Scripture describes the church as the Body and like physical bodies display signs of sickness, so does the Body of Christ, the church. Furthermore, there are distinct indicators of a healthy church. Three of them include; a strong immune system, development, and reproduction. This article is dedicated to the first one with April and May to the others.

Sickness is indicative of a compromised immune system. Health food and drug stores offer an ever-expanding variety of supplements and concoctions designed to boost the immune system. This system is a complex network of biological structures and processes that protects the body against disease. When it works, the body resists viral and parasitic agents with the power to sicken their host. When the immune system is compromised, illness is virtually guaranteed.

The church’s immune system is just that, a system or better a systemic approach to defending itself against illness. It is not made up of one person or delegated only to church leaders to fend off forces purposed to harm the Body. Neither is practicing one or two spiritual disciplines adequate for the task. The church must take a holistic approach if she is to have a strong immune system. This means every member is dedicated to applying the whole counsel of God to their lives. Only when the church operates by biblical truth will it experience the strength and vitality King Jesus intends. It cannot feast a steady diet of spiritual jelly donuts and not expect to become unhealthy.

Psalm 34:8, reads, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; . . . .” Brothers and Sisters, we are to consume all that God offers to “be of sober spirit and alert” (1 Peter 5:8). Each of us is an integral part of the Body’s immune system. This month we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. What is more appropriate for commemorating His risen body than all of us committing to protecting His Body?

Every Blessing,

Pastor

Church planting is part of our history, theme and vision statement. Our denomination’s National emphasis is the same. The Pennsylvania/South Jersey Convention has been investing in church planting for decades. These three entities, local church, National and State conventions are joining forces through the Multiplying Church Centers or MCC’s. This a network of Great Commission Churches (SBC) with hearts for church planting. A MCC essentially is an incubator for new planters to intern under an established pastor in the context of a community in which he starts a new work. The National convention (North American Mission Board) provides financial support; the State convention (Penn/SJ) offers strategic planning; and the local church offers the contextual environment and platform from which the planter launches the new work.

A Multiplying Church Center provides a methodical, intentional process to ensure the birthing of healthy churches and minimize failures. Pittsburgh Baptist has been invited into the MCC network. No additional financial commitment is expected of us. Our investment is to partner with church planters through an eighteen to twenty-four month internship program as they acquire ministerial knowledge and experience. Interns will work closely with the pastoral staff and lay leaders. There is also opportunity for interns to begin or oversee existing ministries at PBC when needs arise. I do not know when our first intern may start. I am encouraged by the prospect of partnering with others for the purpose of growing the number of churches in Pittsburgh.

Another change is the launch of our radio ministry with the Truth for Today program on WORD FM, Sunday, March 3. This half-hour program will air at 11:00 each Sunday morning. It will include music, songs, PBC ministry and event announcements and feature portions of previously recorded sermons. As one who attends our church, Truth for Today gives you the opportunity to invite others to preview PBC before committing to a Sunday morning visit to our campus. It is another virtual “front door” the unbeliever or unchurched person may enter on their way to a full commitment to Jesus Christ and His Body. Truth for Today is also a voice for the gospel to both groups as the Lord leads people to 101.5 FM during the time the program airs. Pray Christ uses it for His glory as an instrument of the salvation message. We also believe it will minister to the home bound church. Many brothers and sisters-in-Christ simply cannot physically make it to corporate worship because of physical limitations.
Thank you for your willingness to change in order to be a growing portion of His Kingdom.

Every blessing,
Pastor

It is important we do not forget the Lord’s favor. It is what energizes the ministries of countless believers serving in the hard places of the world. So many with so little do so much because they feel so blessed. Should we who have more than most not have a greater sense of His favor?

Last November I had the privilege of teaching indigenous pastors in Esteli, Nicaragua for one week. It is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The conspicuous poverty was overshadowed by the abundant joy of the people. As an American, living in Pittsburgh the contrast was striking. Most of us likely have more stuff stored in our basement than the majority of Nicaraguans will own in a lifetime. Still, we often find genuine joy illusive. For many of us, joy is determined by our circumstance, ability to accumulate or both. Some readers may have already lost the joy they felt this past Christmas Day. Feelings of satisfaction can fade as the newness of holiday gifts withers. It is not supposed to be this way.

What we learn from those with few material blessings who possess true happiness is that joy is more about decision than acquisition. Some of the most satisfied people you and I know have little this world offers. This is counterintuitive in a culture where fulfillment is often measured by the speed of our cell phone or zeros on our pay check.

King Solomon writes about the pointlessness of material gain as a source of joy. “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11) He continues, “So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; . . . .” (2:17) The king’s soul searching finally leads him to what he believes is the key to inner peace. “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (12:13-14) I like how The Message expresses it, “The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.”

Your reading this article means the prophets that speculated the Mayan calendar rightly predicted the end of the world this past December 21 were wrong. It also means we each have a decision. Choose to “do what God tells you” and know real satisfaction or journey down culture’s dead end path to happiness.

Many true blessings,
Pastor Grueser

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NASB)

Hope, joy and peace are words often associated with Christmas. Biblically, they are more than decorative speech. According to this verse hope, joy and peace are evidence of being in a right relationship with God through Christ. Hope guides, joy encourages and peace calms the believing heart. I’m writing this on Black Friday. Retailers brand the day after Thanksgiving this because they anticipate strong sales will push their bottom line from red to black. The day is black for another reason. Already emerging are reports of frustrated, disappointed and stressed over-spent shoppers. Videos of bodies scrambling to be first in line at discount stores is a common sight on this evening’s news. The images of buyer’s rage are a stark contrast to what I witnessed last week in the barrios and slums of Esteli, Nicaragua. As women and men here fight over the latest electronic gadgets, citizens of that nation battle extreme poverty, lack of medical care and basic public sanitation in the second-lowest per capita income economy in the Western Hemisphere.

I preached many times during the trip. On one occasion I was left waiting for nearly an hour before the bus retrieved me from Third Baptist Church. This gave pastor, Gregorio Benavides and me time to get better acquainted. Pastor Benavides told me when he came to the church a year-and-a-half ago there were only ten members with nine of them children. The church has grown to sixty additions. The night I preached six more gave their lives to Christ. Part of my visit with this brother-in-Christ, his wife and son included a tour of their apartment in the rear of the church. Meager does not adequately describe their humble home. Lighting was dim, furniture sparse and hanging sheets or beach towels served as doors. What their home does have is hope, joy and peace . . . by the power of the Holy Spirit. These furnishings of the soul filled each room. The truth is I met many believers whose lives overflow with hope, joy and peace though their lifetime of material blessings will likely be less than what most of us have stored in our basement and closets.

True hope, joy and peace cannot be bought on Black Friday or any other day. Paul teaches they are available “in believing.” He writes, not about believing in these virtues, but in their source Jesus Christ. Pastor Benavides’ hope, joy and peace are not in the abundance of his possessions but in the One who possess him. They are not secured by his accumulation, but by the security of his salvation.

I trust you will experience God-given hope, joy and peace this Christmas season and always through Jesus Christ.

Every blessing,

Pastor Kim

We are the bearers of our church’s reputation. What we do outside the sanctuary says as much about our congregation as when we gather for worship. A good reputation with those outside the church is also critical because of what it speaks about the Lord. In truth, a good reputation is our best currency for attracting the unsaved to a relationship with Christ. Your reputation as a member of Pittsburgh Baptist can serve as an agent of positive change to someone seeking the Lord. The opposite is also true. Behavior that diminishes the Lord before those outside the church is equally influential. I know because I have done both. During the coming holiday season you will have occasion to be with friends and relatives you may only see annually. I encourage you to use the time to champion the cause of Christ by your good reputation with those outside the church.

November 9-16, I will teach on spiritual gifts at a pastor’s school in Esteli, Nicaragua. I am deeply grateful to all those who have invested prayerfully and financially to the cause. Your generosity overflowed! You gave nearly double what I asked so, the added funds will further the work there through its sponsor Ron Herrod Evangelistic Ministry Association (RHEMA). Again, thank you. I am mindful that each of you is represented by my trip there. This will encourage me through the long days, unfamiliar food and unexpected challenges routine to missions.

Lastly, a word of appreciation for the love and support you show to those of our faith-family who have lost loved ones. Five families of our church experienced such loss in October. This is unusual for a small congregation but your response to each was gracious and kind. I am blessed to be your pastor in good times or dark days.

Every blessing,

Pastor Kim

Senator Johnson’s Amendment, along with other laws and policies influencing free speech and the free exercise of religion as established by our Constitution have been developed under a long held misinterpretation of the phrase “wall of separation” used by Thomas Jefferson. The term “wall of separation” does not appear in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence. It is a term which first appeared in a letter from Thomas Jefferson written to the Danbury Baptists. Our 3rd President, James Madison, was its author.

“Jefferson wrote about it, but Jefferson was not the mind behind it. It was patterned after the freedom-of-religion wording (also written primarily by James Madison with input from Baptist groups) within the Virginia Constitution. The term “wall of separation,” as Jefferson explained it, had to do with the non-interference of government into established religions and religious practices. It did not, in Jefferson’s day, apply to “No Christian or Church Involvement in Politics.” It did not prohibit church, pastor, or believer involvement in the public political arena.” (The History of the 1954 Johnson Amendment, Its Relationship to Jefferson’s Wall of Separation View, Its Unconstitutional Nature, and It’s Remedy in Law – HR 235 by Barbara Ritchie Pond)

October 7, has been declared Pulpit Freedom Sunday by the Alliance Defending Freedom and 1,000 pastors planning to challenge the IRS code by preaching a politically centered message. Their strategy is to incite the IRS to challenge a pastor or church leading to a court’s decision to overturn the code as unconstitutional. I won’t be joining their attempt. Here are three reasons.

First, the IRS code does not restrict churches from informing members about candidates. Do you remember in 2008 when Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church (SBC) hosted the debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barak Obama at his church? According to its own regulations, “Congress has imposed special limitations, found in section 7611 of the Internal Revenue Code, on how and when the IRS may conduct civil tax inquiries and examinations of churches. The IRS may only initiate a church tax inquiry if a high-ranking IRS official, reasonably believes, based on a written statement of the facts and circumstances, that the organization: (a) may not qualify for the exemption; or (b) may not be paying tax on unrelated business or other taxable activity.” The IRS seems more interested in churches paying sales tax than what the pastor declares from the pulpit.

Second, I won’t join the the Pulpit Freedom Sunday because I prize the gospel over the government . . . even if I disagree with the government. When pastors preach the whole counsel of God with biblical integrity, sound scholarship, and thoughtful application they have done what’s required of them by God to equip congregations for decisions in the ballot box. I would never want my church to expect me to preach on the virtues or failings of one candidate over another when there may be someone in the pew that’s not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Third, Romans 13:1-7, clearly exhorts believers to follow the laws of their government and pay their taxes because these fall under the sovereignty of God. Jesus also acknowledge His follower’s duty to render to the oppressive Roman government due (taxes). So, if as a pastor, I can protect the tax exempt status of my church by following the IRS code, I will. Those who would have this portion of the code removed may get their wish along the of tax exemption status they now enjoy. PBC and countless other churches would not survive “business as usual” if required to pay property and other taxes from which we are currently exempt. This is one dog I will let sleep.

Every blessing,
Pastor

This perspective also speaks to the vitality of our church. Pittsburgh Baptist is considered medium size by most standards of measure; budget, average attendance and giving to missions. One could argue that the latter category ranks with large churches. Our campus sits within walking distance of some of the city’s largest churches. However, your church has some notable strengths.

First, Pittsburgh Baptist Church is favored by God. In light of its history, this church had more than one opportunity to close its doors. Yet, PBC has survived this region’s economic downturn of the 1970′s and 1980′s; a painful period of controversy over the issue of Calvinism vs Arminianism; and leadership changes to name a few. Still, your church is on the rise! We are favored by God.

Another indicator of church health is a genuine spirit of cooperation. In nearly five years as your pastor you have not tenured a single negative vote on any item brought up during business meeting. This includes spending nearly $500,000.00 (all our savings) on a major renovation project. You first voted to give 5% of it to our local association and another 5% to the State Convention. Your cooperative spirit was again significantly demonstrated when you affirmed partnering with two church plants, Living Faith Community Church and the Bhutanese fellowship that currently meets at PBC every Sunday.

Finally, your volunteerism is refreshing. Do we have enough volunteers? The answer is no, but the quality and dedication of those who serve is one of our greatest strengths. There is always room for more members to engage in the church’s ministries. Pre-school, Bible Study, discipleship, Property and Space and other areas constantly need an infusion of leaders or workers. This is the nature of church. This said, I am routinely reminded of how blessed I am to serve as your pastor when I see the depth of devotion many members display every week. It is an honor to walk along side you.

PBC is not a financial powerhouse. We do not stand out as a major influencer in our city or denomination. Our numbers are average. However, this church has some Kingdom qualities that, by God’s grace, will enable it to keep increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52, NASB)

Every blessing,
Pastor

Have you noticed the junk food for the soul that is available? Offerings that promise to feed the spirit, but leave feelings of emptiness, loneliness and remorse. I know them well because they were my steady diet for years. Yep, three squares a day (or more) of empty spiritual calories. A relentless pursuit of financial success, the approval of others, addiction, accumulation, these fed the appetite of this spiritual anorexic. It wasn’t until my eating habits improved that my spirit changed.

Consumption of the wrong spiritual delights can harm even the strongest in faith among us. Whether they are packaged to look “Christian” or promoted as the occasional treat, their affects can be spiritually deadening. Imagine what might happen if a highly trained Olympic marathoner stopped at mile thirteen to down five Snickers Bars. Her body would likely go into shock. If the church is to be fit for its journey she must enjoy large portions from the Lord’s menu and avoid the spiritual junk food. A doctor once advised  me, “You can out eat your exercise.” In other words, it does not matter how much you work out if your caloric intake is more than what you burn during a workout. The weight still increases. Likewise, a Christian can go to church every week, read the Word routinely and pray often, but the spiritual benefits can be offset when junk food for the soul is included.

Summer is prime time for taking a vacation from our spiritual disciplines. Travel, holidays and the invitation of sandy beaches under a hot sun can distract us from keeping spiritually healthy. Let me encourage moderation. The Lord wants us to find joy from His vast creation. Our greatest joy is in Him, the Hope of salvation.

Every blessing,
Pastor Grueser

Seriously, in nearly twenty-two years of pastoral ministry, I’ve never been part of a VBS that didn’t test its leaders . . . never. This mission’s obstacle course disguised as a children’s ministry will challenge the most seasoned Baptist veteran.

So, this article is for all our VBS volunteers and their family members. First, as important as it is to have smartly decorated rooms and well organized lesson plans the most effective preparation you can do right now is in your heart. The truth is rooms with a wow factor are more for the adults than children. What moves a child is a heart that genuinely cares; a heart that just loves him or her. Please do not miss this opportunity to show Christ’s love to a kid that may never have experienced it before because you were too busy cutting, pasting and hanging stuff. VBS is ultimately a work of the heart, not talent, administration or execution.

The second thing I think worth writing is aimed at the family members of our volunteers. It’s just one word, GRACE. Allow me to encourage you to be gracious to our VBS workers. You may miss a family meal, some clothes might go unwashed and routines disrupted, but extend an extra measure of grace to that spouse or parent involved in VBS this year. Whatever inconvenience you experience, I can assure you that theirs is greater.

Why do I write this? Simple, because the horror of VBS isn’t in the challenges I mention above, the horror of VBS is, if after all the planning, preparing and providing, we fail to make a difference in a child’s, youth’s or adult’s life for Jesus. This is really our only goal. It would be horrible to invest so much and miss the mark. I appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of every VBS volunteer and family member, but let’s remember that this isn’t about the volunteers. It is not even about the participants. VBS is about honoring Christ by prizing Him through every song, lesson, craft and meal.

Looking forward to lifting the Name of Jesus through Vacation Bible School.

Every blessing,

Pastor

Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:17, 18 NASB)

There is no way to know how many will read this. Our mailing list is growing and we cannot count how many people are reached through every home. Tracking our web presence is another challenge. I am certain of this, some readers can identify with Habakkuk’s resolve to praise the Lord even when all else fails.

Many turn to Him only when all else fails. Those that love Jesus persevere in there faith even when all else fails. I remember overhearing the desperate prayer of one husband   shattered by his wife’s eminent death. I had known him for years and turning to Jesus was not his habit. It was a when-all-else-fails petition to God. The finest doctors in a premier hospital offered little hope. So, he pragmatically, emotionally prayed to Jesus for his wife’s miraculous recovery. She slowly turned the corner to make a full recovery. He embraced his old ways of spiritual disconnect.

The word on which this portion of Habakkuk resonates is “yet.” It speaks of a resolve that endures in the midst of failure. It is the picture of exultation and rejoicing in the Lord based on a practice of faith not a crisis-driven promise to be a better believer. The writer  confidently says “yet” because he said “yes” to his Savior time and again. His “yet” is the product of experiencing the Lord’s faithfulness.

Is “yet” part of your lexicon? Should your doctor give you a bad report will you say, “Yet, I will exult in the Lord?” If another national financial crisis wipes out your savings is your response going to be “yet?” The answer depends on what you do before the calamity. If, like Habakkuk, you have a routine of worship, ministry, prayer and praise to your King, then his claim is familiar to you. For those that log their time with Jesus by religious holidays rather than intimacy then the prophet’s “yet” probably seems quirky.

I encourage those of you without a pattern of devotion to the Lord to begin the practice. When the calamity comes you will probably say “yet.” Your relationship with Him is defined in the valley, not on the mountain; through the hardships, not on the cruise ship.  Be a “yet” follower.

Every blessing,
Pastor