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Standing Side–by-Side, but Living Worlds Apart

8/26/2020

Yesterday I had a conversation and time of prayer with Pastor Vernon McMorris of International Church Christ Built. He had stopped by the HCN office for a few minutes and shared a deep burden in his life. He told me that morning while he was sitting on his front porch doing his morning quiet time he heard five shots fired not far from where he lives. Then he told me that he had run into a young man at a store a couple of weeks ago who had been attending his church off and on. Pastor Vernon mentioned to the young man that he wasn’t in church the previous Sunday. The young man said he would be back, but then Vernon told me that the young man had been shot and killed in an apparent gang-related encounter just a few days later. My heart grieved for the young man’s family and for Pastor Vernon and his church.

As I reflected on that conversation, my mind went to recent deaths that have been part of my world. One was the passing of my Aunt Darlene who had been in a retirement home and had passed at the age of 91. I did her memorial service last Monday in Wyoming. Another was the mother of Jim Hayes, Pastor of Cornerstone Church in LaVista. He called and asked me to preach for him last Sunday as he would be going to California because his mom was placed on hospice; however, she passed away as he was en route. A third was the mother of Pastor John Hart of Faith Family in Tekamah. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago as he was returning from Colorado where he had visited his mother. Last Thursday he sent me a text to let me know she had gone “home to Jesus.” All three ladies had experienced the joys and challenges of living long lives.

As brothers in Christ and fellow ministers of the Gospel, Pastor Vernon and I share an awful lot in common. But our ministry contexts (who God has called us to minister to on a daily basis) are radically different. It forces me to realize that I can pray for him, encourage him, and extend genuine sympathy to him, but I’m not sure I can truly empathize with him.

The question I’m constantly asking myself is, “How does God want me to be involved?” In my role as a Director of Missions for a very diverse network of churches, I often find myself being moved with compassion because I see so many who are weary. In Matthew 9:35-38, we are told that as our Lord “went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom,” that “He saw the multitudes, and then was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. “ Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Although my compassion cannot approach that of our Lord nor can it achieve complete empathy in every situation, I can seek to follow His example. I CAN faithfully continue to preach and teach everywhere God sends me to all who are willing to listen. I CAN open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what is happening in the lives of those I encounter. I CAN be moved with compassion knowing that every human soul I encounter is an image-bearer of God and is worthy of being invited into His Kingdom’s harvest. I CAN be part of the solution by becoming a more faithful and obedient laborer myself and by helping to equip other faithful laborers. And I CAN pray that through my simple childlike obedience that the Lord of the Harvest will send more laborers into His harvest.

So let’s all go and make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples…so that the Light of the World will shine more brightly in the darkness that surrounds us.

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Standing Side–by-Side, but Living Worlds Apar

8/25/2020

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Yesterday I had a conversation and time of prayer with Pastor Vernon McMorris of International Church Christ Built. He had stopped by the HCN office for a few minutes and shared a deep burden in his life. He told me that morning while he was sitting on his front porch doing his morning quiet time he heard five shots fired not far from where he lives. Then he told me that he had run into a young man at a store a couple of weeks ago who had been attending his church off and on. Pastor Vernon mentioned to the young man that he wasn’t in church the previous Sunday. The young man said he would be back, but then Vernon told me that the young man had been shot and killed in an apparent gang-related encounter just a few days later. My heart grieved for the young man’s family and for Pastor Vernon and his church.

As I reflected on that conversation, my mind went to recent deaths that have been part of my world. One was the passing of my Aunt Darlene who had been in a retirement home and had passed at the age of 91. I did her memorial service last Monday in Wyoming. Another was the mother of Jim Hayes, Pastor of Cornerstone Church in LaVista. He called and asked me to preach for him last Sunday as he would be going to California because his mom was placed on hospice; however, she passed away as he was en route. A third was the mother of Pastor John Hart of Faith Family in Tekamah. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago as he was returning from Colorado where he had visited his mother. Last Thursday he sent me a text to let me know she had gone “home to Jesus.” All three ladies had experienced the joys and challenges of living long lives.

As brothers in Christ and fellow ministers of the Gospel, Pastor Vernon and I share an awful lot in common. But our ministry contexts (who God has called us to minister to on a daily basis) are radically different. It forces me to realize that I can pray for him, encourage him, and extend genuine sympathy to him, but I’m not sure I can truly empathize with him.

The question I’m constantly asking myself is, “How does God want me to be involved?” In my role as a Director of Missions for a very diverse network of churches, I often find myself being moved with compassion because I see so many who are weary. In Matthew 9:35-38, we are told that as our Lord “went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom,” that “He saw the multitudes, and then was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. “ Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Although my compassion cannot approach that of our Lord nor can it achieve complete empathy in every situation, I can seek to follow His example. I CAN faithfully continue to preach and teach everywhere God sends me to all who are willing to listen. I CAN open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what is happening in the lives of those I encounter. I CAN be moved with compassion knowing that every human soul I encounter is an image-bearer of God and is worthy of being invited into His Kingdom’s harvest. I CAN be part of the solution by becoming a more faithful and obedient laborer myself and by helping to equip other faithful laborers. And I CAN pray that through my simple childlike obedience that the Lord of the Harvest will send more laborers into His harvest.

So let’s all go and make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples…so that the Light of the World will shine more brightly in the darkness that surrounds us.
IN HIM,
ME
Mark Elliott, DoM

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Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times Part VI

8/18/2020

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Handling Conflict in a Godly Manner

Last week we identified four specific conflicts that the early church encountered regarding money, ministry, the message, and the messenger. This week I want us to note two important things that were true of each of these situations. These principles and practices helped the early church stay healthy through times of conflict.

First, church leaders did not ignore the problems nor did they try to do a “quick fix.” In each situation, they were willing to lovingly identify reality, and they were willing to seek a Godly solution. A second thing I want you to see is that the church was not hurt by the conflict, but it was actually strengthened by the Godly handling of difficult issues.

Money conflict: Before the issue surfaced we read, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul (4:32). After God resolved the issue, “great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. And through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord (5:11-12). Now stop a second and ask, “What would have happened to Ananias and Sapphira and to the church if the lie were permitted to stand?”

Ministry conflict: Before the issue surfaced, “the number of the disciples was multiplying” (6:1). After they implemented a Godly solution “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith” (6:7). Believe me, if the “murmuring” of widows had been left unaddressed, they would have gotten pretty loud. Also, note that God’s solution included a ministry entry point for two men, Stephen and Phillip, who later played prominent roles in Acts.

Message conflict: This issue surfaced in Antioch when “certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” This obviously caused “no small dissension and dispute” (15:1-2). Paul, Barnabas, and certain others went up to Jerusalem and a council was formed to prayerfully consider the issue. A clear decision was made and the results were reported back to the church in Antioch. “When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement” (Acts 15:31). Dealing with the question, “What must I do to be saved” set a precedence for how the church has handled issues for centuries—through councils. It also clarified the heart and core of the gospel message.

Messenger conflict: The ink on the Jerusalem Council decree was barely dry when the fourth issue surfaced. The disagreement was so severe that Paul took Silas and headed one way while Barnabas and John Mark headed another. The immediate result was two separate missionary teams—sounds a bit like a church split to me. But of great importance, and different than 99% of the church splits I have seen, is that a few years later Paul and John Mark were able to work together (Col 4:10 and II Tim 4:11). Issues left unresolved WILL over time create a spiritual barrier between any individual or any church and God.

The bottom lines: 1. Don’t let Satan sell you the lie that any and all conflict will always end up bad; and 2. Don’t think that if you ignore conflict that it will go away. Instead, prayerfully, biblically, lovingly, and honestly deal with issues that surface in your life and in your ministry. God can and will make some great lemonade out of the bitter lemons that too often end up on your table

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Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times Part V

8/12/2020

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Conflict in the Church

Occasionally I will hear someone say, “I wish we could be like the church we read about in the book of Acts!” To which I usually say a quick “Amen!” with an even quicker follow up question. “What part of the early church do you particularly admire?” The unanimous response is the church as it is described in Acts 2:42-47.

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

Since I am one who wants to make sure we are telling the “whole truth,” I usually remind them that it takes a lot of hard work to maintain a church as it is described in Acts 2. For example, we must be willing to lovingly and honestly confront difficult issues. Then I point out that the early church had to face conflicts. In fact, Acts records four major ones dealing with money, ministry, the message, and the messenger. I’m sure you’re not surprised that they are even alliterated

So, you can have a healthy church and you will still encounter conflict. But those conflicts must be handled in a biblical manner. Stay tuned for further insights from these early church conflicts in next week’s edition of Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times.
IN HIM,
ME
Mark Elliott, DoM

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Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times, Part IV

8/4/2020

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A Pathway to Healthy Relationships

“What are some verses that give you encouragement?” The following are a few of mine:

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The God of peace shall be with you.

I find that these verses are often quoted, but few of us remember the context from which they are gleaned. All are in Philippians 4:2-9 and in that context Paul is writing to a much beloved church, and he is giving advice on how to deal with conflict that exists between two church members: Euodia and Syntyche (v 2). In eight short verses we find eight imperative verbs—commands that Paul gives to the two women and to the church! Let me call the passage A Pathway to Healthy Relationships.

I. Healthy Relationships Require Work (vs 2-3). Following Jesus’ general guidelines found in Matthew 18:15-17, Paul first exhorts the two ladies to come together in Christ and resolve their differences. He then immediately exhorts church members, expressly pointing to Clement whom we presume to be an elder in the church, to assist the ladies in their pursuit of peace.

II. Healthy Relationships Start with a Healthy Me (vs 4-7). Here Paul extends four imperatives. The first is that we are to be a person of joy—even in the midst of adversity. Secondly, he exhorts us to be known as a reasonable person—one with a forbearing spirit. Thirdly, Paul tells us to avoid anxiety—much like Jesus did in Matthew 6:25-34. Finally, he challenges us to have a prayer life filled with genuine gratitude. Just a few verses later in 4:11-13 Paul gave a personal witness to the impact these principles have had on how he lives his life: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…”

III. Healthy Relationships Start with Healthy Thoughts which Will Trigger Helpful Actions (vs 8-9). Here Paul exhorts us to meditate on the right things—“whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy.” Our challenge today is that our news sources, entertainment media, and the internet are filled with things that shouldn’t be heard, seen, nor done in polite company. His final exhortation is one that challenges me personally to the core: “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do.” I’m not sure that I could say as Paul did that you should do as I do, because I am a man with feet of clay. But I do pray that you will do as the Bible says!
Within the passage, Paul twice provides us with encouragement. If you are willing to follow a Biblical path in your relationships with each other then “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (v 7), and “the God of peace will be with you (v 9).

Let me close with a personal challenge. Select one relationship in your life that needs a little TLC. Begin to apply the principles Paul lays down in this passage. Be patient and persistent with that person, because there is a high probability that if you really change your heart and approach, they will get suspicious of your motivation. Remember, the genuine change will have to occur in you before you can expect it from others. Finally, know that even if they don’t change and you do, then the God of peace will be with you and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

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Author

Retiring in April 2022, Mark R. Elliott served as a Director of Missions (Associational Mission Strategist) in Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska for almost three decades. He is a strong advocate for obedience and Biblically based disciple making. As such, he knows that making healthy disciples requires Christian leaders to be constantly pursuing spiritual maturity—be lifelong learners. Because of the time constraints of ministry, most pastors focus their reading list on resources that assist them in teaching and preaching the Word of God. As such, books focusing on church health, leadership development, and church growth tend to find their way to the bottom of the stack. With that reality in mind, Mark has written discussion summaries on several books that have helped him to personally grow in Christ and that tend to find themselves on the bottom of most pastor’s stack. Many pastors have found them helpful as they are able to more quickly process great insights from other pastors and authors.

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Standing Side–by-Side, but Living Worlds Apart

Standing Side–by-Side, but Living Worlds Apar

Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times Part VI

Handling Conflict in a Godly Manner

Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times Part V

Conflict in the Church

Distilling Truth in Deeply Divided Times, Part IV

​A Pathway to Healthy Relationships

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