During my three years as a student at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, I had Dr. Harold Greenlee as my Greek professor. He had been a Rhodes scholar and was a graduate of Harvard University. He was the leading Greek scholar in the 20th Century. He challenged us to study and learn Greek and Greek exegesis. He had us singing hymns out of a Greek hymnal.
He introduced us to a Greek word I had never heard before. That word is kairos. It means a "divine moment" or "divine hour" in history. It is not the usual name for the time of day or the word we use for chronological time. Rather is a moment designed by Almighty God when all the forces of divine providence converge at a given time and place, like a laser beam, to accomplish the determined purpose and will of God in the lives of individuals and people to whom they minister.
It is like an intersection or a crossroads. The destiny for a man or a group of people is critical. If the man misses it by failing to hear the voice of God or refuses the mandate, that moment may never come again for him or the people involved. However, when it is obeyed and carried out great and marvelous things will occur. All of the vast resources that are in heaven may be released when a man steps out in faith to obey God. Human resources that no one would ever dream possible may be forth coming and given in a spirit of extravangant generosity.
As I have thought about the merger of Holmes Memorial Church with Holmes Bible College I'm convinced that the decision was clear, concise and comprehensive in obedience to the promptings of God: Leggett's pastorate to the congregation of Holmes Memorial Church in Greenville, SC, will be like a beacon of hope and confidence in a leader whom God has prepared for this kairos hour.
It is time to Celebrate what God is doing. I read an editorial by Dr. Ed Stetzer this week when he made a startling statement that grabbed my attention. He wrote:
"What you celebrate you become!"
Dr. Stetzer was lecturing at several of our church planting and church revitalization conferences from coast to coast upon the invitation of Bishop Chris Thompson, executive director of Evangelism USA. At one of the conferences, Bishop Thompson was recognizing those who had planted churches and were wearing the church planter's pin. In our denomination if you plant a church or sponsor several church plants you receive a pin. It's really attractive and our people wear it with sanctified pride.
Dr. Stetzer said, "That might seem trite, but let me tell you why it is not. In many denominations, when you plant a church you get scorned. I have seen and heard it, particularly in stagnant or declining denominations. Denominational leaders are suspicious, other pastors are critical, etc. And, the result is that the church planter does not feel welcome. These pins are a symbol of recognition, welcome, and appreciation. And, most denominations could use more of that when it comes to church planters."
Dr. Stetzer went on to say, "I tell denominational leaders regularly, 'What you celebrate, you become.'"
"For too many years, my denomination was focused on what we were against (though I see that changing). Other denominations did the same. And, it should not surprise us, that when we did not celebrate church planting, we were not strong in church planting. What you celebrate, you become. There are things to be against, but we must be FOR church planting."
Dr. Stetzer went on to commend the International Pentecostal Holiness Church for its emphasis on church planing and declared that we are a church planting denomination.
I sense that what is occurring at Holmes Memorial Church in Greenville, SC, is a combination of church revitalization and church planting. God has sent Bishop James D. Leggett to be the leader/pastor/preacher and chief executive officer of both the church and college. It is time that we recognize what God has sovereignly done. He has used James D. Leggett, the leadership of Holmes Memorial Church and the congregation, as well as the Board of Trustees of Holmes Bible College to come to this historical agreement and covenant relationship.
It is my prayer that God will strengthen Pastor Leggett to preach and lead this congregation on to greatness by accomplishing the mission God has ordained before the foundation of this earth. Jesus is the Head of the church.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:23, these timely words concerning the church:
"The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which He speaks and acts, by which He fills everything with His presence."
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
May I encourage all who live within driving distance of Greenville, SC, and Holmes Memorial Church on the corner of Buncombe Road and Briggs Avenue to be present for Bishop James D. Leggett's inaugural service and sermon on Sunday, August 14, 2011. The morning worship begins at 11 a. m.
Melvine and I plan to be present. I want to celebrate what God is doing at Holmes Memorial Church and Holmes Bible College. I was named for N. J. Holmes, the founder of Holmes Bible College and Holmes Memorial Church. My parents attended the college and church in the early days. I am grateful for my heritage, and deep feelings for the church and the college.
[Editor's comment: Ed Stezer has co-authored the following books: Transformational Church, ComeBack Churches, Breaking the Missional Code--Your church can be a missionary in your community, and Viral Churches.
As director of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC, I have been given the privilege of serving on the Evangelism USA Council, the ACTS2Day Conference, and the General Ministries Council.]
Posted on
Sat, August 13, 2011
by Hugh Morgan