A Good Day It Was

Today, I spoke in the morning worship service at Southside Baptist Church in Carthage, TX where I was pastor before I came here to Sulphur. The occasion was a note burning celebration. As I arrived, some very interesting signs made statements that reminded me of some embarrassing moments. Need I be reminded? I will post the pictures here soon. When I do, I must share the story of my misfortune at "the gate."

The church had relocated during my tenure and incurred about a million dollar debt. It was wonderful to celebrate with them the fact that they are now debt free.

There are many emotions and thoughts. Some could not be with us for several reasons. Others who were there looked a bit...older- as did I! Children have grown or are grown up. Some have children of their own.

It was a glad occasion. It was a very affirming time. It is good for a church to have something to celebrate. The Lord knows that many churches have far too many things to be discouraged about. This was a time to rejoice and be glad.

I cannot remember a time when I have felt so loved and affirmed. The church grew and was blessed when I was there. I felt like a homecoming as a conquering hero. Another former pastor and the current interim pastor also participated in the service.

I was honored to preach the service.

There was a very good crowd. I had to remind myself that it was not about me. I had a restless night last night. I kept thinking about the message and how I wanted to say the right things- somehow to affirm their accomplishment, and challenge them for the future, all the while keeping the emphasis off of me and upon the Lord Jesus Christ. To the degree of success I achieved, I will leave to that audience. But to stand there in that place felt so right and natural- like I had never left.

Then there was dinner on the ground. How good can it get?

A friend reminded me that no matter where I go or serve from here, the fact remains that I led that church to relocate and build, no small achievement. Time cannot change that reality. It can only affirm it.

I am now home from the weekend with a case of "warm fuzzies." I am reminded of many servants of the Lord who have labored long and hard in the fields of the Lord's service, and never heard human applause or been affirmed by the ones they serve Not so for me. I heard the applause and felt such love and warmth.

And hopefully, in the background was the applause of heaven as well.

The Fred Factor

At a luncheon meeting today, I heard about a book called The Fred Factor. I had to go to a bookstore this afternoon, and just happened to find it in the bargain bin! While my wife shopped, I read the entire book. Not that my wife is necessarily a long shopper, though she at times is, rather the book is a quick read. I admit I was a bit skeptical when I read an endorsement at the beginning which said it was a one hour read. It turned out to be so for me.

Fred is a mail carrier who went the second mile to care for people along his mail route. He even went as far as to retrieve a parcel left a few doors away at the wrong house and place it at the rightful recipient's- the author's- house. The book gives advice on how to become a Fred and how to teach others on your staff or team to become Freds.

The advice is simple and pointed. Which probably explains why the book has become a hit. But if one were to summarize the message, it might be that if I add value to others, I will find value added to my life. In short, I get back what I give. All sorts of biblical allusions come to mind..."do unto others as you would have them do unto you;" "Give and it shall be given;" "The greatest among you shall be your servant." I was reminded while reading the book that practicing random acts of kindness has been advocated recently in the secular world while servant evangelism is being advocated in the church world.

The motive should be to serve, not get a reward. But inevitably, the reward does come. Fred the postman probably never dreamed that he would be the subject of a bestselling book, a seminar, and a model advocated in public. Nevertheless, his service was noted and rewarded.

It is a simple idea and one worth emulating. I'm asking myself today, "How can I add value to others?"

1. It will not necessarily be planned. I will randomly bump into people I can serve. But whether scripted or unscripted, I can be a Fred.

2. I will randomly bump into Freds or Fredericas. A few months back, after a minor traffic accident, a lady passing by stopped to assist and mother my son, who was upset and very disturbed. She stayed with us until the wrecker came. I will never forget her unselfish service to a stranger. (A shoutout to you wherever you are!)

3. Interestingly enough, the Fred Factor seems to stand out in a culture of narcissism. Isn't this what plain old fashioned service is all about? It seems astonishing that people today will go out of their way to serve us, which is precisely why they stand out.

Finally, I asked myself, "How can I pass this message on to others?" You are reading one way. I'm working on passing the message on to those closest to me.

It's all about relationships. The better we can make them, the better we live.

Long Live Fred!

David Vitter's Sins

Recently, one of our senators, David Vitter, was "outed" when it was revealed that his phone number appeared on a list published by a Washington D.C. escort service alleged to be a prostitution ring. To his credit, Vitter has acknowledged a "very serious sin," and asked for forgiveness.

Vitter is well known as a social conservative championing family values. The situation is embarrassing in the least, and hypocritical at worst. Not to mention the cost to his family, reputation, and career.

Behind it all is porn publisher, Larry Flynt. Flynt was quoted as saying, "I don't want a man like that legislating for me, especially in the areas of morality."

What is wrong with the picture of a man who publishes a porn magazine making judgements about who is and who is not moral? By no means do I excuse Vitter's behavior. He admits it and has sought forgiveness and repentance.

Further, EVERY act of legislation is, in effect, an act of morality. When a law is passed, a moral judgement is made. The law states that an act is legal or illegal. No legislator does anything but legislate morality. What Flynt is saying that certain types of morality, namely sexual, should not be legislated. But even within that genre, certain types of sexual morality recieve legal treatment. There are legal limits upon the age of consent, and so on.

But the real issue to me is that in this story a pornographer is a hero and an admittedly sinful Senator is the bad guy. No wonder our culture struggles with what moral!

When a publisher of a girly magazine starts to sound more moral than a politician who stands for morality, then somehow we've managed to call evil good and good evil.

Who is the real bad guy?

Conversations With Josh Garner Of The Florida Boys

For those of you who enjoy Southern Gospel music, I have posted a new conversation with Josh Garner of the Florida Boys on our church website here. Josh is an intelligent, thoughtful young man who is obviously a big fan of his employers.

The Florida Boys have announced their retirement effective this weekend as they fill a few dates in Texas. How ironic is it that the group from Florida would finish in Texas. However, they will be honored in a special edition at the National Quartet Convention this September. They are a legendary group and leader Les Beasley is known for the innovations and contributions he has made to the music.

The conversation will also be available through christianpodder shortly. On the left side of the home page, look for music, then Southern Gospel, then

I intend for these conversations to be regular features on the web. You can even subscribe through iTunes and not miss a one!

I enjoy Southern Gospel music and host a weekly radio show. Another thing I enjoy is interviewing people on air. When I retire, I want to have Larry King's job! I hope you enjoy the interviews, and if you have suggestions for future interviews or comments, I'd be happy to hear from you. Please leave your comments.

Unusual Church Names

Some time ago, members of a pastor list I of which am part shared some more unusual church names. I leave it to the reader to draw conclusions and ponder the comments added.

One man used to pastor the “Dividing Creek Baptist Church” in NJ.

A church in Manassas, Virginia is called "Battlefield Baptist Church," as is one in Missouri.

There is a "Little Flock" and a "Little Hope" Baptist church.

One pastor tells of "Boanerges Baptist Church" (Mark 3:17-"Sons of Thunder")

Another was pastor at the “Tomotla Baptist Church.”

There is a “Hanging Dog Baptist Church,” and a “Five Points Baptist Church.” (Five points of geography or Calvin?)

One told of being pastor at the “Katherwood Baptist Church.” The land for the church was donated by a woman named Katherine Parks, who was actually a Methodist. In an attempt to thank her for her generosity, the leaders of the new church took part of her name and put it with "wood" to create the name. The "wood" was meant to identify the church with the community which was mostly undeveloped at the time.

One pastor shared that their name is “Wallers Baptist Church.” It was named after the founding pastor and great Baptist in the 1700's John Waller... or Swearing Jack Waller as he was known before his conversion. Founded in 1769, they were at one time at 1500 people under John Waller's direction. While I think that might have been a combination of three or four churches, that was still unheard of in the 1700's.

Northwest of Fort Worth is “Paradise Baptist Church” (in Paradise,TX).

About an hour east of Dallas is “Blackjack Baptist Church.” (Located in a community called Blackjack,TX).

Also, near the border of Texas and New Mexico is “Muleshoe Baptist” (Muleshoe, TX). If you look at a map, you'll notice that Muleshoe, TX is about 10 miles from Earth, Texas.

Another pastor was from “Mary Elizabeth Baptist.” Two families donated one acre of land each on which to build a church. The mothers of the donator were Mary & Mary Elizabeth so Mary Elizabeth was chosen for the church name. When the church incorporated in the late 1990's it was discovered that there was not another SBC church named Mary Elizabeth.

The "Gum Swamp OFWB Church" was founded in 1758 and got its name from the forest of gum trees surrounding it. They are planning to celebrate their 250th homecoming in September of 2008.

Dr. Dave's Southern Gospel Conversations

If you are a Southern Gospel fan, or like interviews with Christian musicians, you can find the first of many installments of my podcasts here:

I'll be posting new conversations weekly with more movers and shakers in the industry, as well as other interesting guests.

I am interested in your reviews, thoughts, and suggestions for future interviews. I have said many times that I would love to do what interviewers like Larry King do- talk to people on air about their lives and careers. If I weren't a pastor, that would be my second calling.

Check out the link and tell me what you think.

It gives me cold chills every time I pass by it...

In my home town is a major soft drink bottling plant. I remember driving by there as a child and seeing the soft drink bottles rolling down a line, being filled with refreshment. I also recall the elementary school field trips to visit the plant. I can remember hearing from an an employee after I had grown up how that very plant was busily crushing all its returnable bottles in preparation for using non returnable bottles. An era was passing.

But I digress....

Behind the plant is a church building. Once that church building held a lively and thriving congregation. Once it contained squirming children learning about God. Once that building rang with the sounds of a worshipping community, gathered weekly to sing praises to God and hear his word.

Today that church building is a warehouse, full of soft drink cases.

The building, with beautiful white columns and red bricks, looks like hundreds of church buildings throughout the South. But inside, pallets have replaced pews. Workmen replace worshippers.

What happened? Likely, the neighborhood changed and the church didn't. It had to move out or die out. It looks as if it did both.

Could it happen to other churches? Could it happen to ours? When compassion goes cold, worship becomes work, soul winning becomes secondary, service grows sour, and sacrifice becomes superficial, it will happen. If revival does not come, many churches will become empty shells, sad and stark reminders that churches cannot live in the achievements of yesterday.

We can choose- revival or a warehouse.