Be Harmonious (051425)
Pastor Joseph Campbell
Wednesday Night • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 22:30
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Notes
Transcript
Announcements
Announcements
Joe White’s funeral on Friday afternoon.
1:00-1:30
1:30-2:00
Internment at Crown Memorial following
Message
Message
Text: 1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
As we consider this verse, I think it is important to consider the state of the church at that time.
Turn to and read 1 Peter 1:1-8.
Without much commentary, I believe that it is obvious that these first century Christians, to whom Peter was writing, were going through some difficult trials. In fact, they weren’t just facing one difficulty but, as verse 6 states, they were experiencing manifold - many, numerous, multiplied - trials.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Now, with that backdrop, let’s go back to chapter 3 and verse 8.
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Be Of One Mind
Be Of One Mind
What does it mean to be of one mind? I have experienced what it means to NOT be of one mind!
Illustration: 4 staff members sitting in my office arguing. All 4 staff members left the ministry shortly thereafter.
How can we be of one mind?
Is it even possible to be of one mind?
Do we even desire to be of one mind? (Yes, but only if everyone develops my mind!)
I’m going to come back to this one…
Have Compassion for One Another
Have Compassion for One Another
The word compassion means to be sympathetic; understanding.
Do we really seek to understand others? Do we really take the time to understand others?
Love as Brethren
Love as Brethren
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Question: How do we demonstrate love to one another? (And, No, you cannot respond with, “Pray for one another!”)
Be Pitiful
Be Pitiful
The word pitiful means to be compassionate.
An American Dictionary of the English Language COMPASSIONATE
COMPASSIONATE, a. Having a temper or disposition to pity; inclined to show mercy; merciful;
Do we know the distresses, sufferings, wants, and infirmities of others in our church family? Do we know them well enough to know these things without them having to say a word.
Be Courteous
Be Courteous
Question: What do you think of when you think of being courteous?
The dictionary defines courteous as having or showing good manners; polite.
However, the Greek word that is used literally means to be humble-minded which means to be an individual known for having meek and modest thoughts about oneself.
Paul wrote:
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Condescend:
1. To
Jesus very clearly demonstrated this quality on the night of His betrayal, at the Last Supper, when He washed the disciples - including Judas’ feet.
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Which now brings me back to the beginning of 1 Peter 3:8:
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Be Of One Mind
Be Of One Mind
The very first question that I asked about this was simply, “What does it mean to be of one mind?”
It is very interesting. The Greek word that is used there literally means harmonious.
Illustration: Play the first line of a familiar hymn beginning with the bass, then the tenor, then the alto. Each part is different. Each, by itself, isn’t too enjoyable. But when you put them all together with the melody/soprano it can be some beautiful music.
Charles Spurgeon wrote:
1 Peter Exposition
Be unanimous. Do not hold church meetings to talk about nothing, and so quarrel for the want of something to do. Be united with the resolve that you will glorify God, and that there shall be no dissension, no division among you: “All of you be harmonious.” Have true fellow-feeling toward each other. The Christian should be the highest type of gentleman, in every respect the most gentle man: kind, self-forgetful, seeking the comfort and well-being of others to the utmost of his power.
Closing: While we may not be going through the same trials that the first century church was going through - to whom Peter was writing - we are, nonetheless, experiencing some trials of our faith. How we respond to one another during these trials can be a true witness to our focus - our focus on Christ!
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God
As we go into a new “fiscal” year, as we get ready to go into this business meeting, let us determine:
To be harmonious; of one mind - Let’s make beautiful music together as a church family!
To have compassion for one another
To be compassionate
To be humble-minded toward one another
Prayer Requests
Prayer Requests
Business Meeting
Business Meeting
After prayer, we will give 10 minutes for guests and regular attenders to be dismissed.
Deacons pass out ballots.
Pastor Campbell will call meeting to order. (Pastor Campbell presides over every church meeting to direct the meeting and to preserve order.)
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Pastor Campbell calls upon deacon to open our meeting in prayer.
It should be brought to everyone’s attention that we do not follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Our constitution does not put that requirement upon us.
However, we will consider each item on the ballot, ask for an individual to make a motion to accept the recommendation.
We will then take any questions or comments regarding that particular item.
Individuals seeking to ask a question or make a comment need to wait to be called upon and then are asked to come to the microphone so that the comment or question can be recorded.
I trust that, if you had a question, that you have already sought to have that question answered.
The State of the Church
The State of the Church
I know that there are many who are concerned with, “Why are we not growing?” I am as well.
“Why are we not growing?”
“Why are we not growing?”
I have begun reading a book entitled, “Small Church Essentials.”
There are three realities of pastoral ministry I wish someone had told me about in Bible college.
FACT #1: Most pastoral ministry students will never pastor a church larger than 250 people.
FACT #2: Virtually all of us will pastor a small church for at least some time in our ministry.
FACT #3: You can pastor a small church well without settling for less.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 15). (Function). Kindle Edition.
According to Carl F. George, “The typical church in North America is small. Half of this continent’s approximately 320,000 Protestant churches run about 80 in weekly attendance.” In addition, George writes that at the 100 mark in attendance, a church has become larger than 60 percent of its peer churches—at 140, 75 percent and at 200, 85 percent.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (pp. 15-16). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Many healthy churches remain small and simply need encouragement and resources. Unfortunately, most small church pastors will tell you that they feel like they’ve been given this ultimatum: grow it or close it. At times, that pressure seems to come from everywhere—from our congregations, our denominations, and perhaps the toughest critic of all, ourselves. Because of the common misperception that “all healthy things grow” means numerical increase, many people in ministry don’t think a healthy church will stay small. Numerical growth is inevitable, right?
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 26). (Function). Kindle Edition.
But, numerical growth is not inevitable.
Surprisingly, there is no biblical mandate for congregations to grow larger.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 59). (Function). Kindle Edition.
It is Christ’s responsibility to build the church.
It is Christ’s responsibility to build the church.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This does not always mean numerical growth. The word build also means to strengthen.
It is Christ’s responsibility to add to the church.
It is Christ’s responsibility to add to the church.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
In this context, yes, we are speaking of numerical growth. But again notice that it is the Lord who added to the church.
…Church growth isn’t formulaic—there are too many variables.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 62). (Function). Kindle Edition.
If you’re doing the Great Commandment and Great Commission, you have a great church, no matter the size, the denomination, or the liturgy.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 63). (Function). Kindle Edition.
The Great Commandment: Love God; Love Others
The Great Commandment: Love God; Love Others
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The Great Commission
The Great Commission
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
It takes a strong, mature pastor to keep leading a church while facing static or diminishing attendance without being overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 68). (Function). Kindle Edition.
“Is Pastor Campbell busy?”
“Is Pastor Campbell busy?”
I will have to be completely open and say that yes, I’m feeling all of these things to a certain degree.
It takes a strong, mature pastor to keep leading a church while facing static or diminishing attendance without being overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame.
Yes, I wonder just how strong and mature I am.
Yes, at times I feel overwhelmed. It seems, right now, that I am simply trying to keep my head above water. It seems, right now that I am just able to do the bare minimum without being able to give much consideration to planning ahead/thinking ahead.
Pastoring (Joe White funeral)
Headmaster (teaching/staffing)
Pastoring and Headmaster conflicted this morning. Mrs. White came in to discuss aspects of Joe’s service on Friday. We didn’t have math class. But, I loved just simply sitting and talking with Mrs. White.
This morning/early afternoon I had two meetings with prospective parents. I love talking about our school. I love answering their questions. I love promoting our school.
Youth Pastor (It truly is my heart’s desire to prepare the generation to come to take their place in this world.)
Music Pastor (I love music; I love to sing.)
These are just the ministry related items. Stephenie and I just last night had three trees come down, very near to our house which took out a good portion of the fence around our backyard and which crushed our lawn mower.)
Yes, at times I feel guilty: What am I doing wrong?
One individual is no longer attending our services because they did not like/did not agree with the change I made to the Lord’s Supper - only allowing church members to participate.
Sometimes individuals get offended when I fail to recognize them or say “hello.”
Yes, at times I feel frustrated: What do I need to do?
Yes, at times I feel shame: Look at the direction that things are going?!?!? I sometimes “feel” as though I am letting the church family down.
It takes a strong, mature pastor to keep leading a church while facing static or diminishing attendance without being overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame.
“We may be small but let’s be great!”
“We may be small but let’s be great!”
…While you’re a small church, be a great small church.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 75). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Don’t put all your energy into growth; work on health. It’s better to become a healthy church that grows larger than an unhealthy one that grows larger, right?
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 75). (Function). Kindle Edition.
One of the things that makes us great, even as a small church, is our spirit!
Illustration: Mr. Nadasky declined our offer to become headmaster. However, one of the things that he stated over and over again is the wonderful spirit that he experienced while they were visiting.
I would agree. We have a wonderful spirit. No, we are far from perfect but overall there is a wonderful spirit amongst our members.
With that, I would add…
Simply put, there is no single factor more important for the health and strength of a small church than healthy relationships—with Jesus, with each other, and with the people you’re trying to reach.
Vaters, Karl. Small Church Essentials: Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250 (p. 47). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Without going on for too long, I would say that we need to do everything that we can to maintain our focus. And, yes, I think we could say that we need to keep our focus on the Great Commandments and upon the Great Commission.
Item #1 - Proposed Budgets
Item #1 - Proposed Budgets
Although we prepare two separate budgets - one for the church and one for the Academy - we vote on both of them together.
Our budget year runs from July 1 - June 30.
We operate on a Zero Balanced Budget meaning that, on the budget that has been presented, you will find that our expenses equal our income.
Our current fund balances, as of April 30, 2025, stand at a combined total of $642,550.15.
That amount includes…
Checking/Savings: $278,693.54
Certificate of Deposit: $70,469.35
Ron Faulk Endowment: $293,428.61
For this current fiscal year - for all ministries: (Current as April 30, 2025)
Our total income has been $876,210.42.
Our total expenses have been $686,530.27.
That leaves us with a positive amount of $189,680.15.
For this current fiscal year, the Academy: (Current as of April 30, 2025)
Had total income of $587,966.60.
Had total expenses of $452,665.91.
Note from Mrs. Holstead: Academy expenses for May and June will consume most the balance of $135,300 since we have little income those months, but we should be close to breaking even.
Please remember, as I have said before, that this is not necessarily a reflection of the spiritual condition of our church.
Notes
Notes
The utility costs are shared 40/60 between the church and the Academy.
The Academy’s proposed budget is projected based upon 80 students.
Many of the Academy expenses are dependent upon student enrollment. If we have fewer students, then the expenses would be less.
We do not share the individual staff salaries. Compensation - across the board, in this year’s budget, was increased by 3%.
While all the staff will see an increase in their actual paycheck, it must be understood that Compensation also includes the ministries expenses for FICA and Social Security taxes as well as Christmas bonuses and other benefits such as those who have chosen to participate in the ministry retirement IRA.
I will share my salary when we consider the next item.
Capital Expenditures
This amount would/will be used to make necessary updates to our physical facilities. Several examples include:
New van was purchased in 2025.
Changing library into a conference room. (This was done in 2024.)
New flooring in the main lobby. (I would like to/am planning to accomplish this in June of this year.)
New fan/lighting in the main lobby.
New/additional directional signage.
New stage flooring. New pulpit.
Update partitioning in bathrooms. (This was done in 2024.)
First motion? Comments/Questions? Second motion? Vote.
Item #2 - Pastor’s Salary Reduction
Item #2 - Pastor’s Salary Reduction
Pastor’s proposed salary: $85,700
Pastor Campbell’s tithe has already been deducted from this.
First motion? Comments/Questions? Second motion? Vote.
Item #3 - Pastor’s Housing Allowance Designation
Item #3 - Pastor’s Housing Allowance Designation
Housing Allowance: $23,700.00
Item #4 - Deacon Nominations
Item #4 - Deacon Nominations
Of the 4 men who were nominated by the church family, only one agreed to be recommended to the church to serve as a deacon for the next 3 years.
There is no discussion nor motions needed. Either approve or disapprove of Mr. Jon Griffeth and Mr. Jon Whited serving as deacons over the course of the next three years.
Vote.
Item #5 - Proposed Changes to By-Laws
Item #5 - Proposed Changes to By-Laws
There are no changes to our By-Laws for us to consider.
However there are two items that will need to be considered in this coming year.
Both of these items are not doctrinal but instead relate to Church Polity. (How a local church operates.)
Church Membership of/for those Under 16 years of Age
Church Membership of/for those Under 16 years of Age
It is the stated position of the Christian Law Association that young people, under the age of 16, not be considered for church membership because, legally, they cannot legally “commit” themselves to any binding agreement such as our Church Covenant.
Illustration: When the Whited’s joined SCBC, Mr. and Mrs. Whited signed the Church Covenant but their children did not.
Illustration: Kevin and Jessica Conner are members and have signed the Church Covenant. When Serenity is saved and baptized, do we automatically add her as church member? Do we have her sign the Church Covenant? Even at, say, 12 years of age?
Honestly, these are things that I am grappling - not struggling - with.
Should Paid Staff Be Allowed to Serve as Deacons?
Should Paid Staff Be Allowed to Serve as Deacons?
Thank You!
Thank You!
