Category: Scripture

Pastors & Stress

10/23/2018

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.”

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.

Author Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye.

Author Eugene Peterson

It was our pleasure to provide the narration for the audiobook companion to this narrative. We have edited four segments into one-minute reflections and added our own questions and reflections for discussion points between pastors and their families.

Family Priorities
Lost Commitment
Self-Reflection
Peace At Home

These brief devotions will be published one-by-one in subsequent days at no cost. As they are published, take time to ponder the preview thought questions, listen to the narrative from the book, then reflect and discuss the follow-up questions, action points and prayer.

As a prelude to these essays, you may learn more about the pressures of which Paul and Ezeji-Okoye speak, review the following resources:

Also consider visiting Amazon to purchase “Who Prays for the Pastor?” in print, downloadable audio, or Kindle rental.

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.

0 Comments

Oh, What a Beautiful...

9/17/2018

0 Comments

Vikki is in the last 30 days of training for her second successive Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 7. She is chronicling those last days by reflecting on the music playlist she has compiled to encourage her while she runs which we call Chicago Marathon ( VikkiThon) on our YouTube Channel .

The banks of the Fox River, North Aurora, IL, 5:31 AM, September 16, 2018

It was a Francis Scott Key kind of morning: "Oh, say...by the dawn's early light?"

This particular Sunday was not just another long-distance training day.
They had spent Saturday mapping out the plan for Sunday; a more intricate collaboration than had occurred in previous planning sessions. There's something to be said for Experience being a teacher.

Their phone call was about an hour, going over and again the start time, the drive time, the water stops, the energy shots, the traffic flow.

Distance had its own importance. Vikki had not completed any of her previous double-digit goals. Today's 16-mile run was admirable; however, she was struggling, lamenting that it should be 20. Twenty is the optimum number of miles a marathon runner should run in a training session before race day, and three, the optimum number of weeks that 20 should be run. Twenty miles were what Jules ran on the same day three years ago when she was getting ready for the Chicago Marathon . That same day, Vikki ran her first 26.2-miler. The Fox Valley Marathon. Today was the third anniversary of that sub-five-hour hoof.

Vikki stretches in the open lot at 5:30 AM after a short night.

Preparing to greet Coach Jules (no the car didn't hit the tree).

Flashback...

Jules & Vikki: Marathon Sisters

The Vikki-Jules running partnership began that year, 2015, in the midst of recoiling from personal and professional setbacks. Starting Fox Valley that Sunday was a family triumph, coming as it did at the end of three successive years when Vikki buried her father, her mother and a sister; and lost her job of over a decade. It was on that job that Vikki met Jules, hiring her as a freelance producer for video projects Vikki coordinated at the corporation.

When Vikki was laid off because of budget cuts, Jules -- a passionate marathoner -- returned the employment favor. She hired Vikki as field producer for a documentary Jules was producing on marathon runners. Interviewing the runners as they finished, Vikki resonated with repeated comments about the spiritual nature of running. Coupled with her own Scripture studies and dormant competitive streak, it didn't take much of Jules' prodding (ok, encouragement) , for Vikki to begin training for a half-marathon (13.1 miles). Why stop there, said the Prodding Producer. Run the full monty. Besides, without the 9-to-5, there was plenty of time to train, running along the south bank of the Fox River where the marathon would be held, during the week.

Because his staff position at church had flexible hours, for fun Michael could come for support which generally came in the form of popping up in planned and unexpected places on the course anywhere between downtown St. Charles, IL, and Interstate 88. The route on the shores of the Fox River was awash with artistic parks, fishing posts and running trails. There were also a few wooded areas that seemed to have been considered locations for "Deliverance." These backlots not only tweaked Michael's photo safari instincts, they also tapped his latent caveman protector radar. He saw things, and people, on the trail, Vikki did not. Would not. That's all right, he thought, you just run. I'll watch. Thus, the camera lens through which he viewed his wife in the race surroundings was not just peculiar paparazzism.

Training for Fox Valley was as cathartic as was it was grueling. There was triumph in the midst of losses. Countering the loss of life was the loss of weight. Michael and Vikki each lost over 50 pounds during their marathon dates -- a combination of regular running and Weightwatchers meetings. Race day was a family affair, as all residents of the Myers household and some friends scattered around the course, shouting "hurrahs" and "hosannas!" Hosanna means, "The Lord Saves," which was definitely the case for Vikki the last three miles when -- in marathon lingo -- the runners hit the wall.

Those last three miles toward the finish were Vikki's most grueling.

When the family last saw her at mile 22, Vikki waved. When they saw her again, she was wavering. Running, she wasn't sure if she'd make it to the finish line. Waiting at the line, her posse wavered, too. Michael, knowing she was woefully behind her pace, went "There" -- that place they always so don't go: she's pulled up lame, or is crumpled in the woods. Those prayers he intoned, circled with Vikki and Jules before each training session, were improvised and singular. "Lord, just let her finish," he muttered. The cry was soon answered.

LEARN MORE: Donate to Vikki's run for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Though she had finished much earlier -- having run her 20 miles in preparation for HER Chicago Marathon in a few weeks -- Jules ran back on to the course a couple of miles. No one is sure if she donned a cape, for there are no phone booths in downtown St. Charles, but when Jules was seen again, she was flying across the finish line again, this time with Vikki in tow (or toe), having run with and encouraging Vikki in word and deed across the finish line. This collective triumph was cemented not only by Vikki finishing, and finishing under five hours, but also by Jules giving the medal she'd received, gift-wrapped, to Michael at their celebration dinner later that night.

It was Jules, knowing the affect of cancer on Vikki's family, as it had touched hers, who introduced Vikki to the face that by running the Chicago Marathon she could raise support for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, as she herself was doing, so that the 26.2 miles had a deeper purpose.

And so, when Jules gives instructions, Michael and Vikki listen.

Vikki crosses the finish line, Fox Valley Marathon 2015, in 4:56 (Photo: CamiMyersPhotography)

Meanwhile, this morning...

The fact that the same race was occurring on the same day as this training run was further complicated by the fact that neither Jules nor Vikki was competing in Fox Valley, but had chosen the same course to train. They had to finish before the bulk of the runners got going on the same course. Thus, Saturday's pow-wow. Jules, the master producer as well as track coach, made a point of texting that the success of their day hinged on being SHARP to their 5:30 AM rendezvous. Any variation could create a logistical logjam, potentially tripping over hordes of runners from the opposite direction; or worse, getting caught up in a swarm and off course. A "Rawhide" without ramrod Clint Eastwood. There could be something worse than encountering actual marathon runners, however.

As Vikki repeatedly reminded Michael throughout training, time didn't just mean the distance run. There was the mindset to be dealt with. Her repetition of the emotional element channeled baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, the poet laureate of malaprops whose observations include., "Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical." On days like this, Yogi was Yoda as orated by James Earl Jones. Or in their case, Jules. In short, tardiness would create a more detrimental mental drain for the Type-A and A-minus women before they got out of their cars.

And so, Saturday Jules followed her text with a three-way phone call. Vikki and Michael had their responsibilities. Vikki running 16. Jules running 11. Michael driving to rendezvous points on the trail, hoping to navigate roads blocked off for the marathon.

Saturday ended at 9:30 for Vikki. Mike pushed the envelope until Sunday, 12:30 AM, to meet a deadline. Church was not on the docket. but early communion with God was. The wakeup call was 4:30. Departure was set for 5:30. Vikki pulled out of the lot at 5:40, in stony simmering spousal silence -- the silent count to ten; enacting James' "be slow to speak" as Michael set his hot coffee cup on the dashboard, to both buckle in and to gauge the temperature, outside inside the car.

They were not LATE, they were just behind, he wanted to say; but didn't. Plus, she'd just gone out herself, to start the car, to drive, because driving gave her the reassurance of control. Seeing as how the day could go, Vikki needed to start the day in control. Besides, it was enough that he was in the car before The Tardiness Window closed. Both were confident the drive wouldn't take as long as it could. Especially since Vikki was already behind the wheel. They'd still be on time, depending on which way they went. It was not a time of debate about directions.

(There was that little thing about whether to take the interstate all the way even though that road without lights took them three miles father south before swinging back north; OR, should they take the take a fast local which was more direct to the destination, and had almost interstate speeds...but how may traffic lights? Michael played Kenny Rogers, knowing when to fold his lips, letting Vikki brainstorm the route on which she felt most comfortable ("in control?"). He only offered verbal assistance when they got off the interstate and he became Scarecrow to Vikki's Dorothy. "Which way do I turn?" she said.

Because they both saw the arrow and spoke at the same time, the relationship was saved.

Suffice to say, they arrived at the appointed time, on time...even a few seconds ahead of Jules, and proceeded into the appointed pre-race routine. Stretch, drive to bathroom, drive to starting location, review Michael's timings and locations , pray and run. All of which happened as scheduled, and at 6 AM, both ladies began their jaunt at the eight-mile mark of the Fox Valley course, a full hour and 10 degrees cooler than when the marathon began at 7 AM when Michael was scheduled to meet Vikki again. Five miles down the road.

Order My Steps

Though not a song by which to run, nor one on the ChicagoMarathon VikkiThon playlist, "Order My Steps" is an essential preparation song. A prayer for packing materials before the race. A prayer for safety and travel during the run.
Written by acclaimed author Glenn Burleigh, the song came to our attention through the live recording by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The selection here is a powerful rendition by the GMWA Women of Worship.
Attend the lyrics.

Order my steps in Your word dear Lord
Lead me, guide me everyday
Send Your anointing, Father I pray;
Order my steps in Your word
Please, order my steps in Your word
--
I want to walk worthy
According to Thy will
Please order my steps Lord
And I'll do Your blessed will
The world is ever changing
But You are still the same;
Please order my steps, Lord I'll praise Your name

The best way to continue is to minimize the narrative and let you see and hear what transpired with a nod to Sgt. Joe Friday. The story you're about to read is true. No names are changed, and Michael maintains his innocence.

NEXT: "Knees on Fire" -- What running on Sunday morning to beat competitive runners actually feels like.

0 Comments

Church Music on The Run

9/11/2018

0 Comments

Vikki is starting the last 30 days of training for her second successive Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 7. She is chronicling those last days by reflecting on the music playlist she has compiled to encourage her while she runs which we call Chicago Marathon ( VikkiThon) on our YouTube Channel .

Sunday was a day of rest. Sort of. An imposed Sabbath. Weekends are when I schedule long training runs in double-digit miles. Saturday was a middle-distance, eight miles, because I needed to prepare for Sunday's long run of 18. The most I'll do before the marathon is 20, and I need to get in four days a week from here out.

It's difficult to say what's harder about running the distances at this point: the distance themselves, or scheduling the day. Both Saturday and Sunday present unique personal problems.

Saturday is the catch-up domestic day -- cleaning, planning the next week's shopping, working with Michael to outline the family budget -- plus fine-tuning business affairs (read: rehearsal) with Kingdom Impact Theater and social media consultations. For good measure, I'll toss in the laundry (you can only run in the same clothes so many days before they start to run you), and my kick-back girlfriend Facetime with our stressed-out college junior.

She's Every Woman

Michael says this schedule, coming at the end of my 9-to-after-5 work week, explains the subliminal reason why my VikkiThon Playlist includes Whitney Houston's classic anthem: "I'm Every Woman." I disagree. I've always loved the song, found Whitney and inspiration in my own music, and, frankly, find myself sad whenever I think about how her life transpired. Of how her talent was misused.

Provided I get in my early morning run on Saturday, the question becomes do I have the energy thereafter to do all of the above afterwards.

So, sometimes, looking at the domestic agenda I consider moving the long run to Sunday. Not my preference. One, if I delay to Sunday, what if it rains? Then the weekend training is a wash (I think that's a latent Michael pun). Second, if it rains or not, running Sunday creates elaborate church plans.

Many of the churches we visit or perform have early services -- in the 9-10 AM hour. To make one that starts at 11 means scheduling the morning so that I finish 12-18 miles with enough time to clean up, change clothes and get me to the church on time without being offensive. I know Jesus says, "Come as you are," but I have a personal problem with fallin' up into church just as I am with three or four hours of perspiration oozing from me. The people might take me "Just As I Am," but I have a problems not imagining sitting next to someone who breaks into "Get the Funk Out My Face" when "Friend of God" is the greet-one another song.

Cleaned or not, sometimes we don't make it to church; and if we do, even having cleaned up after a three-hour tour, a comfortable pew and a silent prayer are clear and present dangers. I pray for a preacher who is not sonorous, I and a prompting from the Holy Spirit, or Michael's elbow, to stay alert.

Music helps, too.

Please pray for Vikki to remain healthy during the final weeks of training. Intercede for healing and comfort as knee and hip ailments recur.

TELL VIKKI YOU'RE PRAYING

Scripture in the Lyrics

Looking over the Vikkithon Playlist, and reviewing previous posts I know I've chosen many songs that are not traditional church songs. The truth is, many are difficult to run to. Most would be cool down and stretch tunes.

At the same time, I adore the traditional church songs -- meaning the ones Michael, Garlan or I grew up hearing, or that were taught to us by the old people at church -- with a new bent. New funk. Or, in the words of one of my favorite gospel rappers, T-Bone, songs with some "stank."

When the "stanky" old school songs come up, I can "have church" no matter what day of the week, or how tired I am during the run or after the run.

The beat and the rhythm, naturally, help...even after the run, like when I recuperated after the 10K Gospel Run in June when blocks of South Shore Beach in Chicago became a Saturday morning concert propelling the runners and walkers on shore and into Lake Michigan.

But, as a songwriter myself, I'm most moved by the words, especially words from Scripture.

Pastor Mike Neal and wife Dee of Glorious Light Church, Chicago; and Pastor Darryl Jenkins and wife LaDawne of Faith Community Church, Itasca, IL, are couple whose churches we visit and with whom Vikki runs, as in Gospel Run (video).

Please pray Vikki reaches her Chicago Marathon goal of $2900 in donations to contribute to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Pray for your resources to donate now.

donate to vikki's st. jude fund

For me, "The best script is Scripture" motto of Kingdom Impact Theater is best applicable to music. What best distinguishes a spiritual song (using Paul's "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" encouragement is when I can find a direct link between a lyric and Scripture. I am drawn into the theology of a song when sharing a word of Scripture that's used in the song, inspires the song, or is creates something on which to meditate.

When I'm at church in the congregation, or leading musical worship, I often appreciate the access to hymnals that point out specific Bible passages that may be heard or referenced. I've heard many critiques of modern worship music (and some old beloveds) that lament not the style of music, but errant depth of theology in the lyric. I've found it helpful to mention Scripture or even including the Scripture citation on the screen with projected lyrics because it helps counter theological criticism, and also informs new and long-time church goers that God's hand is on the lyrics, not just a gifted human wordsmith.

Strong and Mighty

So, for musical and theological reasons, I am inspired by Eddie James' "Strong and Mighty." I was first introduced to the song by the Bellevue Baptist Church choir, which Garlan directs. I've sung the tune with Bellevue, as part of the choir, and congregation.

I didn't connect that it was based in the King James Version of Psalm 24 and employs verses 4-7 in the lyrics until I saw the video with the words (the idea of music videos with lyrics is wonderful, and corrects lots of misinterpretations). Use them to introduce a song when you can. We'll write about that later.

No matter what the rest of the soundtracks include, or no matter how badly the weekend has gone, old school church music like this have a special place and let's me remember The Lord Is Running with me no matter what day of the week.

Kingdom Impact Theater musical director Garlan Garner in his role leading the choir at Bellevue Baptist Church, Chicago.

0 Comments

Pastors & Stress

Oh, What a Beautiful...

Flashback...

Meanwhile, this morning...

Order My Steps

Church Music on The Run

She's Every Woman

Scripture in the Lyrics

Strong and Mighty

The KIT 'n' KABOODLE

Archives

Categories