Honoring Pastor Gary & Nancy Thompson

 

“Those to whom God is faithful become faithful.”  Sinclair Ferguson 

In the 1983 Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. The scenes were heartrending as dazed survivors worked to dig out their trapped brothers from beneath the rubble. 

  A few days after the tragedy, Marine Corps Commandant Paul X. Kelly, visited some of the wounded survivors in a Frankfurt, Germany hospital. Among them was Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton, severely wounded in the incident. Nashton had so many tubes running in and out of his body that one witness said he looked more like a machine than a man; yet he survived. As Kelly neared him, Nashton, struggling to move and racked with pain, motioned for a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a brief note and passed it back to the Commandant. On the slip of paper were two words – Semper Fi the Latin motto of the Marines which means, “forever faithful.” With those two simple words Corporal Nashton spoke for the millions of Americans who have sacrificed body and limb and their lives for their country – those who have remained faithful. 

  Semper Fi  could be written over the lives of Pastor Gary and Nancy Thompson. Today we have the wonderful privilege of honoring two faithful soldiers of the cross of Christ. God has blessed us with a new garage that will be used as a ministry tool for many decades into our church’s future. We want those who join us in the future to know that the blessings that they are enjoying were made possible by the commitment and sacrifice of godly individuals like the Thompsons. That’s why we are dedicating it to them to honor them. And what we are doing today is just a small whisper of the words that they will hear when they arrive Home and hear from the Captain of our Souls, “Well, done good and faithful servants.”  This dear godly couple are an example for us all. 

  Since they’ve been part of the Grace Church Family, the Lord has used them to touch our lives in so many ways. Though others can share blessings about the Thompsons, let me share how God has used them to be a blessing in my own life. 

  They are encouragers. Gary and Nancy came to Grace shortly after we completed this new building. It was an exciting time! God was bringing so many new folk through our doors. To be honest, after a capital campaign and the construction of the building, I was tired. If you have been around this dear couple very long then you know that they both have the gift of encouragement. Having served in the ministry themselves and walked through the construction of various projects, they knew the toll it takes on the pastor…and they were there for me! They were like a breath of fresh air to my soul at just the right time. They have been so supportive! 

  They are visionaries and workers. This building is truly a miracle. There were many needed items though that we didn’t have the funds to finish. One of those was our church kitchen. The Thompsons from their years of ministry experience knew what an asset a full kitchen can be for a church. Today we have a full kitchen with beautiful cabinets and countertops because they saw a need. Not only did they see a need they also did much of the work. Throughout this facility, you will find their fingerprints. Little details that they knew needed attention and they took care of them. 

  They know how to speak the truth in love. Scripture teaches that we are responsible for each other. Some times that means speaking into each other’s lives and sharing spiritual truth to encourage someone to walk a more Christlike path. Though every Christian has this biblical responsibility to their brothers and sisters, few have the spiritual backbone to do it. Gary and Nancy love folk too much to not speak up. They graciously know how to lovingly correct without being critical or petty. 

  They know how to disagree without being disagreeable. For decades, the Thompsons served the Lord in Assembly of God churches. My background is independent Baptist. We don’t always cross our theological t’s or dot our i’s in the same places. Yet, we are on the same exact page when it comes to the gospel. This dear couple has an all too rare gift of keeping the main thing the main thing. They truly live out those wonderful words by Augustine, the early Church Father, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” With Gary’s biblical education, no doubt there are times he’s disagreed with what I’ve taught from the pulpit, yet never once has he told me. One time because I wanted him to minister to someone from his school of theology, I had to fish it out of him that he and I differed. This ability shows graciousness and spiritual maturity. 

  They don’t take themselves too seriously. One of the missing gifts for many Christians is a sense of humor. Look carefully and you’ll see a twinkle in their eyes. Gary’s frog statues are a crack up. These dear folk love to laugh. They’re truly a delight to spend time with. 

  They persevere without complaining. I’m not sure if I could handle listening to myself preach twice on one Sunday, yet Gary and Nancy sit through two worship services each week. Why? There are many reasons. First, they have a flock of “Just Older Youth” that they love and minister to. They want to be there for them. Then, we’ve asked them to be available to pray with folk. They take commitment seriously. They love the Lord, they love people and they love this church. 

  Yet, like the rest of us who fit somewhere in that “Just Older Youth” designation, they’re earth suits are aging faster than their souls. While they are both young at heart, they don’t always feel the best. I doubt you’ve ever heard either of one of them though ever complain. They care about others and don’t want to be a bother. 

  God has richly blessed our church with Pastor Gary and Nancy! They are Christlike models for us all! They have been a special blessing to Jane and me! Our lives are much more richer because of them. Please join us in letting them know how much you love and appreciate them today! Gary and Nancy – Thank You!

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.  

God-Talk in God's Family

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after.”  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

  Does your family have a story? Nearly every family does. Our family loves to spend time together just talking. Sometimes it’s serious. Many times we’re giggling or laughing. Lots of times we reflect on funny stories from the past. There are stories and “key” words only we understand. For example, all five of us know what “pudding” means and it’s not a dessert.

  These family stories make us who we are and draw us closer to each other. Someday we’ll pass on many of these wonderful stories to our grandchildren. They’re the heartfelt conversations which make us unique and who we are. Your family probably has them too.

  God’s plan is for each local church to be a family. Sadly, we’ve veered from that, particularly in America. Often the local church is more like a business, a religious franchise. It’s not what God designed us for.

  Anyone studying the New Testament quickly realizes God planned for the local church to be a family. It’s one reason why we believe joining a local church is biblical. It’s very hard to be a “family” when you’re uncertain of who’s really in the family or who’s committed to it.

  It struck me recently we’re missing out on something when we’re together we can’t have out there – family conversations. Jesus designed us to be a Christian counterculture. Our conversations with each other when we gather to worship and fellowship should be different than nearly any other place. Have you ever noticed though, when we’re with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we talk about nearly everything else but family matters? Shouldn’t spiritual family conversations dominate our dialogue, rather than be the exception? Our times together are opportunities for us to fulfill those powerful “one another” commands in the New Testament?

  Some conversations shouldn’t take place though in a church family. They’re story and “one another” killers. Let me touch on a few.

  Whining/complaining. Whining kills communication and God hates whining. It cost the Children of Israel 40 years of wandering. Most churches have far too much of it. It’s usually over miniscule things: room temperature, music, seating, refreshments, minor annoyances, volume, etc.

  Sarcasm. Our culture is verbally cruel. Sometimes at church the pagan language of digs, put-downs or cuts is used. It’s wrong and it’s sin.

  Politics. When it comes to biblical values, there’s very little difference between the political parties. It’s primarily a philosophy of government. The only biblical form of government is a Theocracy, which was for Israel and won’t happen again until King Jesus returns. To cause Kingdom division over human government is a violation of Galatians 3:28.

  Business. Jesus cast the moneychangers out of the Temple. Yet, Americans are so “business” focused, it dominates our conversations, even in church. In a day of cell phones and e-mail, let’s work to keep the main thing the main thing – Jesus and His family.

  Just a side note here, as plans for our new facility continue to develop, it’s tempting to focus on style, costs, etc…and talk about it a lot. This new facility is not the church, WE are. It’s merely a tool to help us serve King Jesus. Most conversations about it should go something like this, “Isn’t it exciting what God is doing? How can we pray more wisely?”

  What are some family conversations we should be having lots of? There are many, let me just touch on a few. All of these find their heart with first loving each other, as Jesus commanded us to do, John 13:34-35.

  We must encourage each other. If you and I do not encourage one another, where else is encouragement going to take place? Each week many come in battered and bruised for a myriad of reasons. For some in our church family, this is their safe place. Look for ways to encourage others, particularly spiritually encouragement, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

  We must pray for and with each other. Nothing so thrills my heart than to see folk gathered together praying for each other. Perhaps someone shared a special burden or need. Brothers and sisters stopped right there and prayed with them. Where else can we do that? If you do that at Walmart or the Packer’s game, people will think you’re a wacko.

  We must be kind to each other. Do you look for kind things to say to others? Do you ask how things are going so you can pray for them more intelligently? Do they know you care? Do you? Do you know what burdens or blessings they have? We’re to be kind to each other, Ephesians 4:32.

  We must admonish each other. Isn’t this odd? It’s not strange at church to ask someone how work is going or how their kids are doing, even if they’ve lost weight. Yet, somehow it’s weird to ask: What is God teaching you these days? What are you learning from His Word? We need to admonish each other, Colossians 3:16.

  We must forgive each other. You’re not a Christian unless you’ve been forgiven. Each of us has been forgiven horrible crimes against God. Yet, many of the “forgiven” carry smoldering cinders of bitterness, often for years, toward other believers. We must forgive each other, Ephesians 4:32.

  How can we grow in this area? How do we start making spiritual church family conversations “normal”? It’s simple – just start. Perhaps begin sharing one on one something the Lord is teaching you or something you need prayer for, or some special blessing the Lord has given you.

  This is new, so baby steps are best. Here are some questions to consider: What’s your most important spiritual goal right now? What’s something you believe from the Bible without any doubts? What book of the Bible has had a great influence on you? If God granted you any one request, what would it be? What would you most like people to remember you for after you die? What are the biggest questions you have about your relationship with God? What’s something you’re thankful for in your life right now?

  If there is one place for God-talk, it’s when you’re with God’s family!


Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed mine in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

Kicking Blair Walsh

“The encourager, no matter how dark the day, always brings a message of hope. Those who encourage…are in effect only beggars telling other beggars where to find help.”  Derek Bingham

  He’s one of the top ten kickers in the NFL. Though his record is 85.2% for completed field goals, though he’s made 121 out of 142 attempts, Blair Walsh of the Minnesota Vikings will always be remembered for missing one critical short field goal during the closing seconds of the Vikings-Seahawks NFC wild-card game. Ultimately, it cost the Vikings the game, with a loss of 10-9.

  No doubt, it was the worst day in Blair Walsh’s professional career. If the Vikings’ kicker checked his Twitter account that evening, here’s a sampling of the horrible messages sent to him: “How does it feel to let a whole entire state down in one day.” “Dude, you should leave Minnesota. Trust me. Every Vikings fan in the world now hates you.” “Thank you for destroying my soul.” “If you could swallow a gallon of bleach that’d be great.” And those were ones suitable for print. There were others threatening his life or encouraging him to commit suicide. How sad when so many think it’s okay to brutalize someone when they’re down.

  It was very heartwarming to learn of a class of first-graders at Northpoint Elementary School in Blaine, Minnesota. This group of kids reached out to Blair Walsh later that week after his missed field goal attempt. They wanted to let him know they understood the sadness he must be feeling. They drew pictures and wrote letters for their teacher to mail to him, affirming and encouraging him. Yes, they’re teacher encouraged the students to do it, yet these children got it – you don’t kick someone when they’re down. Wise are the words of Walter Winchell, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

  It’s always wonderful to see someone or a group do something kind, yet that’s to be normative for the believer. We are to be known for our kindness. A fruit of the Spirit is “kindness” (Galatians 5:22). But are we? Are we known for being kind? That’s a convicting question. If I’m honest, I have to confess I’ve been “culturized.” I’m not always known for being kind. Have you ever thought about this – why is it so easy to see what’s wrong and yet so difficult to notice what is right? 

  But it’s worse than that. I work, I struggle to encourage and affirm, to see what’s right. Yet, it’s tempting to see and point out what’s wrong. During the 2015 season, Blair Walsh made 121 out of 142 field goal attempts, an 85.2% success rate. But what will he be known for? What will be remembered for?

  Did you know the word “encourage” is used 32 times in the ESV (English Standard Version) Bible? While the word “discourage” is used a mere 6 times. Encourage is used over five times more than discourage, yet what’s the proportion of words which come out of our mouths. Encouragement or discouragement? What do we notice more? What’s wrong or what’s right? What do we talk about? 

  Do we encourage our spouses, our children with what they do right? What about our brothers and sisters in Christ? Then, what do we contemplate on? What bothers us? What’s wrong…or what we’re thankful for, for what’s right? Isn’t thinking about what’s right commanded, not merely suggested, in Philippians 4:8 – “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

  The reason too many of us have a habitual scowl or just an unhappy look, is because of what we’re eating mentally. And it in turn, eats us.

  Please understand, I’m a fellow struggler, but by God’s grace, I’m growing. I did this years ago and I’ve started it again. I’ve begun keeping a “Praise Journal.” Each day I try to write down things I’m thankful for. It’s not long. Maybe a sentence or two. Yet, the impact on the outlook of my life is amazing!

  Let me add another important piece to this. Blair Walsh just made a mistake, a misjudgment. There was no moral dimension. How do we handle it though when someone blows it spiritually, morally? What’s our attitude? Are we judgmental? Condemning? Or, are we gracious and merciful? What if it’s a leader, particularly a spiritual leader?

  A decade ago when then megachurch pastor, Ted Haggard, had to resign under a moral cloud, a ministry colleague remarked to me, “Where does a pastor go when he blows it? Where does a pastor go for help?” It’s a good question. Please understand, I’m not suggesting we rationalize sin or moral failure away or even close our eyes to sin. Personally, I believe a believer, even a spiritual leader, is capable of any sin (1 Corinthians 10:12). 

  Yet, when someone falls, we must demonstrate the same grace God has shown to us, even to those who are in a spiritual leadership position. Isn’t that what the Lord did with King David the adulterer/murderer and Peter the Jesus denier? As there is no limit to God’s grace and forgiveness, there must not be any limit to ours. 

  When I encounter those situations, I often don’t know how to respond or what to do. I certainly don’t know what to say. Usually, it’s because I’m not personally involved in the situation. I don’t know who’s right or wrong, or the details…nor do I want to know the details. Yet, I can always pray. I can also drop a note of encouragement. I might mention how the individual has been a blessing. It doesn’t have to say much other than, “I’m praying for you!” Because while I don’t know the details, my Father does…and He already knows how He is going to fix it. And I want to be part of restoring and helping others, I want to be part of extending God’s grace, particularly to those who are at the lowest points of life.

  We must tattoo on our souls that there is not an act of evil that Jesus’ cross did not pay for. His death and grace are sufficient for even the vilest sin. And I want to be part of encouraging those who are in the bottom of the pit to turn to the One who set their feet back on the Rock, who can always heal and give hope. 

  Perhaps you know someone who’s blown it, or perhaps they’re just going through some deep waters. Be an encourager. I’ll never forget my mentor, Dr. David L. Cummins telling me, “Scott, I have never regretted being too kind.” Neither have I. May we, the people of grace, be most known for being the most gracious…for being Jesus even to those who have hit rock bottom. We have “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). His name is Jesus. Let’s be Jesus for others. 

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