Christian

I realize that church leaders must be real with their feelings because if the “human factor” did not come through our personali-Dr. Billy ties, we would Holland all seem very robotic. But at the same time, many feel pressure to be excited and happy all the time because they want to keep everyone pumped up, and fear if they do not demonstrate a positive image they will appear weak and discouraging. Learning how to be “real” is like walking an emotional tight wire, and as fellow Christians we need to remember that we all live in human housing. The role of a spiritual leader is not easy and deserves more prayer and less criticism. I recall when I was younger, I was invited to attend a meeting of pastors that were discussing the trials and challenges of ministry, and instead of being compassionate, I was disappointed because they were not wearing their superhero capes. I listened as these warriors shared their burdens and worries and questions about church growth and how to get people to catch their vision. As they talked about problems with everything from excessive debt to people being unfaithful, I sensed a heaviness of negativity and defeat. When it was over, I left with a feeling of hopelessness for the local church. I was not encouraged, inspired, or built up in any way, yet here I was surrounded by those who fight on the front line and are filled with God’s power and faith. I felt there had been a mistake because I thought I was going to a celebration of spiritual victory with the generals, but instead was sitting in on a religious pity party. I was thinking to myself, everyone knows there are problems in the churches, but pastors are supposed to have the answers. What I failed to realize was that Elijah’s also need places to vent their frustrations and weaknesses and a safe environment with those who understand what they are going through.

Local assemblies have teachers, counselors, associate pastors, administrators, singers, musicians, superintendents, elders, and deacons, and these helpers are support staff. Of course, Christ is the head of the church, but He appoints the head pastor to relay His messages and to have a burden for all the sheep. May we remember that the head pastor also wears the brightest bullseye. It’s true, the office of a head pastor is to know God’s direction for the assembly and lead the warriors into the battle, but what I personally failed to realize in that meeting was that God’s messengers give their lives to help others. These individuals were letting down their guard in front of me. They felt secure with each other and used this time as a place of refreshing and refuge away from the war zone, to share their wounds, experiences, and open their hearts. I was not discerning what was happening and was secretly judging too harshly. These are the laborers who get up in the middle of the night and kneel on cold hospital floors praying for the sick. They hold people’s hands who are passing on to the next life. They counsel and try to help when people make a huge mess of their lives and they feel compelled to go inside the prisons to preach the kingdom message. They carry the concerns that only God knows because many people have shared their deepest secrets with them and trust them to keep it confidential.

While none of us, including pastors, are to dwell in a world disappointments and worries, let us also remember that it’s okay to be honest with the ones we trust and who care for our souls. It’s alright for overcomers to be concerned, but we must also learn to leave our anxieties and fears at the cross as they are very heavy and can hinder our joy and peace. As servants of the Most High, spiritual leaders feel the same pain and heartache that everyone does and there is no condemnation for being transparent. For all of God’s children, it’s critical that we learn how to encourage ourselves and to know that God is the source of our strength. Overcomers learn that qualities like fortitude, perseverance, and patience are formed in times of great difficulty. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” II Corinthians 4:8-9.

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A Christian Fellowship

150 Fellowship Ln, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 815-1333

Wednesday 6:30 pm – Potluck Meal 7:00 pm – Worship Service 7:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Sunday 9:30 am – Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 am – Worship Service 10:30 am – KidZone Children’s Service (5yr – 12 yr.)

Community Bible Fellowship

415 S Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 Wednesday 6:30 pm - Food and Fellowship 7:00 pm - Community Kids (ages 3 - 6th grade, nursery available) 7:00 pm - Youth and Adult Bible Study Sunday 10:30 am - Worship Service

First Baptist Church Dorchester

11831 FM 902, Dorchester, TX 75459 903-476-5525 Wednesday 6:00 pm - Meal (Donations for adults and kids eat free) 6:30 pm - Praise service 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - RA's/GA's/children's group Sunday 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M. Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship

First Baptist Church Howe

100 E. Davis St., Howe, TX 903532-5504 Tuesday 7:00 pm - Bible Study Wednesday 5:30 pm - Kids Choir 6:30 pm - Team Kid 6:30 pm - Youth Ministry 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday 9:15 am - Bible Fellowship 10:30 am - Kids Church 10:30am - Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Howe

810 N Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6718 Monday 9:30 am - Care Team Meeting 10:30 am - Pastor's Bible Study Tuesday 9:30 am - Women's Bible Study 11:30 am - Out and About with Pastor Zack 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Wednesday 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers 6:30 pm - Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Saturday 9:00 am - Feed My Sheep (1st and 3rd Sat each month) Sunday 8:40 am - Fellowship and Donuts 9:00 am - Sunday School 10:00 am - Worship service 3:00 pm - Cub Scouts

Howe Church of Christ

1205 N Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6441 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Sunday 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Worship Service

New Beginning Fellowship

910 S Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6828 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth 7:00 pm - Sanctuary of for prayer Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School (kids, youth, women, men) 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:30 am - Kids Church

Times are subject to change. Please check with each church for any possible changes

Verse of the week

Genesis 4:7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”