Yes, Sandra Bullock won the ACADEMY AWARD for Best Female Actress this weekend for the inspirational movie “The Blind Side.” I saw the movie three times and enjoyed thrice as nice. However, this post will not be about the Hollywood hit and modern day cinema classic.
Special props go out to my friend and fellow Evangelist Clayton King who has consistently reminded all whom he comes in contact with to PROTECT THEIR PASTOR. Jesus is our Coach but the pastor of your church is the Quarterback. At times, I have been too harsh on ministers (even as one) and for that I apologize when wrong. Like Jesus, I am short with Pharisees but show great grace to pastors, people and even prostitutes in need of a touch from God.
Without question, the Shepherd of the Flock may live “by faith” but still lives as flesh. The fact is, we chase Divinity but are still sidelined as humanity until we get our “Glorified Body” in Glory. Ministers are no different. It is easy to play arm-chair quarterback from the comfort of our couch or Monday morning moderator by the water cooler at work and continually criticize how the QB (aka senior pastor or youth minister) missed the “open man” en route to a game scoring drive. Like it or not, 265 lbs line-backers want to bury you on national television and since they sprint like a cheetah one doesn’t always see the “wide open” receiver. Magnify that with the barrage of temptations, stress of life, critics from deacons, complaints from Mrs Jones and un-ending undermining from an un-controlled, callous tongue our pastors deal with more than concussions. Worse, the repercussions are so riveting and damaging that many ministers are throwing in the towell at record rates (not just interceptions).
The “blind side” is the area of the helmet where peripheral vision is blocked and one doesn’t see the heat sinking missles coming from the corner (or worse, BEHIND). What sparked my desire more than ever to touch briefly on this subject today is a tweet RICK WARREN posted on Twitter tonight. He noted he was at a funeral today for a pastor in Texas whom committed suicide. This should not be. How tragic! Years ago, I heard an evangelist say: “How you love, honor, pray, support and protect your pastor is a direct gauge to read how your walk with God is at the present time.” If that doesn’t prick your heart - CPR won’t either.
Like Jesus, I have no time for Pharisees but preachers are precious to me. Actually, they are priceless. In ministry, we either get too much credit or not enough and honestly, I dont have the answers how to find the balance. However, I do know that almost all the ministers I know and been blessed to preach for have a deep love for God and compassion for people. Sadly, but some (if not all) at times find themselves empty emotionally, drained physically, weak spiritually and on fumes financially. Ministers are known to give and give and give but (sad but true) feel as if no one either understands them or folks don’t know how to minister to them. A recent survey showed the alarming rate that 87% of senior pastors feel like they don’t have one real friend that they can confide and just be themselves. Yes, it is true that we find only one road to Heaven and that is through faith in Christ but it shouldn’t be a ONE WAY street for our pastors.
My humble request to you this post is to do three things: 1) READ my college friend, Evangelist Clayton King’s blog on PROTECTING YOUR PASTOR www.ClaytonKing.com 2) PRAY to God and ask how you could in the very near future minister to your minister. We have folks that read this blog and my MOTIVATIONAL MINUTE from Kansas to Kenya, La Plata to Los Angeles, Washington, DC to Spokane, Washington, Dunkirk to Dallas, Indiana to Illinois and a few stops in between (no joke) but wherever you are and whoever your pastor may be; please surprise them and bless them. Reach out to them, invite them to dinner, send a gift, pay their utility bill out of the blue one month (some of them are in the red), mow their grass, baby-sit their child(ren) so they may have a date with their spouse. In a nutshell, show some love to the ones who loved you and lead you to Jesus on a daily, monthly, weekly and yearly basis.
They will be shocked, you will be blessed and Jesus will be pleased. No more preachers need to retire prematurely, no more clergy need to die tragically because they felt unloved and Christians can emulate Christ like never before by practicing what their preacher preaches and to love not only the “least” but those who love you the most: Jesus and your pastor. 3) Maybe send them on the cruise I have the privilege to speak on May 30 - June 4, 2011, with CASTING CROWNS, Dr Johnny Hunt, Pastor John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Jason Crabb & others for a much needed PASTOR APPRECIATION gift for some much deserved Rest & Relaxation. Its a tax-deductible gift and they can relax in the Sun while being refreshed in the Son. Contact me directly for more info Frankmotiv8s@aol.com and CRUISE INFO www.CruisewithaCause.org
For the record, outside of Christ and my family, my heroes are friends like Pastor Marvin Harris, Dr Herbert Fitzpatrick, Rev. Jim Wood, Dr Jimmy Painter, Pastor Jay Hurley (formerly from Stevenson UMC) in Berlin, MD, Dr Johnny Hunt, Dr Johnny Pope, Dr Lee Roberson, Evangelist Tim Lee, Dr David Ring, Dr E.G. Jack, Evangelist Eric Fuller, Dr Ergun Caner, Tony Nolan, David Edwards, Evangelist Junior Hill, Jamey Ragle, Nikita Koloff, Dr Matthew Dunaway, Michael English (music), Scott Bailey Smith, Scott Newton Smith, Rev Marcus Tillman, Wayne Layfield, Pastor Frank Santora, Pastor Jeff Thornley, Clayton King, Sam Glenn, Stevie Prather, Guy Latimer, Mike Cramer, Terry Klein, Billy Griffiin, Michael Gottselig, Randy Collins,
Acton Bowen, Robbie Robison, Dr David Jackson, Evangelist Randy Hogue, Dr Richard Logsdon, Dr Wayne Kempson, Rev Randy Accord and countless clergy who not only ministered to me but so many others while lifting up our Lord.
In closing, I want to give a special shout out to my wife, family, parents and countless friends (yes- YOU) who pray for me on a regular basis. We do take some shots and have had our share of horrific hits but we sincerely appreciate your ongoing prayers. These ministers (like me) are just JARS OF CLAY promoting the only God who got up on THIRD DAY and when we said MERCY ME came to the POINT OF GRACE and now just a NEWSBOY with a NEWSONG promoting the Prince of Peace & King of kings! And when we meet Jesus we will be CASTING CROWNS at His Feet because He is the reason we dedicate this short season of our lives. To the contrary what some critics may suggest ministry is not about us but ALL ABOUT HIM (Jesus). We walk by faith and not by sight and that is why we need each other to not only protect our pastor but look out for THE BLIND SIDE.
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.
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!
Tony Nolan is one of the most gifted preachers of the Gospel that I know. He is former Student Minister at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA and he stepped out “by faith” to speak to hundreds of thousands of people annually. The beauty about that transition is that Tony didn’t see all those open doors when he jumped. He just heard the voice of God and when the Lord told him to “go” - Tony was gone!
Today, Tony loves the Lord and lives faith as much as anyone I know. He is a dear friend, brother in Christ, captivating communicator and has taken the time to invest in me and countless others lives and ministries. When I first left my Capitol Hill job after 17 years “by faith” to enter evangelism full-time the first person I called to ask for counsel, prayer and guidance was Tony Nolan. By God’s grace, Tony answered his cell phone and encouraged me to trust the Lord and take comfort - “When God guides - He provides!”
What I love about Tony is that he is accessible, approachable and available to share the Gospel of Jesus with anyone willing to listen. In love, he also shares with folks who could care less. Ministry is not easy but it has been easier for God putting folks like Tony Nolan in my life. He is real, relevant and rolls on all cylinders for Jesus! He is humorous, humble and Heaven-bound.
Tony is the tour pastor for countless Christian Contemporary Music Artists and he speaks annually at WINTER JAM and other concerts. He was tour pastor for a couple years with Grammy Winners - CASTING CROWNS and his testimony is AMAZING. Tony is on fire for the Lord because he doesn’t take for granted God’s great grace.
This interview aired earlier in the year on my radio program ‘FRANKLY SPEAKING’ on American Family Radio on 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA and it talks about evangelism, serving the Lord and living a life bigger than self. Tony is quick to build people UP and slow to negativity and I have been blessed to meet a few folks in life but Brother Tony is a special brother and one of those I admire most. Recently, he and his wife, Tammy adopted a precious girl from China and to learn more about Tony’s AWESOME ministry visit - www.TonyNolan.org
Tony Nolan & Frank - Indianapolis, IN
My mom always said: “God looks after good people and dummies.” She said: “Frankie, I don’t know what camp you fall under but God is sure looking after you!” The truth is God loves and looks after all people and those that know me would attest that I am a “glorified goof ball.”
Long ago, I learned that preachers are great at promoting the Lord but often fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. I vowed to the Lord that I would do my best to highlight others along the way and we all shine when our friends do well. Without question, it is a joy to travel the Country and meet some wonderful friends. DAVID EDWARDS is one of those friends that I have been blessed to cross paths with and I hold him in high regard.
Early on in ministry and even today, I always heard: “Do you know Dave Edwards, have you ever booked Dave Edwards, have you done events with Dave Edwards - if not you need to get to know Dave Edwards!” For years, Dave learned from Jay Strack and served on his staff and God used that relationship to open some amazing doors for David. He is hillarious, witty, engaging, relevant and most impressive - REAL. He loves God, lives for the Lord and longs to help folks far from God get connected to the Living Lord.
David and I, ministered two years in a row on “PRAISEFEST CRUISE with a CAUSE” in the Bahamas and he has been a dear friend. He is booked across America and speaks at large outdoor Christian festivals to massive mega-churches but would be the first to tell you that all ministry is “BIG” with a pure heart. This video was taped at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA where David every week travels from Oklahoma to Atlanta, GA to minister to their singles. Southern Baptist President, Dr Johnny Hunt is senior pastor of FBC Woodstock.
Tonight, on my radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” @ 6:30 PM EST on American Family Radio - 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA you can listen LIVE to my most recent interview with David Edwards. You can listen online world-wide on www.wauq.afr.net and we talk about David dealing with discouragement, humble beginnings and God honoring his desire to travel the Country and see souls impacted for God’s Kingdom. David is first-class and a giant in Gospel preaching circles. Visit www.DaveTown.com and prayerfully consider bringing him in to speak to your group. They will certainly be blessed.
God bless and go with God.