Bigger than the Buckeyes?



 Having been home a few days from the 59th annual State Convention of Ohio Baptists, I now have an opportunity to share some things that greatly blessed me. It was at a waterpark! A new standard for the other states to follow.
I must say that I have been a little withdrawn from our State Convention lately. Don't get me wrong, we still are a strong CP giving and mission going church, and we do appreciate all the SCBO has done and continues to do to help us reach Ohio and over 7 million without Christ, but I have not been too involved lately.

1. The fellowship was good. Not only with Renee and my mom and dad,   I have forgotten how much preachers need each other to encourage each other on the journey of ministry.

2. The reports were encouraging :  The many reports of folks who came to Christ and were baptized, 44 church plants, some good unexpected financial blessings that allowed for property mortgage burning, great ministry reports, and tremendous cooperation with NAMB while working together to obey the Great Commission. The Next Factor looks like a solid model.

3. Did you know that Ohio had a National Champion Bible Drill Winner?


4. Perhaps one of the greatest takeaways was the preaching. It was tremendous and each speaker brought God's Word in Power and Truth. Dr. Jack Kwok, President Mike Wilson, Pastor David Starry, and wrapped up by S.B.C. President Fred Luter. (Pictured above with Doug wolf and myself) What a great convention of preaching. Dwayne Lee led a great band that led us in worship and three of the ladies from 4Real were his praise team.

I love the Buckeyes, but the biggest news in Ohio is still Jesus Christ, He's on the throne and changing lives!

Does Revival Really Make A Difference?

After experiencing one of the greatest weeks of Revival I have ever been a part of with Dr. Phil Hoskins and Greg Lockridge here in Camden, I praise the Lord for allowing us to be part of something bigger than us.  What a blessing to pastor a church that loves the preached Word, each other, this community, and not only their pastor, but preachers.

Revival?  You just don't hear too much about Revivals any more.  Most of the time it seems that the context in which the word is used is when we are talking about our nation or world.    Now please understand, we desperately need it as a nation. But why have so many pastors and churches abandoned the concept of having revival meetings? why is it becoming common to hear, "We don't have revivals anymore."

I recognize that some pastors have been humiliated in front of a guest speaker by a church that didn't support it, by being present or by sacrificial giving.  Many churches that once scheduled revivals regularly have stopped simply due to competing for time with other things families are involved in.

Revival doesn't come riding in with a preacher, yet I believe as a pastor, that God uses a fresh voice not only for the church but for me as the pastor.  This was also the first time that we had brought  in a Music Evangelist, and this was great for our Worship Team to learn from him.

Old School and conservative traditionalist  may be just a few things that people may think of me and of the ministry here in Camden, but that's ok. We rejoice over the two young adults that gave their hearts to Christ and for the many decisions of recommitment that were made by believers.

Revivals and Evangelists do make a difference. We all need a fresh touch from God.

Cookies, Golf Carts, and Ministry

This past week we arrived Sunday evening at Ridgecrest Conference Center for a Lifeway Trustee Meeting.
Upon checking in, I was greeted with a smile and an offer. "Would you like some cookies and a bottle of water?" After a brief glance, I said Ann! I could tell at first she did not recognize me, then she said, "Greg, you look just like your dad! John is down flipping burgers. We  have been here most of the summer."

Ann and John Bailey are retired from ministry and John was the Music Director at North Dayton Baptist church  and we were neighbors when I was a boy, in the early 70's. I couldn't believe that the Lord would put our meeting at a time when I would be reunited with a couple that shaped some of my early church life.

Following a late plenary session meeting I walked to Clouds Coffee Shop to get something and began to walk up the hill when along side of me pulled a golf cart passenger car.  Who was driving it?  John Bailey! We rode together in the front seat and reminisced about days gone by. After a lot of laughter we prayed there in the dark in front of Mountain Laurel Inn.

What did this reunion teach me?
1.No task is too small when it comes to serving Jesus.
2.Joy is contagious.
3.We never really retire from ministry.
4.An encouraging word goes a long way.

1 Cor. 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

Who would ever think that Cookies and Golf Carts = Ministry? It does for me.

Revival In July?

Two great bits of advice I received from my boyhood pastor/ mentor Bro. Joe Baker was: Never evaluate your ministry on:  1) Monday 2) or in the month of August.  Well , yesterday was certainly the exception as we close out July.  July 29, 2012 will go down as one of those days that may be part of a Revival that God is blessing our church with.

After a tremendous Vacation Bible School, and twelve decisions, we followed up immediately. Several returned calls and we planned to baptize three, God blessed as we baptized 8.  You talk about a Holy Hallelujah! This may well be the second greatest harvest day in the baptismal water that I have ever witnessed.  To top it off, a teenage boy came forward and shared he was ready to give his life to Jesus.  I am telling you that God blessed us with a day that we pray and long for.  Four of those that were baptized were sisters with the youngest being a leukemia survivor that God continues to heal.

I am not sharing this to boast somehow about us, because it is evident, when God shows up big things happen. Ephes. 3:20   Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

 Anything good that happens here is because of the grace and mercy of Christ.
 Galatians 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 

Looking forward to trusting God with the days ahead.  What a journey!
Revival in July? Can it happen?  Yes, and Praise the Lord!

One Shot To Make A First Impression

   The man you see pictured here is Pastor Bill Combs of Trinity Baptist Church in Parma, Ohio. I had the privilege to travel with a group of 21 from Camden to serve on a Mission Trip last week.
   Pastor Bill has been there a little over a year, and the church seemed to have some history that had led to splitting and people leaving. I am grateful for this preacher of 30 years to step in at an hour of great need.

   I sensed as if part of our time in Parma was to encourage the Shepherd of this local congregation.  Our folks did a great job of just that.

  One way we did that was by cleaning and getting their sign updated.  Not a big deal to most, but it was a reminder to me that first impressions are huge.  You don't get a second shot with some folks, so it is important to make the most of every opportunity.

  The same is true in worship.  We may get only one shot, so it is imperative that people hear a message from God's Word, and that the message points a person clearly to Jesus and his saving work on the cross of Calvary.  What a privilege we have to preach the precious gospel of Jesus Christ.

  My summary of the trip would be that they taught us a lot more than we really helped them.
God help us to always be ON MISSION.

Stacy's Song Pt . 2

We are now officially in a group of parents known as empty nesters. Here is my review of the wedding of our daughter Stacy to Kyle Herrmann this past Saturday. Two alterations to my tux. Had I worn the second pair of pants with white socks we would have been moonwalking to Thriller. A good cry on Thursday helped relieve some feelings. Beautiful day! Renee looked beautiful! She is a great wife, mom, mamaw. Have never witnessed a more pretty group of girls standing beside the bride. Two nieces, daughter in law, and the rest of the girls I have performed their weddings. One word when I saw Stacy; STUNNING! Her dress was perfect for her. She looked elegant and comfortable. Loved her hair. Packed house! Never knew the impact of four short words as a dad. "Her mother and I." I stepped in at that point and we had a great service. I thank God that I did not ruin it by breaking down. The Lord gave me a great peace through the service. Many friends,tremendous support from both churches. Reception was packed,folks were gracious, food was good, people had fun. But most importantly Stacy and Kyle were pleased. We are blessed to welcome Kyle into our family. The name may have changed for sis, but dad will always be singing her song! Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Herrmann!

Stacy's Song

This Saturday I will walk Stacy down the aisle to become Mrs. Kyle Herrmann.  I am so blessed as a son, brother, husband , and dad, and now father in law and papaw.   

Day 1 I will never forget.
The day she was born.  What a beautiful healthy little girl who has been nothing but a blessing to her mom and me. 
Day 2 I will never forget.
The day she gave her life to Christ. Some people talk about Jesus yet never live for Him.  Stacy has been a faithful witness, and has not wavered. I praise the Lord for that.
Day 3 I will never forget.
This Saturday, her wedding day. This Song by Steve and Annie Chapman is special to our family, and there is no way, I could hear this Saturday and stay composed enough not only to give her away, but to perform the service so here are the lyrics.

Stacy is a special girl.

Daddy Don't You Know 



She skipped across the room in her pretty new dress
Did a ballerina turn in her patent leather shoes
And to say the very least
I was impressed
She was my little girl

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

A few years later in her life
I saw her walking home from school
She had her books in her arms
And a young man at her side
And I felt a jealous pain
And I felt just like a fool
But when the young man told her bye
I said, "Can I walk with you?"

And we played our little game again
I said "Who's the only man in your heart?"
And she smiled as we held each other's hands
And she said, "Daddy don't you know?
Daddy don't you know?
You're the only man in my heart"

Now it's hard to believe this day has come and gone
He put a ring on her hand
That held her Daddy's heart
And I'll always remember as they played her wedding song
The words my little girl said to me

"Daddy, can we play a little game?
Who's the only little girl in your heart?"
And I cried as I softly called her name
And I said, "Honey don't you know?
Honey don't you know?
You're the only little girl in my heart"

"You'll always be that little girl in my heart"

You're The Only Little Girl
© 1986 Steve & Annie Chapman / Shepherd's Fold Music