We are a lot like the chameleon- we become like those we associate with. Recently, I sat with a very cynical preacher, and by the time I left, I was feeling and acting pretty cynical, too. As a matter of fact, the attitude lingered for several days. When I get around faith people, I feel faith. When I am with soulwinners, I want to win souls. If I am with negative people, I become negative.
For this reason, sometimes it is good for church leaders to visit people and places "where it is happenin'" to network and get fresh inspiration. This may be in Youth, Sunday School, prayer, or other areas.
Recently I wrote to someone who was struggling with outreach (and I don't think they will mind me excerpting from my letter):"I would STRONGLY suggest that you make a way to do a visit to a church with an innovative, active outreach program... This may cost a little, but it would pay huge dividends. Several men that would welcome a visit (and the only costs would be travel expense, I am sure) are Murrell Cornwell in Wichita, Kansas, Tom Foster in Dallas, and Brent Endris in East Chicago, Indiana. I know that these men do this sort of thing, regularly. Matt Maddix in Florida and Jimmy Toney in Omaha would be excellent, as well. Jerry Staten, in Washington, D.C. has great ideas and is worth a call.... And you are always welcome in Des Moines!"
I think our fear (as pastors) is that someone will be so enthused at how it is being done elsewhere, that they will decide to move there and leave us. In reality, people usually are ignited with a passion to 'go home and try it there.'
Important Links to Visit
Pastor Deckard
About Me
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- R. Deckard
- Des Moines, Iowa, United States
- Pastor Rex Deckard was born in Bloomington, Indiana. He received his BS degree from Indiana University, his Masters degree from Trevecca College, and did post graduate work at the University of Tennessee. He is a licensed K-12 School Administrator and a certified teacher. Pastor Deckard has been involved in a variety of ministry roles: planting churches, home missionary work, curriculum development for Word Aflame publications, teaching overseas in Papua New Guinea, and leadership development. His writing has been featured in numerous magazines, both secular and Christian. He has pastored churches in Tennesee, Indiana and Iowa. He is the Coordinator of Apostolic Training Institute, a distance learning initiative of the Home Missions Division, and is a member of the Iowa District Board of the United Pentecostal Church. He is the pastor at Calvary Apostolic Church, 2611 Easton Boulevard in Des Moines, Iowa. Family and Interests The Deckard family consists of wife Brenda (both a musician, songwriter and nurse), daughter Emilile (student at Des Moines Area Community College) and son Rex Adam (student at Iowa Christian Academy).