lives and the lives he has mandated us to lead. I trust you will experience the glory of God as you use John 17 to pray for yourself, your disciples and those who will believe in our Lord and Savior.

Shalom and Glory to you.

Join us next time for part 2 which explores the root reasons for prayer in our current challenging environment.

 

How do we treat God's Gifts?Dear Pastor,

A few years ago God put a strong word in me about the struggles Pastors have with sex, money and power. As people that are human we have the same driving issues that every other person has. The flesh that we live in has hungers that if not “Disciplined” will ruin our lives our families and our ministries! Sex has been made to be a dirty word by many pastors and churches because the world has been very abusive and seductive in its portrayal of it, however the beautiful union between a man and a woman was given to us by God. God set this special gift aside to be between a man and his wife as a Holy Union that demonstrates the oneness of marriage. Our challenge to you today is to ask yourself, am I seeking to be like the world or am I seeking to be like God. In other words, am I treating sex as “Holy Intimacy” as a gift or am I treating it as a flesh satisfying action where God is forgotten?

Pastors, we must not allow ourselves to stay in the trap of the enemy filling our eyes, mind and actions with sexual fantasies. This is a sure way to total failure and perhaps eternity in the pit of hell. Yes, we said hell! Let us say this very truthful statement, “Your Actions and Words Identify Whose you really are!”  The only way to defeat the enemy in this arena is to (1) Be “full” of God’s word (2) Obey the Holy Spirit (3) Put NOTHING before your eyes that cause temptation (4) If Married- Have Holiness in your intimacy and make your bed an altar before God (5) Engage in weekly Accountability The Bible teaches that the love of Money is the root of all kinds of evil. Having Money or lacking Money is definitely a driving force in peoples lives today.

As Pastors we must have Money for ministry. We must have money for survival. We must answer the question that if we serve an all powerful and loving God why are so many Christians struggling to eat and pay bills. These are questions that we face constantly. The wealthy Pastor versus the poor Pastor is a very difficult challenge. What we know is very clear, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven”! “Where your heart is there is also your treasure!” These are just two of the truths of God’s word. As Pastors we volunteer to give up our lives to serve the Lord. Money is the defining tool God uses to determine where your heart is. God may choose to bless one greatly and another not. He looks at the heart. But be aware, the enemy can pour money and earthly treasures on you as well giving you the choice, who are you going to serve?

The questions you may need to also ask is, do I have any idols in my closet? Would you be willing to sell all to follow Jesus? If the answer is No, then perhaps you need to examine your heart and see if Jesus lives there. If the answer is yes then you need to live like it! Treat everything you have as if it were Jesus’ and he expects you to return it to him. Having Money is a good thing as long as it doesn’t own you! Power and Glory are battles that all Pastors face. They are either inward or outward. Being in control as the Shepherd is a genuine responsibility that must be taken seriously. Falling into the deception that we are to control and dictate has caused the destruction of many great Pastors. Leading as a Bold servant of God who understands the authority you operate under is critical to having a highly blessed/successful ministry. Power struggles in church leadership, pastoral staffs and congregational leaders continue to be one of the primary tools satan uses to destroy churches and pastors.

Self center attitudes by pastors breeds destructive tendencies as well. Being in charge is a constant battle and it often stems from home life. The worlds way says, “it’s all about me”! The idea of being a humble servant is not very appealing based on worldly standards however Jesus humbled himself to become a man. The fact is that when you truly know who you are in Jesus and you know how to live under his authority then being humble is a necessity. Why? Because you walk in His Power and Authority, not your own. You walk in the fullness of Holy Spirit and are confident! Pastor, I pray that you will examine yourself today and get with your fellow Champions and review these three major battle grounds for Christians/Pastors. Dissect them, search the scriptures establish a checks and balance/accountability. It is our prayer that this brief letter will bring things to your attention that will cause you to stretch to a higher calling and a higher walk with the lord Jesus. We also pray that you will become the leader and pastor that God called you to be by humbling yourself and praying daily more fervently than ever before. We love you and continue to pray for you. Your Servant, paul        

Every year when we come to February many churches and individuals have just completed a 21 day Daniel Fast (or other fast), started new diets/exercise, started praying with your spouse daily, and are on your way to  reaching Newly established Resolutions. February is a critical point in this new year journey because statistics demonstrate that most people are now fighting hard to stay on track.

The enemy wants you to give up. He whispers, quit getting up early for that intimate time with God. He wants you to give in to that sweet tooth. Missing a day of exercise won’t hurt and praying with your spouse daily is to hard to do EVERY day. He tells you your goals are to big and unreachable. He tempts you by planting doubts and negative thoughts such as; you have always been overweight and people still like you, you have tried to quit dozens of times its just too hard, why get up early God is awake 24/7 you can pray anytime, let your wife sleep in she doesn’t need prayer this morning, you may want to adjust that goal before you get to much egg on your face.

The ENEMY wants you to fail, period! Remember, he is a liar and a thief. He wants to steal your joy and distract you away from being ALL God has for you. He wants you to fail and to miss God’s Destiny for you.

Praise the Lord Jesus. you are an overcomer! Our God is much bigger than satan’s lies and the world’s statistics. Did you know that the enemy cannot touch or harm you (Christians) without permission? He can bring about temptation but as Christians we can rebuke, flee and stand firm with God’s Word in our heart and on our lips. As Ambassadors of Christ, you are a personal representative for Jesus. You are under His authority and have Him standing behind you. (remember the Roman Centurian) When we accept the mantle of being a Christian, we are accepting a position in the army of God. This includes many wonderful benefits that include equipping to overcome the enemy!

Today let us encourage you to Stand Firm against doubt and discouragement. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Power! When you feel the temptation to order a dessert, skip a day of exercise, sleep in and miss your private time with God, etc., speak to your mind and the temptation in Jesus name to leave. Rebuke the enemy in Jesus name! Declare that you are going to stand firm! Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Hand! Amen

We are praying for you

Pastors never need a day to rest, right. Being a Pastor or a Pastor’s wife is so easy, you just work on Sunday and go out to eat with people to talk. No one bothers you or criticizes you, never complains or calls you out at 2:00AM. You are expected to survive on as little as possible and never drive the finest cars. The Pastor must never make a mistake and have perfect kids. The Pastor’s wife must either be a great singer or play a keyboard and surely be at all the women’s prayer groups. The Pastor never grows weary and never ever gets grumpy!

As you know this is what many people believe and sadly drive Pastors to give up. Pastor please stay the course and let us encourage you! You are not alone.

We at All Pro Pastors are prepared to share with your congregation how to treat their Pastor and family! Some congregations need to know what the Shepherd’s responsibilities are and equally important what the Sheep’s responsibilities are, according to God’s Word! We are prepared to help you meet other Pastors to develop relationships. We are prepared to connect you to Pastors who can relate to the struggles, challenges, heartaches and joys of being a Pastor.

Each week thousands of Pastors meet at Champion Tables throughout the world. These Tables give us a place to go and pour ourselves out in complete confidentiallity and trust. It is a place of refreshing and refilling. It is also a place to laugh out loud and cry when needed.

Pastor we are just like you. Men who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus and to bring people to His saving Grace and Comforting Love!  It is what we signed on for when we said yes to His “Call!” As men, sometimes we fall, we fail, we mess up and we feel inadequate and except for His Grace, Protection and Holy Spirit we would quit!

Praise God we do not have to walk in despair, defeat and rejection. As Men of God we can(and should) walk in Power, Victory and Success! This does not mean to say we do not need encouragers and friends. Moses had Aaron, Hur and Joshua and even Jesus had Peter, James and John. We all need brothers to pick us up when we fall, counsel us when we are faced with tough decisions, push us when we are ready to quit, hold our arms up when we are in the heat of battle.

And Pastor, you need to be the best husband and father in your fellowship. Men need to see a man who outwardly demonstrates love to his wife and children. We need to pray daily with our wife in unity and harmony. Our children should know that our family comes before all others including the “Church”. This is part of our instructions from God. The Champion Table constantly challenges me to be a living example not just a mouthpiece for God!

Pastor you are anointed to carry the battle to the enemy! Let us encourage you walk in strength and holiness, in power and victory, boldness and humility and with love and mercy. Do not wait for the enemy to attack! Take the battle to him. Share the gospel of Jesus daily, pray with people everywhere you go, pray for those as the Spirit guides, and smile smile smile.

Pastor we are praying for you!!!!

 

 

  As a pastor I have found it very difficult to trust anyone. I have many friends/acquaintances in my church and denomination, but these are people I would never expose my hurts or weaknesses to. There are times that I have questions and frankly I am embarrassed to ask anyone because of what they might think. Other times I get so frustrated I just want to quit, knowing I can’t it just stays inside of me like a sore that keeps festering up. I get so lonely on this island surrounded by people! Where can I go just to talk?

Does this sound familiar? You may have other issues that only you know about. The Champion Table may be the place that over time you build deep rooted trust. The kind of trust that you can say anything and know you are not going to be cast out and burned at the stake. How refreshing to find a place where I can take my “Pastor Suit” off and just be plain old me.  

 Testimonials

I wanted to drop you a line to express my joy in our All Pro Pastors Champion Table. We have been meeting since May, 2007 now, and the intimacy level is really growing. We have seen barriers come down, and transparency taking place. Our four pastors have learned to lean on and count on one another. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t receive an email or phone call, giving or asking for encouragement. Every pastor needs a Table like ours.

In Christ,

 Fred Harrold, New life Community Church,USA

All Pro Pastors has helped me as a man, a husband and a Pastor. The impact of Champion Tables in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is changing the Kingdom of God for all of Africa. My life will never be the same!

Ambassador Peter Simwa, Higher Vision Center, Eldoret, Kenya,   

Our “All Pro Pastors” Champion Table meets every Tuesday morning. I was at a point where I had decided not to add anything else to my weekly calendar. After visiting a couple of weeks I discovered that “All Pro Pastors” was not your normal “meeting type” atmosphere as some would think.  It offered open discussion with likeminded people who share the same type of accomplishments, challenges, and needs.  We share the importance of honoring God as the husbands, fathers, and leaders in our homes.  I now look forward to Tuesday mornings as a priority.   

 Kevin M. Wynne,  FBC Durant, USA

 Getting Started 
  • Find 3 other Pastors who you will agree to meet with every week. These may be Pastors who you are not acquainted with and need to seek out. (4 total is best but you may have to start with less)
  • Establish a place and time that works for all. 
  • Be committed and make attendance a Priority!  
  • The first few meetings is a time of introduction.  Share about your family, personal interests, Salvation Experience, hobbies, where you have lived, etc.   Just get acquainted with one another.
  • Note: Each Champions Table should have someone volunteer to be the Table Champion. This is a commitment to contact each Table member the day before your meeting as a reminder.
  • After your time of introduction share with the Table any current goals that you feel comfortable sharing. (Marriage, Family, Physical, Household, Personal Improvement, Spiritual Growth, Business, Financial, Health, Education, Ministry, etc.) 
  • Share any Personal areas of Improvement that you want to be encouraged to acheive.                                                                                    
  • Examples:  I need to lose 30 pounds, I need to increase my income, I want to write a book, I need to finish school, I need to spend more time with my wife, I need to read more, I need to watch less TV, I need time off/vacation, I have many debts that I need to pay-off. You get the idea.  (Your Table is there to Encourage you, cheer you on, not judge or give unrequested advice.)                                    
  • Review the “Accountability” Questions and discuss how your Table wants to use these. (You may want to add some or revise them). Where do you want to start? How much Accountability does your Table want!? (This will make a big difference in your Table. If you have some who want a high level of accountability and others who do not, be patient. You, who want it, go ahead and lay it out on the table each week. Watch God work. Trust HIM!)
  • The week you decide to start your journey as “Champions” is a very important week. This is the week your decide to embrace the “Accountability Questions  as your Personal Guideline”. You start talking about the good and bad of your week.  You can unload or just listen to one another. Do not talk so much that others do not have a chance.  You can be reserved or let it all out. You must decide personally. Each week is different. Things happen. There is a direct relationship in what you give and what you receive.
  • Each week try to set personal and specific goals. You may have one or many goals. Write them down and share with your group.  This is your “TO DO LIST”.ASK for Accountability and each week give a progress report. This is not a requirement for the Table only a proven way to help you reach goals while building trust and real friendships! 
  • End each week by sharing Prayer needs and close with prayer.

Special Note:   The Table is not a Bible Study Group or Prayer meeting, you should already be doing that. It is Men getting serious about Real Men issues.  (Men meet with Men and Women with Women.)

PASTORS WITHIN THE SAME CHURCH SHOULD NOT BE PART OF THE SAME TABLE.  

Weekly “Accountability Points”

(You should use first names and avoid titles. Dr., Bishop, Pastor, etc).

  • How have I done on my weekly “TO DO’S”?
  • Have I spent enough personal time in God’s word and in prayer?
  • Have I had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts, wandering eyes or exposed myself to any explicit materials (TV, Internet, Mag. Etc) which would not glorify God?
  • Did anyone in/from my church tempt me (wandering eyes) or approach me in an inappropriate manner?  What did I do?
  • Have I met my wife/children’s need for LOVE each day (Words of encouragement and appreciation; Hugs, touches and intimacy; acts of kindness and service; my personal time and attention; gifts of love? What would they say?
  • Have I prayed with my wife every day?
  • Have I been completely above reproach in my financial dealings? Have I been honest with my wife about my spending?
  • Have I treated my body as God’s Temple? (Health, Exercise, Weight)
  •  ( Have I lied in any of my answers?)
  • YOUR TABLE MAY WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS AND CHANGE THE ORDER. THE TABLE IS YOURS. YOU MUST DECIDE HOW CHALLENGING AND TRANSPARENT YOU WANT IT TO BE. IT MAY TAKE A FEW WEEKS! OVER TIME THESE MAY CHANGE.

What am I going to do about it this week? 

As you are talking and listening, write down “action items” that jump out as this weeks “To Do’s”. These are specific actions you are planning to do before your next “Table”. You Are asking your fellow Champions to challenge you and encourage you to succeed? You must be Specific! Note, you should have a few items that you have as “To Do’s” that are each and every week in order to start new habits.

 If you always do what you have always done you will always get what you have always gotten and you will continue to be what you have always been! It is time to step up and step out. 

Dear Pastor,

In 2003 the Lord clearly spoke to me that Pastors needed to learn to trust one another and to love each other. He also said that we as Pastors need to live” Holy” lives at home and embrace accountability.  This word started my wife and me on a journey to begin a ministry called All Pro Pastors (APP) and now The Champion Table Global Ministries.

The Champion Table is the foundation of APP and these guidelines have helped Pastors throughout the world to experience miracles, start lifelong friendships, save marriages and ministries, and unify the Body for Kingdom building. We are committed to praying for you and encouraging you to stay the course! When we say we love you, we mean it.

Thank you for reading through the Champion Table Guidelines. We are absolutely sure the Holy Spirit has given this to us. Many Pastors want specific guidelines and others already understand the principles to become real Champions through accountability/trust and friendship.

Each Pastor makes the decision as to whether you want a strong “Accountability” table or simply a Fellowship/Friendship table. Both are extremely essential in our life. These are a few specifics that it takes to make a successful “Champions Table”.

(1)          Pastors/Men should meet together with Pastors from different churches/denominations/tribes/etc (if at all possible).  

(2)           4 Pastors are the best number at a Table. 5 or more reduce “Trust Building” genuine intimacy and increases the time needed each week.

 (3)          There are stages “Strong Tables” go through. : Fellowship-Friendship-Honesty-Encouragement-(Commitment)-Trust-Accountability-Acheivement-Success-CHAMPIONSHIP

(4)          Setting Weekly To Do’s give a foundation for commitment, it is the easiest way to learn accountability without the need for deep trust, helps establish Achievable Goals, provides a circle of friends to cheer us on to success each week  

(5)          The Table is not a Bible study. (You should already have this). It is easy for us as Pastors to avoid real issues by using the Bible as a way not to face them.

Again, Please review the attached carefully and discuss with your Table. We love you and this ministry is striving to honor God best by serving you as we serve Him. It is up to each of us.

Your Friend and Servant,

paul 

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