Saturday Insights

Well, I am finally home and in my chair...for a few minutes. I got some mowing to do and some sermon prep for tomorrow. My mom picked me from the airport in Indy at about 12:15 am this morning. I drove back here and got in around 1 pm.

One observation I want to make about this year's General Assembly. I was taken back by the influence of the internet on the General Council. Most of you may not realize that many pastors blog today and many people including other pastors read these blogs. Frequently pastors blog on blogsites just for pastors where comments and opinions are shared about their demonimation, leaders, trends, policy, etc. Admittedly, some of these border on gossip but there are many thought-provoking blogs written from men and women who share great ideas, suggestions, and possess a godly passion for their church and kingdom work.

Anyway, all of this has given a voice to the average pastor out there who may not have a large church, or may not be invited to preach at camp meetings, or who doesn't have a popular family name in the church, or have a television ministry. The internet has brought influence to people who are not in state or national leadership positions of authority in the church. It has become a rallying place for the "little guy" (the small church pastor) out there who pastors 70% of the churches in the Church of God and in most denominations and fellowsips.

Is this bad thing? In my opinion, not necessarily. Yes, there are some who use it to gossip and exercise their gift of criticism. But there are many bloggers who have a lot of good things to say and who can make a gret contribution to the church, both on the local and national level. I think it would be very wise for church leadership to embrace the bloggers and use it to labor alongside their brothers in the Lord. Walls and divisions could be torn down resulting in greater trust and unity among brothers and sisters in the Lord. And that would be a great thing!

Worship like crazy tomorrow!

-Pastor Randy