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Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
Want input into Special Event Decoration?
The Scotts are moving
Come Say Goodbye to the Scotts…
Youth Group News
Homes-schooling at Faith
Leadership
Why Go to Church
A Story from the Fishwrapper
Subject: obituary
A Child’s Faith
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From your Pastor |
If you have met God in Jesus Christ in your own life, you have found God working according to his promises. Your unique experience in coming to Christ can be an effective tool in communicating the gospel to others, and your experience of God’s faithfulness is the substance of your testimony. This is not to say that you must know when you were converted. Many people don’t know when they became Christians, however in order to witness for Christ you must have the assurance that you have eternal life and that Jesus is your Savior. A carefully prepared testimony adapts well to either group situations or casual one-on-one conversation. It enables you to speak confidently, knowing that your words are well-chosen, biblically accurate, and appropriate to the situation. If you haven’t already done so, please use this article to help you write your personal testimony so you can use it as an evangelistic tool so you will be a more proficient witness.
The body of an effective testimony generally includes three parts: what your life was like before you received Christ, how you received Christ, and how your life is different as a result of receiving Christ. Before you start, ask the Lord to guide your thoughts and written words; then trust Him to do so. Remember, your story can bring glory to Him and also be a plan for the salvation of others. Write as if you were sharing with just one person. "Many first-time speakers make the mistake of speaking to a group instead of an individual. But if you write as if you are talking to one person, your testimony will be more direct. Each person in your audience will feel that you are sitting beside him or her personally to share your life."
Keep it short. Three minutes (about 1½ - 2 pages typewritten double-spaced) gives you enough time to explain your experience and include a clear presentation of the gospel. That length causes you to be very selective about what you communicate. Consider using a theme. A theme is a phrase or idea that is stated in the introduction, woven throughout the body of the testimony, and then restated in the conclusion. It helps to keep the testimony on track and aids in the listener's understanding and retention. When you are ready to put it on paper, start with the body of the testimony. Later, you will add the introduction and conclusion. Proceed by writing each of the five sections in the following order: 1) Before you received Christ; 2) How you received Christ; 3) After you received Christ; 4) Introduction; 5) Conclusion. Jot down ideas, thoughts, and events as you go through each section. Decide what is most important to your testimony. Avoid being too explicit or sensational. Arrange your events, ideas, and thoughts in a logical order of presentation. Develop these brief thoughts and ideas in sentences. Tie them together with other sentences in a concise, meaningful way. Ask questions like: What things were most important to you? What did your life revolve around? (Examples: money, marriage, career, etc.) Why were they so important? What basic need were you attempting to fulfill? How did you try to satisfy that need? Start at a time in life which relates to your experience with Christ. Remember that this is not a biography from childhood. If you became a Christian as a child, but cannot remember when you trusted in Christ, concentrate on describing your life before it began to change and use that material as the "before" portion.
Additional tips…
Ask yourself, how you received Christ. When did you first hear the message of Christ and what was your reaction? When did you first begin to feel positive toward the gospel and why? In answering these questions you are seeking to identify specifically the process that brought you to the point of receiving Christ. This is the climax of your testimony. If you came to Christ as a child, your conversion may have been more of a process. For you, the "when" is not as important as the assurance that Christ is now in your life. In this "How" portion of your testimony, attempt to present the basics of the gospel clearly and concisely.
In the last part of the body of your testimony, talk about your life after you received Christ. Ask yourself, what changes have occurred in your life as a result? How do you know Christ is in your life? Be practical in describing the changes in your life since you became a Christian. Describe how God is helping you learn how to trust Him more. Give examples of ways you have changed or principles you have discovered in God's Word and how you have applied them in your daily life. Be sure to mention that you are not perfect now! You still have many problems every day, but Christ enables you to face them realistically and to solve them God's way. You are not perfect, but you are forgiven and progressing. Practical areas that Christ has changed might include relationships, goals and priorities, good or bad habits, attitudes, the atmosphere in your home, etc.
Upon completing your rough draft of the body of your testimony, write an introduction and a conclusion. When writing the introduction, consider two different versions: one to use in a group setting and one to use with individuals. Both introductions need to be memorized word for word so that getting started is made easier and smoother. When sharing your testimony with a group, your opening sentence will be more formal than it would be in a conversation with a friend. Consider using an interesting quote, a startling question, or an illustration that really captures their attention. An example would be, "One of the richest men in the world, John D. Rockefeller, was once asked, ‘How much money would it take to satisfy you?' Smiling, he quickly replied, ‘Just a little more.'" If sharing with an individual, the opening statement should relate to where he or she is and include something that piques his or her curiosity about the gospel. Examples are: "Bringing up children in this world can be difficult. Apart from one factor, I would be lost as to knowing how to raise mine." "When I was in college I had everything a person could want, yet underneath, I was so empty."
Your conclusion should be a summary statement of one or two sentences referring back to your introduction, and the difference that Christ makes in your life. An example would be, "I put my trust in Jesus over nineteen years ago. It was the most important step in my life. During this time I've had a growing sense of purpose, peace, and fulfillment based on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not based on my successes in life." Remember that your goal is to explain what Christ has done in your life and to stimulate them to think about their own lives. Do not preach. Leave your audience with a challenging thought. Keep in mind that they will generally comment on the last thing you say. Avoid tacking a Scripture verse onto the end. It is much better to put it in the "Before/How/After" portion where it best relates.
Some final suggestions…
Consider writing more than one draft. Ask others to critique it using the questions listed in section IV "A Final Check." Rehearse your testimony until you are able to give it naturally. Don't use Christian lingo. Words or phrases familiar to a Christian may be strange or nonsensical to a non-Christian. Examples are "asking Jesus into my heart," "saved," "converted," "convicted," "born again." Don't be too wordy. Have a clear point and direction to your words. Don't emphasize how bad you were. Don't speak in glittering generalities, such as "wonderful," "glorious," etc. Don't speak critically or negatively about any other group or individual. Don't mention churches or denominations by name. Do be realistic. Share how Christ enables you to walk through your problems, rather than removing them from your life.
You now have completed the basic parts to a personal testimony. You have the body, consisting of the Before/How/After sections, as well as an attention-getting introduction and a conclusion that gives your listener something to think about. Remember that a personal testimony is dynamic in that it is constantly changing. From time to time you may want to change your theme or update your specific details. Seasons of life change what we emphasize in our testimony. The goal is to communicate effectively with your audience, whether it is a stranger in a grocery line or roomful of home-school moms. Preparation is the key. That is what this information is meant to do—equip you to share confidently in a well-thought out way as God opens doors of opportunity especially for you. In 1 Peter 3:15b we read, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” An important part of our witness is a personal testimony. Do not be intimidated by this exercise. I would be glad to help you with it. |
Grace and peace,
Pastor Adams |
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Want input into Special Event Decoration? |
| Though it is still summer, planning must start for Faith's 2008 Advent and Christmas season. If you are interested in having input on the decorations of the church (yes, new to go with the beautiful renovations), the Children's Christmas Program and other Advent activities, please attend the kick-off discussion on Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. If unable to attend but interested, please contact Mari Richardson at 453-5191 (home), 960-6772 (cell) or mimmp@bellsouth.net |
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The Scotts are moving |
The Scotts are moving on August 18th to our 54 acre farm in Kentucky. We will miss our Faith family. Please pray for us as we go and for our house to sell. Amy keeps regular updates of our family on her blog at http://HumbleMusings.com .
Please keep in touch with us and don’t be strangers. Our new contact information will be:
5047 Milltown Road
Gradyville, KY 42742
270-378-3138
We have enjoyed being a part of this family for the last 6+ years,
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Greg and Amy
(McGregor, Abigail, Annalise, Rebekah, Charles, and Elisabeth) |
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Come Say Goodbye to the Scotts… |
The Richardson’s are hosting a Farewell Potluck supper for the Scott Family on Saturday, August 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come over for the whole time or just part of the time and bring a favorite dish to share. Drinks & paper products will be provided.
You’re welcome to bring swimsuits & towels for the pool. Bring dry clothes if you’d like to go out in the kayaks for a bit of exploring – especially nice in the evening.
1605 Neptune Drive
Merritt Island FL 32952
321-453-5191
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Youth Group News |
Official 1st Meeting of 2008/2009
Sunday, August 17
6:00 p.m.
Youth Room
Hope to see you there!
Save the date!
Family Event:
Youth Group Kick Off Cookout (and Parent Meeting)
Saturday, August 23
Location: Still looking J
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served.
Bring a friend and/or neighbor!
PARENTS:
Important Parent Meeting
Saturday, August 23
12:30 p.m.
Preview of the 2008/2009 Youth Group Year
Your attendance is crucial for the success of the new year!
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Homes-schooling at Faith |
Have you been to the church on Thursday's during the school year? If you have, you may have wondered what is going on. For almost 10 years a home-school co-op group has been meeting at Faith.
The purpose of this co-op is to provide high quality academic tutoring for home schooling students in grades 7-12 in a Christian atmosphere. Approximately 45 families will be
utilizing the co-op this coming school year.
The co-op is not a corporation or legal entity. It's a group of home schooling families joined together sharing a common, educational vision. The teachers at the co-op are Christian men and women from various backgrounds excited about instilling a life long love for learning in each student. Each teacher collects his or her own fees for tutoring. The church receives a $70 donation from each family to offset facility costs and expenses.
Wendy Montgomery currently serves as the co-op coordinator. She sees the co-op as a ministry, serving Christian home-school families.
So what classes are offered? Literature, grammar, research paper, SAT verbal prep, speech, journalism, Spanish, Latin, art, history, algebra, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physical science, and computer.
Along with regular co-op classes here each Thursday, a support group, Brevard Christian
Home Educators, Inc., conducts registration and annual meetings at our facility. This support group currently serves approximately 68 families. Also, in the spring of each year, standardized testing for all grades takes place at our facility.
Why should Faith continue to support this ministry? This is a great opportunity for outreach in our community. Who better to support Christian home-schoolers than a local church?
Carol Chambers, a past co-op coordinator and now Faith member, stated, "The co-op gave our family the opportunity to meet Pastor Barron and Pastor Adams and learn about the church's beliefs and doctrines. This led to our family visiting the church."
Recently, there have been several co-op families visiting our church as well.
The home school movement is continuing to grow across our nation. Next time you pray for the ministries here at Faith, consider the incredible ministry Faith provides to families that have chosen to home school.
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| Submitted by Bryan and Tracey Holmes |
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Leadership |
Note: This article was initially a devotional for the Diaconate. It has been modified for a broader audience. Keeping this in mind, please read the entire article understanding the service mindset of leadership.
Brothers and sisters of Faith, John Donne was correct when he said, “No man is an island”. It is true, we are the ‘body of Christ’, present here and unified under ‘Christ’s blood’, redeemed from the penalty of our sin, and set individually and collectively as ‘lights on a hill’. I believe Christ formed His church partly to unite His people and provide fellowship and support to one another. Where people gather, there are differences in style, personality, growth, and maturity and therefore, we look to one another for guidance, encouragement, and confirmation.
In this year of 2008, we, the assembly at Faith, have seen noteworthy events and accomplishments which are very encouraging. I have been encouraged through emails and in person by comments of appreciation for what the Diaconate is doing this year. While thinking of these comments, listing these events and listening to Pastor Adams and his teaching on humility, I have been drawn to search my heart and to bring before my fellow deacons the following:
Men, we are leaders. It doesn't matter if we like it or not, we are leaders. We are visible, responsible, recognized for Christ-like qualities, looked up to, depended upon, and selected. Does this mean we are special? No! What does it mean? You are you and I am me, each with individual strengths and weaknesses. Looking inward is not an enjoyable experience. To see how we fail, how we miss the mark, and how we let Christ down can be a crippling and self-limiting task, but to know and believe we are here, appointed by God, with support of the Holy Spirit, we can boldly, yet humbly serve. It is imperative we humbly and openly acknowledge it is not us, but Christ who teamed us together with varied abilities, diverse personalities, and availability. We must continue to serve in unity and under the leadership of our Lord.
I have been made aware that while we are making what appears to be very good and timely decisions; we have not always sought God’s leading in everything. I am not saying we have made poor decisions or done things hastily, but I believe we need to pray over more of what we do. We should not make decisions believing we know what is best based upon our human experience or knowledge alone, but allow for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Let us bring items for discussion and decision forward and pray and consider them before we meet and then again pray over our discussions and decisions jointly. I welcome discussion on this topic.
Look at what has been accomplished recently associated to either the Diaconate or individual deacons:
• Swing set purchase and installation
• Repairs and new hardware on wooden swing set
• Fence around playground
• Web site
• Sanctuary remodeling
• New chairs
• New carpet
• Choir loft ceiling replaced
• Bible study leadership
• Directing choir and improved ministry
• Ideas
• Survey of property
• Benevolence
• Workdays
• Newsletter articles and devotions shared by all of the deacons
In all that is happening, the improvements and the accolades, we must remember we are leaders appointed to serve. I do not believe we are a combination of individuals doing noteworthy things, but we serve at a point in time when God is working in our presence on many levels; finances, spiritual growth, experience, and willingness. We have new leadership in many areas: pastor, session, diaconate, choir, VBS, and others. The finances with which we have been blessed have allowed the changes and improvements listed above. God has set the environment for what is happening. All credit is to God for His provision and timing. Let’s remember we are here to serve in fiscal capacities, freeing the elders to focus on the spiritual needs of the local church. We will be effective leaders only when and as long as we acknowledge it is Christ working in and through us.
Several passages of scripture speak directly to life as a race and how we should view our short time here on earth. Paul spoke of running a race and running it well, completing what was begun. This is how we are to live, having a goal in mind, believing in your cause, and being purposeful in our actions. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to run so that we can finish.
Ecc. 9: 7-12, Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. ….. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love….. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come..…
These days/years are our time to serve in Faith’s Diaconate. We serve Faith. Faith does not serve us. The privilege is ours, the opportunity is a humbling one, to be considered worthy is not of our own doing, it is of the One who has selected us, based upon His love and desire for a relationship with us, not something we have earned or deserve.
I Cor. 9:24, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. …… 9:27,No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Our lives and service must be purposeful. Let us finish what is started.
2 Tim. 4:5, But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Heb. 12:1-2, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I thank the Lord and his people at Faith for allowing me the honor of serving in the Diaconate. Please pray for Al, Chris, David, Rudy, Tom, and me, as well as all of your leaders, that we may stay focused on the job at hand and realize more each day and in every task it is God working in us and now we ourselves.
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Michael Gallogly
Diaconate Chairman |
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Why Go to Church |
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone
wrote this clincher: 'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all
nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!
When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment.
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Submitted by Brenda Crooker |
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A Story from the Fishwrapper |
While I was taking a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, I became acquainted with a young man named Charles, who was also a student at the school and was training for the summer Olympics as a high
diver.
Charles was very patient with me as I would speak to him for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved me. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that I had to tell him was a fascination to him. He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin. Finally the day came that I put a question to him. I asked if he had realized his own need of a redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. I saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong 'no'.
In the days that followed he was quiet and often I felt that he was avoiding me, until I got a phone call from him. He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that I had given him about salvation.
I gave him the references to several passages and asked if I could meet with him. He declined my offer and thanked me for the scripture. I could tell that he was greatly troubled, but I did not know where he was or how to help him.
Because he was training for the Olympic Games, Charles had special privileges at the University pool facilities. Sometime between 10:30 and11:00 one evening he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone brightly across the top of the wall in the pool area. Charles climbed to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the scripture he had read, all the occasions of witnessing to him about Christ flooded his mind. He stood on the platform backwards to make his dive, spread his arms to gather his balance, looked up to the wall and saw his own shadow caused by the light of the moon. His shadow was in the shape of a cross. He could bear the burden of sin no longer. His heart broke and he sat down on the platform and asked God to forgive him and save him. He trusted Jesus Christ twenty some feet in the air.
Suddenly, the lights in the pool area came on. The attendant had come in to check the pool. As Charles looked down from his platform he saw an empty pool which had been drained for repairs. He had almost plummeted to his death, but the cross had stopped him from disaster.
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Provided by Marian Sweigart |
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Subject: obituary |
My parents told me about Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on her when making decisions. It seems she was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read her obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember her, for Common Sense served us all so well for many generations.
Obituary: Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old she was since her birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. She will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).
Her health began to deteriorate rapidly when
well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened her condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot She spilled a little in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by her parents, Truth and Trust; her husband, Discretion; her daughter, Responsibility; and her son, Reason. She is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.
Not many attended her funeral because so few realized she was gone. If you still remember her, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
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Author unknown |
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A Child’s Faith |
A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat Belts.
Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the
beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.
Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."
And then the storm broke . . .
The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning! lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.
The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.
"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing
to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every- thing within her small world was calm and orderly.
"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would
straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.
When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."
The minister could hardly believe his eyes.
It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.
Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.
The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."
There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.
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Submitted by Brenda Crooker |
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