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.”
Folks stop me periodically and say: “Frank, I love Jesus, I am going to Heaven but I don’t feel obligated to go to church. What do you think?” Perhaps you have had heard a similar statement too. Some suggest salvation is enough. Well, before I answer let me remind you what God says on this subject. He is the Authority (not me or others in ministry).
The Bible is bold and crystal clear about church attendance: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” Salvation is found by faith in Christ alone and we can add nothing to or subtract from to gain access to an eternal Paradise with God. However, church attendance should go hand in hand as kids of the King! If you are in a marriage and never eat a meal with your spouse except for the night of your wedding you are struggling to say the least.
Iron sharpens iron and it is imperative that we trust God together and be encouraged by one another. The local church exists from an outline I borrowed years ago from Dr Adrian Rogers: Exalt the Savior, Encourage the Saints, Evangelize the Sinner and remind all to Expect the Son because Jesus is coming back! We find many reasons why we should worship together (especially in these dark, difficult days). Here are just a couple:
1) God’s PRAISE: The Lord is worthy to be praised. If we can sit in the snow cheering with 82,000 fans at a football game we most certainly need to applaud for the Almighty, cheer for Christ, root for the Redeemer and give a standing ovation for our Savior! Give me a “J” - give me a “E” - give me a “S” - give me a “U” - give me a “S” what does that spell: JESUS! When we worship the Lord in our mess - I have found after the preacher’s message many times my problems dissapear and I see Christ more clearly. We need to be together to encourage one another, be a blessing to one another and weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Truly, it is good to be in the House of the Lord.
2) God’s PROTECTION: The above video is powerful. No church membership (or lack of) will forfeit your access to Heaven but you are isolating yourself like an island when you choose to face life alone and not with the help of God and His People. We resemble the zebra in this video and Satan is a “roaring lion, waiting to devour and destroy” anyone and anything in his path. We are an open target when we fail to move with the Body of Christ. By God’s grace the zebra made it but most would not be so fortunate.
3) God’s PRAYER: It took me awhile but I have learned a couple things about prayer. First, it is a privilege to speak to Father God. The President may not know me but God does! Secondly, prayer is more me listening to God than me talking to God. Third, prayer gives me peace, purpose and power. You will never lose your footing when you have been on your knees. When we kneel before God - we can STAND before any man. We find courage with prayer. It has been said: “Seven days without prayer makes one WEAK.” Jesus noted His House was a place of prayer. Without question, I gain great peace with prayer but the beauty of hearing the petitions of other people’s prayers thrills my heart and I know touches the Heart of God. The irony is that God prays for us. Jesus told Peter: “Satan desires to sift you like wheat (translation: Kick your butt, embarrass you and put you six feet under) but Jesus goes on to say: “But I have prayed for you” to basically be a VICTOR not a victim. Sadly many in society worshipping lifeless gods chasing false religions pray to a god that can’t hear them and I have a God who not only hears my humble prayers but prays for this glorified goof-ball! As Ric Flair would say: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
4) God’s PEACE: Sure, God can speak to us as individuals but He often gives a relevation to others that will benefit the group. When one is down the others may be up (vice versa). Satan wants to make you think that you are the only one going through tough times. When you are isolated and alone you are tempted to buy that lie. When we are surrounded by the saints of God we find not only protection but peace in the process. Many folks have endured what you may be facing. We find great comfort to think we are not weird, wrong or weak while “waiting on the Lord” in a fallen world.
5) God’s PURPOSE: We exist to worship the Lord by our life and lips. A boat can get off course easily and when you worship alone you may miss the mark. Christians are to love each other (even when feeling un-lovely). We graciously rebuke when one is wrong and we politely point back to Christ our Compass when we wander off course. Water, waves and intense weather have a way to lead us away from God’s assignment. With numbers we find safety, solace and our schedule. We must report regularly for our orders to go where God says go and be all He desires us to be. The Lord is our Lighthouse and God is our guide but He uses the church to help steer us to the Promised Land.
5) God’s POWER: We tap into God’s power when we are with fellow believers. Sports teams have been known to be down three quarters of a game but when the momentum shifts they turn the tide and win! In these last days, we must assemble as often as possible. Church attendance doesn’t equal SALVATION but it does help with our SUCCESS. The church has taken some shots over the years. Her sail is torn, the paint has peeled and the bow at times looked broken. But the blessing (like that Ray Boltz classic) is the Anchor Holds (though the ship’s been battered). The Anchor holds though the sails are torn. I’ve fallen on my knees, I’ve faced the raging seas but the Anchors holds despite the storms!”
6) God’s PROVISION: God often uses OTHERS to bless you! There is power in numbers and folks with no finances can find a helping hand to those down and out. Folks with no food have been known to find help to feed hungry stomachs at home. Those with no shelter have found place to lay their head in the midnight hour. Those seeking employment may bump into a job recruiter teaching a Sunday School class. Those trying to sell a house may have a member in the church who works for Century 21. The fact is when we cease to assemble and worship at the church we often hinder our chances to see God work in our midst.
Lastly, we remember God’s PLACE: He is in our heart but Heaven is our Home. Sometimes, when alone we forget where we have been but also where we are going. We are pilgrims passing through. We are adopted to the Family of God and because of His great grace we are kids of the King. If you own a business or minister at a church -Remember, we are out to build His Kingdom not ours. I love the fact that KINGdom has “King” in it. Christianity, Christians and Church is always about Christ. Its ALL His and may we like Jesus at age 12, be about our Father’s Business.
By attending church we worship, fuel our faith, get a glimpse of God’s Glory and remember we are winners not wannabees because we are on the winning side. Christ is our compass and fellow Christians cheer us on to remember Heaven is around the corner. This week if you haven’t been to church in awhile visit a Bible believing, soul saving service this Sunday and you will encounter God’s Praise, Protection, Prayers, Provision, Purpose, Power and may we see your FACE in His Place (church & Heaven).
In 1981, while making the major motion picture “E.T.” the directors of the movie contacted the candy M&M’s and politely asked if they could use their candy in the film. M&M’s responded with a resounding “No!” They then asked Reese’s Pieces and they had nothing to lose and everything to gain and said: “Yes.”
Who knew that the movie: “E.T. - The Extra Terrestial” would become the highest grossing film of its time. M&M’s missed out on free publicity and it resurrected the franchise for Reese’s. Ironically, today one cannot seperate Reese’s Pieces from the alien itself.
The best way to get promoted professionally is to be humble enough to promote others personally. Jesus taught us that he that desires to be first must become last. We are never more like Christ when we give and forgive. It is not found in Scripture but I wouldn’t surprised if a close third is to PROMOTE OTHERS!
Artists and bands are coming to me more than ever and asking me for an endorsement. I vowed to the Lord years ago if I could ever help someone else I would. Plus, it has been said: “greatness” is stopping to do something for others that they can do very little (if anything) for you. The key is being willing to “give” not out to get. But the beauty is by giving you actually gain. It is my pleasure to bless others and attempt to encourage them in their walk and inspire them to get to the next level. Sadly, I am learning a disturbing trend that many of these same bands are not even getting the endorsement from their pastor. It’s not that they have dark secrets in their closet but many in ministry are either too busy or too insecure to promote someone else.
Personally, to me promoting others is now second nature and it resembles tithing. First of all, “to whom much is given much is required.” When God gives you a platform it is not for you to say “look at me” but we need to be pointing folks to God and saying how can we help you? Secondly, you cannot out give God. Third, when you invest in others you actually are investing in yourself. Lastly, when you pause to promote someone else you are not only displaying Christ-like character but the folks you are helping will respect you more than ever. We all know that being called of God is more important than man’s endorsement but the best way to get blessed is to be a blessing to others.
Dr. Johnny Hunt - SBC President is one of my heroes. He has un-selfishly promoted literally thousands of ministers and ministries. He took time to endorse folks when if anyone could hide behind the excuse: “I am too busy” he would get a free pass. However, he is both accessible and approachable and like our Lord is a true leader. Throughout his entire ministry, Dr Hunt constantly elevated others and you could find his endorsement all over the Country for various preachers, evangelists, musicians, etc. For those of us that are blessed to know him and been endorsed by him is both precious and priceless. The irony is when he ran for Southern Baptist President two years ago; he was so loved by countless Christians, clergy and musicians across America that he won hands down and in charge of overseeing some 16 Million members. I have never heard anyone else say this but the observation is true. Dr Johnny Hunt promoted others and God promoted him.
“The Prayer of Jabez” talks about enlarging our tent and/or territory. Without question, what you do for others God will do for you. Ministry is about Jesus and others. We need to get back to the basics but the fact is when we promote the Lord and others - God will promote you. Zig Ziglar was right when he said: “You can get whatever you want out of life as long as you help others get what they want first.”
Outside of God’s grace one reason I am having the time of my life ministering across the Country at churches, conferences, cruises, camps, concerts and now with COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL is in part because I have done my best to promote others. One of my favorite movies is “Brian’s Song” and it was based on the book: “I AM THIRD.” It’s amazing at how succesful folks can become when we are willing to die to self, live for the Lord and promote others. Who dreamt you could come in first when willing to be last. Today, promote someone else (even if it hurts in the flesh but do it by faith) and watch both parties involved win!
In case you don’t know, I am one of the biggest Sylvester Stallone fans this side of the Mississippi. It was my honor to meet Sly at age 13, in Hollywood, CA and then be an “extra” nearly 20 years to the date in 2005, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas as I sat ringside as he filmed: “ROCKY BALBOA.” Yes, this is a Christian blog but I revere and respect both “Rambo” and “Rocky.” Why? For starters, both characters fought for freedom, filled with faith and passion for “God & Country.” Rambo fought outside the ring and Rocky fought inside but both realized that ideals are worth fighting for and yes, like it or not: “Life is a Fight.” One mistake we have made in church today is that we act like we are not at war. Well, in case you missed the memo we are on two fronts. War abroad and war within.
More on the movie nostalgia in the future but the truths I would like to extract for this post packs a powerful punch from the third installment of the “ROCKY” saga. The theatrical trailer reminds viewers the point blank assessment from his mentor and manager, Mickey that rocked Rocky like no opponent in the ring. Mickey noted in Balboa’s palatial mansion: “Kid, the worse thing that could happen to any fighter - happened to you - “YOU GOT CIVILIZED.”
The best people on the planet to be around are those who just trusted Christ as Savior. For them, losing is not an option, “all things are possible,” moutains are moved in their midst, God still saves and rejoicing comes more frequently than retreating. But somehow, somewhere, someone threw “cold water” on their buring fire for Jesus and was told that it was not proper, professional or practical to be sold out for their Savior. Pharisees and back row Baptists told them to calm down, shut up and chill out. Sad but true. Some backslid, others gave up, scores confused and some cursed the church and left to never return. For many who rode out the storm, were so badly beaten by “friendly fire” that they too lost their edge and “eye of the tiger” to live for the Lamb of God.
It is one thing when your mentor and coach tells you to your face, point-blank and pulls no punches that you are “civilized,” not as sharp, nor on all cylinders. If that doesn’t rock your world or light your fire than your wood is wet. This stinging statement should really get one’s attention. However, when the Lord personally remindes us in Scripture (Revelation) that we have been wasting time, wasting punches and worse - wasting His time we really need to re-evaluate where we are at. Jesus said: “You are neither hot nor cold and He would spit us out of His mouth.”
Friend, I am the eternal optimist and I believe the best days are still ahead. However, the things we need to talk about the most - sadly, are often talked about the least (even in Christian circles). This blog will always be broadcasted in love but I will not post posts that don’t have truth and teeth to them. We need to highlight where we may wrong and also shine a light on things we got right. Today, is a mixture of both. Too often, the Church has tried so hard to accomodate the world that at times we have come close to leaving the Lord outside. What do I mean? Today, countless churches across America can be found “having a form of godliness but denying the Power of God.” What that is saying in modern english is we have religion and rhetoric but restricted the Redeemer in our religious routines.
We “play” church but at times fail to be the church. Many Ministers have bought the lie that “crowds” equate success. Therefore, we have succeeded at “building a church” but were “knocked-out” when it came to leading the lost to the Lord or making authentic disciples. This is a broad statement so no offense should be taken unless it applies to you. The GOOD NEWS is that God still gives grace, forgiveness is still found in Jesus and today is a new day - repent and don’t make the same mistakes tomorrow in ministry.
The reasons we resemble Rocky on the ropes at times is because we have forsaken our first love. Scores are preaching a “cross-less” Christianity. Worse, a “Christ-less” Christianity and folks fail to remind millions of faithful followers that following Christ comes with a cost. It is more than prosperity but the reality that Christ is coming again! We need to store up our treasures up there NOT down here. Many who are first now will be last later and it is imperative that we keep Christ at the center of church and Christianity. Another reason scores of churches have lost their power is because they act like the world not the Lord. We need to get back to basics and get a burden on saving souls not big buildings or budgets.
“Rocky” & “Rambo” both were not afraid to bleed, nor were they ever embarrassed by blood. Gov. Jesse Ventura made a cult statement in the movie: “Predator” when he said: “I ain’t got time to bleed.” Well, fortunately for us, my Savior stepped out of Heaven and into Earth to bleed for me and mankind. Today, one reason the Christian Church is weak is because many preachers, pundits and professional pharisees saw fit to try to down play or remove the red blood of Christ from our conversation. Friend, our power comes from the crimson red blood that dripped out of Jesus’ veins and because it was shed we could be saved. Too many in ministry are playing the music but are missing the notes therefore it could very well be a smashing cymbal to the Ear of Almighty God. My motto has always been why preach if you don’t preach with power.
Today, the church too often relies on its laurels and not the Lord. Our success is in Christ not crowds. It is in Beulah Land not big buildings or budgets. It is in the cross not a cause. It is on the Person of Jesus - “The Prince of Peace” not a personality, performance or program. It’s in personal purity not finding purpose professionally. We need to return to righteousness and a hunger and thirst for God not goods. We chase “stars” and not the Son. The church may have “cash” but it lacks class if Christ is not the Head of His House. Let me slow down here because I was starting to get ready to preach 
If you recall in that first fight against “Clubber Lang” in ROCKY III, Rocky became rich in wealth and poor in work ethic. He relied on his past success not his future sacrifices. He thought he could just show up and still win. What happened? Clubber cleaned his clock and rung Balboa’s bell. The tragic truth why he lost that first fight was three fold: “He lost the edge and “eye of the tiger.” Secondly, past success kills as much as future failures. Lastly, his manager and mentor, Mickey Goodmill dying certainly helped take his mind out of the game. The battle is truly won in the mind. You can be all heart but if your head is not in the game you are going down for the count. The Bible is true: “A double minded man is unstable in ALL his ways.” Henry Ford was right: “If you think you can or can’t - you’re right!” Jesus said: “As a man thinketh - so is he.” We need to get a check up from the neck up because we are in the final rounds of the fight of our lives. Satan is still a roaring lion, looking to devour anyone and anything in his path.
Today, the church has got to get back to basics and willing to work like never before. We have taken our eyes of Christ and the Great Commission to seek and save those that are lost. The reason Rocky was reduced to the canvas in the second round of that first fight was not just his lack of preparation (didn’t put on the Full Armor of God) but he went to battle with his mentor dying. Today, the Church is guilty at times as acting if our Mentor, Master & Messiah (Jesus) is dead. The truth is that the Lord lives, He reigns and He is coming back. We are victors NOT victims.
No doubt, in ministry personally and the Church corporately, we have taken some serious shots. We have been bruised, beat, bloodied, badgered and dangled on the ropes more than Rocky in all six installments. However, the beauty about bruises is that they do heal. The Bible notes: “The Lord is coming back for a Bride (church) without spot or blemish.” We have been down but not out. We have been bruised but not broken. We have been exhausted but not extinguished. In the classic words of Rocky’s manager as Rocky lie on the cold Philadelphia pavement in “ROCKY V: “Get UP, because Mickey loves you!” Then the theme song comes on, the trumpet blast blarring: “Gonna Fly Now” and Rocky replies: “Yo, I ain’t hear no bell.”
The morale of the story is the bell (Gabriel’s trumpet) hasn’t blown yet and with God’s great grace, we can still “rise up as wings of eagles” and fight not only for another day but finish the race that Christ called us to run. How? Because more than Mickey - our Master and Messiah loves us, in our Corner and He still fights our battles. The blessing about bruises and beatings is that which doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. With surviving comes confidence and with the Word we can talk back to the enemy and like Balboa at the bell come out swinging for one more round. Time is running and like Rocky told “Clubber Lang” at the start of their second fight: “Go For It!”
Today, the church cannot nor will not be pushed around any longer. Like that precious preacher of years ago said: “I have read the back of the Book and we win!” Today, tonight and all our tomorrow’s may the “real” Christians’ stand up, be accounted for and swing for the fence, serve the Savior and spend the rest of our days living for the Lord. Remember this - it is not wrong to be knocked down but to stay down. The war is won to those despite taking shots, knocked down and around but endured and actually have their head and hands held high when the bell sounds. Victory is ours because we are on the “winning side” with Christ. As Sly would say: “Keep Punching!”
Sly & Frank - Los Angeles, CA (age 13) - 1985