The phrase "born-again Christian" is redundant.

One cannot be Christian unless born again , as Jesus explained and was quoted in the scripture of John.   

​The "born again" in His reference is rebirth of a man's natural spirit to rebel against God.  That is, to disobey God, to rely on self, to  think of self first.   These are the basic elements of life collectively tagged "sin" -- Jesus says this human spirit -- the spirit of sin --  must be reborn to submit to God's will and guidance, first by recognizing and acknowledging  the life of Christ as revealed in Scriptures, then by living according to His teachings.  In its simplest expression, this is what it means to be born again.  To renew a spirit to follow God's lead.

But what of those people who were born with such a spirit.  The spirit to follow God and not sin that seems intrinsic from birth.  Are there such people?  Especially in our age?

We believe we have encountered such an individual, and she has been serving in our ministry seemingly half her life -- which is fascinating because only this year did she turn one  score and four.  

The lady's name is Marissa Candace Marie Brown, and since her mid-teens she has been teaching and guiding us at Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries while she has been learning to lead and serve others to study and worship The LORD.

When Paul said, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity," (1 Timothy 4:12) he told it to Timothy, but he had Marissa in mind as the embodiment -- first, as the eldest of seven children; second, as a congregational worship leader at age 16.

Although the KIT Ministries family knew of Marissa long before she could sing -- before she could talk and text, even -- it was evident that her presence, often silent,  could demonstrate how God works in individual lives as a beacon in the madness of the world around.  

Once she began speaking, and singing, Marissa was placed with KIT  as  a translator to speak to an age demographic in need of the gospel, but deemed unresponsive to traditional methods. 

Marissa graduates from Moody Bible Institute in December, completing a long journey that included "gap years"  between high school and college.  Those were not idle times.  They involved raising funds for college in day jobs, and serving selflessly in church ministry.  It could be said the latter is the natural extension of growing up in a church family -- she's not a PK (pastor's kid) -- but pretty close. 

A church-family kid is one of those people who is always in church at countless activities at an early age, often winds up being asked to lead things on Sunday, dragged in to do things with parents (and/or grandparents)  in the middle of the week, and is a last minute fill-in when another person (can you say, "adult?") fails to show up or volunteer for a church assignment.  Such children, although numerous in formative years, often are the first to permanently exit a church once receiving a high school graduation gift from the  congregation.  Yes, Virginia, helping out in church ministry as a teen can push young people away from the building and away from God.

Or, draw them closer.

Yes, Virginia, there are Marissas -- who serve without complaining, and suggest without judgment.  

That's how she began her journey to be a KIT intern.

The oldest children are often doused with parental responsibilities early.  In addition to becoming the parents' assistant with younger siblings in public, they also become the kids' discipler after-hours, giving the low-down to each new child the parents' rules of the house -- and the nuances on how to work the parental system.  With each new sib' -- conveniently spaced roughly two years apart over the next 12 years, Marissa had ample opportunity to repeat and teach the rules of house decorum and public behavior.   Even in managing conflict and the nuts-and-bolts of parental manipulation, Marissa was a natural educator:  her mom and grandmother  are/were teachers. 

 It was little surprise, then, that when the churches where she grew up needed nursery help, or, after youth ministry turnover, a teen counselor, Marissa was enlisted without a second thought.  It was also not a surprise how she resonated with the teens she was thrust into leading once she settled in as a student at Moody Bible Institute and was in search of hours for her undergraduate practicum.

When hiring a ministry intern or student teacher, there are three dangers of misuse:

1. Let the student sit in the corner, observe and be a modified babysitter, or;
2. Turn the teens over to the intern, leave them unsupervised, and be a modified babysitter, or;
3. Give the intern responsibility to lead the group, but micromanage and intervene, thus babysitting the babysitter.

We can look down on them because they are young.

Yet, Marissa's natural gift of temperament and understanding new media enabled her to be both a good student of ministry and a good teacher of ministers.  She spent two years serving as a student ministry aide, eventually given the responsibility of organizing the curriculum, introducing new music, reinterpreting older music, and filling in as a musical song leader with the, generally, older Sunday morning ensemble.  She became solid in church ministry.  Then the inevitable occurred:  God moved her from the church where she was serving.  

A burgeoning millennial bit the dust -- and was planted elsewhere.

Studying musical worship leading at college,  including uses of theater in worship, Marissa sought a similar outlet after two years of midweek teaching.  Part of the search enabled her to serve occasionally with Kingdom Impact Theater's musical and theater ensembles, but the regular opportunity was needed -- for college credit and self.  It came when a multi-site church plant, New Life Community, took root in Brookfield, IL,  a suburb of Chicago, and  needed a part-time musical worship leader.  After a few months, the part-time school credit role became a permanent position, a weekly expression merging the talents and gifts honed over a life that hasn't yet reached a quarter of a century. 

Moreover, she's received opportunities to engage with other musicians in the New Life network of churches, and take those experiences into other church communities.   Example: During her New Life time, Marissa has not only brought to Kingdom Impact Theater stronger methods of teaching and communicating across generations ("What he means is...," "The app works like this...," "Oh, you can just download this link..."),  she's also introduced us to music for old school stories ("Can we try this song?  It's on my playlist...").  More importantly, by her demeanor, Marissa has demonstrated trust, patience, peace, kindness and, especially self-control navigating the roads bellowing with Chicago traffic.

For some of us, driving in rush hour or city traffic is a true temptation to capitulate to sin.  To Marissa, such travel is a confined opportunity to commune with God as the sins of road rage percolate around her.  Even to other Believers, it may seem perplexing that such moments don't drive this lady gaga, until you  realize that Marissa embraces that  "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" -- because she was born this way.

by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director

Cami, an intern with Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, has been compiling resources and recommendations for individuals managing mental health challenges and posting them in a series of online essays we call “A Collegian’s Guide to Mental Health.”

We outlined Cami's background and how these essays came to be in an earlier post, "College, Ministry & Stress."  Today, we provide access to the essays themselves and Biblical connections the KIT Ministries staff made while editing them.

Although the essays are not “Christian” in nature, reading them revealed parallels between the practical concepts and Bible basics. There are seven scriptures related to the contents of the four essays themselves, and three other principles that provide perspective on Cami’s spiritual health journey summarized in the four essays.

“Remind them they are loved,” she says in “10 Ways to Support Someone in a Rough Mental Spot.” “It seems simple enough, but seriously, it helps.”

While Scripture says, “God so loved the world,” “God is love,” and we are “to love our neighbors as ourselves,” and children are taught to sing, “Yes, Jesus loves me,” among those who are uncertain about their relationship with Him, any of those statements can be met with skepticism.  Nevertheless, Cami does recommend a Scripture-infused concept.

“One thing I always recommend to everyone is “The Five Love Languages,” she says of Dr. Gary Chapman’s best-selling book.  “Whether it has to do with mental health or not, it’s super helpful in knowing what ways the important people in your life feel loved.”

Indeed, the book and its accompanying on-line quiz were an important getting-to-know you tool for Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries when ensemble members began a mid-year intercession ministering to middle and high school students. The results not only helped the students know themselves, they opened communication channels between generations.)
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FURTHER READING: John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:7-12, 16

The words of James are a quiet thread through the essays.  For example, among the “10 Ways to Support Someone in a Rough Mental Spot,” Cami’s recommendations bring to mind, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…”

Cami writes: “No. 7: Listen to Them: “It’s really tempting to give advice and ask a lot of questions, but it’s way more helpful if they come and open up to you to just listen to what they have to say...unless they ask for it.” She then admits, “I struggle with this a lot if I’m being honest, but we all have things to work on in being supportive.”

James, an early church leader, was written by Jesus'  brother, who was skeptical of Jesus' deity until after the Resurrection.  The letter is considered the first New Testament book written and has been called "The Proverbs of the New Testament."  Therefore, companion proverbs are also recommended.

FURTHER READING: James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 21:28

“Watching Funny Videos or TV Shows:” is one of Cami’s “12 Ways of Coping on Bad Mental Health Days” that falls in line with a KIT Ministries leadership training series, “The Merry Heart: Humor as Ministry Tool.” Both have basis in Proverbs 15:13 and 17:22.

“This sounds super simple and it really is, but as tempting as shows like “SVU” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are, they aren’t the most uplifting when you’re not feeling well.” Her recommended list of comedies also aligns with scientific studies from the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor about the positive effects of laughter.

Another coping idea, “Therapy,” is controversial in some church circles, and may deter students from seeking help who would benefit from it. However, Cami’s take is supported in numerous Proverbs and Psalms about counseling.

“I know that counseling isn’t available to everyone, but if you have the opportunity to try it out, I would highly recommend it,” she says. 

“Therapy” and “counseling” have roots in listening, discipleship and mentoring scriptures already utilized in ministry.  Students particularly will tell school counselors, teachers or youth pastors more personal details than parents.

 “I think it’s really important to have open conversations about mental health and to have people you feel comfortable with asking questions and reaching out to you,” she adds.   

Feeling "comfortable" also bring to minds the words of Jesus as he explained the role of the Holy Spirit, whom, in the King James Bible,  he calls "The Comforter."  Lest we forget, this statement is from the lips whose names include "Wonderful Counselor."
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FURTHER READING:  Proverbs 27:9; 1 Timothy 4:11-13; 1 Peter 5:5

“Therapy” is the climax of 12 coping ideas that begins with a basic, faith-centered approach to all else: Meditation & Prayer. “Sometimes together, but often times not,” she explains. 

While pointing out meditative apps she uses, Cami emphasizes, “I also read devotionals on the Our Daily Bread app, too!”

The idea of meditation causes some Christians to recoil, fearing capitulation to mystical forms of worship.  This perception is ill-informed.  Meditation is concentrating on a particular idea (often a phrase) for a short period, and Scriptures point out its assets.  Scriptures exhort believers to mediate on The Word of God.

God tells  Joshua to meditate on the book of the law day and night, Nine times psalmists reflect on meditating on God’s word.  Significantly, Paul tells Timothy to meditate upon his gifts and studies -- an important message to impress upon today’s youth – Cami and her peers.
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FURTHER READING: Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 77; Psalm 119: 14-16; Psalm 143:4-6.

As we investigated Cami’s apps to see how they align with our Statement of Faith, we also sought for similar meditative Christian apps.  We found none right away.

Days later, searching for a new YouVersion Bible study plan, we came across “Prayers from Jude,” timely since Vikki was raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital while she ran the Chicago Marathon.  As it turned out, “Prayer from Jude” was not just a reading devotional, but 15 minutes of guided reflection on Jude’s letter, four verses at a time.  The devotional app is Abide.  It’s Christian meditation.

In testing the spirits and searching for compatible resources, we were amazed by how often we had already studied biblical mental health content:  sermons we had heard, devotionals we had taken, Scriptures we knew but had not placed in this context; even community agencies with which we partner, such as the Kenneth Young Center, have a spiritual base.

In subsequent essays, we’ll share some of those discoveries and resources and suggestions about how to incorporate in your ministries.  For now, however, was are thankful for the awareness that has come to our family and encourage you to track with Cami’s findings.  Those include the power of friendships, spiritual gifts, and Holy Spirit intercession.  These will be explored in the next blog.

FURTHER READING:  1 John 4:1-13

This essay is one in a series of devotionals on coping with stress in ministry, and is based on the book, "Who Prays for the Pastor?" written by Bro. Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye.  The accompanying discussion guide was written by Michael Edgar Myers, who also narrated the audiobook and 1-minute devotional excerpts. If you have any difficulties accessing the material, please e-mail mem@kit-ministries.com.  Thank you. ​

Among the teaching in his first letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul gave what some Bible translations subtitle, “Concerns for Married Life.” Included in the passage in chapter seven, Paul speaks to pastors…or would-be pastors, with an admonition summarized here by the late Eugene Peterson in his paraphrase, “The Message.”

“Because of the current pressures on us from all sides, I think it would probably be best to stay just as you are. Are you married? Stay married. Are you unmarried? Don’t get married. But there’s certainly no sin in getting married, whether you’re a virgin or not. All I am saying is that when you marry, you take on additional stress in an already stressful time, and I want to spare you if possible.”
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Peterson and Paul’s perspective is the backdrop for this sequence of audio and written reflections based on the book, “Who Prays for the Pastor?” by Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye, founder of the Men of Faith Network. Ezeji-Okoye’s book goes into depth about the pressures pastors (and other ministry leaders) encounter from their work, their ministries, their families, themselves.  More than recount them, he offers suggestions in overcoming them.

Also consider visiting Amazon to purchase “Who Prays for the Pastor?”  in print, downloadable audio, or Kindle rental.
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 However, more than looking at the data and testimonies, take to heart the principle of the book and devotionals and pray for your pastor.  This would be an on-going gift growing out of Pastor Appreciation Month.

The church we have attended for a quarter century -- where Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries was birthed -- is going through changes.  In the last two years there has been a change in the leadership structure, including, in recent months, the pastoral staff on which Mike served for 13 years.

As part of those changes, Mike and Vikki are embarking upon a new season of ministry service apart from their home church.  It's a frightening and exhilarating time for both our ministry and that of our church.  The transition is reminding us many things about God, and more about our faith IN God through Christ.

​In his farewell address to the congregation, Mike expressed new-found trust in Jesus' admonition, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34)." Subsequent months gave practicality to these words by creating an urgency to each 24 hours that had become hard to embody in recent years.  Indeed, a change in seasons is often The Lord's way of invigorating even the most veteran Christ-follower (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).  We must confess, in the Psalm 51 mode, that two  great Christian sins are complacency and protectionism.  So, God stirs the eagle's nest. 

Our church family has been making similar discoveries throughout their search for a new lead pastor.  That perspective, noted the elder board chairman leading the search, is more akin to the Old Testament Jesus -- Joshua.

LEARN  MORE:  Jesus or Yeshua?

The pastoral search neared its climax in mid-summer.  In the midst of a new hope with a new pastor, the Elder Chair reminded the members (that still includes us) of the expectant hope of the children of Israel knock, knock, knocking on the Promised Land's door.

​"What has struck me lately," he wrote speaking of Joshua chapter 1, "is that they did not know what we know.  As the people stood on the banks of the Jordan (River) looking into the Promised Land all of that was part of an unknown future for them. " 

This bolt of insight struck a chord with us as KIT Ministries.  So did what followed.

​"We, too, as a church are on the banks of a new and promising future," he continued. "The promise of the future is just that -- future and unknown.  Like the children of Israel we must also step out in faith that God will go before us and lead us into a bright new day."

​Those steps of faith, we have been discovering, are each day.  Steps of faith each day as the ensemble of KIT Ministries  pursue the grunt tasks before us :  knock, knock, knocking on employers' doors; filling out applications; updating resumes; making calls; reviewing our statements of faith; tightening finances; recognizing and facing financial errors; defining and unifying our organizational structure, improving interpersonal communication.

As we have been taking these detailed baby steps in this transitional season,  we have been experiencing many promises of Scripture.  Experiencing these promises have made the passages we read and the songs we sing more personal.  More meaningful.   We have been learning anew that the abundant life Jesus promised is not about lots of material "stuff."

LEARN MORE: John 10:1-10

In the months since Michael's staff position ended, we have seen God's hand moving us to find creative solutions to day-to-day problems, even when that "creative" solution was accepting that the answer to the prayer request  was, "No." 

Accepting the rejections rather than wallowing in disappointment is a dose of humility.  Humility tells us that we're not as ready as we thought; makes us recognize the reality there is more work to do.  Such humility is an impetus to, like Paul, "press on toward the goal."

​In the months since, we have seen God introduce us to people, training, opportunities and performance possibilities that have been "more than we can ask or imagine."

​At the same time, putting these observations together -- the work-to-do and the possibilities -- have left us speechless.  This happened at the first ensemble planning meeting of our new ministry calendar year. 

For two hours, Garlan, Vikki and Mike penciled in dates for performance possibilities in the next 12 months.  We juggled rehearsal schedules with day-job hours.  We looked at the nuts-and-bolts of touring, preparing budgets for things like transportation, hotel stays, meals, and honoraria.  We reviewed applications to present at conferences and marketing outlines. We mapped out our workshops that need updated handouts, scripts that need rewriting, study guides than must be edited, music that needs remixing. We the sobering bottom-line figures, and reviewed positive responses to our pitch for a 2018 tour. 

At the meeting's conclusion, we sat back in their seats and sat in silence the weight of the promise.  We rested like an athlete having finished a gym workout, or regular guy after a 30-minute DVD.  We rested, trying to catch our collective breath.  After several moments, Vikki sighed.  All she could say was, "It's big."​  In such a  moment, there is nothing to do by bask in the bigness of God.  So, we rested in His rest.

Sadly, the longer people follow Christ -- period; or serve Him in the same place -- we can lose sight of His Bigness.  As faithful as our attendance can be, as proficiently we can memorize Scripture, as comfortably we bellow our favorite songs Service of Worship, we have to admit that our passion and awe of God can wane.  Whatever the reason -- busyness, predictability, fatigue -- there are times we have "forgotten our first love," as Jesus told John to write to the church at Ephesus in the book of Revelation.  So, He stirs His nest (Deuteronony 32:1-10).

LEARN MORE:  Letter to the Church at Ephesus

​Stirring the nest, looking at human realities, also evokes fear.  Despite our faith and belief in the numerous times Scriptures tell us to "fear not."Individually, the KIT ensemble knows each of our needs as parents, family leaders, homeowners, employees.  We experience concerns about bills, physical ailments; while we intuitively know "tomorrow will worry about itself," we struggle with worrying about tomorrow's provision today. We admit on any given day we are afraid of phone calls or the mailbox or other people.  Even Jesus had His Gethsemane moment.

​Yet, as we think about the bigness of what rests before us -- the promised land of a theatrical mission field -- we stand back and gaze: awestruck that God has invited little ol' us toward the pursuits ahead; that we are part of something bigger than ourselves; and we are humbled. 

​We take heart in the words of Joshua, as we prepare to call others -- you -- into the journey before us.  We take heart in the reminder of our Elder Chairman, who wrote to our church family -- meaning us:

• Be courageous
• We are not alone
• ​We have work to do

​Courageously, we began the work KIT has to do that will involve others. 

• Each of us contributed a list of specific prayer desires -- for the ministry, for our families -- that became our new webpage, The Prayer KIT, where  will chart our progress as well as our needs.  
• We outlined basic operational expenses -- what is needed to move forward; what is needed to eliminate the past -- and began steps to underwrite the ministry. 
• We began reconnecting with Friends of KIT from past performances and preparing invitations for those who wish to become Friends of KIT in days to come. 

Between typing and standing up from the keyboard, we're learning the 21st Century meaning of grunt work.

​"Some day," our Elder Chair concluded, "we may look back on how far we have come and praise God for the privilege and opportunity to join God on such a great adventure."

We pray you go with us. #AndAmen