Theological Reflection on Weak Voices

Weak voices. I was thinking about that particular problem today (as one might imagine, given my current affliction) when I received an email from a kind member who remarked that last evening’s sermon was, in her words, ‘powerful’.

It occurred to me when I read that, that there might well be a theological truth hidden behind weakened vocal cords. And that truth is that the power of the Word of God isn’t manifested in the loudness (or lack thereof) of the voice proclaiming it. It is manifested in the truth itself. God’s Word need not be yelled to be true. And in point of fact, when it is rattled through a raspy throat it is all the more miraculous and impressive that God takes that raspy sound and by the power of the Spirit applies it to listening ears and hearts. To adapt a phrase from Isaiah, ‘voices wither and vocal cords fade, but the Word of God abides’.

News From the Executive Board

The Association is assembling a team to go to Blaine, Kentucky June 23-27th to conduct VBS, Backyard Bible Club, and evangelistic efforts. They are also taking food to distribute to the needy. Please consider going or helping with food provision. And certainly, begin now to pray for their efforts. If you would like to go- call Mason at the Association office.

Speaking of prayer, May 18th is the Day of Prayer for VBS.

But before both those events, this coming Tuesday, April 22 is the Association Workshop at Trenton Street beginning with dinner at 6. There are sessions for everyone:

Conference for Deacons
Conference for Treasurers
Conference on Dealing with Difficult People
Conference for Women
Music Conference
Conference for Bi-Vocational Ministers
Conference for Youth Leaders

Finally, the Association is partnering with an Association in Iowa and their representatives will be here on May 13th. If you would like to find out about the details of the Partnership meet with them at the Harriman Cracker Barrel that day at 1 PM.

From Loyd & Peg’s 55th Anniversary

Photos are here.

A Special and Urgent Prayer Request

A Baptist Youth group from Atlanta is in Haiti. Unfortunately riots have broken out in many cities and towns there. The U.N. is sorely outnumbered. It is unsafe to travel and we have been asked to pray for their safety. They are staying put for in a small village now and in fact they are basically confined/trapped in a hotel room. The UN is supposed to try to escort them to the airport so they can leave on Saturday for the states. Pray that God calms all the violence and protects the team.

More Help For Church Pulpit Committees

For two weeks in a row now the Baptist and Reflector has had stories about churches and their pulpit committees. It must be a sign.

Jamie’s Baby Shower

A nice time was had by all and photos of the happy event are available here.

Small Churches Do Matter

A report in the North Carolina Biblical Recorder notes

The Barna Research Group says in the United States the average church attracts 89 adults on a typical weekend. Among churches affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, 55 percent have attendance of 100 or fewer on Sunday morning, according to their church profile reports.

Barna says only two percent of churches have more than 1,000 adults in a typical weekend.

…

In a culture where bigger is better and in a cultural theology that says growth is a mandatory sign of health, the small church and its leadership must often feel second-class.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Real growth is in depth as much as it is in width. In fact, depth is more important than width; as the roots of the tree are more important than the span of its branches.

Emergency Prayer

Emergency prayer.  That’s the sort of prayer one offers to God when one is in real trouble.  It’s the equivalent of calling 911.  But calling 911 isn’t a real conversation any more than emergency prayer is real communion with God.  Communion with God takes time and effort and isn’t just talking but more than that, listening.  Which is why most prayers these days are emergency prayers and not real prayers at all.

The Latest

Is available here.

If all goes according to plan, Deuteronomy should be out next.

A Terrible Situation

The girl in this story was a friend of Rachel’s room mate when they were in High School. Do pray for the family in what must be a terribly difficult time.