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Sunday

On Sunday by the power of God, Jesus burst forth from the grave.

On Sunday the Holy Spirit showed His great power by indwelling the Apostles in Jerusalem.

On Sunday people from everywhere gathered to hear the Word of the Lord.

On Sunday Peter preached a powerful, convicting sermon.

On Sunday thousands were baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.

On Sunday God began a movement that would forever change the world and impact the world like no other movement in the history of mankind.

On Sunday people will gather together in homes, in rented buildings, on ships, and in large facilities to worship our Creator.

On Sunday all over the world our Risen Lord and King will be remembered through the observance of His Supper.

On Sunday we will do our best to offer up prayers that will be a pleasing aroma to our loving Father.

On Sunday we will seek to praise Him by singing from the depths of our heart.

On Sunday we will return to Him the first-fruits of all that He has so bountifully showered upon us.

On Sunday around the world we will listen to His desires for us as His marvelous Word will be read and heralded by preachers of the Gospel.

On Sunday people who are hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually will come together to be encouraged, edified, and strengthened by binding their hearts together with others who are hurting.

On Sunday single mom’s will spend time getting their children ready to gather with others in worship.

On Sunday an elderly person will attend their first worship without their departed loved one who they have faithfully sat beside for more than fifty years.

On Sunday a teenage will be present to worship without anyone in their family because a friend invited them to worship.

On Sunday parents will sit in places of worship praying that a child who has walked away from the Lord will find their way back to Him.

On Sunday a Christian couple will sit beside one another during worship wondering if their marriage is going to make it.

On Sunday a godly Christian woman will sit in worship praying that her husband will obey Jesus.

On Sunday there will be people who are present in worship physically but their mind and heart will be a million miles away.

On Sunday concerned members of congregations will do everything within their power and will pray with all they have in them that the Church will not divide.

On Sunday shepherds in God’s Church will be present for worship and will be praying fervently that they are doing their best to shepherd and feed the flock that He has entrusted to them.

On Sunday elders will be praying that their preacher will proclaim the life-changing Word of God with passion and conviction.

On Sunday a preacher will stand before the Church with his heart breaking because of family concerns.

On Sunday a preacher will stand to preach worn out physically and emotionally, knowing he is unprepared because of spending so much time ministering to his people.

On Sunday a preacher will stand to proclaim God’s Word with a heavy heart because of disagreements with Church leadership wondering if he will have a job on Monday.

On Sunday a preacher will stand before the people of God and preach his heart out praying all the time that it will make a difference in the lives of those who listen.

On Sunday there will be rejoicing in Heaven and on earth when someone gives their life to Christ by being baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

On Sunday prayers will be answered when a prodigal makes their way home.

On Sunday God will be pleased when His children worship Him in spirit and in truth with all of their hearts.

Dear Father, help us on Sunday to pour out ourselves to You. We pray that You will be pleased with everything that we do as we gather together to worship. As we seek to glorify You and honor our Savior we pray that our hearts will be right. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

I have a dream - Matthew Brown

In our ongoing My Dream for the Church this offering from Matthew Brown who preaches at Wingate in Nashville is next. You can contact Matthew at matthewjbrown@bellsouth.net.

Having been married over five months now, I pretty much feel like an expert… But if there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that my wife and I love to dream. Our dreams probably aren’t that different from yours; home improvement ideas, new cars, Tahiti, BBQ pit master just to name a few. Dreams give us hope for what lies ahead and there truly is no greater motivator than hope. But how can dreams (hope) impact the church? How can a small idea change the world, how can a dream become reality? That’s easy-you have to dream a dream that’s worth living.

It’s my hope (dream) for the church that we can be the church. I dream that we can put petty, personal issues aside and pursue the goal of spiritual formation. I hope that following Jesus becomes more than a phrase in a prayer; that it becomes a radicle transformation of what ourlives look like. I dream that as a church our sense of unity is so strong and our love so deep that division and pride can’t make it near the building.

As I dream for the church to be the church, I hope that people will find their place in the body. No more just hearing about how you have a part, but actually living what that part is supposed to be! With this, I hope that the 20/80 rule won’t have a place at church but that 100% of the body does 100% of the work.

I hope that the church can be the church Jesus intended; that we follow his teaching, his will, and his way of life. I dream that we can be the church the community needs, spiritually and physically. Issues of homelessness, addiction, and charity will no longer be taboo, but they will be handled with love and respect. I hope that we can live in and promote a community that embodies “Your kingdom come, your will be done.”

In one of my favorite passages, the Proverb writer reminds us “hope deferred makes the heart sick”. When our dreams fail to become reality or turn into nightmares, it’s devastating. It’s easy to toss in the towel and forget our passions. But we are then told “a desire fulfilled is a tree of life”. There are few greater joys than a realized dream and few prouder moments than working to the completion of the dream.

We all have dreams for the church, now let’s start living those dreams until they become our tree of life.

The Pioneer Conference: Expanding God's Territory

I am so excited about this conference. Be sure to watch the video below - Trust me you want to see this! The article that follows is written by my son, Philip, who is one of the ministers at Mount Juliet. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL6RzYEFR0A&feature=youtu.be

God's church is meant for pioneers.

Pioneers who want to see His church go beyond, fulfilling His Mission in the community.

Pioneers who want to see the God's love reach hearts that have never been reached.

Pioneers who want to see disciples grow and disciples grown.

What the church needs are pioneers--elders, deacons, preachers, youth ministers, volunteers, Christians—willing to expand God’s territory, fulfilling the Great Commission in the place where you live.

We are PUMPED to share with you the things that we have prepared for the first Pioneer Conference in Mt. Juliet, TN, and we want to invite you to and a team of people from your congregation to attend.

It is our hope that you will leave the conference more fired up and inspired than ever before, to “do something” evangelistic in your community.

This year we want to share with you what we learned from a local evangelism campaign we called "12 Questions" (www.12questions.net). God used it to bless a lot of lives in a lot of ways and we believe God can use it to bless a lot of lives where you live, too.

We hope you'll join us at Mt. Juliet Church of Christ on December 6th from 9am-1pm as we do our best to share with fellow pioneers how to take this campaign back home with you, expanding God's territory where you live!

The conference is completely free and all you have to do to register is send an email to pioneer@mtjuliet.org. Please let us know how many will be joining us from your congregation.

We hope to see you there!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email: pioneer@mtjuliet.org

Facebook: The Pioneer Conference

Twitter: @churchpioneers

www.mtjuliet.org

www.12questions.net

2030 N Mt. Juliet Rd.

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

My Dream for the Church

In our My Dream series next up is David Gardner.  We pray these post from ministers 30 years old and younger are providing you hope and inspiration!

My dream for the church is members who increase in knowledge and understanding.  My dream is for elders and preachers who don’t burn out, members who don’t spin out and visitors on a Sunday morning who don’t run out.  It is for honest hearts coming from humble places to take to gospel to unfamiliar faces.

It is to see forgiveness, love, reconciliation, joy, and healing.  It is to see Christ permeating through the hearts of like minded and eagerly hopeful Christians.  It is to eliminate divorce, make peace between unforgiving souls, and commune with hopefully expectant souls.  My dream is to sit across the lunch table from people sharing their stories of victory over pornography, alcohol, self righteousness, and apathy.

It is to hear of evangelistic zeal at every corner, of bible classes that are filled with overly prepared teachers and students whose eyes light up at the telling of moving Bible accounts.  My dream is to witness new births more frequently and hear of church splits less regularly.  It is to one day sit at the feet of a teacher who I saw immersed into Christ and witnessed years of positive spiritual formation.

My dream is really not my dream—it’s getting to participate in God’s dream.  It began in the beginning, and wove its way through a great cloud of witnesses:  Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Hannah, Samuel, David, John the Baptist--and others, who through faith, conquered armies, were made strong out of weakness, overcame adversity, and put spiritual forces of evil to flight--to not only hear of these men and women, but to take their stories and make them our stories.

My dream is to strengthen my knees behind the pulpit and have the guts to do my part.  To return curses with blessings, threatening with trust in God, and abuse with service.  My dream is to preach confidently regardless of the tension, conflict, and heartaches I have sat through the week before. My dream is to be engaged with my audience, faithful to the word, and humble in my presentation.  My dream is to do my part by fulfilling my ministry, filling the void of empty hearts, and letting God receive all the glory.

My dream is to get out of the way and let God watch his dream unfold in a chaotic world for his dominion and glory.  It is to see redemption and renewed confidences, and souls grasping so tightly to their hope that nothing in all of creation would cause them to lose it. My dream is to see the church brought up to heaven one day, and to grab the arm of Jesus and thank him for letting me participate in his dream.

I Dream of a church...

Our next post in the "My Dream for the Church" comes from Caleb Cochran of the Rockville congregation in Maryland.  

~ Ω ~

I dream of a church that engages my heart, soul, mind, and strength in a greater love of God each time we meet. When I walk away from a worship assembly, I want to know that my heart has been encouraged by the fellowship of my family, my soul has been engaged in spiritual and truthful worship, my mind has been challenged by the Word, and to expect my body now to be motivated for impact on the world over the next 6 days.

I dream of a church like Thessalonica with a community reputation for works of faith, labors of love, and becoming a megaphone through which the Word of the Lord will echo.

I dream of a church who prioritizes both out-reach and in-reach. I need to belong to a missional church that is focused on the increase of Kingdom territory. But as a new citizen of that Kingdom, if I am not discipled and plugged into Kingdom Work, then I may take my allegiance elsewhere.

I dream of a church that respects the needs and values the contributions of each age, gender, and racial demographic. This body of believers does not isolate an ear from an eye but, as Titus was instructed, highlights the vital neural pathways between the older and younger and all our members from their variety of backgrounds.

I dream of a church that stays rooted in sound doctrine, knowing that the roots supply what’s needed for fruit production. But if you find nothing but leaves on your fig tree, you might want to make sure you hit all the roots by spreading your watering and fertilizer all the way around the tree. Healthy teaching involves balance, and balance goes beyond the same handful of standard 5-point-cookie-cutter sermons on worship and salvation.

I dream of a church that challenges - consistently and positively challenges its sheep to know and follow their Good Shepherd. I need to know my own sheepish tendencies. And while I realize my dependency on the Shepherd’s lordship, I also need to be challenged to develop both my dove-like innocence and my serpent-like shrewdness. Scold me too much, and you might construct a false fence between me and the grace of the Shepherd. Baby me too much, and I will fail to reach adulthood as a sheep, dove, or serpent. Positively challenge me, and over time you will see me grow into the sheep that knows the Shepherd’s voice…the dove whose flight is marked by grace and purity…the serpent who applies its maker’s wisdom to all its interactions.

I dream of a church that employs a defense plan for the faith of each member – shepherds overseeing their souls, teachers diving with them into the depths of the Scriptures, brothers and sisters bearing their burdens. Especially as a young person or a young Christian, I need to know the enemy’s moral and intellectual tactics. So I need to develop a 1 Peter 3:15 plan.

I dream of a church that imitates her Lord in every aspect – its mission mindset, its compassion, its devotion to prayer, its welcoming atmosphere to outsiders, its challenging but encouraging teachings, its stance for truth, its unity.

I guess what I’m dreaming of is a church that would not be ashamed to humbly and truthfully call itself “the church of Christ.”

Scoops coming at you!

The BETTER Conference in Tennessee begins Monday. We are two weeks from BETTER: Texas. It's not too late to get into either - go to www.PreachBETTER.com today and get in. Here are today's scoops:

SD: The church in Huron, South Dakota is looking for a preacher. About 12,000 souls live there.  They want someone to help evangelize in the community and rebuild the congregation. Right now they have 6 members. The salary is negotiable:

Send resumes to: Jimmy Waggoner P O Box 782 Sanger, TX 76266 or: email: huronpreach@yahoo.com

The minister for the Gastonia COC (Mike Morton) and all the elders have resigned.  Mike is still there, but I don't know for how long.  This has been announced to the congregation.  Their website is http://gastoniachurchofchrist.com/  Gastonia is West of Charlotte, NC.    

TN: The Munford congregation near Memphis is looking for a pulpit minister.  Their attendance is 125-150. Their present preacher Randy Collum is leaving to work with a children's home - his number is 901 827-1216. One of the elders is Bob Holland (elder). 901 331-2346. I am told he is the contact elder.

KY:  The Richmond Church of Christ is looking for a Family/Youth Minister.  Learn more about the church on their website: richmondcc.org They have about 350 members and a good history of effective elderships. They are located in a university town on the edge of the Cumberland Mountains but boast a small town atmosphere. They are  "looking for a strong, Bible-based, family man who will function well as a facilitator. He must be well-versed in Scripture and have a heart for evangelism. He must be a man who recognizes that the Bible is the single and final authority. We want a man who has experience working with youth and families. This man also must be fluent in the social media world as this is the world of our youth."   There will be opportunities to preach. The goal for this work is to expect and to see spiritual growth. Serious inquiries send email to: familyminister@richmondcc.org. Review of applications has begun; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. 

GA: The Cumming Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA is a small congregation about 30 miles north of Atlanta.  They are looking for a minister.  Hank Carroll is the contact elder: hldlcarroll@comcast.net  Attendance is about 50 on Sunday worship with two elders.  The current minister will leave  September 28 and is moving back to his home town.  They told us: "We want someone with an in-depth knowledge of God's Word, someone who holds fast to Biblical truths and is able to effectively communicate those truths for the building u and growth of the church.  We would like that he (and family) to be active in church ministries and in the lives of our membership."

PA: The Ligonier Church of Christ is seeking a full time Gospel Preacher.  Their attendance runs about 80 and they are working towards an eldership.  Ligonier is about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. They are "looking for a candidate with formal training in Biblical studies and one who will hold individual Bible studies with prospective and/or new members with the assistance of our members. Being able to reach out to, and communicate with the young people in our community is a definite attribute we are seeking in our preacher." Send resume and a recent audio sermon to: Ligonier Church of Christ P.O. Box 186 Ligonier, PA 15658 or email sharr@grane.com. Please include "Ligonier Preacher Search" in the subject line.

MS: The Southaven church in Mississippi, just outside of Mempis is looking for a preacher. Learn more about them at: http://southavencoc.org/

That's all we've got today. Let us know what we have missed.

Jay Leno's Unintentional Message to Preachers

So you’re gussying up Sunday’s lesson - here’s a few thoughts for you.  

I was blessed to get to be at the Cane Ridge Lectures a couple of days this week. When I got to my room last night the cable didn’t have History Channel or A&E or any of those stations where I watch my strange little shows. So as I answered email and studied “Last Comic Standing” was in the background. The “contestants” were round-tabling with Jay Leno and what he said caught my ear.  Of course he was talking about standup routines but it could be an overlay for some good tips on preaching. See if you see what I mean:

“You just be funny. Don’t be famous because you’ve always got a feud going. … A lot of people get what they want to say in front of the joke. But, the joke always comes first…just be funny. Don’t be famous for something other than being a comedian - because you have a feud going or you’ve got this going - your argument with your landlord or wife or someone in the audience - don’t take that to the stage with you. It takes away from the joke. … Don’t judge yourself by how she does or how he does, just do what you do, you’re each different and you never know which one will hit..just enjoy doing it…”

So here’s Jay’s unintentional three point sermon to preachers:

Just preach truth. Don’t be famous because you’ve always got a hobby-horse going on.  A lot of people get what they want to say in front of the gospel. The gospel always comes first.

Don’t be known because you have a feud going - your argument with your elders, or your spouse or someone in the audience - don’t take that to the pulpit with you. It takes away from the gospel.

Don’t judge yourself by how other preachers do or are known, just do what you do, you’re each different. Be you. Just enjoy preaching truth. 

Blessings to you as you preach - and be a blessing. 

The Sun Came out today Scoops...

The winter that hasn't wanted to end is finally giving up the ghost!!! Hurrah!  So, in honor of a little warmer weather I have some scoops just for you. TN: I want to begin today with a big congratulations to dear friends Steve Baggett (Walnut Street in Dickson) and Bill Watkins (Crieve Hall in Nashville) who have been added to the Board of Directors at Freed-Hardeman University.  Both will be a blessing to FHU.

TN: Central in downtown Nashville has hired A.T. Pate to be their new preacher.  He follows Gary Dodd who has been preaching there for a few years.

GA: Brandon Edwards will be moving to work with the Lewisville congregation in Texas as their Outreach Minister (yes, that's where Jeff is).  This means the Buford congregation is looking for a new Youth Minsiter.  Interested candidates should submit a resume by email to johnburnette@bufordcoc.com or send it by physical mail to: Buford Church of Christ Youth Minister Search Committee Attn: John Burnette 1135 Chatham Rd. Buford, GA 30518

SC: Andy Brewster will be going to Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill, SC to be their new preacher.  He is leaving the associate/youth role at Augusta Road in Greenville, SC.

AL/TN: Tim Roland the preacher at the Childersburg church in Alabama scoops himself. He will be moving to Barlett, TN to preach for the Ellendale Church. He needed to move back to Tennessee and is leaving on good terms.  

AL: Mike Ray has also contacted us. He is the deacon who will be their contact.  Mike is also the outreach minister. They are a congregation with an average attendance of about 60 and have two elders and 5 deacons. They have recently had 6 baptisms and several families place membership. They feel like good growth is ahead for them. Send resumes or interest to: Childersburg, Church of Christ 419 Coosa Pines Dr. Childersburg, AL 35044, mray410@charter.net or churchofchris22@bellsouth.net. And the office number is: 256-378-6644.

TX: The Wheeler congregation of 140 in a town of about 4,000 is looking for a preacher.  It's an Oil and Gas town also comprised of farmers and ranchers.  They are looking for a younger preacher.  There are four elders, five deacons, and several young families in the congregation.  The contact is Stacy McCastland: mccas@me.com or 806-886-4000.

TN: The great historic but small Owen Chapel Church of Christ in Brentwood, TN (on the corner of Franklin Road and Concord Road) is looking for a part time guy.  Chad Hedgepath has been with them helping out since the fall of last year.  He loves the church there but needs to move on. They have asked him to help find his replacement: Historic congregation from the 1800s. Only meet Sunday mornings. 25-30 members. Older congregation. Looking for someone to teach class at 9 am and preach at 10 am. 3 elders. Several deacons. To find out move contact Chad: hedge33@yahoo.com.

TN: Ivy Point is looking for a preacher - Charles Spencer 615 876-8222. 498-6436 (cell) candpspencer@comcast.net.

TX: Residential Services Director Position Notice Are you ready to give broken children the better world they deserve? We invite the right person with a passion for serving others, a drive to help children excel, a knack for managing people, a history of successful outcomes and a desire to grow in their profession to connect with us.  You will enjoy the opportunity to develop your strengths with additional job duties and enrich your experience as we expand our services and programs. You will receive a competitive benefits package and retirement plan, not to mention the wealth of practice helping children and families embrace a second chance for a normal life and a faith in God. Let’s chat about your background, abilities and dreams!  Please contact Tom Hagan, LCCA, Central Texas Children’s Home Executive Director at 512.243.1386 or by email at tom@ctch.org to schedule a campus visit.  We only hire folks who are members of the Church of Christ and this position does require a Master’s Degree in Social Work, or related field, with two years’ experience with children in crisis. Live in one of the most exciting areas of Texas!  We can’t wait to meet you!

TN: I'm told that Kelly Campbell will begin working soon as the associate minister at the Highland Heights congregation in Smyrna, TN.

TN: Collegeside in Cookeville is looking for a new YM.

More coming soon.

COLLEGE AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST - El Dorado, Arkansas, ASSOCIATE/DISCIPLESHIP MINISTER POSITION

COLLEGE AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST ASSOCIATE/DISCIPLESHIP MINISTER POSITION

CHURCH DESCRIPTION: The College Avenue church of Christ is an undenominational family of believers with over 500 members and children. We are led by seven shepherds and thirty-six deacons. Our church is a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, and grace-oriented congregation that is growing steadily in both numbers and ministries. Our welcoming spirit, strong ministries, and outstanding community reputation have enabled us to attract a very diverse group of believers from many religious, social, and ethnic backgrounds. You can find more information about our church at www.cacoc.org.

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION: El Dorado is a city of some 19,000. The county has a population of over 41,000. We also draw members from surrounding cities of Camden; Hampton; Magnolia; Strong; and Junction City, Louisiana. Information about our area is available at www.eldoradoar.org

SouthArk Community College is located here. Its website is www.southark.edu. El

Dorado is also home to the El Dorado Promise, a unique program that pays college tuition for graduates of the El Dorado School System. You may learn more about this scholarship program at www.eldoradopromise.com.

ASSOCIATE/DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY POSITION: This is a permanent, full-time position and is scheduled to begin as soon as possible. Our Associate Minister will report to the Shepherds in general, and work with our senior minister (Kent Jobe) and youth and family minister (Jason Baker). The day-to-day scheduling of activities for all our ministry staff is coordinated by Kent Jobe, Senior minister. The ministry staff (Kent & Jason Baker, our Youth & Family minister) meets each Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. to share in a time of prayer, spiritual and professional development, mutual support, and ministry coordination.

The ideal candidate for this position will have some ministry training and/or experience. Experience with counseling is a plus. He will be committed to personal integrity and will be willing to maintain a rigorous accountability partnership with another godly Christian man. The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality and a passion for bringing the lost to Jesus. He will also have the ability to deal with people of diverse backgrounds, including the poor and those of different races, compassionately and without prejudice. He will have enough Christian maturity to relate well to “mainstream members” and enough worldly wisdom to deal with non-Christian individuals who have backgrounds in addictive behaviors like substance abuse, alcoholism, gambling, anger, pornography, etc. or with those who are impacted by loved ones with such behaviors.

While opportunities to preach could occasionally be made available to an individual who requested it, this is not a preaching position. We are seeking someone who is willing to spend time in visitation and personal Bible studies, in discipling new converts and equipping Christians to serve in ministry. This will require the Associate Minister to plan to work some evenings and the occasional Saturday. Appropriate time off during the week will be made available to compensate.

The Associate Minister’s Responsibilities will fall under four areas:

• Evangelism: Develop new contacts & bring them to Christ (Matt. 28:18-19)

Specific Responsibilities:

• Conduct personal Bible studies and lead individuals to the Lord.

• Track and Organize Evangelistic contacts (along with the ministry staff)

• Call, write, and/or visit worship guests (along with the ministry staff)

• Education & Edification: Help bring current members to a deeper relationship with God (Matt. 28:20)

Specific Responsibilities:

• Work with the current education deacon and ministry team to improve our

• Be intentional in our teacher recruitment and have a plan in place (curriculum

• Be willing/able to teach (all ages)

• Coordinate resources for special adult classes (videos, speakers, etc.)

• Equip & Encourage: Assimilate members into areas of ministry that utilize education program and teachers) their spiritual gifts- especially recruit and train those who have the gift of outreach and discipling (Eph. 412-13; II Tim. 2:2)

Specific Responsibilities:

• Have a presence in the homes of members and visitors

• Use the current ministry inventory forms to assimilate members ASAP.

• Establish a presence with “fringe” members (Recovery community, new

• Work with the staff, elders, and deacons to equip and support our members, those not plugged in, etc.) volunteers to more effectively serve in various ministries.

• Pair “veterans” with newer members in various ministries in a mentoring relationship.

Needs that will be addressed in the long-term by the ministry staff as a whole:

• Design and implement, with congregational support, a rigorous follow-up

• Develop a system of hospitality that will get new members connected with program for new converts that would include an intentional discipling process, mentoring, and life skills training when appropriate. current members to further help new members “plug in.”

• Administrative/Misc.:

• Collaborate with the shepherds, deacons, and staff to achieve our ministry

• Commit to being a team player with all our leadership, and to helping us

• Active visitation of those in the hospital and nursing homes (in a rotation with

• Pastoral counseling (as needed)

• Preach (in cooperation and coordination with Kent)

• Growth group ministry coordinator (with Kent and the growth group deacons)

• Contribute to the church publications (UpWords, DownHome, worship bulletin)

• Help out in other areas as needed and assigned, goals, and especially our community outreach efforts. (maintain the harmony and unity we now enjoy. the ministry staff) (articles, promo., etc.) as needed

CONTACT INFORMATION: Mail – P.O. Box 10040, El Dorado, AR 71730

E-Mail: cacocministersearch@gmail.com ; (870) 862-1552 (Church)

(870) 918-2740 (Kent’s cell)

Scoop news and notes

Before we get to the scoops let me remind you to subscribe or RSS Hope & Expectation part of TJI.  This month we are focusing on "My One Thing" - the articles on One Thing our writers would tell other ministers have been RICH!  http://thejenkinsinstitute.com/blog/. Posts so far this month have come from Cecil May, JR., Chris McCurley and Adam Faughn. Tonight we added new ones from: Russ Crosswhite, Steve Baggett and James Hayes. It seems to always be moving season now. We've got several moves to announce today and a few more to talk about next week. As always please share what you know so we can all help each other out.

The church at Allisona in College Grove, TN is looking for a part-time preacher. Contact Tim McElroy at mcelroyt@comcast.net for more information. Tim will be going to work with Leeanna near Murfreesboro as the Family minister.

Jeremy Butt will be moving to work with the church at Northview in Columbia. We rejoice with Jeremy.  He has been one of the ministers at West 7th in Columbia.

This scoop from Gayle Crowe: Lake Oconee, located near the towns of Greensboro, Ga and Madison, GA. It is a retirement community with a lot of golf courses nearby.  The congregation averages 35.  The age range is from 30 to 80 years. They have no elders.  The congregation there was established in the area in 1997. The Church does not have minister housing. If you're interested or need more information contact Jim Pirtle: jepssp@aol.com.  

This scoop indirectly through Andy Connelly.  The Destin Church of Christ in Florida is looking for a youth minister.  They have about 150 members and a youth group of around 20 young people.  For more info contact Jimmy Johnson - j.johnson@johnsonpeaden.com

Adam Richardson scooped himself last week.  He has accepted the pulpit work at the Petersville congregation in Florence, AL.  He will start there in August. To learn more about the work he is leaving check on http://www.senecachurchofchrist.org/.

Frank Collier who has served as one of the youth ministers at West 7th in Columbia will be moving to work with the Cordova Church of Christ in California.

The Summitville Church of Christ, in Manchester, TN is looking for a preacher.  They have about 50 on Sunday mornings and are looking for a full time preacher.  Interested? Contact Charles Harris who is the preacher leaving the congregation: cjh43006@gmail.com 

Recent Florida School of Preaching grad Creston Frizzel has accepted a position as pulpit minister at the Hannibal Church of Christ in Hannibal, MO.

The Jackson Street Church of Christ located in Magnolia, Arkansas, is searching for a full-time Campus/Youth minister. They said it this way:  "The successful candidate will be responsible for the effective overall ministry of the Jackson St. Youth Group and the Riders for Christ campus ministry at Southern Arkansas University (SAU). These responsibilities include: teaching 1-2 classes each week, planning of devotionals and weekly meal for the college students, organizing service projects/retreats/special events, involvement in summer camps, oversight of the day to day upkeep of the church of Christ student center near the SAU campus, supervision of youth and campus interns, and preaching in the absence of the pulpit minister. Other assigned responsibilities may be worked out with the elders based on needs of the congregation and the interests of the candidate. A married man with relevant experience is preferred."  Current attendance is about 140 and they have five elders.   Magnolia is about 150 miles from Little Rock and 50 miles from Texarkana. Southern Arkansas University is located here with an enrollment averaging 3000-3500 students. Want to apply?

Send: • Application letter • Resume listing past experience and education • At least three personal references as well as three or more ministry related references. To Jackson Street Church of Christ 313 South Jackson Street P.O. Box 307 Magnolia, Arkansas 71754-0307 Phone: 870-234-3053 email: sec-jscoc@sbcglobal.net.

Hilldale Youth Ministry Role

HILLDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST YOUTH MINISTRY – JOB DESCRIPTION

1. The Youth Minister should have a degree in Bible or an educational equivalent with a primary emphasis in Youth Ministry.

2. It is our preference for our Youth Minister to be MARRIED.

3. We would prefer the Youth Minister to have a minimum of two years experience as a Youth Minister, Educator, or as an Associate Minister with at least some youth ministry experience.

MINISTRY DUTIES:

1. Assure that our youth are taught the basic, sound, and fundamental principles of the Bible.

2. Maintain a youth program for all ages which will reach others and their families in the Clarksville, Ft. Campbell community.

3. Establish and promote special programs and activities that will contribute to the spiritual, mental, and social development of our youth and children of all ages.

4. Visit the families of each teenager until all teens have been visited in a personal way.

5. Participate in regular visitation efforts of weekly visitors to our congregation (especially visiting with families who have children that will be part of the youth program in any way).

6. Demonstrate leadership capabilities and interests by taking a regular leadership role in all areas of public worship: preach (as scheduled by the elders); lead singing; preside at the Lord’s Table; and lead prayer.

7. Conduct Chapel once a week for the Hilldale Christian Child Care Center, and the Clarksville Christian School as needed.

8. Maintain specific office hours. (These will be worked out and designated during the actual Youth Minister interview and hiring process.)

9. Communicate effectively weekly, monthly, and annually with the congregation via: weekly bulletin article; monthly calendar; email; and youth web page.

10. Be involved (when possible) in local school activities.

11. Involve parents and other members who are willing to help with overall youth program.

12. Maintain complete roll and status (attendance, baptism, etc.) for all grades. Follow up on absences with calls, visits, and cards.

13. Conduct and be involved with various annual retreats and Christian camps with specific themes and emphasis (Spring, Fall, Winter retreats - Also Father/Son & Mother/Daughter retreats, etc.)

14. Attend/Participate in annual Youth Rallies such as CYC (Pigeon Forge, TN) and Uplift (Harding University), Lads to Leaders and other approved programs.

15. Schedule devotionals as appropriate for the entire youth group.

16. Involve the youth in service projects regularly.

17. Be able to develop and lead an educational program for the entire congregation as needed and as directed by the Elders.

SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

1. The elders will exercise final responsibility of hiring, retaining or dismissing the Youth Minister.

2. The Youth Minister will be under the direct supervision of the Elders, but will work closely in a “team” effort with other Hilldale Ministerial Staff, Youth Ministry deacon(s), Parents, and Other Adults who havengiven themselves to serve in Hilldale’s Youth Ministry.

3. The Elders will conduct an Annual Evaluation interview with the Youth Minister. This review will cover all facets of the Youth Ministry at Hilldale and may encourage improvement in some areas.

SALARY:

The Youth Minister’s salary will be commensurate with a person’s experience, education and duties.

VACATION And OTHER BENEFITS:

Vacation days, other “time off,” and other benefits will be discussed and worked out with the Youth Minister during the initial hiring interview and at each Annual Review date thereafter. Benefits would likely include such things as a designated housing allowance; Health Insurance; ½ match SSI or Regular Retirement Account Contributions; Business Expense Reimbursement Policy, etc.

“OFF” DAY:

The Youth Minister is expected to take a designated “day off” each work week. The specific day will be determined during the Youth Minister interview process.