As Christmas approaches, I thought you might enjoy the following quote from President Calvin Coolidge:

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.— Calvin Coolidge

The Church: Battleship or Cruise Ship?

At the Friday morning Log House Bible Study for men, we are working our way through John Eldredge's book EPIC, using the companion video series. In this morning's lesson Eldredge cautioned us to remember the reality of Satan in "the epic story" in which we find ourselves. One man posed penetrating question, "Is the Church a battleship that we have converted to a cruise ship?" Have we so little regard for the Enemy that we have set about to make the time on the ocean comfortable? When trouble comes, do we resort to rearranging the deck chairs? (adding new programs?) If we do encounter the Enemy and a battle is inevitable, will anyone remember how to fire the guns?

Coach Bill McCartney, one of the founders of Promise Keepers and former President of PK (Dr. Tom Fortson has been the President for almost four years now), once said that one of the most serious problems affecting the Church was that "we are in a war but most men are not at war!" How about you? Are you at war? If you are not, then you can be sure that others as well as yourself are at risk.

What to do? Well, as any good military leader knows, troops need to be organized, trained, and equipped and they need a chain of command (competent leadership). It would be utterly foolish to enter the battle alone, which is why you need your (band of) brothers (fellow warriors) to be next to you. The training and equipping comes through discipleship and spiritual disciplines, including prayer and Bible study. Don't go before you are ready, but get yourself and others ready, put yourselves under the leadership of the Lord, and then go! Then when the Enemy confronts you, you'll know how to fire the guns!

OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH

OCTOBER is Clergy Appreciation Month (as if they needed a month in which we should show them our appreciation!)

1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13a instructs us, "Now we urge you, brothers to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in highest regard because of their work."

I have seen a number of surveys about pastors over the last 10 or 12 years that indicate that in any given year, up to half of all pastors seriously consider leaving the ministry. I believe this can be trace back directly to their congregations, particularly the men, not respecting, supporting, or encouraging these pastors. It's become popular in some churches to call the pastor by his (or her) first name. It does sound humble for a pastor to say, "I'm not anyone special. Please, just call me by my first name." Unfortunately, this can lead to the perception that the pastor is "just one of the guys." The problem is that this is not Biblical. The pastor is special because he is called by God and appointed to oversee a local church. Pastors are also tasked with preaching the Word of God, which distinguishes them from the rest of the church.

Pastors are not perfect, but do not be too hasty to criticise them. Here's a rule of thumb: You should spend at least twice as much time praying for your pastor as criticising them. My guess is that that will lead to much less criticism and much more empathy (appreciation, support, and encouragement) for your pastor. For those of you who wonder how to begin to pray for your pastor, start with these areas:

1. Pray for you pastor's protection from attacks from any and all sources. This includes praying for his family, too!
2. Pray for his safety, health, and rich and abundant time in study and in prayer.
3. Pray that your pastor would "boldly preach the Word of God."
4. Pray that the Lord would "bless the work of" your pastor's hands.

My prayer for each pastor is that they will be respected, supported, and encouraged by members of their congregation. If you want to make your pastor's day, walk boldly up to him and tell him that you are praying for them. See if he doesn't act like he's appreciated.

Remember that showing appreciation for your pastor is really a year-round opportunity, not just for October.

Out of the Boat?

Perhaps you have read or at least heard of John Ortberg’s book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. It’s a good one, and I highly recommend it.

The story of Peter leaving the safety of the boat to walk on the water toward Jesus was the inspiration for the name of the men’s a Capella group from Peachtree City Untied Methodist Church. Out of the Boat performed Sunday at Grace Evangelical Church at the Fayette County Christian Fellowship’s Fifth Sunday Celebration. Their music was a big hit and they shared their testimony about how forming the group and then performing was an out of the boat experience for them.

Sunday was an out of the boat experience for me, also, as it was definitely the largest gathering at which I have ever spoken. It was definitely several steps beyond the normal men's retreats or men’s breakfasts where I have spoken in the past.

I don’t know what out of the boat experience God has in mind for you, but when you are faced with it, I hope that you will have enough courage to take the step of faith required. In His divine wisdom He chooses to work in and through us for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Stand in the Gap 2007

On Saturday, October 6, 2007 there will be a special event for men in Washington, DC: Stand In the Gap 2007. Learn more at http://www.standinthegap2007.org/

This is the ten year reunion of the historic 1997 PROMISE KEEPER gathering in which an estimated 1.3 million men assembled to repent and seek God's face on the Mall. I know that a number of you were at that event and may be interested in this year's event as well.

The 2007 event is not a PROMISE KEEPERS event since PROMISE KEEPERS felt that the 1997 Stand In The Gap was a one time call of God for the PROMISE KEEPER ministry. However, it is endorsed by the National Coalition of Men's Ministries (NCMM), of which Promise Keepers is a part. Got that?

Stepping Up to Be a Man in the Eyes of the Lord.

The Fayette County Christian Fellowship's (FCCF) Fifth Sunday Celebration is scheduled for 2:30 PM, Sunday, September 30, 2007 at Grace Evangelical Church. Grace Evangelical Church is located off GA Highway 54 at 164 Flat Creek Trail. Directions and a map are availble at http://www.gracechurchfayette.org/directions.htm.

What is the FCCF? The FCCF is a group of churches that have joined together to foster principals of unity and faith within Fayette County. "The mission of the FCCF is to serve as a catalyst in spearheading spiritual revival in the lives of The Fayette County community of faith. This association will reach beyond denominational, cultural, economic, and racial divides to embrace the concept of love as demonstrated and practiced by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

We are still seeking volunteers to sing with the Praise Team and or Combined Men's Choir for that event. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested in singing: kroessig4@aol.com.

The theme will be "Stepping Up to Be a Man in the Eyes of The LORD." The service will be led by men, and yours truly will be the speaker. I would personally like your support, but even more importantly, I hope you'll attend because your want to help build unity in the local body of Christ! As many of you know Promise #6 states: A promise keeper is committed to crossing racial and denominational lines to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. Locally, we are calling this Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood (see prior blog on BBBB).

Ladies are encouraged to attend to support the men. (I'll have a word for the ladies, too.)

Come and see!

Everyman Conference starts tonight!

I did not intend to be away from the blog for this long, but some things have kept my focus elsewhere for a time. One was the Promise Keepers Conference three weeks ago in Columbia, another was numerous Revivals throughout August, and finally helping with the Everyman Conference which starts tonight at Dogwood Church in south Tyrone.

On the outside chances that even one of you might read this and still be able to attend the conference tonight and tomorrow, walk up registration is available and starts at 6:00 PM. The Conference itself will start tonight at 7:00 PM (and tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.) For details and directions, go to http://www.dogwoodchurch.org/. Maybe I'll see some of you there. I'll be at the Promise Keepers booth!

Keep checking the FAITH and/or HAPPENINGS pages at http://www.fayetefrontpage.org/ and this blog for future events.

Columbia Promise Keeper Conference follow-up

This past Friday and Saturday's (August 3 & 4) Promise Keepers Conference in Columbia, South Carolina was great!

Over 200 men accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

Over 100 men rededicated themselves to the Lord.

Many thanks to my good friend from PTC UMC, Bruce Conard, for driving to and form the event!

Time for Revival?

August is the month when many African-American Churches hold Revivals. These are excellent opportunities to receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit and a fresh word from God. Additionally, they are great occasions for developing relationships with more of our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you've read my previous blog on the subject then you know that in the Fayette area we are calling this unity effort "Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood." Typically, these events are attended by members from a number of churches so you can meet people from those churches at the same time.

Here's a schedule of the events for which I have information:

Wed.-Fri., August 8-10: Revival at Mount Olive Baptist Church; 7:00 PM, nightly.

Wed.-Fri., August 8-10: Revival at Hartford United Methodist Church; 7:30 PM, nightly.

Thursday, August 9: Revival at Flat Rock A M E Church; 7:00 PM

Sunday, August 12: 153rd Anniversary at Flat Rock A M E Church; 2:30 PM

Wed.-Fri, August 22-24, Revival at Bethlehem Baptist Church; 7:00 PM, nightly.

Mon.-Wed., August 27-29, Revival at Holly Grove A M E Church; on Robinson Road in Peachtree City at 7:00 PM, nightly.

Mon.-Wed., August 27-29, Revival at Merrill Chapel United Methodist Church on S. Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville, at 7:30 pm each night.

Please see the "Faith" and/or "Happenings" Tab at http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/ for details.

I urge you, brothers, to take advantage of as many these opportunities as possible to build unity in the local body of Christ! You will make a powerful statement for unity just by showing up, and who among us couldn't use some reviving?

Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood

If you are familiar with the Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper (and you should be at least aware of the Biblical truths these promises reflect) then you know that Promise 6 says:



A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.



Here, in the greater Fayette County area, a number of us have been using the phrase "Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood" to describe our efforts to build unity in the local body of Christ.



The Scripture gives us our mandate for unity:

In Psalm 133:1 we read, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity." (NIV)

In Ephesians 2:13-16 we learn, "But now in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He himself is our peace, Who has made the two one and destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law and its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility."

In Ephesians 4:3-6 we are told "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and on Spirit -- just as you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is overall and through all and in all."

In 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 we see "... that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed us to the ministry of reconciliation."

My hope is that many of you will be convicted by God's Word on this matter and be moved to join in the effort to build unity by Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood.

Why Building? Because it says that there is work to be done. It's up to us to do our part and none of us should think that this is going to be easy. I believe that God is doing His part by stirring the hearts of many of us to prepare us for this work. There is much to do and much to overcome, but we can make and are making progress.

Why Biblical? Because that's the type of Bridge that God desires for his people. Many have had varying degrees of success building other types of bridges: political, social, economic, legal...
and these are all good, but as Oswald Chambers reminds us regularly in My Utmost for His Highest (highly recommend reading), we should not allow the good to get in the way of the best.

Why Bridges? Because we have to be honest with ourselves and recognize that there is a gap between us racially within the Church. Many have said it: "The Eleven O'clock hour on Sunday remains the most racially devided hour in America."

Why Brotherhood? Because the basis for moving forward ahs to be our recognition that God is our Father and Christ is our Brother. That makes us brothers in Christ already! Now we just need to learn how to act like brothers.

I hope to add some practical ideas soon for Building thes Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood in a future blog, but for now please consider what God is calling you to do and pray.

If you are looking for a first step, come next Sunday, July 29, 2007, to the Fayette County Christian Fellowship (FCCF) "5th Sunday Celebration" at 2:30 PM at Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal (A. M. E.) Church. (See the Faith and/or Happennings Pages on www.fayettefrontpage.com for more information.) The Pastor at Flat Rock A. M. E., Reverend Ed Johnson, is a welcoming brother in Christ. Likewise, the other participating churches in the FCCF are eager to have you join us!

What is the Fayette County Christian Fellowship?

The Fayette County Christian Fellowship (FCCF) is a group of churches that have joined together to foster principals of unity and faith within this county.

The mission of the FCCF is to serve as a catalyst in spearheading spiritual revival in the lives of The Fayette County community of faith. This association will reach beyond denominational, cultural, economic, and racial divides to embrace the concept of love as demonstrated and practiced by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The purpose of the Fayette County Christian Fellowship it to promote Christian Unity through fellowship activities involving all citizens of the Fayette County community of Christian faith. A Fifth Sunday Celebration is normally held in each month that has a fifth month. (Exceptions are made for holidays, etc.)

The Sky is Falling

"I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations in how dangerous (global warming) is, as a predicate for opening up the audience to listen to what the solutions are." -- Al Gore, Grist magazine, May 9, 2006

If you are inclined to accept what Al Gore and others are saying about global warming, I urge you to consider Proverbs 18:17 , which says, "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him." (NIV)

Here's what Brent Bozell said about the recent "Live Earth" concerts:

“This isn’t just a big wet kiss to Al Gore and his left-wing agenda, it’s a shameless acknowledgement of NBC’s bias," Media Research Center President Brent Bozell said in a statement. " 'Live Earth' is nothing more than a photo opportunity, but this concert’s ‘historic’ status is wholly exaggerated by all the hours and hours of free publicity.

“They might as well re-name it 'Gorestock 2007.' It’s tough to deny what comes from the horse’s mouth. NBC is a self-proclaimed liberal cheerleader.”

Also, in his Stoplight video commentary Stuart Shepard, CitizenLink managing editor and a meteorologist, says don't buy the (global warming) hype. Here's the link for that video: http://www.citizenlink.org/stoplight/A000004954.cfm.

(So, I guess maybe the sky really isn't falling after all.)

Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey

No doubt some of you will recognize the following advertisement attributed to Sir Ernest Shackleton who led several expeditions to attempt to reach the South Pole.

Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.

Shackleton selected 28 men for his 1915 expedition, but reportedly over 2000 men responded to his advertisement! Do a web search for Shackleton and learn some of the amazing details of this harrowing attempt. In spite of incredible challenges, not one man from the expedition was lost!

Here's Promise Keepers "advertisement" for you:

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Expect resistance, worldly criticism, and possible persecution. Constant risk, with periods of darkness and isolation. Personal safety and financial security uncertain. Eternal rewards at journey's end.

Can you imagine the impact that 2000 real men from the South Metro Atlanta area on a journey to become godly men would have on this region? One of the best ways to begin would be to attend the Promise Keepers 2007 Conference in Columbia, South Carolina on August 3-4. Join in with other like minded men to make a difference in your home and in your community. (Wimpy men need not apply!) Find out more about the Columbia conference at http://www.promisekeepers.org/conferences/columbia-sc.

Happy Father's Day!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Being a godly father is an important part of being a promise keeper, as Promise 4 clearly indicates:

A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.

Although some of us where blessed with having godly fathers as role models it is equally true that some of us did not have a good example to follow. The good news that, while it's a disadvantage, not having a godly father does not prevent you from becoming one. Undoubtedly our best role model for fathering is out heavenly Father. Just consider His provision and protection for for us. We would do well as fathers to remember the love He has for his children which is evident in His grace and mercy and forgiveness. Let us not forget though, that as a Righteous God, He sets standards for behavior and then wisely disciplines us when we err. It has been said that discipline without love leads to rebellion, while love without discipline leads to permissiveness. Perhaps an experienced father at your church can help you strike the right balance with your children between love and discipline. As Promise 4 indicates, the Bible provides invaluable guidance on being a godly father. You will also find that books on raising children by Christian authors like James Dobson and John Rosemond, among others, can be very helpful. Being a godly father is too important to just go it alone. Do whatever it takes to become the dad that God wants you to be. You and your children (and your wife) will be blessed! Proverbs 22:6 tells us, Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. (NIV)

SPECIAL NOTE: As some of you have undoubtedly noticed, the Promise Keepers web site, http://www.promisekeepers.org/, has been undergoing revision over a number of recent months. Today, just in time for Father's Day, a major update has occurred. Take some time and check out the new features. On the bottom of the new home page, don't miss What's New and PK Verseminder. Pod casts are now available as are video highlights of past Promise Keepers Conferences. More archival footage is being "digitized" and will be added in the future. The PK Verseminder feature is an aid for memorizing Scripture.

Let's go to Columbia!

Sorry to be so long between postings. I had a pretty busy weekend this past weekend. Highlights included the Men's Encounter on Saturday and Hartford United Methodist Church's 138th Anniversary and New Hope South's Pulse on Sunday. I have been busy this week trying to get the word out via e-mails about a couple of church events coming up this weekend. If you would like find out about events at churches other than your own, please send me an e-mail. Similarly, if your church has an event to which you would like to invite men and women from other churches, let me know, also.


I have also been visiting more churches this week distributing promotional material for the upcoming Promise Keepers 2007 Conference. If you haven't done so already, click on the U-tube link to the right to get preview of this year's PK Conference. Many men from this area are headed to Columbia, SC on August 3-4. Specific information about the Columbia conference, including the line-up of speakers, is available at http://www.promisekeepers.org/conferences/columbia-sc. Ticketing is available at http://www.promisekeepers.org/ or by calling (866) PROMISE. Group discounts are available when you order 10 or more tickets.



If you have never been to a Promise Keepers Conference, I can assure you that you will be glad you made the decision to go. Do whatever it takes to be there! You will be blessed by the worship and the messages, both delivered in a distinctly male context that speaks directly to the heart of a man!



If you have been to a Conference before, I challenge you to take someone who has never been. I encourage you to organize a group of men from your church and join us in Columbia. Perhaps you could partner with other churches in your area and go together. Attending conferences in cities away Atlanta provide great opportunities for fellowship with the men in your group and since you are away from the distractions of home, you can bask in the experience.



Other Conferences within driving distance of Atlanta are:



Mobile, AL June 29-30



Nashville, TN July 20-21



Orlando, FL July 27-28



Take advantage of this opportunity to grow as a man of integrity!

Got Bible Study?

I was gone most of the day...

I went to the Log House Bible Study first thing this morning, then I visited some churches this morning to hand out promotional material for the PK Conference. Then I had lunch with a group of ministers in Fayetteville where the guest of honor was a Baptist Pastor from (southern) Lebanon. He had some stories to tell! I hit the road again after lunch and made it to a few more churches before heading home in time to watch my favorite show, Jeopardy

The Log House Bible Study meets in the Rockspray Clubhouse (an actual log house that used to be a hunting lodge) off Log House Road in Peachtree City. The study began in 1978. My good Log House brother, John Manzo, says that the guys in the study were promise keepers before there was a Promise Keepers. This study has been very helpful for many of us as we seek to mature in Jesus Christ. If you are in the area, stop by some Friday. The coffee and bagels are on at 7:00 AM and the study starts at 7:30 AM. This is a non-denominatinal study currently being led by Jamie Bosworth of First Presbyterian Church of PTC. There are men from a number of different churches and denominations. We are currently working our way through Second Kings.

A Bible study like this embodies several important Promise Keeper principles which are included in The Seven Promises of a Promise Keepers (availale at www.promisekeepers.org): serious Bible Study, Fellowship with other men, and Unity within the body of Christ.

My prayer for each of you is that you find a group like this someday.

Welcome to the new Promise Keeper blog for Fayette and Coweta Counties

My name is Tom Kroessig and I am an Ambassador Field Director volunteer for Promise Keepers, serving Fayette and Coweta Counties and beyond. My mission is to be a resource for local Pastors and their men and to act as a liaison between them and the national Promise Keepers ministry (http://www.promisekeepers.org/) The goal of Promise Keepers is effective ministry to men. Our vision is "Men Transformed Worldwide."

I am available to speak to men's gatherings about Promise Keepers or many other subjects relevant to men. I can be reached at kroessig4@aol.com or (770) 487-5094.