www.BenjaminRainey.com

I Forget How Much I Like To Write

2011-10-05T17:21:00.000-04:00

Haven't had much time to write over the last year. Seems like quite a change of pace to the previous 5 years, and if any part of that is cogent it's change.

I told someone today that I have probably lost my voice -- that is I don't think I have much to say these days. I wouldn't waste anyone's time.

Mostly, I just don't have the time to think, and have far less meaningful conversations in which to fertilize thoughts. This season leaves me quiet, and pressing to get through it.

Further, I write out of the flow of what I am taking in. Vocational ministry allows me the opportunity to read and listen to others, and this site has been a place where I can share my thoughts and perspectives. Recently the flow of learning has been primarily in the area of accounting and tax preparation which, believe me, would not make edifying blog posts. :-)

So for now I'll probably just be quiet for a while. At some point the page will turn and this chapter will be over. Here's looking forward to the next adventure that lies ahead.

--Ben

Worship Leadership (Part 2)

2011-07-20T08:34:00.003-04:00

For an introduction to this series of posts CLICK HERE.

Here is the second guideline for worship leadership: Worship leading is leading others to worship.

This is the leadership aspect of worship leadership. If you are not leading people somewhere then you are not leading. Leadership has everything to do with movement from one place to another. As a worship leader I am entrusted to lead people from the place they are spiritually when they come into the worship experience to a place of renewal and refreshment, a place of safety in the presence of God where He can write His word on the tablets of our heart. We cannot perform our way to this leadership. Leadership is a reaction of trust. When people trust their leader they are willing to follow.

Too often we can lose site of our leadership of others. We can become so connected in our worship, that we ignore the leadership of others in their worship. As a worship leader I'm responsible not just for demonstration but for instruction. The members of your worship team both band members and singers are demonstrators and instructors, and at times (regularly) they'll need to be reminded. That as people sing along, they should be able to watch us to lead them to worship. For instance, if we want people to raise their hands in worship we take the first step by raising our hands. If we want people to clap then we clap. (*Note: for worship leaders that lead from an instrument -- you have to rehearse these demonstrations with your singers.)

One more note here: Building trust with the congregation doesn't just happen through your competence on the platform. It also is built on your character (previously addressed) and your relationship with the congregation off stage. If you are not connecting in the halls of the church, or the homes of congregation, then you stand a slim chance of connecting on the platform. And without that trust, you won't be leading. You'll just be singing.

--Ben

Worship Leadership (Part 1)

2011-07-15T09:21:00.003-04:00

A lot has changed in churches over the last half century especially in the area of music, probably more than has been given credit. Even amid the worship wars of local churches there has likely never been a time of greater contribution and access to the artistic expression of worship music. I'm not saying it's the finest quality in history, but by volume and access unparalelled. This change has led us from "song services" and "song leaders" to "worship experiences" and "worship leaders". There is, of course, great debate over that and what those terms mean, but in my experience over the last 15 years a few guidelines of worship leadership have emerged that I wanted to share.

My own journey into worship leading was as a freshman at Valley Forge Christian College. I wanted to tour with a ministry team from the school, and was a fairly good singer. I auditioned for the role of backup singer. I have always had a preference for harmony lines, and preferred to offer my voice to back up the front man. I made the team and was informed that I would be the leader. I knew very little at that time and had the instruction of a gifted musician in N.J. I dealt with the insecurity of not having the kind of "cool" voice that many worship leaders of the 90's had. But genuinely I wanted to worship well, and help others express to God the honor and glory He deserves.

Here is the first guideline for worship leadership: Worship leading starts in the heart of the worship leader.

Unlike music performance worship leading is not about drawing attention to yourself and your gift, and is all about drawing attention to God and offering your gifts to Him. It starts from a heart of selflessness that seeks to honor Him.

I have not always understood this, and have not always practiced it. Sometimes the temptation of having fun or showing off trumps the true act of worship. However, while you may end up with a good show, you will not have truly led the people to worship.

I do not believe our spirit gets tuned up in a short prayer held during rehearsal or a last minute hand hold before the service. Prayer is important, but the heart of the worshipper should be seeking purity and holiness off stage if one wants to worship that way onstage.

Worship leading starts in the heart of the worship leader.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning In Transition: (Part 6 of 6)

2011-07-08T15:00:00.000-04:00

6. Hard work is worth it. For some reason in life it seems the better, more valuable things are always things that require extra work, pain, and patience. In transition hard work brings stability. In my case it turned a two week temp job into full-time, permanent employment. Three months ago my boss was looking for other employers for me. Yesterday she told me about a job but said that she wouldn't let them have me, didn't want to lose me. And then there's the effect on your coworkers that see you as a resource of help and teamwork because they know you work hard. Finally there is a very personal satisfaction in knowing that you're doing your best. It is an investment in yourself that honors the Lord. We were designed to work, so work hard.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning In Transition: (Part 5 of 6)

2011-07-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

5. The path to sin is easy to find. I am confronted daily with opportunities to sin. Not big sins, just little ones. Each day what I will think about, how I will speak to others, what I will imagine doing or saying. These little sins lead to bigger ones. I know how the process works, but sometimes that just becomes academic. I have to remind myself that it's more. I have to remain vigilant to look not only for the grace that forgives me when I fall, but for the grace that keeps me from falling. I've known people that have gone from the protected life within the boundaries of Christian community and have turned to a completely different life of great sin. I've wondered if they had to be given lessons on how to sin so greatly. But I know the answer, simply they wandered into little sins and when sufficiently practiced, they became experienced in greater sin, until ultimately they are expert sinners. I suppose we're all expert at sin at some level, but I want to be an expert at crucifying myself daily so I'm not held in the grip of sin, rather in the grip of grace. When people stop calling you pastor, and the public stops paying attention to your choices and life it is very tempting to believe that he stakes have been lowered. In fact, the stakes have never changed the penalty for sin is death, but God's gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning In Transition: (Part 4 of 6)

2011-07-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

4. Pastoring is a spiritual gift not a career or paid position. Now, I already knew this, but haven't experienced it in over a decade because I was working as a pastor. But when I get to use my pastoring gift then and now it is really very rewarding. It is a joy to know that the Holy Spirit is working through me when I offer counsel, care, or leadership. It's nice to preach, I love it actually, but I find it more difficult when I'm preaching to a congregation that I don't know. I prefer to know the people, and what they're facing in their lives. While a number of people have stopped calling me "Pastor Ben" preferring just "Ben" I was never a pastor for a paycheck, always because that's the gift God imparted to me in my calling. One day people will call me pastor again, I look forward to that. But it will always be done in the gifting He has given me. He called me pastor first.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning In Transition: (Part 3 of 6)

2011-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

3. Tighten the boundaries and lean into routine. During this transistion there have been so many things that are outside of my control it can become quite a whir. Pulling in the boundaries really helps keep your sanity and provides stability. Creating a new routine can be a crutch to help you through the period of adjustment. Over the years my family has spent a lot of time together, I've rarely felt that I was absent. That came from some boundary moves about six years ago in my life. But with extended family so close we spend a lot of time with them as well. Over the last couple months we have really dialed into protecting a couple nights( T/Th) a week as family nights at home. Suddenly we have time to take care of a lot of little things that could always just kind of slide. These little things left undone are stressors that we were carrying. The routine's not perfect, and will need to be tweaked and rearranged from time to time, but when things are moving in new directions all around me I find it a helpful friend to lean on.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning From Transition: (Part 2 of 6)

2011-07-06T17:00:00.001-04:00

2. No one can rest for me. It seems funny, but when I started this job I went to bed by 8:30 every night exhausted. I was learning a new commute, databases, office systems, people, etc. and that is very taxing. Over the last couple months I've adjusted to a much more normal sleep schedule. Rest keeps me sharp at work, and keeps me from being "too sharp" at home. Stress overwhelms my desire to show love to my family if I'm not rested. Instead I become focused only on myself and that leads to anger and selfish behavior.

--Ben

Things I'm Learning In Transition: (Part 1 of 6)

2011-07-06T09:27:00.004-04:00

1. Spiritual growth is a daily choice, and the only one able to make it is me. I choose to make the scripture and prayer first priority in my life. I have formed new habits. One of them is incorporating listening to scripture. It keeps me thinking about God's interest in me; not deserved, but greatly appreciated.

--Ben

Archive Repost: Thirty Warriors...Deepest Treachery

2011-06-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

I’ve been reading 2 Samuel over the last several days. I got to an interesting passage I had never reflected on before. In 2 Samuel 23 a list is given of David’s “Thirty Warriors”. There are two distinctions among the 600 men that were David’s Band of Brothers; the “Three Warriors” and the “Thirty Warriors”. Both groups were highly esteemed and famous throughout Israel.

Each that is listed, is as an act of honor and Respect for their part in serving David. (He was referred to by his men as the “Light of Israel”. They fought so that his flame would not go out.)

Near the end of the Hall of Fame, is the name of a guy that I didn’t expect to see. Uriah the Hittite. Uriah was one of the top fighters in the nation, one of David’s, “Thirty Warriors”. He was a man among men, a hero to the boys of Jerusalem, close friend and defender of David, and (oh, by the way) husband of Bathsheba.

Bathsheba, you may recall, was the woman that King David saw bathing herself. He lusted after her and had her brought to the palace so that he could commit adultery with her, while Uriah the Hittite was out fighting for the “light of Israel”. David’s sin was on the verge of becoming public because she became pregnant, so David had Uriah killed. David told his commander Joab to put Uriah in the front, where the fighting was worst., then to withdraw from him so that he would be killed. It happened just that way.

A couple random observations:
1. David cheated with one of his best supporter’s wives. Probably the reason that they lived so close to the palace was because of Uriah’s high position in the Army.
2. David set up one of his most devout fighters.
3. David killed him in a way the Uriah was not expecting. It was no surprise to him that he would lead the battle in the fiercest area of the battlefield. He was one of the “Thirty Warriors”.
4. This story has always seemed treacherous to me, but seeing that it was against Uriah the Hittite, worthy of being recorded by name in scripture, one of the greatest warriors in the army, and the kicker…He had his life taken by a friend he would have willingly given his life for. –Ouch

Jesus willingly offered his life for me. Do I deal with Him treacherously?

--Ben

This Memorial Day...

2011-05-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

Is Harold Camping Causing More Harm Than Good?

2011-05-20T21:10:00.003-04:00

I was asked today if I thought the Harold Camping publicity was doing more harm than good. I guess in response I'd have to ask, "Harm to what?"

Harm to Christ? No. This certainly does nothing to affect his character.

Harm to the Church? Well, if the goal is to be considered "Normal" by the standards of people that don't walk in The Way. Maybe.

But primarily these were the thoughts I've had:

Men will always hate us because of Him. I think situations like this gives haters ammunition, but it's not hurting the cause of Christ. I don't know if you've been around your friends that don't follow Christ, but at my office's lunch table we got to talk about quite a bit of stuff related to Christ. There were a lot of jokes, but I came away from it with three thoughts:

1. People that I know aren't going to see Christ in Harold Camping. They're going to see Him in me. Am I living in a way that allows Jesus to draw men unto Himself?
‎
2. Faith really is a mystery. The hype around Camping's prediction really does make the return of Christ sound ridiculous. Do we believe He is coming again? Do we live like it? Can we hold onto our belief even when others ridicule it?

3. I re-read Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Do followers of Christ really know what the Bible says about His return? There are a multitude of beliefs by Christ-followers have that are as off-base as Harold Camping's, but they have far less publicity. The real problem is they just don't know the Word well enough.

--Ben
Oh how I wish He would come. I look forward to His coming. Even so, the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come".

Not a lot of time to write

2011-04-29T06:39:00.003-04:00

Between my work schedule and soccer practices and job hunting I just don't have much time to write. I think of things regularly that I'd like to post, but just can't get time to write them down.

So here's an update:

I'm working for an accounting firm in Annapolis as an office manager. It started as a ten day temp hire, then became a 4 week hire, then one more week, and now is something of an indefinite long-term, but temporary situation. All I know is I work hard and try to learn anything I can. I regularly impress them, and that seems to be what has bought me more time. I'm very grateful for the work.
I'm coaching Sydney's soccer team on Monday and Wednesday's after work. Games are on Sundays and right now we're 1-0.
I am applying for pastorates and Christian ministry all over the place and in all kinds of churches, though my interviews have proven that I don't speak the languages of some other denominations. I'm just looking for the open door.
My son has started crawling and can cruise from the living room table to the couch and down the hall leaning against the wall.
Sydney just turned six and it is ridiculous how fast time has gone.
I'm preaching three times over the next month: This Sunday at Pasadena A/G, May 8 at Eastern A/G, and May 29 at Cedarville A/G in Brandywine, MD.

That's the news.

--Ben

Chinese Christians held at Easter service: church

2011-04-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

Chinese Christians held at Easter service: church

(AFP) – 19 hours ago

BEIJING — Up to 30 members of a Chinese evangelical church were arrested on Sunday for trying to hold an Easter service in defiance of the officially atheist government, a member of the clergy said.

A large number of police began to gather early Sunday in the Zhongguancun area of Beijing where the Shouwang Church had said it would hold an outdoor service to mark the holiest day of the Christian calendar.

"Between 20 and 30 followers were taken away by police," senior pastor Jin Tianming told AFP by telephone from his home, where he is under house arrest. He said there were several police officers posted outside the building.

He added that the members of the congregation who were arrested had been taken to different police stations and that none had so far been released...Full Story

Prayer Request

2011-04-07T11:37:00.001-04:00

If you're so inclined, please pray for Naomi. She is 2 years old and has brain cancer. Found out about her today from a coworker. --Ben

Jesus's Upside Down Kingdom

2011-04-04T10:00:00.002-04:00

For the last week and a half I have been meditating on the Sermon On The Mount; a chapter a day. Today I read only Matthew 5:1-12:

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

Last year my father shared that as a new follower of Jesus he was questioned by an atheist related to Jesus's teaching. "Do you really believe the meek inherit the earth?" The meek don't inherit the earth. They get trampled by the galloping, brash hoard of those seeking power. Right!?! Not in Jesus' Kingdom. In fact, all of those that are "blessed" are people in circumstances everyone wanting to rise up to "success" avoids. We don't want to mourn or be poor in spirit. But the revelation of the Kingdom according to Jesus is among just such a people. Though it is counter-intuitive to the way we're taught to think, don't we find it true that when we have nothing to cheer for heaven seems closer and easier to talk to? When we mourn He's close to comfort us? When we're tired of the diet of unrighteousness He is there to fill our hunger and thirst for righteousness? This is where Jesus's Kingdom is. And when we're there, we're blessed. --Ben

Hands Free Driving

2011-04-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

I don’t know if I’ve shared this before, but I hate phone calls. I like talking with people, but hate the idea of calling them. Coincidentally my job right now as an office manager requires a lot of phone calls. But it also requires a half-hour commute. So now each day I use my Bluetooth to call a different family member and talk for ten minutes or so just to catch up. And I enjoy it.

I’ve never been the kind of son that called mom to check in, or the kind of brother to call and check on my sisters. But thanks to my commute I am now in touch. Awww. I’ll probably only last this way until I no longer have a commute, but I’ll enjoy it while I can.

--Ben

Easy As A B C

2011-03-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

I’m currently reading a book called Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. In one section of the book he talks about the power of stickiness and explains a lot about the background of Sesame Street. One reference that he makes is to the alphabet reading by James Earl Jones. You’ve probably seen and heard it over the years. Jones recorded the alphabet by saying a letter then pausing before saying the next. Of course it thundered in his big voice. Originally it was recorded this way so that in the pauses the creators on Sesame Street could insert activity to reinforce the letter. But what they found was that playing it with simply a picture of the letter caused children to start saying the name of the letter and associating it with the letter on the screen. When it was played multiple times children would begin anticipating the next letter, and effectively learn the alphabet from repetition and anticipation.

This has caused me to consider how scripture memory could be done in the corporate worship setting. The catholic church has obviously used the same type of systematic repetition to educate their parishioners. (i.e. Hail Mary, full of grace, etc.) And recently I’ve become aware of Joel Osteen leading his congregation in a recitation about their Bible. (i.e. This is my Bible, etc.) I’ve just been thinking about the opportunity that we have to memorize scripture together that in the tradition of doing church the way I’ve experienced it has been lacking.

I will, in the future, be leading a time of scripture memory with my congregation whenever I’m blessed with the opportunity to lead one. Scripture memory is putting the raw materials into our mind so that the Holy Spirit can use it to make some new for the Kingdom. I think it should have an effect not just in the individual, but in the congregation as well.

Now, if I could just line up some studio time with James Earl Jones to record some passages…

--Ben

God That Provides

2011-03-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I attended National Community Church with a group of Valley Forge Students. The sermon was on the final test of Abraham, when God asked for Isaac to be offered as a sacrifice. Just before Abraham killed his son God stopped him and showed him a ram caught in the thicket to be sacrificed instead. And in that story God revealed something about himself. Abraham called God by a new name Jehovah Jireh – God that provides.

Over the last couple months of unemployment God has provided for me. And in some cases it has been from the unlikeliest of sources. I have received cards in the mail that contain gift cards for groceries, and received handshakes that contain cash. Last weekend someone dropped off a card anonymously expressing gratitude and encouragement for following God’s call on my life, and inside was money.

We’ve tried to be good stewards. We’ve cut our costs, and tried to be wise with how we handle our money. We practiced the principles that I’ve taught in financial series. Those habits of saving have now come around to help us, but in the end God is providing for us. I want to thank those of you that have been part of His provision as you’ve given to help meet our needs.

In my devotions recently I’ve been meditating on The Sermon On The Mount. Jesus says that in His Kingdom there is no reason to worry. Birds don’t worry about lodging. Lilies don’t worrying about clothing. Jesus’ people don’t need to worry about anything. He is Jehovah Jireh – God that provides.

--Ben

Psalm 119:99

2011-03-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with the Rev. Dr. Barry Black, U.S. Senate Chaplain. In reflection of God’s word he shared that as a boy his mother would give him a nickel for every verse of scripture that he memorized. So he and his brother searched the Bible for every short verse they could find. But when they ran out of short ones they continued to memorize. A verse that stood out to him was from Psalm 119:99. The Psalmist says that he is smarter than his teachers because he as meditated on God’s words (Thy testimonies, KJV).

Daniel and his friends in exile in Babylon mediated and lived by the word of God. They were found to be ten times better than all the Babylonian classmates.

He recounted several times when he used the lens of God’s word to influence the policy of our nation and military at times when he was not a ranking officer or voting member of the Senate. This discussion just affirmed to me the value of memorizing God’s word.
--Ben

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Needless to say this season is a different kind of time for my family as we flex under financial and vocational transitions. I noticed yesterday that God has given us a very precious gift in His providential timing. Ellie has started pre-school and attends five days a week as a perk of my wife’s employment at the school. Her class is memorizing Psalm 100. The teacher asked us to go over it at home periodically to help the children memorize it, so we adopted the passage as a family memory verse and repeat it together multiple times a day. Even in my own free time I find myself rehearsing it in my mind. Here’s what is says: (I’ll type it from memory so you can check my progress.)

Psalm 100 (KJV)
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord; all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord, He is God. It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.
For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Can I just say that there are a lot of issues that could seem really big right now, but instead I’m focused on the biggest thing that matters; my relationship with God. Do you know why? It is because He has given me this truth.

We can not have a better plan for our lives than God’s. Why? Because it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves.

We are not alone. Why? Because we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

God deserves my honor and attention, to be extolled and exalted, and to receive thanksgiving and praise. Why? Because the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endureth to all generations.

Mmmm…Sometimes I just wanna PREACH.

--Ben

PS. The best part of memorizing is seeing the look on Ellie’s face when he has caught me messing up. She knows it the best out of all of us. I’m very proud of her. When you see her ask her to tell you Psalm 100.

My Schedule

2011-03-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

I have had the weirdest schedule this week. I started a new job as a temp for an accounting firm in Annapolis, and have had to adjust to a morning commute. For the last four years, almost every day, my trip to the office was about thirteen steps down to my basement. Now I’m sitting on Ritchie Hwy in the morning’s wishing people knew how to drive in the rain. But I digress.

These first couple days have been like building a plane in the air. The feeling of imbalance because you don’t know where things are in the office and what the procedures and systems are is enough to really exhaust you. Each day has gotten a little better as I’ve learned, and I have received compliments from people in the office for how I’m picking up on things. (appreciated)

Because I’m less available in the mornings to help Corie with the kids before school we have really focused on getting them in bed early. Every night this week we’ve had the lights out in the house by 8:00. And yes, I’ve been in bed by eight so far this week. I have adjusted my sleep time to allow me to get up several hours before work to get myself ready, work on grad work, make breakfast for the kids, do my devotional reading and prayer, and whatever else I can do to alleviate as much pressure on Corie as I can. Of course, going to bed early is a lot easier without the distraction and time wasters of Cable and the Internet. Perhaps I’ll fill you in on that in my next post.
--Ben

New Posts Are Coming

2011-03-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

I have very limited access to the internet, but I wanted to jump on and let you know that new posts will be coming soon. Thanks to those who are regularly checking in.

--Ben

Thy Brother’s Keeper

2011-03-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

Gen.4:3-9 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let's go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”“I don't know,” he replied. “Am I my brother's keeper?”

Cain is remembered for his sin against his brother, but this week I’ve been reflecting on his sin against God. In the gospels, Jesus was asked a theological question intended to scandalize his reputation as a teacher. The question was, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus’ answer has framed what we understand as the essence of obedience: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt. 22)

Now, back to Cain. After Cain had murdered and put his brother in the ground, God spoke to Cain and asked where Able was. At this point two things stand out to me:

God already knew where Able was. God has a habit of asking questions He already knows the answers to.

God spoke to Cain. Remember God spoke with Cain’s parents nightly in the Garden, but that relationship had ended years ago. It was not a usual event for God to speak. How could Cain have been so flip?

Cain answers, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” And there is the root of Cain’s sin against God. He could not love his neighbor (brother) as himself. All my life I thought that was a perfectly acceptable and reasonable question. Surely we are not responsible for others. Right!?!

Loving your neighbor as yourself means that you do have a responsibility to be your brother’s keeper. We can’t live their life or account for their every moment, but, to the degree we’re able, loving them as we love ourselves means we are our brother’s keeper. Consider that in light of Jesus teaching on the greatest commandment our relationship with God is directly related to our relationships with others.

--Ben

Book Review: For Men Only

2011-03-17T21:57:00.001-04:00

For Men Only
By: Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

This week I was able to read For Men Only, a book on understanding the inner life of women. I read it, of course, to try to figure out the inner life of MY woman, and enjoyed it over a couple hours throughout my week.

Warning: This book has the all-to-typical sappy “I’m on your side” attitude that is apparently required when speaking to men about marriage.

The most important part about this book was the reference to their other book called, For Women Only. It is apparently written for women to understand a man’s mind, and I think that would be great reading for MY woman. I was so impressed with what I learned that I really do think that Corie would learn a lot that would probably help her in her effort in dealing with me.

Best single part of the book was a list of ways NOT to listen when your wife is upset:

Tell her she’s overreacting.
Question her version of the facts.
Wonder aloud about the time of the month.
Ask her to quit crying.
Offer spiritual correction (“Are you sure you’re not just envious?”)

This was a good book for married couples. I would really recommend it. It has some fresh views on material I’ve read and learned elsewhere.

--Ben

Book Reveiw: Running Your Own Company

2011-03-09T13:18:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I finished reading Running Your Own Company by Paul Riecks. This book, published in 2008, is a collection of columns that Mr. Riecks wrote for SmartCEO magazine. Each chapter consisted of a business question and his response. I’m a fan of short chapters so I really liked the format. It also gave me as a reader the chance to sort through information in the book that pertained to me, and some that I believe will never pertain to me. This book gave me a greater and greater respect for entrepreneurs that are able to succeed at what they love.

Of course, for my part, I read it through the lens of ministry. When he referenced best practices for companies I tried to relate how a church might use those practices and if they lined up with a biblical pattern of leadership. When he referenced employees, I gave thought to the implications for volunteers. One chapter that was particularly inspiring to me was called “Your Highest And Best Use”. It was not a new thought as I’ve read similar advice elsewhere, but it was a reminder that every person has a highest and best use in business or otherwise. We should be seeking our highest and best use. There is a word for this is scripture. It is Worship (Romans 12:1-2).

If you are a business owner, or are considering it, I would recommend this book as extra reading on the subject. It is not tedious, nor technical, but practical in its approach.

--Ben

And Away It Goes

2011-03-07T14:48:00.003-05:00

Last week a church contacted me and asked me to submit a recent sermon on CD for their review. This morning it went into the mail. I'm thankful that last week I heard from two churches in response to applications. One is local and one is not. They are both very different positions, but both are interesting to me. I'm praying that I'll have discernment for where the Lord is directing me whether one of these opens or one I haven't heard about yet.

In the mean time all I can do is be faithful in the things I can do, and let God take care of the rest.

--Ben

How you can pray: Right now I'm really trying to find work temporary or otherwise. Please pray that a job will open up.

Currently Exploring

2011-03-07T14:40:00.002-05:00

I'm currently preparing to begin a new chapter in my online journal experience. I think I'll put a cap on the Severn River years soon. Currently I'm working on an unabridged essay on the last six months, and I'll post that as a series of posts. After which I'll conclude posting.

I'm currently exploring new platforms to publish with. So when I'm ready to make the switch the BenjaminRainey.com domain will take you to the new spot. In the meantime I've shed the old template, and have settled into a more minimalist look. Special thanks to Drew Harrah for my last template, but off with the old and on with the next.

--Ben

Update

2011-02-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

Well, I wish I had more news, but I get asked often enough now that I thought I'd start putting some updates here on my site.

I'm still unemployed. I have been able to pick up a little work here and there, but nothing steady.
I was in touch with a church in Virginia for a Youth and Master's Commission position, and was even told that we would line up an interview, but haven't heard anything since.
I have for months been submitting my résumé to churches, and been hearing nothing. * I did receive a rejection letter from a church on Wednesday that I applied for in November.
I received a phone call from a man this week that was submitting my résumé to a church in Western Maryland. He is kind of a clearinghouse of connection for ministers and churches in our District.
I've learned that these searches are usually conducted by a committee or board that meets once a week. Their urgency and my urgency are functioning on different frequencies. :-)

Anyway, thanks for your concern and your prayers.

--Ben

Spiritual Father

2011-02-14T15:45:00.002-05:00

Recently our district has been studying how "Spiritual Fathers" influence future generations of ministers. We were asked to share if we had a spiritual father and why it benefited us. These were some thoughts I put together on the fly:

My "Spiritual Father" is Phil Foster. I felt the call to ministry from a young age (12) and Phil had a steady impact on my development. You asked what did he do for me that impacted me. For one thing he exhibited longevity in ministry. He came to Pasadena A/G when I was about to turn 12 and is still there today. Another thing is that I remember praying with him. Sunday nights were spent around the altar at the church, and as I was seeking God he would pray and lay hands on me. I remember one night as I poured my heart out to the Lord only a few remained around the altar and he said, "Ben, you remind me of the journey I went on when I was following the Lord's call to ministry." I can still see that moment in my memory, because I remember thinking, "Then I'm on the right road." It was a great validation.

He took me with him. I remember being invited to go on visitation with him. I just sat quietly watching, but it shaped me. He also gave me opportunity to preach as a teenager in the church. I preached for Sunday night service at first, then Youth Sunday on Sunday morning. He let me borrow his books for studying. He involved me.

The week before I went to Bible college he called me into his office and gave me a book. It was John Maxwell's, Developing The Leader WIthin You. He said that he'd gotten it for me because he believed in me as a leader, and that God had a special future for me. It was the first reading on leadership that I'd ever done, and still today I remember the principles of that book over the many I've read since.

Phil hired me right out of school, and never treated me as a hireling. He treated me as en equal/co-laborer from early on in my ministry there. He included me on decisions and ministry that I probably I wouldn't have included me on, but I benefited greatly because of it. We started quarterly retreats just the two of us where we would bat around the ministry of PAG and sharpen each other. The clash of disagreement was always the fertile soil of new ideas. And we cheered each other on. He'd tell me when I had "rung the bell" and would be so transparent with me about areas he felt he'd failed in.

He believed in me when I started a church plant, and was quick to point out that he believed in me when the plant closed at the end of 2010. He has welcomed me back to regular worship at PAG, and has quickly included me in ministry since being back.

My father Ben, Sr. is a great Dad and has had tremendous impact on my life, but like any Dad his biggest contribution was just being around and being himself. He couldn't teach me everything, but he could teach me what he knew. Phil has been the same way. I mention that because the pursuit of "Spiritual Fathers" is less about all they can do and how great a man they are. It is more about how close they can be and whether they are there for the regular bumps of life. Can I watch this man and learn from him when he's not talking to me as much as when he is? Will he believe in me when I'm not sure I believe in myself? Will he lead me, and love me, and in the right time get out of my way, while always ready to grab me by the scruff of the neck when I'm about to step on a landmine? That's the friend and "Spiritual Father" I have in Phil.

--Ben

Book Review: Freakonomics

2011-01-18T19:19:00.003-05:00

For Christmas my sister, Sarah, got me a treat: Freakonomics. I just finished it and really loved every chapter. It is several years old now, but having finally gotten around to reading it I can see why it was such a hit over the last decade. It is an offbeat look at economics from a very non-financial view. I've always equated the two, but Levitt and Dubner lay out issues of human behavior that translates into how people get what they want. There is no overall theme to the book per se, but each chapter stands alone and challenges your thoughts on how the world works. Some theories are controversial and a little uncomfortable to read, but they certainly are thought provoking. And that seems to be the point, each chapter presents "what if" statements backed up by thoughtful arguments and data.

The authors make no secret that their conclusions may not be entirely correct, but must at least be recognized.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It has been the funnest read I've had in a while.

--Ben

The Rearview Mirror

2011-01-06T07:09:00.003-05:00

Sometimes things in life can't be understood through the windshield, only through the rear view mirror.

This photo was taken on our trip. The kids visible are my niece Liv, my nephew Dillon, and my daughters Ellie and Sydney.

--Ben

Ready, Fire, Aim!

2011-01-05T14:08:00.002-05:00

Someone came up with that title and published it. It's not my desire to take anything away from them. Just thought about my daughter shooting her cousin's BB gun.

As you can see she's left-handed. That means all of my approaches to doing everything are opposite of her. Whenever I show her how to do something I have to stop, take a breath, and then explain it.

The truth is at this point she's not that great a shooter, but maybe she'll get better with experience. I know I had a lot of fun with her, and she's game to give anything a try.

--Ben

Staff Retreat Ideas -- Larry Osborne

2011-01-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

Headed off for 1st of 2 meeting days with w/ key min leaders to figure out 2012 min essentials. Identifying roadblocks & potential rockets.

Final Drop Off

2010-12-22T13:36:00.004-05:00

Today was the final drop off of equipment to Restore Church in Havre de Grace. I met the pastor this morning dropping off equipment that we had in storage. So now that part is done.

He has been really grateful for everything that we've been able to give him. As my presbyter said, "planting seed in good soil."

Freely we received, freely we give.

--Ben

Writing

2010-12-20T15:29:00.003-05:00

To the faithful readers who have been checking in daily here at BenjaminRainey.com I want to say thanks for your continued confidence. I appreciate the small measure that you give me by visiting this site to read. I have enjoyed writing here going back to 2005. Wow, that sounds like a long time. Over that time my writing has primarily focused on Severn River Church, and my life as its pastor. Now that the church has closed I have some challenges when it comes to writing listed as follows:

So much to write, so little time. That may seem funny as currently my workload is greatly reduced, but I find the posts in my head are of some significance and so I want to dedicate proper time to their presentation for posterity's sake.
Seasons change. "If a man thinks he leads and has no one following, then he is only taking a walk" (Maxwell) Right now I find myself in a position that I haven't been in for over 10 years. I don't have a group that I'm leading directly. I'm sure I still have influence in different nooks of the world, but no direct influence. I'm recalibrating what I might say during this season. Right now I'm just walking more quietly.
I will write. I am not a great writer, but I enjoy the habit. This is an outlet for me to share and process the thoughts that I have on life, ministry and leadership. During this time I'm just feeling a bit private. I'm sure it will pass. I'm looking forward to the future of this website, and am thinking through some options of where it will evolve in the future.

Thanks for reading.

--Ben

Just A Nobody

2010-12-09T16:39:00.002-05:00

One of the difficult parts of becoming a disciple of Jesus is that everything you've ever learned about how life works is turned upside-down. Instead of getting to the front of the line, your goal is getting to the back. Instead of getting to the seat of honor, your goal is the lowest seat. Instead of walking your obligatory mile, you seek to walk two. Instead of becoming somebody, we should be happy to be a nobody.

In Romans chapter 4 Paul discusses this situation in the life of Abraham.

Romans 4:17 MSG
"We call Abraham “father” not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn’t that what we’ve always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, “I set you up as father of many peoples”? Abraham was first named “father” and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing."

Abraham was a nobody that was living out in the wilderness, in a tent, because he had dedicated his life simply to following God. Those of us in the family of God are regarded as children of Abraham, a nobody, and God was satisfied that in his life being a nobody was enough. Being sexually impotent in his old age was enough for God to call something out of nothing. Enough because God-stories are always played out through the lives of nobodies. And Abraham was satisfied to believe and obey.

What are you? What can we be anyway? Significance, as the world defines it, is a fickle mirage. Successes, on the world's scorecard, are likely to be blown away in the winds of time; nothing that lasts.

The meek inherit the earth.

--Ben

Preaching

2010-12-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

I have enjoyed preaching occasionally at Arnold Christian Academy over the last ten years or so. This morning I had the chance to go again and share God's word. I spoke on God's record of keeping promises. I enjoyed preaching there very much.

ACA only goes through the 8th grade. So each time I speak I invite the 8th graders up to the front and ask them a question related to my message. I make a big deal about it and the kids love it. The 8th graders are always a little embarrassed, but by the end I think they enjoy it and feel esteemed.

--Ben

Light Of The World

2010-12-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

What does it mean to be the light of the world? Jesus said in the sermon on the mount that we, His followers, are the light of the world. The metaphor of light in Jewish tradition is understood as a reference to themselves as a people; that they are the light of the world. Jesus taught this idea to a Jewish audience and as with much of the rest of the sermon on the mount they were hearing ideas common to their heritage, but presented with a new perspective. God's promise to Abraham was that his decedents would be the light of the world and that as the nations wanted to repent they would come to Him through the Jewish nation. As the Levites were the priests for the tribes of Israel, Israel would be the priests of the world.

As disciples, folllowers of Jesus we take His teaching on the mount to include us. We have been grafted into Abraham's line and are included in the light of the world. I have a Christian friend of Jewish heritage who heard me teach this and asked, "You think this applies to non-Jews?" Absolutely. Despite his heritage the scripture is clear that we are adopted sons and daughters of God. That through the sacrifice of Jesus the way to being the people of God is not tied up in genealogical trees, but has extended to all men.

It struck me this morning as I went for my morning walk My mind recalled something that my father said this year, "Hunters know the difference between the night and the dawn. The light turns grayscale to color." The first couple trips around my loop all the houses are gray in the lack of light, but when the sun brings light the color changes the scene.

We're the light of the world we bring the color to the landscape of God's creation.

--Ben

A Quote From C.S. Lewis

2010-11-30T13:24:00.002-05:00

I follow CS Lewis on Twitter and each day I get an quote from his extensive writing. Lewis was a philosopher, professor, and author. He was asked to do a series of radio programs during blitz of WWII to build the faith of the Brits. That collection became a book entitled Mere Christianity, and that has been an inspirational book to me. He is also known for The Chronicles of Narnia, an allegorical children's story in multiple volumes.

Anyway, his quote today struck me as particularly poignant. Enjoy...

"There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them."

--Ben

What Happens To The Church's Stuff

2010-11-29T11:46:00.002-05:00

With the church closing I have heard a question pop up time and again: What is happening to the Church's stuff. Well, there are two categories I guess -- goods and cash. Our goods, all the equipment that fits in the trailer for example will be donated to other church ministries in the area. We're glad to give a gift, our drum kit, to Pasadena Assembly of God. We'll be giving a video projector to a church in Baltimore that would like to update their A/V, but don't have the money. And we'll be giving the rest to a church plant in Havre de Grace, MD. We know what a blessing it was when we were the recipients of equipment, now we're glad to be able to bless others.

The cash is the property of the Potomac District, and will be turned over to them at the conclusion of church business.

--Ben

Unwitting Accomplices

2010-11-24T11:42:00.003-05:00

I've been reading the gospels lately, and have been reading about the events that led up to Jesus' death. It is surprising to me that the Pharisees and the governing body of the Temple, the Sanhedrin, allowed themselves to be overtaken with rage and crucify Jesus and fulfill so many prophecies. You might have thought cooler heads would prevail.

In Acts we have the Pharisee Gamaliel telling his cohorts that in the matter of Peter and John they should back off. If these men were truly working on behalf of God there was nothing they could do, and if they weren't then they'd fizzle like every other upstart movement popular in that time of Jewish history. This was within 100 days of Jesus' crucifixion. Where was Gamaliel's voice on the night in question.

Shouldn't someone have spoken up and said, "Let's wait until after Passover week. We don't want to make Jesus look like a sacrificial lamb." Someone to say, "Let's not trade him for Barrabas and risk making Jesus the scapegoat (a prophetic Jewish symbol)." Who approved thirty pieces of silver as a price for Jesus' betrayal to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah? Who decided to let him be whipped bearing stripes (Isaiah), before being accursed for hanging on a tree (Deuteronomy). I'd have thought somebody would have seen these things stacking up and said, let's wait a little longer.

Ah, but the sovereignty of God allowed them to be blinded by their own rage, hatred, and love of self and power to make them unwitting accomplices in His redemption plan.

--Ben

From The Mind Of Ben Rainey

2010-11-23T16:58:00.003-05:00

When I watch a television show, especially dramas, I pay attention to who the guest stars are. Nine times out of ten the one guest star I recognize turns out to be the bad guy. The reason is that the bad guy is going to have to act in the climatic scene, so the casting department makes sure they have quality actors in those roles. It's a very important trick to figuring out what will happen in the end from the beginning, which is important to me.

Every story has to have a conflict/crisis and a climax where the conflict or crisis is resolved. The writers in most cases offer multiple suspects. Back in the day whoever Scooby Doo met first was, zoinks, the bad guy. Nowadays writers try to make it less obvious by having multiple people, but like the Scooby Doo days, most of them have the telltale sign of making the most recognizable actor the bad guy.

And that's how I see it.

--Ben

Philippians 4:6-8 Letter

2010-11-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Last week I sent a letter to SRCers that are dealing with the pain of losing a church that they love. I wanted to record it here for posterity:

One passage of scripture has been replaying in my mind and it is from Philippians 4:6-8, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

This passage is important for the following reasons:

Anxiety — There can be quite a bit of anxiety right now. Anxiety about where we’ll go from here. What will the next church be like? Will friends for SRC end up there together? Will we all end up in different places? What do other people think about us? We believe that we have honored God, do other people view us as failures? So much anxiety. But godly wisdom says that we can exchange anxiety for peace through prayer.

Thanksgiving — Our prayer and petition should be served to God with a side of thanksgiving. In just about a week we will pause with family and friends to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. I want to encourage you take time each day to give thanks to God. Find all the things you can for which to give thanks. I think it is a great spiritual discipline of choosing what we will remain focused on.

Peace — God’s peace is peace whether we can understand why or not. Sometimes even with the circumstances of life stacked against us, in the face of unmet expectations, and when things haven’t gone as we planned, somehow God gives us peace that He’s with us. And when our confidence is entrusted to him through prayer, Jesus himself guards our hearts and minds. As he stands guard he keeps our hearts and minds from running back to anxiety.

Choice — We can choose what we keep our mind focused on. Choose to think on good, pure, noble, and praiseworthy things. In my sermon two weeks ago, on the rules of the road ahead, I called for us to yield the right of way to others. The reason is that others are going to do and say things that are hurtful. In most cases there is no intention on their part to hurt us, but due to misinformation and misunderstanding and our process of grieving they hurt us nonetheless. I want to ask you again to yield the right of way to others. Most people have never experienced the kind of grief that we are facing. They just don’t understand. Be patient with them. Think of the good, pure, noble, and praiseworthy things that God is doing in those that offend us unintentionally. We can choose what we keep our mind focused on.

Over the next four weeks we have the opportunity to work through our grief with those that understand most — one another. I want to ask you to make a commitment to finish well, and be part of the final days of our fellowship. In an effort to allow everyone to be part of the services and receive the ministry of the word we will be keeping the children in with us during services. They have been very well behaved over the last two weeks, and I’m sure will be for the remaining services. The services will be as follows:

· November 21st — God’s promise to His Family

[A special element of this service will be the dedication of Carson and Calvin to the Lord. This will be a special celebration that we’ll share together.]

· November 28th — God’s promise for His Church

· December 5th — God’s promise for the World

· December 12th — All Church Celebration

Our final gathering (December 12) will take place at Joe and Jess Harp’s house for a brunch together. The focus of the morning will be a remembrance of all the wonderful experiences we’ve enjoyed as part of Severn River Church. This will NOT be a weepfest, it will be a chance to laugh, and share the joy of obedience and unity in the mission of Christ.

Baby Dedication

2010-11-22T15:38:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I dedicated my son Carson, and my nephew Calvin to the Lord in a special ceremony at Severn River Church. Over the last few years I've always enjoyed the special ceremonies that Pastoral ministry has afforded me. Weddings, funerals, baptisms and baby dedications are wonderful and spiritual moments.

I've done baby dedications for my own daughter, my niece, and children of good friends from the church, but yesterday was the first time I've ever done more than one at a time. Having both boys was a real treat. They were both very cute all dressed up. I wish I had pictures to show you, but I was in a lot more pictures than I took yesterday.

These two precious boys are embarking on a life that holds infinite possibilities. Baby dedication is about the parents, extended family, and church family recognizing their responsibilities for the godly upbringing of these children. We dedicated them to the Lord for His good pleasure to do with them and call them to whatever he wishes. We view our time with them, rearing them in our home, as a gift and loan from the Lord.

I was a proud father and uncle yesterday. Thanks to everyone that was a part.

--Ben

An SRCers Perspective

2010-11-18T07:06:00.001-05:00

One SRCer's view on the church closing and what these things mean.

Click Here To Read

Church Announcement

2010-11-16T16:58:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, November 14, Severn River Church hosted our Presbyter, Don Cox, for a congregational meeting. After discussion of the current and future circumstances he announced that he will be making a recommendation to the Potomac District Board of Presbyters for the closing of Severn River Church.

Over the last few weeks I have worked with the Board of Directors to gather information from the congregation to get the best picture of SRC's possible future. After the data was collected a future emerged that would create a tremendous challenge to move forward. The District spoke with Ariel, our Associate Pastor, about the possibility of leading the church, and it was determined that it wasn't the leading of the Lord. In the end, in the face of tremendous challenges, the decision was made to recommend closure.

Don made it very clear that the District prefers to help churches move forward, but in this circumstance couldn't recommend that. He tried to be kind, knowing that the announcement would be very difficult because of the level of commitment and love of SRC that members have. He said that the District is not giving up on our town, but will regroup and look at future opportunities.

Severn River Church will conclude services with its final celebration on December 12, 2010. Please pray for us during this time of transition.

--Ben

Youtube -- DIYs best Friend

2010-11-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

If you are a Do It Yourselfer (DIY) like me there are a number of projects that you'd like to do, but just seem a little unsure of how to do. I know I've referenced this before, but you can learn to do just about anything on youtube.

We've been having a problem with our door on our minivan. I found a website that gives step by step instructions how to fix it, but with no pictures. I thought, "I wish I could see someone do this." So I typed it into youtube and bam found it. You're probably not interested in the video below, but I just wanted to show you a typical how to video.

Thank You Veterans

2010-11-11T11:51:00.002-05:00

Today is Veterans Day, and I want to take a moment to say thank you to those who have served and those currently serving to defend our country and the cause of liberty. I suppose the older one gets the more valuable life appears. The young can't appreciate the experiences of life the same way as the aged because they haven't experienced the depth of friendship, marriage, parenthood, and all those things that make life rich, at least I know I didn't. The more wealthy one becomes in life experiences the more we recognize that it is possible only through the sacrifice of others; especially the young who have put their lives on the line. Those young men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice do so having never enjoyed the gift that they provide for others. Thank you to all who are serving and have served.

--Ben

Two Sides To Calling

2010-11-11T10:42:00.002-05:00

In scripture the term "called" in relation to a vocation ministry is only used twice, yet the term "called" in relationship to every believer is used more often. I have felt a calling to ministry in my life. Yesterday I included the question "Is Pastor Ben leaving the ministry?" as an exaggeration to demonstrate how rumors get out of control. Well, it turns out...

I am not leaving the ministry, but I am leaving Severn River Church.

Apparently the rumor has already gone around though that I'm leaving the ministry. When you are dedicating yourself to serving the Lord you serve at His will. There are two sides to understanding His will. One is a releasing from, the other is a calling to. So far over the last 15 years I have always had a calling to: calling to VFCC, calling to PAG, calling to SRC. In this case I find myself released from Severn River Church without a real sense of where I'm called to.

This is probably where the confusion comes in for others. We are much more comfortable with knowing the answers than we are with only questions. But this is the faith part of following God's lead.

Release From: Faith
Calling To: Faithfulness

A friend of mine said that he couldn't imagine what I might do next because there are so many options: Further education, higher education, staff pastor, lead pastor, large church, turn around church, etc.

Well, I'm trying to figure that one out right now and looking for the door that God will open. I'm not sure it will open right away. But when it does I want the courage and obedience to walk through it.

--Ben

Degrees Of Separation

2010-11-10T08:10:00.002-05:00

Is Severn River Church closing? Did Pastor Ben leave the church last week? Is Ben leaving the ministry? These and all other questions can be answered here or in personal conversation with me. However, it happens anytime there is news like this, speculation is passed on as fact, and it's a matter of degrees of separation. For as long as we ask questions of people that are separated from the event we will get their answer with their spin.

The week leading up to the announcement last Sunday I went to each household in the church and spoke with people to make sure they got the chance to hear the news from me. I had talked some of them into coming through a similar conversation. I felt they deserved to hear about my leaving the same way. When we got to the service on Sunday morning there were no surprises.

In one conversation though I found out that they had heard from a relative (that doesn't attend our church) that our church had disbanded the week prior; a week this couple had been away from church. Wow, it's amazing how information gets twisted.

Severn River Church is in a vulnerable spot, a transition no doubt, but the church did not close last week, nor will it next week. Some have misunderstood discussions about vulnerability as a declaration of closure. Severn River Church held an informational meeting Sunday to discuss the challenges that are ahead and poll the congregation about their commitment to facing those challenges. Tonight the church board is meeting to interpret the results of that poll, and on Sunday we'll host a District Official to discuss the options the church faces.

My resignation and the church's future are two separate issues. The Assemblies of God has classifications of churches. Our church is a Home Missions church which means it is ultimately run by the Board of Presbyters. We are submitting to a process they have approved.

So, a couple things I'd ask moving forward. I'd ask you to not be part of spreading misinformation, because it doesn't benefit anyone. I'd ask you to be considerate of SRCers that love their church, and are facing a turbulent time of transition right now. I'd ask you to not assume anything.

I've spoken with SRCers this week that have been hurt because of the assumptions of people that aren't part of the church and the pressure from the "cloud of witnesses". What we are doing at SRC is what is patterned in the book of Acts 15:28, "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." We are seeking what seems good to the Holy Spirit and us for the future of this ministry.

I'll keep you informed of the facts as they unfold.

--Ben

Only As Far As Facebook

2010-11-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

One of the issues that I have faced is the relationship that I have with the people of SRC. A common thought I've heard expressed is sorrow over the loss of friendship that occurs when distance separates friends and family. The, "What will I do without you?" thoughts that are expressed by some are a grief for that relationship loss.

We live in a world that is different from what it was only a decade ago. We now have Facebook, Linkedin, and all sorts of social networking on the interwebs. Of course you'll still be able to keep up with me through www.benjaminrainey.com so long as I pay the bill each year or two to renew the domain name.

More importantly though I will be able to remain in contact with you. Relationships change no doubt, but we have more resources now than ever before to be able to connect when we need to.

--Ben

Baby Dedications

2010-11-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

Hey on November 21st we'll be dedicating Carson Rainey and Calvin Gilt to the Lord at SRC. I'm looking forward to this special service. Carson and Calvin are cousins. Carson is, of course, my son and Calvin is my nephew.

If you have the chance, we'd love to have you join us for this special day. The dedication will be held during our regular morning service.

--Ben

Friends And Counselors

2010-11-09T08:10:00.000-05:00

Throughout the last month and a half or so, as I came to the decision of resigning, I turned to a number of trusted friends and counselors to share what I was thinking and sensing in my heart was to be my next step. I have been blessed with relationships with men of God that I can trust for good direction.

What a blessing that the first person I would turn to would be my own father. I could probably write a post on his role in this decision (and probably will), but for now let me say that I'm so thankful to have a loving father that gives me godly advice and gracious love.

Several other pastors and leaders were kind enough to talk with me and help me gain a better perspective of my future. In times of transition it is always good to turn to godly influences and get their thoughts and advice. Here's the thing: sometimes they contradict one another, because they're human. But in the conversations you allow God to speak to you through his people. That is the benefit. He uses the collection of voices to speak to you. God speaks to us through His word, His people, and His Holy Spirit.

If you're facing transition right now don't do it in silence. Find trusted, godly friends and counselors to help you.

--Ben

The Blindside

2010-11-08T13:27:00.002-05:00

How do you announce a major life decision? Who should know, and when, and in what order, and to what degree?

These are questions that I've wrestled with over the last few weeks. I talked to my father first. (He is a vault. If you tell him something in confidence you can be sure it will stay confidential.) I talked to my sister second because she has been a partner with me working as my employee at the church for the last year plus. Then presbyter, certain close friends, mentors/pastors, my family, my inlaws, the church board individually then collectively, the church members individually then collectively. Always carefully widening the boundaries of who knows what. Carefully because I didn't want those that are affected the most by the decision finding out from those that are affected to a lesser degree. So a lot of agreements were made that the information would stay secret until the appropriate time. I have to tell you as someone that values transparency that I hated carrying the secret. And it disappointed me, though it didn't surprise me, when confidences were broken through misunderstandings, and misinformation got out to people ahead of my ability to meet with them personally. But that's the rumor mill, it's just the way things are. Overall, everyone was very helpful in keeping things appropriately quiet.

It turns out though that when the decision becomes public there are a lot more people that are shocked, surprised, even interested than you can think of. And there just is no soft way of saying I'm leaving the church I've founded, that you've given money and prayer support to, that some have just connected with, and that others were meaning to connect with. The expectations that come from that cloud of witnesses is something I've never had to deal with before. I maybe haven't handled it the best. I'm learning through this transition. I think generationally/technologically there is probably some difference to the dissemination of information. Those of a previous generation seem to be more private. To them openly discussing my thoughts and feelings on a website is probably unfamiliar at best, totally inappropriate at worst. It certainly speeds up the process. In years gone by a pastor could leave a church and it take months, maybe years for that news to move through channels of interpersonal discussion. Now I type it, Twitter repeats it, Facebook announces it and I have people states away sending me messages expressing their reaction. (Appreciated btw) I guess in some way I feel this gives direction to the rumor mill because at least there is a place where people can hear from the horses mouth.

I know that my announcement has blindsided many. It was not my intention to hurt or confuse anyone. As I've said and written I'm available to answer questions you may have. Change is unsettling, often it is easier to deal with if we have the blanks filled in, as it were. I'd be happy to do that.

--Ben

Why So Quiet?

2010-11-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

Some have asked why my blogging has dropped off so much over the last month. Well, if you haven't read my previous post you might want to. Yesterday I announced my resignation from Severn River Church. I published my resignation address to fill in blanks that some of you may have. News like this doesn't take long to travel, and doesn't take long to get distorted, so I've put it up to help people understand and put it in perspective. This week I'll probably start adding posts related to the questions that I've received from those I've talked to about it. Chances are the questions that you have will be answered this week, but if not don't hesitate to ask. A pastor's resignation is different from any other it seems. I'm happy to try to help you, it will be helpful for me too.

--Ben

My Resignation Address From This Morning At SRC

2010-11-07T20:16:00.000-05:00

There are two ways to live this life. One is to live for your self, the other is to die to self. One leads us to pride, selfishness, and the hollowness of a life stolen, killed, and destroyed; the other to an abundant life in Jesus Christ. I have always tried to live my life as one who dies to self and follows Jesus. I take him at his word that whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake shall find it. It is with this core belief that I am compelled to resign from Severn River Church at the end of this year.

Six years ago I began to hear God leading me to leave a church I loved to start a new church, and four years ago we launched it. For four years we have worked, and sweated, and laughed, and cried together for the mission of Christ: making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey God’s word. And for four years we have seen the hand of God move in and through us. Over the last few weeks I have met with many of you to talk with you about my decision. I have been received warmly as family. I appreciate that. That’s not to say that everyone has been happy or uplifted by this decision. I understand that it has hurt the sensitive parts of your hearts, and it has mine as well. Some began to share memories of times my ministry helped them in particularly difficult times in their life; the low points. It took me by surprise I guess, because I don’t think about those low points. I see the highpoints of growth, overcoming, and maturity. I love Severn River Church. I love its people, its families, I love its mission and mission field. I have learned so much here with you, from you.

My next steps are a little unclear. I don’t have an offer from another church, and have only started preparing to take the next step since coming to this decision. My future is in the Lord’s hands, and I trust that he will provide what I need. I wrestled with this decision a lot, and didn’t come to it quickly. I want you to know that I love you, I am proud of you, and I am thankful for you and all that you’ve done as you’ve partnered with me in this plant.

I recently met with a mentor of mine to discuss this decision and my future. He asked me if I could write the script of my life where I would see it going from here. I told him that I didn’t know. The script of my life had been written I thought. I would be at SRC, I thought, for twenty or thirty years. The Lord has other plans.

I will conclude my ministry at Severn River Church at the end of this year. Over the weeks to come I’ll be doing my best to lead the congregation through this time of transition. There are sure to be challenges but also joys along the way. I pray that throughout this transition we will continue to grow in the theme that we embraced for this year, “Formed in His image”. We began this year by meeting at Pastor Ariel’s condo for brunch. While we were there we passed out play dough and practiced forming the clay in our hands. It seems that God had a plan for that as he was shaping me, preparing me for this next step. And in the same way he has been shaping and preparing you. Here’s what I know: We will walk together for the next two months as pastor and parishioner. We will walk forever as brothers and sisters in Christ. In closing I want to share a scripture that sums up how I feel from 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Some Things I Need To Say About My Wife

2010-11-02T13:42:00.003-04:00

I don't think everyone gets who they deserve in marriage. There are a lot of people that think that way. I am not one of them, because I am living proof that sometimes people get more, much more than they deserve. Conversely, Corie is proof that sometimes people get far less than they deserve.

When I met Corie she was the quietest girl in school. She was pretty and interesting to me, and in the insecurity of my youth my flirting was beneath her quality. Yet when I asked her out she said yes, and we enjoyed baseball games and fireworks together. Much more could be said of our courtship, but there was seven years of that so suffice to say we loved each other from a young age and knew that we enjoyed something special.

You'd think that after dating for seven years you'd know the person you were marrying pretty well. But there has been much that we've had to learn over the last nine years of marriage. She's learned that I'm forgetful, and have a strong tendency to want to serve the church. At times in my life that dedication to work has been a great frustration to her, and it is something that I continually try to keep in moderated check. I often put the needs of others and the church ahead of her needs. This is the real me that she has had to learn about while we've been married. My rewards are eternal, and not much anywhere else. Still she loves me and makes due with what we have providing a good home for our children, and a safe place for me to come and rest. In some churches there are traditional stereotypes of what the pastor's wife ought to do and be. Corie doesn't play the piano or sing that well, and I remember a time when she was concerned about how she would be received by churches that we served. I told her that I didn't need her to do any of that. I needed her to believe in me and nurture our children. She gets an A+ in fulfilling my expectations.

Corie has many traits that I have learned about over the years, as well. She is direct, sees the world in black and white, and sees only here and now. She helps keep me grounded. I prefer to always look to there and then. She keeps our home running smoothly. She is frugal to the point that when I'm able to give her money to spend on herself (not often) she always comes home with stuff for our kids or part of the money saved for future use for the family. Whenever she has a big spending day she feels the need to explain how each piece of clothing was a deal. I gave up caring a long time ago, if she bought, then it was worth buying; I know that.

Corie is always tired. She could look for a bed anytime of day or night. She's always been that way. But she is also tireless in the way she pursues things that are important to her, or the way she meets her obligations. Her perseverance and propensity to delayed gratification would do many a great good if they would simply learn to live like her. If Corie takes on an obligation, you can rest assured it will get done.

These are things that I need to say about my wife. Because she's so quiet many people don't know her like those closest to her. I was blessed the day she said "I will". I don't believe everyone gets who they deserve in marriage.

--Ben

Old Ideas

2010-10-19T13:18:00.002-04:00

This morning I got the chance to pray with a bunch of pastors. I really enjoyed it, and there was one thing that stood out to me. One of the pastors that was leading said, "Sometimes God doesn't give you new ideas. Sometimes he gives you a fresh perspective on old ideas that he is starting to give His blessing to."

He was right. As we prayed God stirred up an idea that I had a couple years ago, only he gave me even more direction for it.

What idea does God want to bring back in your mind. You may already have the key to the lock that seems to be holding you back.

--Ben

Hallowed Ground

2010-10-07T13:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I spent most of the day in Annapolis on a prayer retreat. I found my way to the WWII memorial on the Severn River. It is absolutely beautiful, and the architect did a fantastic job of making the site a hallowed place of sober reflection for the sacrifice of Maryland in the war effort. It also happens to make a fantastic altar of prayer. In the last couple months I have really found a close relationship with God and enjoyed a special personal connection with Him. My personal devotional life has been stronger and more vibrant than any time I can remember. So yesterday's prayer meeting was special. Special because of what I heard and learned, because of what He showed me.

I want to encourage you that if you're in a place where you need to hear from God, then find some time to be quiet and alone with Him. Obviously I have an advantage because of the nature of my job to have time to pray, but even in your home in the morning or evening find some time to get away and pray. God is speaking.

--Ben

About the photos:
Top Right -- Picture of part of the rt. 450 fishing pier with Rt. 50 bridge in the background
Middle --Picture from the top of the monument overlooking the river and US Naval Academy, and State Capital.
Bottom -- top of the monument, a great turret with beautiful views of Annapolis
Sorry the pictures are so poor quality, I took them with my 1st gen iphone.

What You Feed Grows, What You Starve Dies

2010-10-07T13:23:00.003-04:00

Today I caught this rolling around in my head, "What you feed grows, and what you starve dies." This truism is reflected in so many parts of life. And the question I have been wrestling with is this: am I feeding the right things?

Paul wrote about it in Philippians 4:7, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things."

Whatever is true -- be careful to find the truth, and not settle for lies.
Whatever is noble -- those things that are higher than the common.
Whatever is right -- don't confuse this with what is popular, there is a difference.
Whatever is pure -- good things that are contaminated, are still contaminated.
Whatever is lovely -- things worthy of love, worth sacrificing, esteeming, and providing for.
Whatever is admirable -- because it shows us the ideal, and compels us toward it.

This are the things we should feed.

What you feed grows, and what you starve dies.

--Ben

The Beatitudes From The Message Version

2010-10-06T09:26:00.001-04:00

Matthew 5

1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.11 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

12 You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Hear The Voice Of God

2010-10-05T10:47:00.002-04:00

Something strange happens to me when I lay down and rest -- my ears tune into the smallest sounds. Has this ever happened to you? When I was a boy I used to listen to the radio when I went to sleep. In fact I remember the night that President George H. W. Bush declared war in Operation Desert Storm. I listened to it. But I discovered that when I got in bed I would turn the radio down as quiet as I could, but still be able to hear it. The longer I laid there the louder it got, and I would turn it down and turn it down. The next morning I wouldn't even hear it when I got out of bed.

The same thing happens now. When my family heads to bed and I'm watching Monday Night Football, I turn the volume down so that it won't disturb them. Usually I turn it down to a 7 or 8, and can hear it perfectly well. In the morning when the girls get up and turn on the TV to watch cartoons they can't hear it till the get it up to a 14 or 15.

This principle holds true with God. If we want to hear him we have to settle down, rest, and pull away from other voices. The noise of our life that is constantly swirling around us. The quieter we can become and longer we can rest the more his voice becomes discernable. Are you hearing from God? Maybe it's time to cut the clatter.

--Ben

SRC Tailgater

2010-10-04T14:05:00.001-04:00

Football has always had an interesting side role in our church. Many SRCers are fans of teams in the NFL, and one of my favorite things about the church is our fantasy football league. We wanted to coordinate an event that coupled our love for God with our love for football and the fall, and the SRC tailgater was formed. Here's what we did:

We picked the first week of October, because it put us in the fall without being too cold.
We launched a new series called Teaming Up on parenting.
We told everyone to bring lawn chairs and food for themselves and some to share if they wanted. A grill was provided.
We parked our cars, setup in the parking lot and hung out.
We stripped down all the responsibilities that people usually carry on Sunday mornings: No sound system, no band, no hospitality table, no kids church. Everyone could just come and relax.
We played a battle of the sexes crowd game, sang a couple songs, and I shared a short message on parent's choices of Attitude, Affirmation, Approach and Associates. Mainly though it was people catching up and getting to know each other.

It was a great day. I measured that by the number of people that said they hoped we do it again soon. I got text messages from people telling me what they loved about it. And probably one person summed up the vibe pretty well. She said, "You know sometimes I just get caught up in stuff, and it's nice to have days like this where we just eat together and remember why we loved these people in the first place."

I also gauged its success by the way people just hung around till 12:30. Some people came and said their goodbyes to me three different times because they would get caught up in another conversation. The SRC Tailgater was awesome, now if we could figure out how to do it every week of football season...

--Ben

Catching Up

2010-10-04T11:56:00.002-04:00

This morning is typical of the first day back to the office after taking some time off: Catch Up. It's sorting through emails, and filing paperwork (mostly into the trash). My family and I went to Ocean City for a few days last week, and my kids had a great time. I'm learning at this season of my life vacation is less about me having a good time and more about them having a good time. My favorite part was playing air hockey on the boardwalk. I challenged Corie to a game, and next thing I know Sydney and Ellie joined in. They loved it, and it was fun to do something that was just us. Ellie cheered no matter which goal the puck went in, and she cheered with gusto.

Planning a Sunday for the weekend after a week away is pretty difficult, especially when everyone that normally plans them were away on the trip, too. But we put it together and had a great day. I'll explain more in an upcoming post called: SRC Tailgater.

The bottom line for me I guess is that I'm glad to be back, and am excited for the things we have coming up.

--Ben

What Do Any Of Us Really Have?

2010-09-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

I met a man who said, "I have nothing left."

No job/career.

No money.

No home.

No wife.

No children that wanted to see him.

I met a man who said, "I have nothing left."

He was right.

--Ben

Holiness Is Dangerous

2010-09-14T11:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I came across a verse that jumped out at me. I've been reading through Ezekiel, and was in the middle of a section of the book where God takes Ezekiel all around the temple to measure it. They take a measuring line and for chapters they write out the blueprints in longhand of the temple in Ezekiel's vision. It actually was pretty mind-numbing for me, but then they get to the kitchen. (A place that always piques my interest.)

Ezekiel 46:20

"He said, “This is the kitchen where the priests will cook the guilt offering and sin offering and bake the grain offering so that they won’t have to do it in the outside courtyard and endanger the unprepared people out there with The Holy.”"

The thought gripped me that the priests could endanger the people by exposing them to The Holy. Earlier in Ezekiel God is firing the priests because they have stopped teaching the people the difference between the ordinary and the sacred, the Holy.

In Christ's grace we who are unholy are sanctified, that is we are made holy; not that we could earn or deserve it. But I wonder if we see Holiness naively, and treat it haphazardly. Holiness is dangerous.

--Ben

Screen On The Green -- Elizabeths Landing -- What Happened

2010-09-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

Friday night we had a great group of volunteers that came out to the Elizabeth's Landing community, and put on Screen On The Green, a fantastic outreach that we started over the summer. We have only done it three times, but already we are finding it a great outreach because it is meeting the needs of our community -- families looking for affordable activities to do together -- and because it isn't hard on our volunteers. It's very enjoyable and really gives a sense of fulfillment, because we've served the community in Jesus' name. We've established relationships that are now on a first name basis in some cases.

In addition to the movie we offer free children's games, and sell concessions (i.e. popcorn, candy, drinks, etc.). Originally we were looking to go to four or five communities, but shortly after our first one we realized the better option was to focus on two communities and repeat them. Friday was the first time we repeated, and it didn't take long to see that we were right to repeat, because many people that had been in July were back again. There was definitely a spirit of friendship in the residents as we stopped together and had conversations. I know many invitation cards to our current financial series were given out, and one guy I gave one to sincerely thanked me and shook my hand in a genuine way. Another person said in conversation, "I love when you guys do this, I wish you would come every week."

Funny isn't it, we do meet weekly (Sunday) and we wish they'd come every week. :-)

We're looking forward to getting back to this community in the Spring.

I heard one girl say to another, "And (name) is here, and (name) is here, and (name) is here..." Apparently all their friends from school had come out. We had 84 people there.

About 40 minutes into the movie we ran out of popcorn, so I ran across the street to the Supermarket and picked up more. As I threw 10 bags of popcorn kernels up on the conveyor the women in front of me looked puzzled, because that's a lot of popcorn. Then one woman said, "Oh are you putting on the outdoor movie tonight?" Cool! It turns out that her daughter was attending.

I opened the night by sharing that we follow Jesus' teaching and that he had shared the parable of the Good Samaritan. The bottom line is that our neighbors are beat down by frustrating commutes that rob them of time with their families. That beats them down with guilt, and finding affordable activity with their kids is so difficult they get beat down with stress. We wanted to be Samaritans, meeting their needs at our expense. It is a pleasure to serve them, and I'm thankful that our ministry is resonating with them.

--Ben

Thank you for the invitation. I am looking forward to taking the kids.

2010-09-09T09:27:00.004-04:00

I know it may not seem like a big deal, but people are really thankful for an outreach like this. I'm gonna share why I believe this outreach is important to the lives of our community tomorrow night in our introduction. I can't wait.

Spiritual Coincidence? Last night I asked Sydney what she learned about at Daisies (a christian girls club), and she told me that she learned about the Samaritan who helped a man who had been beat up, robbed, and left on the side of the road. Can't wait to share about it tomorrow night.

Here's what some people are saying this morning about Screen On The Green:

"Thank you so much. May God bless you and your work."

"Thank you for the invitation. I am looking forward to taking the kids."

Arnold Events

2010-09-07T14:19:00.002-04:00

Well, the Arnold Events sign went out today. It's exciting to watch the online report of families around the area that have been looking into the Screen On The Green events this Friday and next.

I'm really excited, I love doing these events. And this time I'm looking forward to sharing our motivation through the context of the story Jesus told about the Samaritan on the road to Jericho. In fact, we're going to give the community an opportunity to become Samaritans too. It's going to be a great addition to the work we've been doing at SRC.

--Ben

Lord, I'm Not Amazed By You

2010-09-01T14:21:00.004-04:00

At church we sing a song that says, "Lord, I'm amazed by You, How You love me." And in the chorus that line is repeated several times. It's a beautiful song, and I love singing it as an expression of worship to God. But this morning I heard a version that probably tops mine on God's favorite playlist.

Ellie was sitting by herself on the living room carpet and singing sweetly, "Lord I'm not amazed by you. Lord I'm not amazed by you." Ah the innocence of young life. There used to be a show called, "Kids Say The Darndest Things". If you've ever seen it you know it's true. When I heard her singing that I had to laugh and think that this was the reason Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, for this is what the Kingdom of heaven is made up of."

By the way, when was the last time you were amazed by God? Or is your repeating theme, Lord I'm Not Amazed By You.

--Ben

Looking Ahead

2010-08-31T15:53:00.002-04:00

Today is an exciting day because I started planning for next year. First step-- buy wall calendar for 2011. The wall calendar helps me put the whole year in perspective. I will write, re-write and repeat on my way to ironing out the plan. Though I have no crystal ball, I have a memory and an imagination. The key to vision is to utilize both in planning.

This year will mark a change though, for the first years of SRC the whole vision has rested on me, this year I'll be utilizing the ministry teams and leaders that we've been developing to build it out. But no leader should go into a meeting with a blank note pad. It is incumbent on the leader to offer direction even when sharing/delegating responsibilities with others.

--Ben

Friendship

2010-08-31T13:21:00.003-04:00

Today I spent a little time with a friend, Noah. My friendship with him is unlike any other in my life. He is a professional friend, and yet a profoundly deep friend. My meetings with him (several a year) always center on what we are each learning from the Lord, and learning in leadership. We are of similar age, though I'm a little older, and similar experiences in many ways. I particularly like that in our friendship their are no "off limits" areas of our lives. We live very transparently with each other and trust one another to ask about any red flags we see.

Today he told me that these traits are why he likes me, and that he doesn't have the same experience in other friendships; nor do I. This is probably because almost no one takes the time or the risk of having this type of friendship. I wish we could all have friendships like this...

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

--Ben

Essential Pastor Skill: Balloon Animals

2010-08-30T13:40:00.000-04:00

From out of nowhere yesterday a bunch of balloons showed up in our Children's Ministry box, and somehow a couple trickled out among the kids. I saw some adults trying to blow them up, and so I joined in and began inflating them. I think I was probably abusing my body to do it, as my head felt like it would explode each time I blew one up. And, of course, once I did one, I had to do one for everyone. But then I got to tie them and twist them into fun shapes and animals, and the kids loved it. It reminded me how much kids love that, and made me want to add balloon animals to our Screen On The Green outreaches.

--Ben

Refreshed

2010-08-30T09:31:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at church was the culmination of a month of rest. When I arrived at the campus I had such a feeling of gratitude. I am so thankful to pastor this church. I love our people and the ministry that we do together very much. When I got out of my car I was thinking, "I can't believe that I get paid to do this." It was just an overwhelming sense of joy.

I helped with setup and headed into Rm 101 for prayer with Pastor Ariel. We both commented how relaxed we were and how God had been renewing us. From there the morning trucked on like it usually does. When we got into the service I just sensed the Spirit of God there. Especially when I felt led to gather around one of our people that is going through a very difficult time. As we worshipped a bunch of people gathered around her and laid hands on her and prayed. Though she is going through a very difficult time and can't see the light, she can at least lean on those who by faith see the light coming for her. The act of prayer and worship just took us to a higher place in Christ, and His Spirit moved among us.

It was small group Sunday so I got to have our Group Director, Drew Harrah come and share the platform with me before we had a testimony from our Spring Small Groups and then I spoke for a few minutes. It was a great day of being together in the presence of God and worshiping Him.

I walked away feeling so refreshed in the Lord.

--Ben

Life Commitments

2010-08-24T11:24:00.002-04:00

In my Life Commitments group this morning I met with three men that are trying to hear from God and live the Christian Commitments. I'm proud of these men, and believe that this group is forming the pillars of this church.

This morning one of the questions was, "In what way can you be involved in world evangelsim?" We kicked around some ideas, and then I gave them a practical way to be involved; a missions trip to Ambato, Ecuador. In January I'm inviting men to go with me on this trip to build a building for a church down there. I've offered invitations to 5 of my Life Commitments guys, and I'm praying that some of them will go with me.

Commitments cost, but the reward is so worth it.

--Ben

Volunteering

2010-08-23T19:50:00.003-04:00

For several seasons I have volunteered as a Soccer coach for my daughter's team. It has been a lot of fun for the most part, and I enjoy working with the kids and parents. This season I'm taking on a new role as vice president of our division. This has meant a lot more work in setting up rosters, finding coaches, coaching coaches, and all the administrative stuff that goes on in my level of the league.

But volunteering has given me a great privilege. Saturday morning at the meeting I was asked if I would do a "sermon" at the opening ceremony. I know he meant prayer, but still in a world that is increasingly secular I'm going to get to invoke God's blessing on our season and the families of children involved in our league. I am humbled and can't wait.

It is a bit of a testimony of something Pastor Ariel preached at the beginning of the year. She called it "serve to save". The bottom line is that we should serve others with the love of Christ so that doors of faith might open up. I have intentionally found some people that I'm serving, and I'm thankful that my faith is being recognized. I pray that in the same way the Samaritan helped a person in need, that I'll be doing the same.

--Ben

Joy of Earning

2010-08-19T12:07:00.002-04:00

My daughter is 5 years old now, and a few weeks ago she got to participate in a survey and earn $50.00. She was so excited. It was the first time that she got to go to a "meeting" (which she hears her daddy talk about all the time) and earn money.

Part of our responsibility as parents is to help her learn the joy of earning. There are consequential joys that come from this God ordained activity, and in preparation for September's series called Treasures, I've been giving some thought to them this morning.

The fruit of the vine of earning are listed as follows:

The joy of saving.
The joy of giving.
The joy of spending.

In law there is a term called, "Fruit from the poisonous tree." It means that even if some evidence looks good and helpful, if it was mishandled or has no clear line of authenticity it can't be admitted into the juris process.

Saving, giving, and spending are similar in that if they don't come from the tree of earning they are poisoned fruits. Saving is only hoarding if you are saving the handouts of others. Giving is only self-serving if you're giving someone else's earnings away. It allows you to be recorded and recognized for having given, but it didn't cost you anything. Finally Spending brings joy only when you're spending what you've earned. Spending someone else's money or on a credit card that you can't pay off may bring happiness in the moment, but it does not bring joy. Spending can only be enjoyed when we are spending what we've earned.

These are things I'm trying to teach a five year old, seems like pretty good lessons for adults as well. If you need help managing your money, I recommend being at SRC September 12-26.

--Ben

New, Old Technology

2010-08-18T13:09:00.003-04:00

At Severn River Church we offer a class called Discover The River for new attenders interested in joining our team's roster and getting into the game. We hold the class at my house and serve lunch while we talk through SRC's history, beliefs, mission, vision, values and governance. Sounds like a blast, right? No, probably not, but the best part is that we get to know each other and get on the same page to start moving forward together. It gives people a chance to see what their pastor is like away from the pulpit, and ask questions that maybe have been unanswered.

We've done this class for years, and way back in the beginning I wrote the material, printed it, punched it and put in in half-size three ring binders. I don't even remember where I got those binders from. But this week I needed to start preparing some for the upcoming DTR in September. We've run out of the binders so I went to get some at Office Depot, after all it is back to school week and binders are on sale, right? Wrong. The half-size binders are $5.59/pc. Ridiculous. That's way too expensive. So I started exploring my options and found an alternative. It's a punch and plastic spines. It's really cool to assemble these things, doesn't take long at all and cut the cost dramatically. I know that this has been around for decades and is certainly not the "latest technology", but it was the first time I used it and I'm thrilled with the results.

Now I can't wait to finish the Life Commitments curriculum and get it published for the next group(s) in 2011.

--Ben

Time Keeps Ticking Away

2010-08-18T09:53:00.002-04:00

In many sports there is a critical coaching skill called clock management. What it means is that in addition to the skill of your players, the coach also has to make calls that expands the time benefit for his/her team and a time liability for the opposing one. For instance, if you're team can score at will needing only a small amount of time, but your defense can't stop the other team from scoring, then you might be better off dragging your feet for a while before you score until there is not enough time for the other team to score.

Well, as a pastor/leader/coach this is a skill that I am constantly trying to develop, and here's why:

We are engaged in a struggle that is constant. Everything in our world is tending toward chaos and dissolution. Physicists call this the law of entropy or the second law of thermodynamics. It means that there is constantly diminished potential. There is no day where things stand still. There is no time when time is not a constant issue needing our attention and management. Our objective doesn't take a break, and our path to achievement can not rest either. We are either progressing toward our goal, or we are losing ground and moving away from attaining it. There is not middle ground.
We are engaged in a struggle that is time sensitive. I'm involved in a spiritual quest, and because I have biblical guidance I know that the last days began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Therefore time is counting down until the last day. And should that day come after my death, then I'm working down to a date certain when I will be laid to rest. It reminds me of the poem by Praying Heart, "We've only one life, it soon will be past, only what's done for Christ will last."
We are engaged in a struggle for which we are responsible. One day we will give an account for our time. We will testify, and the books with the records of our life will testify for us. We will give an account of our time on earth. Did we redeem the time? Did we make the best use of our time for eternal merit?

Okay, so all that to say that yesterday I picked up my 2011 calendar. I have had seasons of my life where I was very well managed in my time, and seasons where I've been much more scattered and haphazard. I have found that managing time through technology (Outlook, iPhone, etc.) does not work for me. I have friends who have mastered that system, but for me a pencil and a paper calendar helps organize my brain. I also write out lists of tasks to accomplish and cross them off. And I write in my calendar after the fact to keep a record of my time. I have them from years past. I will probably never use them again, but when I stand before God to give account of my time I want to make sure my books are in tune with the books he's looking at. ;-)

Oh dear, look what time it is.
--Ben

Saturday Setup

2010-08-16T13:10:00.003-04:00

All we had to do was mention that we were doing a pirate themed GITGO for the ideas to start flying and one person more than any other led the way to add creative elements to our service -- Ben Rainey, Sr.

My dad has been preparing for this GITGO for years before even knowing about it. He loves the Pirate films and was quick to make a list of props and ideas. Not only was he the idea man, but he took on the lion's share of actually building set pieces and put a lot of work into it. This week my mother was away on a trip, and I think it probably freed up some more time that he put into preparing. And he made it look great.

In the original list of ideas that my dad produced he mentioned a canon, but quickly brushed that idea aside. However, I knew we could have it, because I knew my brother-in-law, Andy, had been in preparation for just such an opportunity. When I told Andy I wanted an air canon to shoot t-shirts he already had the compression chamber built. He only needed to know what size projectiles, and how far I wanted them shot. He did a great job, we shot three t-shirts at about 30lbs of pressure and they were all great shots. The kids loved trying to catch them.

Of course all this required a lot of setup time, and practice with the cannon. I'm very thankful for the hours put in by both men with me to make it happen.

--Ben

Another Reflection On Yesterday

2010-08-16T12:32:00.002-04:00

Saw this on Drew Harrah's blog from GITGO yesterday. Great picture. Check it out CLICK HER E.

--Ben

One Review From Yesterday's GITGO

2010-08-16T08:54:00.002-04:00

Hey, yesterday was God In The Great Outdoors. Our theme for the morning was Pirates of the Caribbean. This morning I read this review over at my dad's blog. If you want to get his perspective and a picture of his involvement. CLICK HERE.

I am very thankful for everyone's involvement that participated.

--Ben

Yard Sale

2010-08-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

My wife is getting ready for a yard sale tomorrow. If you have room for the junk that we don't have room for anymore, than swing on over Saturday. :-)

She has been working for a couple weeks to sort through a lot of the girls clothes from new born on up keeping only her favorites in case we need them in the future. Sydney and Ellie have been helping out as well. Should be a fun day.

--Ben

Lyrics For A Special Pirate Song This Sunday -- Pirate Sunday

2010-08-11T09:05:00.003-04:00

They say a man should always dress for a job he won't besmirch,
So why am I dressed up like a pirate in this outdoor church,
'Cause making someone walk the plank seemed like a lot of fun,
And later in my sermon I get to use a pirate gun,

Please go to Severn River Church dot com,
There's information exploding their just like an atom bomb,
You can learn all about Jesus and catch sermons that you missed,
And even find information on how to join our mailing list...

--Ben

Oriole Fever

2010-08-09T16:23:00.004-04:00

I've got the fever, baby! I am a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, which has been a pretty miserable deal for a long time now, but I still love them. This season I got a clergy pass that allows me to attend any home game and sit in any empty seat. I've been twice, and tonight I'm going again and taking my brother-in-law and my nephew, Dillon. I just love it.

Consider this business lesson -- The orioles have paid for me to come to the park three times as of tonight, and I have sold six tickets for them. See it pays to befriend pastors.

--Ben

God In The Great Outdoors -- Pirate Sunday

2010-08-09T16:20:00.003-04:00

This Sunday we go pirates for the gospel. God In The Great Outdoors is this Sunday and our theme is Pirates. Should be fun. This morning we set up the arnold events website and listed it on www.hometownannapolis.com. We're looking forward to reaching some new families through this outreach service.

If you have access to some EZ Up tents , could you let me know? We would love to have few more for Sunday.

--Ben

What's A Pirate Without A Parrot?

2010-08-05T14:55:00.002-04:00

Our last GITGO of the summer is coming up and we're really looking forward to it. It is a Pirate theme, and we're going to have some fun with that. I just found out that we will have a live parrot on site. He'll be doing a demonstration for our kids church. They'll also be having some special games and gospel message.

August 15, 10:00 a.m.

--Ben

Freaked Out

2010-08-03T15:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a first for my little girl Ellie. She got her first bloody nose. Life moves so quickly that it's hard to always remember our firsts. I had so many nosebleeds as a boy that I couldn't tell you what my first one was like, how old I was, or anything else about it. One thing I know; I know how to stop a nosebleed.

But my three year old didn't want to hear anything I had to say. She was too busy freaking out. See, my inlaws have a nice cooler on wheels for parties, and a couple days ago at Ellie's birthday party it was filled with yummy drinks so she and her cousin decided to lift the lid up and look inside to see what goodies could be had. Nothing was there so her cousin let go of the lid while Ellie was still nosing around inside. SMACK.

Blood was everywhere and every time Ellie would see it, she'd freak out even more. See in her mind, the stuff that's inside you is supposed to stay inside you, and if it's on the outside it is overwhelming.

I think many of us are the same way. There's stuff inside that comes out sometimes, like when we're grieving, that we think should stay inside. When we see it, it can overwhelm us, it can freak us out. The thing is that the same blood that flows from a broken vessel in the nose is the same thing our body uses to heal that break.

Don't be afraid of the feelings, thoughts, and actions that come from deep within us, they can often be part of our healing.

I took Ellie's shirt off and sat her in a chair, and applied a cold compress and though I had to struggle with her a bit, when she relaxed, I was able to help her.

--Ben

Riding The Brakes

2010-08-02T10:11:00.002-04:00

Severn River Church is putting the brakes on for the month of August and calling for a month of rest. I know that I'm putting it into practice in my approach to ministry. We've removed a couple things from the calendar and are being intentional about resting before our push this fall.

For me, I'm going to be spending a couple days away in meditation and solitude. I try to maintain a healthy devotional life, but sometimes even in the midst of prayer and bible reading I just need some time to disconnect from other things and just hear from God. I'm looking forward to this month for that reason ahead of our plan for the fall.

--Ben

Try this next time you're at gunpoint

2010-07-31T10:12:00.001-04:00

http://abcnews.go.com/US/faith-stops-florida-robbery/story?id=11288067

Check out the link above. A woman shares her faith in Jesus with a robber. Pretty cool that it was caught on tape.

--Ben

A Funeral For Family

2010-07-30T07:02:00.002-04:00

This week I've been involved in ministry to my family, especially my wife's Aunt Darla. My heart goes out to her in her loss. I was thankful to be with her on Monday just before they removed the ventilator, and then again during the week in preparation of today's funeral.

As a pastor I get called to do funerals every year, it is one of the parts of my job that is most stereotypical I guess. Pastors marry and bury people, that's part of the gig. But when it's family it is an altogether different experience. Some times I have a casual relationship at best with the people I am serving. I've been blessed that in most cases I've had a personal relationship with those from my church that I've presided for. But having a familial relationship makes things a little tougher, because I'm experiencing grief differently, and that makes it tougher I guess.

This morning I'll conduct the funeral of Uncle Phil. It will be the first funeral that I've conducted for the family, and as we age I guess it will be the first of many. I suppose I feel that I've been given the unique role of comforter and shepherd for the the family at large. I pray the Lord will help me to that end. I would appreciate your prayers as well.

--Ben

Fighting The National Weather Service

2010-07-28T10:32:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we held our second God In The Great Outdoors (Gitgo) of the Summer. These services are different from our normal service in that we use illustrated messages with themes that set the pace for the whole event. Last Sunday we did Mission:Impossible and from the time you walked in the door you followed a burning fuse, had to get through customs with a passport, and I preached from a German checkpoint.

Probably the biggest surprise was the sport bike that came riding into the amphitheater and dropped off my Bible during the middle of my message. I heard people didn't realize it was a planned stunt. They just thought it was a random interruption until he stopped in front of me. Then they applauded as he road away.

The worst part of the day was that we had to fight the national weather service. Though we had diligently worked to invite friends, neighbors, and family only a few braved the heat to come out with us. I wanted to express that I was proud of the efforts of SRCers to get people to church. It just wasn't meant to be that time. Doing outdoor events under heat advisories may not be the smartest thing anyway, we're trying to find more flexibility under those conditions to move inside.

The best part of the morning was that God answered my prayer. At about 5:18 on Sunday morning I prayed in my office that God would use the message of the morning to bring salvation to the souls of people attending. At the conclusion of my message three people raised their hands to receive Christ and prayed the sinner's prayer. Here's the bottom line. We sweat, work, burn, setup, tear-down, have meetings, spend hours on little things to make the service stand out, give hard-earned money and effort for this one thing... Souls. Mission:Accomplished.

--Ben

Rest

2010-07-28T01:44:00.000-04:00

This summer has been awesome as we've reached out to our community. God has opened doors for us and it has been a joy to Cultivate Community Connections. But I realized in early July that we were running high in the red zone. I appreciate the work of so many SRCers this summer, but have realized that we can't keep this pace up, so we've canceled the August outreach (Screen On The Green) and most of our small groups are wrapping up in August to free up some time for you to just rest.

There are seasons of planting, harvesting, and resting in nature. What's true for the soil is true for us as well. Next month is a month of rest. Then in September we start planting again.

--Ben

Life Commitments

2010-07-27T09:02:00.002-04:00

This morning I met up with my Life Commitments group. My Tuesday morning group is made up of older men, and they bring a perspective that challenges me. They also like to talk more about the things we're learning. I love it because I feel like in some ways they are preparing themselves to share the material with other men. We're about two-thirds through the material now. So it won't be long till we're setting up the next round of discipleship -- Disciple Life. But I'm also looking forward to launching new L.C. groups and expanding it to women in 2011.

--Ben

A Closed Door For Us, An Open Door For Others

2010-07-24T07:15:00.002-04:00

This week I met with a pastor that shared what God was doing in a small group at his church. They were growing more and more passionate about reaching their community through the local Public Elementary School, an idea they had learned about from SRC.

Over the last year we have really been moving our outreach focus to local communities, and seen the elementary school as the most localized family connection. We even approached our local school to volunteer to begin serving them.

At a church board meeting we conducted a study of what churches in our area are doing to serve the community and the results were not good. We found that of the churches that were doing "outreach" only one event was actually in the community. Everything else was "outreach" that required people to come to the church to receive ministry. This is what really drove us to start asking the schools what we could do to serve them. But the door was closed, we were not even given an appointment to talk in person with the principal. We were disappointed.

It turns out though that our disappointment (which I believe is temporary) was part of the journey for this other church to begin reaching out in a new way. Already they have painted a hallway, and are doing a "bookraiser" that will raise two thousand books for the classroom needs of their local public elementary school. Doors for them to serve the school are continuing to open. Their pastor credits us with this success.

Wow!

--Ben

Churches Can Grow In The Summer

2010-07-20T15:14:00.002-04:00

Don't buy the lie that the summer slump prohibits churches from growing. I'll be honest, a couple years ago I believed that. When June approached I pretty much packed it up until September (October, more like) when people returned from vacations. I had always learned that church growth is most likely to occur when natural times of momentum were in play i.e. the school schedule in September, and resolution time of January.

Can I let you in on a secret that I've been learning? Church growth occurs when you are reaching out to your community. Here are some things that we experienced just this Sunday to illustrate ways your church can grow in the summer:

Small Groups. Have small groups in your church filled with people that like to be together, then encourage them to invite friends to the group meetings that are fun and meet every couple weeks. We had a guest on Sunday that had been invited to the picnic group, attended last Thursday and was at Severn River Church for the first time Sunday.
New Movers Postcards. We use a service that mails an initial postcard invitation to new movers in our community. We then send a matching second postcard within the month to our new neighbors inviting them again. Then we mail postcard invitations to outreach services that we're having throughout the summer. People are moving into your community this summer, and some of them are looking for a church to become part of. Sunday we had two different guests that had received mailers.
Outreach Services. We host an outreach service once a month in the summer called God In The Great Outdoors. It gives our people a reason to keep inviting even during the summer months. My observation is that not only do we have guests attend on the special day, but we have a residual effect that takes place on subsequent weeks. BTW, GITGO is a low intensity event. because we basically just do our normal service in an outdoor setting. This summer we had a guest show up that had been invited a year prior. I'm looking forward to Sunday because I know we'll have guests. We've been inviting people to church.
Neighborhood Outreaches. We have really started focusing on local neighborhood outreach. In our case we take a jumbo inflatable movie screen and show movies, provide games, and sell concessions. Sunday we had a family as our guests because we met in a local neighborhood.

Now the numbers of people week to week may not reflect growth because there is a lot of travel, but we're not building the number of butts in the seats, we're building the Kingdom of God. Pastor, if you'll keep your foot on the accelerator of outreach, you'll reach new people this summer.

--Ben

God Answers Nelson's Prayers

2010-07-19T17:05:00.003-04:00

What a great weekend of ministry at Severn River Church! Thanks to all who were involved to make it happen.

First, let me take you back a couple months to when I announced on the blog here that we were starting a new ministry called Screen On The Green (we shamelessly stole that name from a church planter who stole it from some other church, etc.) But the bottom line is we're showing family movies in local neighborhoods on a jumbo inflatable screen. We had two opportunities one in Severna Park and one in Elizabeth's Landing, Pasadena. When I made that announcement a reader of the blog, Nelson Cross, commented that he and his family had come to faith because of an outreach in the same community years ago, and that he would be praying for the Elizabeth's Landing outreach in particular.

Well, Friday night was SOTG in Elizabeth's Landing and we had a tremendous night. The first one (Severna Park) wasn't bad, but the second one was a great improvement. We had a huge turnout, probably 65-75 people. The connection that we made was a good one with the community, but most importantly we got to talk with people about the church.

On Sunday we had a family from SOTG come and visit the church. We were so excited to have been able to serve them in the community and then be able to serve them in the church. Nelson's prayer was answered. In conversation our guest told me, "I didn't know this was put on by a church, but I'm glad I found it. I think God ordered my steps here tonight."

We know that Nelson is not the only one praying for us. Thanks to everyone who is standing with us in prayer. It was great to see that through cultivating community connections, we were able to bring people into our family of friends at the church as well.

--Ben

Screen On The Green -- Elizabeths Landing

2010-07-15T12:57:00.002-04:00

War Room

2010-07-14T16:06:00.002-04:00

I made a couple updates to the War Room today, and by War Room I mean my office. It's nice to have my wall calendar up as well as a white board for when I'm thinking on my feet. (The best way I think.)

It really is my favorite office yet, and certainly the best I've had since I've officed at home. There are a couple more things I'd like to add, but I take it one step at a time.

My favorite thing to do in my office? Disciple men. Life Commitments meets in my office on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 9:00 p.m. I love meeting with the guys and seeing the spiritual growth occurring in their lives.