DURING THE MID 70S I WAS CALLED TO AND WAS ACCEPTED BY A SMALL CHURCH THAT WAS MEETING IN WOOLEN MILLS CHAPEL IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, NOT FAR FROM THOMAS JEFFERSON‘S MONTICELLO MANSION.. 

 (Prior to this I had left the ministry because of family problems, later remarried and pursued a career in insurance, never thinking that I would ever be asked to be a minister again in a SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH.)  However, One of my closest ministerial friends had heard of my dilemma and called me one night where we were living in a trailer at a crossroads called PAXVILLE, SC.  He asked me if he could recommend me to this little church in Charlottesville, VA.  Doubting that this would work out, I agreed.  Through the guidance of my friend I made them aware of my background and they accepted me anyhow.

 CHURCHES THAT ARE LOVING AND ACCEPTING OF ALL, particularly the downtrodden, don’t leave their churches but seek to help all who need spiritual, mental, and financial help to buy food and find a place to stay.  As they get on there feet they turn around and help others in similar situations.  THE MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH KNEW THAT BY HELPING OTHERS THEY WERE HELPING THEMSELVES TO BUILD UP THE BODY CHRIST.

 IN THE FIRST 5 YEARS OF THIS CHURCH THEY RAISED SEVERAL $100,000 DOLLARS TO BUILD A MUCH NEEDED CHURCH TO BE PLACED IN A NEW SUBDIVISION.  WE SPENT TIME WITH THE YOUNG PEOPLE GOING ON TRIPS LIKE THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, CAMPING BY THE LAKE, ETC., TEACHING THEM WHAT IT MEANT TO BE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST AND TO MINISTER TO OTHERS.

 We also visited the sick regularly, bringing food, flowers, etc., letting God minster to them through us (even our teenagers).  And  of course we visited the new comers.  During this time we were also building the church physically (teenagers, adults, and ladies coming with meals so that we could keep working.

 We also stressed education.  I was allowed to go to Union Seminary to finish my Dr. of Ministry Degree 2 to 3 days a week for 2 yrs.  WE WELCOMED ANYONE OF RACE, CREED OR COLOR TO JOIN US TO HELP DEVELOP WHOLE HUMAN BEINGS AS GOD INTENDED.  WHEN YOU LOVE, RESPECT AND ACCEPT EVERYONE PEOPLE DON’T LEAVE THE CHURCH, THEY BRING OTHERS.

 OUR DREAM WAS TO HAVE A DOCTOR, ATTORNEY, PSYCHIATRIST, DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND ABUSE COUNCILOR, MARRIAGE COUNCILOR, MINISTRY TO THE PREGNANT WHO WERE UNWED, ETC, ONE NIGHT A WEEK WHERE ANYONE COULD COME TO SEEK HELP WITH THEIR PROBLEM IN CONFIDENCE WITH A TRAINED PERSON.

 THAT’S WHY OUR CHURCH KEPT GROWING.

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 Church Foreclosures: Hard Times For God’s Work

Below you will find why people are leaving their church:

The Lord giveth and the bank taketh away — at least, that is what a lot of churches have found recently. Lenders foreclosed on about 100 churches last year, an enormous increase from just a few years ago.

It suggests even doing God’s work does not always keep the creditors away.

For Dan Burr, the road to losing his church last year began with the greatest of hopes. Twelve years ago, Burr and his wife started to worship with a few friends in their son’s house in Fontana, Calif., a community about 80 miles East of Los Angeles. Neighbors began to come to the service. They brought their kids.

“And it began to grow, and before we knew it we had a little viable church,” Burr recalls.

Eventually Crossroads Community Church bought a building of its own — a dilapidated Boy’s Club that church members fixed up themselves. Those were the glory days. Fontana was one of the fastest growing cities in the country, church attendance was booming and Burr began to make big plans.

To read much more or listen to click on:

 http://www.npr.org/2011/01/31/133303426/church-foreclosures-hard-times-for-gods-work

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 THERE’S  MUCH MORE……………….

Broadcast Release – Why millions are leaving the church, and …

NAMB showcases ministry diversity in 2010 SBC presentation