Ruth & Andrew on my birthday
Recently, I shared that I may not die with tons of money but will certainly leave with many memories. It is true: “Whatever we do for self will pass but what we do for Christ will last.” Last week, it was my pleasure to minister in the Bahamas (see post below) and on Thursday, I fly (LORD WILLING) to Birmingham, AL to attend the Board Retreat for PRAISEFEST MINISTRIES - “Cruise with a Cause.” We’re discussing plans for our upcoming seven day cruise next year to Jamaica aboard Carnival’s largest vessel and we are praying to reach over 50,000 Jamaicans for Jesus! Bob Marley sang: “No Woman No Cry” but the fact is without Jesus in death everyone will cry. Not popular but the Gospel Truth!
Confirmed speakers include: Dr Johnny Hunt, Pastor John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Bishop Paul Morton, Josh McDowell, Dr Ergun Caner, Jamey Ragle, Nikita Koloff. Artists: CASTING CROWNS, Donnie McCurkin, Jason Crabb, Martha Minuzzi, Anthony Evans, comedian John Gray, SONICFLOOd, Hezekiah Walker, Ayiesha Woods, & countless others! More to be released soon. God has blessed me to speak on all three of their cruises to the Bahamas and I’m HONORED to help bring Jesus to Jamaica as one of their featured speakers on the ship to Jamaica on May 30-June 5, 2011! If you would be willing to sail the seas for the Son let me know and this is the most affordable cruise available and it would be perfect for singles, married couples, churches, youth groups, mission trip and/or a treat to send your pastor for some R&R as an appreciation gift.
Ruth and I, will meet this Saturday, Feb 27 in Nashville, TN and we will be attending the NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS convention at the famed Opryland Hotel. It will be great to spend time with her and fellow friends in ministry. PRAISE THE LORD - last week, I learned that I’m now also an endorsed speaker for UPWARDS www.Upward.org and they have a wonderful sports outreach. It’s my honor to be linked with them.
Next month, I have been invited to Guatemala with COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL for five days to love on the poverty-stricken children. Those that some consider the least matter most to God. It took three years, but I am now one of only a few speakers nation-wide to be one of their ambassadors and speakers for Compassion. Others include: Michael W Smith, Rebecca St James, Jeremy Camp, David Edwards, my buddy - Grant Norsworthy, formerly of SONICFLOOd and Justin Lookadoo and I, will be flying to Guatemala on this upcoming trip overseas. If you would like to donate to this great group and sponsor a child please click the COMPASSION link.
En route to Florida last week, I was on the phone with one of my childhood heroes - Harlem Globetrotter legend and Evangelist Meadowlark Lemon and he made me feel like an “un-official” Globetrotter willing to travel the world bringing God’s Word. It is neat when your heroes as a kid know Christ and call you friend as an adult. Thank you JESUS! Please pray for open doors and our desire is to exalt Christ, encourage Christians and minister to clergy while in town. It would be my pleasure to minister at your next church outreach. For booking contact Stacy@TheRobinsonAgency.com or visit www.FrankShelton.com
Again, thanks for making my birthday extra special and when our gaze is UPWARD we cannot help but have “COMPASSION on the multitudes.” God bless and go with God.
Snowman & Bandit - Bahamas 2010
We got a total of 37 inches of snow and our scheduled flight for Wed, Feb 10 to Orlando, FL was cancelled. In baseball terms: STRIKE ONE! On Tuesday and Wednesday, my father and I, spent (literally) ALL DAY shovelling snow and more came late Wednesday only to repeat our efforts from the day before. We live 1/2 mile from the road and the county doesn’t come down our drive to pave the road. Therefore, to dig our way through three feet of snow was no small task. I kept thinking, if God could come from Heaven to Earth; then I couldn’t let a few feet of snow hold us back from “missing the boat” to the Bahamas to minister to this great group. Well, round two of snow came and our flight to Florida on Thursday night was cancelled too. STRIKE TWO! Satan was tempting me to think of that SNICKERS commercial: Not going anywhere for awhile?” At last minute, we learned Ruth wasn’t able to make the trip, my parents had already drove 150 miles to baby-sit Andrew and bottom of the ninth; the odds were slowly starting to be (like the snow on our window) stacked against us.
My heart dropped and crushed that Ruth couldn’t come but with her blessing to minister I didn’t want the cruise planners or participants to think we didn’t try or love them nor did I want to get accused of false advertising. Then I thought of the powerful Marines commercial with the slogan: “We don’t accept applications - only commitments!” I learned Thursday at 9AM that if I were to make the trip than I would have to drive 1,000 miles (each way) from Maryland to Orlando, FL in less than 24 hours by car. With faith like a Ferrari with no brakes; immediately, the theme song to “SMOKEY IN THE BANDIT” danced in my head and I can still hear Jerry Reed singing: “We Got a Long Way to Go and a Short Time to get there - we’re eastbound now watch that Bandit (evangelist) run!” 
WATCH the video of that classic movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXYBUeiaJcM
Time was ticking, the snow was sticking and this brother had to get his heels clicking. Like Elvis, I left the building (house) drove “by faith” hoping we could just get to Richmond, VA with safer, snow-less streets. My buddy, Randy Collins was able to ride with me and he did the driving and thanks to the great staff at ACC pulling some strings - Randy was able to cruise with us in the process! With not a moment to spare, we arrived in Florida at 2:30 AM on Friday morning only to rush straight to Port Canaveral to board our boat. Burt Reynolds was Bandit and ironically, Jerry Reed in the movie was SNOWMAN. Well, with three of feet of snow - Randy certainly lived up to his name! The irony is our bags were packed, our ticket confirmed, excitement for our temporal vacation and we literally (almost) “Missed the Boat.”
What a weekend we had and it was a JOY to meet new friends and I have always had a heart for students and singles. Sometimes, those that feel “overlooked” matter the most to God. The group was FANTASTIC and the strangers who boarded the ship initially, now left as forever friends because of their faith in Christ. What impressed me most is that the singles had obstacles to get there too and they all came by themselves. They came from Canada, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and what faith they displayed and they ministered to me! Two nights we were up after 2AM talking about life, loss and living for the Lord. We really bonded as a group and I always said: “Ministry is much more than what one says in the pulpit but how they act off the platform is more important.” As servants of Christ it is imperative that we be accessible, approachable and available. It is easy to communicate but it takes practice, patience and perseverance to connect with others. More personal investment is required but the results are ALWAYS far greater! Today, we posted 50 pictures on Facebook from our recent trip!
In my heart, I am convinced that “favor comes after faith.” It is true in the dictionary too (alphabetically). Show me your faith and I will show you your future. I have found in my own life and journey with Jesus that those that come the greatest distance often get the biggest blessing for their efforts. I love that passage in Scripture where Jesus said: “Your faith has made you whole.” He also noted: “As they went they were healed (delivered) and I have found it to mean blessed as well. Yes, when the going gets tough the tough get going and God shows off while you’re gone!
The drive down was a blast and yes, like Salvation it was God’s grace we made it (much less invited to speak at the cruise) but I kept thinking on the drive south how millions of folks around the world really believe they are ready to meet God, their “bags packed” and convinced they have a reserved reservation but could still miss the Boat (Heaven). Some rely, on their “good” works, religion, grandma’s prayers, daddy’s coat tails, etc but the fact is apart from faith in Christ’s sacrificial death as our Savior and Substitute we are “sitting on the dock of the bay - WASTING TIME.”
Life is not fair, Satan throws curveballs and plans can change (like the weather) on a dime. Time is running out but Jesus died not wanting to leave anyone out and it is a travesty to miss a temporal vacation but don’t die missing out on your ETERNAL destination. It is true, we either arrive safely in Heaven or scorched in Hell. We will arrive at the Gates of Pearl or gates of peril; Paradise above or pain below and don’t gamble on God. Make certain of your salvation because why miss Paradise when you are left taking chances as if throwing a pair of dice. Don’t gamble on God, the Lord isn’t a lottery and all the cash in the world couldn’t buy God’s great grace.
The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song that I have loved for two decades called “The Gospel Ship.” Those that put their trust in God’s Gospel Ship of Salvation will find a ship that will not sink but surely SAVE! Take it from my wife, Ruth who (because of the snow and scheduling conflicts) couldn’t make the trip but praise God has her passport stamped, her name in the Book of Life and when the Lord returns she is ready to go! Whatever you do - DON’T MISS THE BOAT!
Anthony, fs & Dr Tony Evans - Bahamas 08
NFL - Not For Long
First, the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE has also been coined “Not For Long” among players and fans. While preaching one year ago today in Ohio; I had the privilege to tour the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I saw the museum the day before the SUPER BOWL but missed the entire game after preaching three times in two days on the flight home. I am certainly not complaining because I know that the BIGGEST GAME is in souls and it’s wise to chase the ETERNAL not temporal.
Secondly, my hat goes off to the New Orleans Saints. One, I almost always root for the underdog and I love the NFC. Peyton Manning is a gifted student of the game and has had an amazing career (even if he elects to call it quits) but I must say that the Colts impressed me but the Saints inspired me. Much has been said the past couple years of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What has been neglected is during that time their stadium housed the homeless while the Saints organization became homeless having to play every single game on the road. This is what we call “CHARACTER BUILDING.”
Talk about courage under fire, these brothers literally dug deep while going out and playing every single game two years ago in an opponents arena. Most would have buckled but some folks break under pressure while others Break Records. In life, some get bitter and others grow BETTER. I have always said: “Those that have come the furthest tend to go the farthest.” What do I mean by that? Consider a rubber band - the stronger the resistance the greater the distance. Perhaps, that is why God uses the BROKEN the most because they don’t rely on self but their Savior. I’m convinced that our adversity today prepares us for God’s Varsity tomorrow. Our mess now becomes one’s message later. The test in the present becomes our TESTimony in the future.
When crisis comes upon us we must get creative and cling to Christ. I shared before the game that Jesus en route to His death rode a Colt but in our lives via His Holy Spirit is present with the Saints. Some suggest that God is not in the affairs of men. I believe He is. It’s not that God isn’t interested in man but sadly, men are not always attuned to the affairs of God. Some suggest that the beer commercials are the best and the one where the people laid down their lives so the truck could deliver the “goods” was interesting. Talk about BEER OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
Its ironic, how Madison Avenue or Hollywood take a Biblical reference and twist it for their benefit. The chasm between man and God is not liquor but the Lord. Some got goods but do we got God? The other beer commercial with the plane wreck basically said “Life is a party” as long as you got beer. Just the Gospel Truth, Heaven NOT hell will be the biggest Party of all time. The Almighty not alcohol is the bridge that closes the gap and because of the cross we can have an eternal encounter with Christ. Nothing wrong with having fun but if we live and die without Faith in Christ as our Savior, Subsitute and Sacrifice we are deceived by the Devil.
Indeed, the football season is too short. Some wives may disagree but the season is over before you know it and many sports fans long to fill the void after the season. “March Madness” starts in less than two weeks and I often wondered if sports weren’t strategically placed to keep our mind off the Biggest Game which is salvation found only in Christ. God gave me a word recently. THE BIGGEST LOSER is not the one who lost the most weight but WAITED TOO LONG to find God. In this tough economy, loss of employment, feelings of fear, many Christians have taken some serious shots. Some are either on the ropes or sitting on the sidelines, wondering if it will pay off in the end? As the Saints had to play in a foreign stadium weekly, consider Christ who Divinity became Humanity. He left the worship of Heaven to come to the rejection of Earth. The Son became sin and tempted without ever sinning. Contradictory no but Champion yes!
Recently, I read where a man paid $14,000 for two tickets to the game and in my spirit I wondered if they would “neglect so great a Salvation” for FREE. 100 years from now even the Super Bowl will resemble the Toilet Bowl if we failed to grab the grace of God. This may sound harsh but Hell is hot, eternity is forever and no one wins if at the end we were not prepared to meet Him. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is in the soul, saving business! Nothing wrong with going to the big game - my parents went to the Super Bowl in 1992, when the Redskins beat the Bills in Minneapolis. But praise God - they got their reservation for Heaven long ago. If you are unsure if you died tonight if you would go to Heaven - CLICK THIS LINK from Billy Graham to show you how you can make Heaven your future home -
http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp
The Saints are living proof, it doesn’t matter where you have been but what matters most is WHERE you are going. Child of God, perhaps you have also taken some hits, dangled on the ropes of romance or just waiting for the Referee (Jesus) to either stop the fight or start fighting for you - rest assured, we win in the end. In closing, I also said that win or lose today I knew that in the end it will not only be worth it but when the Trumpet sounds, the whistle blows, the Game of Life is over and the Lord appears “The Saints Go Marching In.” Yes, this life is NFL (Not For Long) and get God before your Game is Over.
In an age of Big buildings, Big budgets and Big bucks we must remember that in God’s economy bigger is NOT always better. If crowds alone were a gauge for God to view success than He would have “by passed” the woman at the well, the lonely leper looking for love while longing to be touched by the Lord and Zacheaus who went “out on a limb” to see God. Zacheaus went out and Jesus invited him in for supper. God responds to faith not fans.
If crowds were everything than Jesus would have not only by-passed but BLASTED the woman trying to touch the hem of Him and just camped continously at four and five thousand seat venues. God did both but why not just one? For starters, Jesus is good but better yet - God! Two, His identity was not found in crowds but Christ knew it was the acceptance and approval alone of Almighty God that matter most. The beauty about God is yes, He could hold a crowd in the palm of His Hand; but He also knew that substance should never be sacrificed for sheer size.
Evangelist Charles Spurgeon said he would prefer to have ten men sold out to Jesus than a thousand there but not really there. My friend, Dr Ergun Caner said “just because 1,000 show up for a service doesn’t make it a church.” Crowds don’t equate a church. Christ PLUS blood bought believers equal Church. This is not to be miscontrued for blasting the mega church and certainly not saying its wrong to have a large platform as an evangelist but we in ministry must always evaluate our motives. Some churches have held a beer blast on “Bring a Friend Day” just to attract crowds. Be careful what you wish for because those churches got their crowd but not sure if Christ was well pleased.
JUST BEING REAL - too many preachers are feeling worthless. Some of the anxiety stems from the issue of crowds. They are some of the most decent, compassionate, Christ honoring folks I know but feel like failures. In the wise words of Dr Adrian Rogers: “God didn’t call us to fill the auditorium but He did call us to fill the pulpit.” When Christ called us to minister (for most) it was for Christ (not crowds). Our success is in His Salvation. Its His relationship not our resume. In my political career, too often I witnessed folks come to Congress hoping to change Washington. Sadly, more often than not; Washington changed them. In ministry, we got in it for Christ and may we retire or die chasing Christ.
After nearly 30 yrs of sharing the Gospel I have learned just one or two things. One, God alone is God and no other. Secondly, I believe it takes just as much (if not more) obedience to be faithful in smaller matters as it does with larger, more visible ministry. Yes, leadership is lonely and with more responsibility comes greater accountability. Satan is sneaky because he can subconciously tempt us to fail even while doing the Work of the Lord. Some folks stay in a ministry position or platform for all the wrong reasons. Some may hold on for ego more than commitment to Christ. In confidence, I heard a visible preacher once say that he lives right not because the Ten Commandments demand it but because he couldn’t fathom not seeing himself on television. Hello? If that don’t make your stomach turn, knees buckle and evaluate what matters most than you may very well be the next casualty in line.
Some of my faithful friends have had the privilege to preach to the masses. Most have not. Some appear on world-wide television, speak on radio with several states listening at once, preached to packed crowds and even rubbed shoulders with one or two notable figures. Regardless, for those that do or don’t is not the issue. This post is not geared for the sinner today as much as the servant of God. Not laity but leaders. Again, nothing is wrong with speaking to masses. What is dangerous is when we speak - is it for self or Savior? Our success is based on an EMPTY tomb. Nothing more - nothing less.
This post is not against big ministry but a SMALL mindset. The Bible is clear “to whom much is given much is required” but there is no room for arrogance in Kingdom work. Those that have been blessed to speak at more prominent places in ministry will also tell you they didn’t start out at the “Super Bowl” but in Parks & Rec, junior varsity, college and pre-season with blood, sweat and tears. To their credit, they also travelled eight hours by car to speak to 11 teens three states away known only by God and the youth pastor who extended the invite. They also know what it’s like to speak to one shackled in prison forgotten by society and to minister to ministers who had already wrote their resignation before the revival we preached and unless God moved in their midst they informed they were already packed moving too and quitting the ministry. We need to PRAY for each other. Regardless, if you are reaching the masses or feel reduced to ministering to mosquittos we need to push, pull and pray for all in ministry and as disciples of Christ.
God grants various talents to different people. God assigns what we do and where we work. We are in a race - NOT to compete but COMPLIMENT each other as the Body of Christ and complete the race He asked us to run. Don’t look to the right or left but run straight ahead, stay in your lane (because disqualification comes) when you desire to run another’s race or step into their lane. Keep in mind that bigger is not better and yes, many who are first now will be last later. Live to build His Kingdom not yours. Let God worry about your legacy because all that matters is what we did with what He loaned us. Did we promote Him or try in vain to elevate self? Big buildings amount to ETERNAL EYESORES if God is not genuinely God of that ministry. Ministry is just a mess if His message doesn’t resonate and redeem souls. In closing, don’t compare and don’t chase crowds but Christ. One thing I learned about “Crowds” is that they are not always faithful but most certainly fickle. Here today and gone tomorrow.
CONSIDER CHRIST how the crowd on Palm Sunday hailed Him as King one day and exactly a week later nailed Him to the cross. Crowds are like a dysfunctional relationship because if they are “up” you are up but if they are down than you are down. Why? Because your identity is tied to a fallen crowd and not the Faithful Christ. But if you are in it for Christ you win either way.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: If you are in ministry at a “large” community of believers DARE to be DIFFERENT and donate your time and minister to a smaller group on ocassion (out of the blue), speak to a church that couldn’t pay you a dime and build up that struggling minister down the street who never once addressed an audience larger than 44 in the history of his/her ministry. The key is to love on him/her and make them feel like Jesus would - as if he were the most important person in the world. If your youth group is running 300 and you never introduced yourself to the youth pastor with less than 25 at their church BE LIKE JESUS and invite them to lunch, buy their meal and befriend them. Actually, some of the tension between ministers and ministries may subside when we come together, break bread and learn about one another. In case you missed the memo: Ministry is lonely and that brother or sister may very well minister to you more than you can imagine today or a future tomorrow.
At the foot of the cross we are all the same but those whom look down on others as “small” because they preach their heart out to a miniscule crowd should never underestimate God or those they disregard and mock because in God’s economy those ministering in “small places” are not only bigger than some give them credit but quite possibly, just as anointed, passionate and gifted (regardless of the size of your sanctuary). As my friends down south would say: “Frank, that is GOOD PREACHING!” Plus, to belittle someone is to “be little” yourself.
My first pastor, Dr E.J. Jack after 50 years of ministry, probably never once spoke to an audience more than 150. Almost every time, I get up to speak (regardless, if its television, radio, conference, concert, crusade, church, or a dorm at a camp with 6 people) I remember him, my present Pastor Marvin Harris, Rev. Jim Wood my former youth minister and the countless folks who helped me in my walk with God. These men and many others would “run circles” around me as a Christian and clergy. They sowed, God watered and together we watch the Lord bring the harvest. Crowds are not bad but if your ministry is based more on performance than passion to God, more of a show than a service, work but not worship, if its a career more than a calling than we are on “thin ice.” I have found a solid foundation with Jesus - The Rock but if we desire to be a “rock star” we are on tour with the wrong band. Today, we really don’t need any more “stars” we just need the Son.
I love Michael English and he is back singing with the GAITHER VOCAL BAND. Tenor, Terry Franklin nails this classic song by the GVB and I dedicate this video to all ministers (regardless of their influence or income) but especially, to those faithful preachers, Sunday School teachers, youth ministers and volunteers who often wonder while their mind wanders if their labors make a difference? By God’s grace - YOU DO! The crown comes from Christ not crowds. Truly, “Little is Much when God is in it - Labor NOT for wealth or fame - there’s a crown and you can win it - If you go in Jesus’ Name.”
Leadership Cup
“WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY”
- Nate Dame - Chicago, IL
I believe it was John Maxwell who first coined the phrase “leadership cup.” (This is the same John Maxwell that was arrested for bringing a handgun through security at an airport. Don’t believe me? Google it. I dare you. Funny story. It’s true, and it was an accident.)
A person’s leadership cup is their capacity to lead others. Some people have a huge leadership cup. John Maxwell has sold over 13 million books and trained 2 million leaders worldwide. His leadership cup is massive (although we all make mistakes now and then). Other people have leadership cups of various sizes. How big is yours?
The great thing about your leadership cup is that you can grow and make it bigger. Some people are born with big leadership cups and a natural ability to lead others. But if that’s not you, most of the skills and traits of a good leader can still be learned, and that’s good news for all of us. That means we can always grow our potential.
Man do I love youth ministry. (Did I mention I’m bad at transitions?) I love fighting for students, blessing them, serving them, walking with them, and showing them what it means to know Christ’s love and walk with Him. I love getting together with youth pastors because we have so much in common, even if we’ve never met. Nothing needs to be said: We’d give it all for students.
And I love youth ministry because, unfortunately, we are sometimes the last line of defense for students. If there is nobody else praying for the students in our communities, we won’t give up. We’ll keep praying, keep loving, and keep serving, in Jesus’ name. What’s that got to do with your leadership cup? One of the hardest parts about being a youth pastor is balancing your passion for the “one” and for the “multitudes.” Jesus said He would leave the 99 for one lost sheep (Matt 18:12). Another time, when crowds of followers were begging him to say, He told them He must continue on to preach the good news to the other towns too (Luke 4:43).
As disciples of Christ and student leaders, we often have to make similar hard choices: How much time do I devote to individuals, and how much time do I devote to the “multitudes”? You can grow your leadership cup and reach more students. As a youth pastor, I understand that you are giving everything you have to reach and disciple the students you have today. But you also have a heart to impact the hundreds and even thousands of students in your town that still don’t know the Lord. God’s heart also yearns for both those in your group and those that don’t yet know Him. The good news is that you can grow your leadership cup to make an even greater impact in the future.
Be encouraged. Through prayer, learning, and practice, you can grow your leadership cup—and help grow the leadership cup of your leaders—to reach more students tomorrow. And as we grow closer to Him, we will better understand and fulfill God’s heart, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
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If you have ever been blessed by my blog we have a couple people to thank. God for grace, my parents for upbringing, my wife who loves me and our first guest blogger - NATE DAME. Thanks to him, he helped design my blog and periodically, I will have friends share what is on their heart and what God is doing through them. Nate is a youth ministry guru, loves God, and a consultant with National Network of Youth Ministries. He lives in IL and his website is www.EffectiveYM.com