[GFI associate, and founder of Crossways to Life, reported on a recent mission trip.]

by Don Higgins,
Ontario, Canada

Miriam and I have just returned from Zambia. We were guests at a Northerm Baptist Association Conference which they [hold] every 2 or 3 years. Here we were, 1200 people, sitting on the ground under the trees with the regalia of the association leaders under a tin roof, ribbons and flare all over the place, and I was to give them 7 lessons on the abundant life in Jesus, and I could not even speak their language. Through and interpreter, I had up to an hour and a half over 4 days to get the task done.

We had an amazing response. They were very attentive, they came forward without an appeal for help, and there were pastors there to help them. However, hardly anyone there had ever heard that they died with Christ [Gal. 2:20], now they have heard it. At the end of the 6th session, one of their distinguished leaders, (2nd in command) led all of them (1200 or so) in a “say after me” prayer which I have attached. They prayed it in their own language (Lamba), and from the level of response, it appeared to me that hundreds were sincere about their prayers.

Scores of folks came to me between sessions and told me how deeply the Spirit was speaking to their hearts. While their native language is Lamba, over 50% of the folks speak the official language of the land which is English. I have no doubt that the Spirit did speak. I sensed a strong anointing throughout, and the response was well received.

The seed is now sown, the Spirit will water and give the increase, and we will wait to see what happens. The President of the Association immediately invited me to return to teach these truths to a pastors seminar next February, (good weather timing), where he expects that he will have 100 or more pastors, leaders, elders and some women in attendance at the Bible School there. I will be given 5 full days, 6 hours each day, in English only, to present the truths of the Exchanged Life Conference.

WOW, and I thought I was retired.

From a church leader who has been equipped by Grace Fellowship’s training and materials. He serves as volunteer Director of Soul Care at his church:

“I hope this blesses you as it does me. The ‘fruits’ of your GRACE 220 labors up here just keep on “rolling” forward. Praise Jesus. Here’s a reaction to a “Eureka” moment from a counselee whom I’ve been taking thru the GRACE 220 material recently 🙂 Here’s what he just sent me: ‘ I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!! Not I, but Christ. Not doing in order to be, but BEING in order to DO. I was crucified with Christ, resurrected, and ascended into heaven WITH Him. I can do all things because HE CAN DO ALL THINGS!!!! Woohoo!!! Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus!… I’ve got the biggest smile on my face and nothing looks the same. Thank you for everything brother. Please pray for protection from the enemy, that I would pick up my cross daily and keep my life surrendered to Him. Thank you again.'”

Amen!

David Bosley and his wife Tresa have always had a calling and passion for helping boys. Over the years they have taken in dozens of children of all ages into their own home, in addition to raising their own four children. After gaining training in dealing with youth issues the Bosleys founded the not-for-profit Master’s Ranch Boys Home in 1997 (MastersRanch.org). They attended a GFI conference in July for a refresher where David gave a brief testimony of how the Christ-centered counseling message was used in his life and family, and how the boys at Masters Ranch are being helped.

By Bob Hostelter

You are a pastor. You preach and teach, care and console. You manage and maneuver, love and lead. You pour yourself out. You “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you” (1 Peter 5:2, ESV).

You also need a pastor.

Every pastor needs a pastor. Every pastor needs someone who does the things the pastor is doing for others—encourage, equip, coach, console, support, love and lead. Unfortunately, very few pastors have that kind of relationship, which helps to explain why so many burn out or drop out—and why many others say they would leave the ministry if they thought they could.

Few denominations and church staff systems allow or encourage the establishment and maintenance of a pastor-to-a-pastor relationship. Unless you’re in a very rare situation, the chances are good that you will have to take the initiative and do the work of filling that need in your life. But it is a need, make no mistake. It is not an option, if you plan to not just survive but also thrive in ministry.

So what can you do? Where do you go? Here are a few suggestions to help you do what (of course) you encourage your flock to do—have a caring, capable pastor in your life to lead, teach, encourage and equip you:

• Approach someone you already know. Someone who is already in your circle of relationships. It may be a retired pastor or someone in an entirely different field. It shouldn’t be someone in your church but could be someone you’ve crossed paths with. Someone who impressed you, maybe. Or someone who reached out to you. If such a person comes to mind, consider asking him or her to meet regularly with you, perhaps just as a sounding board at first. Let the relationship develop from there.
• Consult a spiritual director. Spiritual direction may be a new concept for you, but it can be a transforming experience to have someone to meet with regularly who will listen—not only to you but also to the Holy Spirit—and offer sensitive wisdom and guidance. My friend Kasey is a fine example of this kind of ministry. Christian spiritual directors in your area can be found through Spiritual Directors International.
• Find a good Christian counselor. Years ago, my church planting coach would ask me and my co-pastor every time we met, “Do you have a shrink yet?” He clearly considered it not only important but also urgent. So I started meeting regularly with a counselor, and boy was I glad I did. A good Christian counselor can often be like a pastor to a pastor; mine was to me. If the first person you consult isn’t quite a “match,” don’t give up. Keep trying. Ask others for recommendations or start here.
• Use available resources. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of an actual, on-site, flesh-and-blood person to pour into you as you are pouring into others. But in rare circumstances, that may not be possible for you. If that is the case, make sure to utilize all available resources, such as:

• “Thriving Pastor,” the ministry to pastors of Focus on the Family. They also provide a Facebook page, Twitter account and pastoral care line (844-4PASTOR).
• Podcasts. I have been fed and encouraged over the years by the podcasts of various pastors—some that provide encouragement specifically to those in ministry, and others, like Erwin McManus or James MacDonald, that podcast sermons or Bible studies. Here is a helpful listing.
• Retreats. I’ve posted previously on this blog about retreat centers and getaways that are offered specifically for pastors (here). While some hosts at such places leave you alone, others make themselves available for those who want to talk. Such encounters may lead to a more enduring relationship, magnifying the benefit of the retreat.

These are just a few ideas. But please believe me when I say you need a pastor. What’s good for the sheep is good for the shepherd. It will strengthen you and your ministry, making you even more of an example to the flock.

More from Bob Hostelter or visit Bob at http://desperatepastor.blogspot.com/

The message of the rest of the Gospel (identification with Christ through salvation) has been illustrated in our friend, David Howell’s, online video and booklets. Here’s an update from him:

“Four weeks ago we posted How to be a Child of God ebook on the website in Russian. The first month was 1215 visitors to see that book from all over Russia (Google Analytics). I am astounded! Just posted in Hebrew as well.”

Let’s pray for God to mightily use the booklets as they are distributed (especially the prison ministry project) as well as these multi-language online resources. HowtoBeaChildofGod.com

We appreciated this email:

Hi,
… I wonder if all the unchurched must go the way of the Law to teach them that there is no strength in their flesh? Religion makes people Pharisees because it looks at the outward person apart from the work of the Holy Spirit who works on the inner man. Religion is I focused, not I in Christ crucified. Grace focused teaching needs to lean on the finished work of what Christ did not only at the cross, but who I am in Him at the cross–my new identity…

Sincerely,
B.G.

p.s. Isn’t the law designed to break us of having any confidence in our flesh (self-effort) apart from the Holy Spirit?

[Yes! – Phil. 3:3-10 – JBW]

Recently, John met with the Director of Living Free ministries in Chattanooga, TN. They have published a Christian counseling oriented small group curriculum that has benefited an estimated 800,000 in the last 25 years (www.livingfree.org). John shared about the distinctive message and approach of GFI, and we are now reviewing each other’s foundational materials. Wouldn’t it be great for them to catch the vision of recommending Exchanged Life equipping for their small group facilitators?

It is a joy to mentor those who have taken the Conference and Workshop. Here is a recent email from one of our alumni:

“I wanted to give you an update on where and what is going on with me. First, I’m finally working in a field I enjoy. I work for ____ Criminal Justice Services Division at a program as a job developer/counselor/educator. My supervisor is a Pastor. Today I had asked him about what he does outside work, etc. and the fact I want to start a Christian Counsleing program using Dr. Solomon’s Spirituotherapy, etc. and he said that he has been praying to find a partner in this ministry. Can you believe it! Awesome! God is AWESOME! So he and I will meet soon. I will [also] begin to work on my [GFI] certification with you once I get going.”

Let’s continue to pray for our alumni, that they would experience God’s direction and anointing in their discipleship counseling ministries!

A Personal Testimony
By Richard M.

Having come into this world in 1952, I entertained two ideas about myself from a very early age: the feeling of being “extra,” unnecessary, unwanted, had over-ridden all other emotions since I can remember; the cry of my heart for a man to love me, care about me, accept me … again, ever since I can remember.

Shortly after I turned six, something happened which added to the decimation of my personhood, though as an adult it helped make sense out of my childhood experiences. My younger sister was born about a month-and-a-half after my sixth birthday. One day shortly thereafter I had done something wrong. (Name a six-year-old who hasn’t!) This time my mother’s only response was: “We wanted your older brother, we wanted your little sister. We were stuck with you!” Until then I only thought I had a concept of the meaning of hard times…

Continue reading the full testimony here…