ARCHIPPUS - BIBLICAL PEOPLE I'M CURIOUS ABOUT (PART 6 OF 6), PLUS A PREVIEW OF MY NEXT 6 WEEK SERIES.

Lighthouse Baptist Church, Indianapolis

 I was in a men's Bible study that went through Romans, and I volunteered to take the final chapter. Yep, the one with all the names of people Paul was greeting as well as some who were with Paul and sending greetings to the Romans. What I did was went through Strong's to look at the meanings of each of the name. I smiled as I dealt with Urbanus and Stachys (Rom. 16:9); the former, not surprisingly meant "of the city," while the other meant "head of grain." In other words, you could paraphrase that verse, "Greet City Boy, our fellow servant in Christ, and Country Boy, my beloved."

My favorite in these lists of unknowns is Archippus. He is mentioned in Colossians 4:17 and Philemon 2. We don't know anything else about him; some have speculated he was the pastor of the church at Philemon's house, and others that he was Philemon's son. Some consider he was martyred with Philemon, Apphia, and Onesimus, though there's no proof - one author mentioned there was a pastor named Onesimus that Ignatius of Antioch had contact with.

I'll take that back. We do know one thing about Archippus. That is that God called him to the ministry. Paul writes in Colossians 4:17: "And say to Archippus, 'Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.'" I can picture the Colossian Church, after hearing these words, turned to the blushing young (I assume) man, and repeat Paul's words in unison with a smile on their face. By the way, Paul calls Archippus his fellow soldier. Yep, that sounds like someone in the ministry.

But hasn't every Christian received a ministry from the Lord that they are to be encouraged to fulfill it? And does that include you? Do you see any indicators this is relevant only to the first century? I don't.

Unfortunately, not all do. A person mentioned in the same chapters Archippus is, giving greetings to Philemon and the Colossian church, is an individual named Demas. That's a recognizable name - in 2 Timothy, Paul tells Timothy Demas forsook him, having loved the present world (2 Tim. 4:10). We have a choice to fulfill our ministry as Archippus is admonished to do or to depart loving the world like Demas.

Can I take a little rabbit trail and deal with a pet peeve? (The pet here is the rabbit who left the trail.) I heard at least one sermon on Demas, following his spiritual life from being a fellow laborer (Philemon 24) to just being "Demas" (Colossians 4:14) to "having loved the present world." Good point that there's a pattern, but the text does not support it. You notice in Colossians 4:7-9 that the Colossian letter was brought by Tychius and Onesimus? Most consider Colossians and Philemon to be written and sent at the same time, so the lack of a description in Colossians doesn't mean anything really. Yes, it's a pet peeve when Christians seem to need to add something negative at something that is just narration. And you'll hear more about that pet peeve in my next 6 part series, starting next week.

But were you blessed by this series? Did any of these obscure people encourage or motivate or challenge you?

"SHOULD I BE A CHAPLAIN FOR CHRISTIAN ROCK BANDS WHEN I RETIRE?" AND OTHER NON-ROCKING-CHAIR THOUGHTS.

Map hanging on our dining room wall, a gift from a missionary friend. The white circles (on North America and Russia) comprise of L X II, shorthand for Luke 10:2 - "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into His harvest."

A good friend of mine (who's a Pastor) tells people that if they're able to retire, then retire while they're able to enjoy it.

I may not look it, and I'm sure I don't act it, but I'm getting to that age. For me, there's an additional factor - I'm a few years younger than Becky, so I not only want to retire while I can enjoy my retirement, but so she  can enjoy my retirement.

So the next question is what should I do when I retire? There are better things to do than sit around and watch TV; in fact, no TV station I know of has earned my viewing. Or I can find some fellow retirees and sit at the coffee shop and solve the world's problems (sorry, but our Government doesn't seem up to the task). And as I'm typing this, I'm listening to an ad suggesting a new career - can you picture me as a truck driver? I can't.

So, leaving the Twilight Zone, there are a few other options. Becky and I have thought about doing a short-term mission trip (up to a couple of years). Or I can get involved with a refugee ministry, something I've had off and on interest since I was in college. Maybe I can get back to writing and see about getting some books published. Far less likely, I can get revive my dormant musical/lyrical talents and start a symphonic rock band or a Southern Gospel quartet. Far less likely, and besides, there are enough good musical groups out there.

Which leads me to something Becky mentioned a couple of times - a chaplain for musicians. After all, I've liked hanging around and encouraging musicians all my life, especially those who are using their skills for the Kingdom. Am I already practicing filling that role?

Currently, I am praying for a list of musicians at least once a week. Some are Southern Gospel vocalists. Some are rockers. Some are favorites for a decade or four. Some are young enough to be my kids. (Should I be their Godfather? I could make them a deal they can't refuse. And yes, I've heard of that movie but haven't watched it).

Of course, I should finish this blog and get to bed so I can be ready for an exciting day at work tomorrow - the number of years I'll continue working may be in the single digits, but it still is years in the plural.
 

 

INTERVIEW WITH SOUTHERN GOSPEL SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER JIM WORTHING

I'll admit that I've more into rock and pop, but when I moved to Nashville in '88 and worked at Opryland in a restaurant right next to where the Cumberland Boys performed, I became a Southern Gospel fan. I remember the tenor Depp Britt introducing the band including the lead singer, and I was sure his name was Jim Worthy.

Fast forward 25 years or so. My wife Becky was part of the prayer team for the State Convention of (Southern) Baptists in Indiana, and we were setting up for the State Convention. The cheerful gentleman who was doing the music stopped by and prayed with us. The next day, I looked at the program and the singer, and realized that I heard his name wrong! It was a pleasure to get to hear Jim Worthing after all those years, and it's a privilege and honor to interview him.  

JR: Welcome to my blog, Jim. How did you come to Christ, and what got you interested in music? Also, if I remember correctly, you're originally from Pennsylvania; how did you end up getting into Southern Gospel music?

JW: Hi Jeff, thank you for taking the time to interview me.  I asked Jesus to come into my life when I was a young boy: I was upstairs in my Grandparents guest bedroom playing church by myself, following a church service at my Grandparents church, and realized that I needed to ask Jesus into my heart and life and to repent of my sins. A couple of years later, at age 12, I made my profession of faith through believer's baptism at my home church in Altoona, PA. 

Music has always moved me on the inside for as long as I can remember. I started playing the alto saxophone at age 10 and played it all the way through High School, but I loved to sing, too, so I joined the adult choir at church in my early teens. My brother in law, who was also in the choir, noticed I had some singing ability and asked me to join a community German men's chorus called the Altoona Mannerchor. The director of the Mannerchor thought I had a unique gift and led me to a regional private vocal teacher named Martha Roberts to help hone my craft. She helped open some doors for me in the area as well as prepare me for what was to come.  

Near the end of my senior year of high school a college vocal group named Re-Creation performed at my high school. At the end of their performance, the director of Re-Creation said they were looking for some new members for the upcoming school year. I loved what they did and was excited about the possibility of auditioning for them, and in just a few short weeks I auditioned for Re-Creation and was selected to be their high tenor in a mixed group of 4 guys and 4 girls.  

Re-Creation was based out of Penn State University my first year in the group and then moved to a smaller school called Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA the following year and I moved with them. I spent a total of 7 years with the Re-Creation organization; they provided an awesome place for me to grow as a performer but more importantly as a servant of God.  I received a full scholarship while we were associated with the Universities - for all of us members being a full time student and performing over 300 performances a year became almost impossible to navigate. After my fourth year the group decided to go full time into performing and touring.  

Re-Creation was/is a singing group made up of Christians that perform family style secular shows as well as Christian music programs. Its main focus over the past 37 years has been to provide entertainment for Veterans in VAMC's (Veterans Affairs Medical Centers) and state Veterans homes across the country. Of course, we sang in many other venues and churches to help raise funds to be able to perform in VAMC's, prisons, nursing homes, children's hospitals, state homes, etc. It truly was a great way to learn my craft and serve. 

Now back to your question on how I ended up in Southern Gospel Music. Hugh Brooks the Director of Re-Creation was from the south and sang in a quartet during his college years and had us four guys in the group sing a number of Gospel Quartet standards as a part of our program. I fell in love with the quartet sound and started listening to gospel albums by the Oak Ridge Boys, the Imperials and many others.  Knowing I wanted to further my music career and my love for quartet singing, the man who did the vocal arranging for Re-Creation, Jan Esterline, heard about the Cumberland Boys search for a lead singer. Jan had moved to Nashville and was a ghost arranger for the famed music arranger David Clydesdale. He knew of the Cumberland Boys and told me he thought my voice would work well with them. I auditioned and was blessed enough to be hired by them. So, I put everything I owned in my little Ford Ranger pickup truck and moved to Nashville! As you can see, God worked through many people, especially my parents, to encourage me, to help me, and to seek out opportunities for me to grow musically. I am BLESSED!  

JR: What was it like performing regularly at the park? What were your memories of working with the group?

JW: The Cumberland Boys was an opportunity and blessing of a lifetime. As soon as I joined the group (not because of me) we signed with Daywind Records, and had a built-in audience of around 2 million people each year at Opryland. We toured throughout the country during the off season, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry every few months, and regularly performed on TNN (The Nashville Network),  major local TV shows and CMT (Country Music Television). Additionally,  we were nominated for many awards and had hits on Gospel radio. Also, we did a bunch of studio work including singing backup on Ricky Van Shelton's Gospel album "Don't Overlook Salvation" which went Gold. There were so many wonderful opportunities we enjoyed, but honestly the best part was seeing how God used us, in spite of ourselves and failures, to encourage and bless people with our music! Opryland was an awesome place to share the Gospel through music to thousands (possibly millions) that may have never heard it before. It was grueling at times - doing 5 shows a day outside in the heat of the summer - but we loved it, and I think it showed.  
 

JR: Becky and I had the honor of seeing you at the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana years ago. My hunch is that it is a blessing to be able to take part in conferences and revivals and the like. Can you confirm this hunch? What were your favorite events that you had the privilege of ministering at? 

JW: Yes, I love singing at Church Conventions and Conferences. It's a great opportunity to try to encourage and challenge those who are normally the ones trying to encourage and challenge others at their home church or area.  I also love Revivals, when you get to share for 5 days or more and be a part of an area coming together to pray for revival you can really dig in a little deeper than you normally can during a one time concert visit.  There are so many great events and conferences that I remember including the one you attended in Indiana, but I have to say the one that stuck out to me was during a Lifeway conference for church librarians. I started singing and they all were sitting in desks with their pens and notepads ready to take notes. Well, I finally got them to loosen up a little and have some fun, but hopefully still encouraged and challenged them as well. I had to work a little harder but it was real blessing in the end. 

JR: Your Facebook page mentions you're a songwriter and producer as well as a singer. Who has had the honor of you producing them? How do you select the songs for a project (either your own or for others)? What differences do you have between thinking as a singer and as a producer? 

JW:  It's always an honor and a blessing when I get to produce for other artists and for my own projects as well. I've had the pleasure of working with some of the best musicians, sound engineers, and studio singers in the business,all working together in concert to make an artist's project the best it can be. Most of the artists I've produced are independent artists, but all have had a real desire to share the Gospel through song.  

When I choose songs for my projects or when I help other artists choose I always ask myself and/or them - "Does this song minister to you?" I believe a song has to minister to you first if you're going to be successful in conveying the message of that song to others.  Another thing I try to establish in each project is to select songs that collectively display the different aspects of the Christian life - such as Prayer, Worship, Service, Witness, the Gospel message of Salvation, Faith, Encouragement, Challenging ourselves and others to be a better Christian, Giving and God's abundant Love. 

The difference between thinking as a singer and as a producer is kind of like the difference between being a player on the field and a coach on the sideline.  The player (singer) has the freedom to create and perform to the best of their abilities within the framework or playbook of the coach (producer). When you have to do both at the same time like when I produce my own projects. I step away from the producer role when I'm singing my part in the studio and allow others to critique and guide, but when I finish singing I go back into the control room and resume my producer role.  I've learned early on to have a successful project as a producer that you have to put together a good team, a good game plan and explain your expectations and then get out of the way and allow them to create, much like a coach.  

JR: Let's say you have an opportunity to write and record a song that you are convinced the American Church needs to hear. What would you be writing about?

JW: I believe the American Church needs to get back to the basics of our faith - Preach the truth from the Bible, concentrate on Service and witnessing and most of all preach the Gospel of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  In fact, I'm currently writing a song called "Only One," which hopefully I'll be able to convey that there is only one God, one Truth, one Grace, one Savior, one Spirit, one Way, etc.  I've heard too many in our current world talking about speaking their truth; well there is only ONE TRUTH. That's what I'd like to share.

JR: Thank you for your time. Any projects coming up? How can we keep up with what's new with you?

JW: I'm not working on a project currently but I've been writing quite a bit and hope to do a new one soon!  Folks can keep up with me on my Jim Worthing Music Facebook Page or my website at ReverbNation.com/JimWorthing where they can listen to a lot of my music for free.  

Thank You, Jeff for interviewing me and for your interest in my music and my ministry. May God continue to bless you and your ministry!  

HOW CAN YOU PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR? HERE'S THREE GREAT IDEAS!

 

I'm writing this blog on Sunday, November 7th, a week before I'm planning on posting it. Today, Pastor Jeremy Couture of Northside Baptist Church, Indianapolis, finished up a series on Hebrews. 

His final point dealt with praying for church leadership (Hebrews 13:18), and then gave three areas he would like the church to pray for him.

My hunch? I think if you asked your pastor if you'd like to pray for him on those three points, he would say, "Go for it! Thank you!"

Here are the three areas:

1. Personal Walk.
   
2. Priorities.
3. Protection.

My first thought was to tell you this will be a short blog, without any elaboration. Then, I thought I at least needed to add something. I took a look at what I wrote and realized I was right the first time.

Do you pray regularly for your pastor? If not, how many minutes is it going to be before that changes?

The Hidden Call of Art

 

A week ago, I posted about the hidden dangers of art. And yes, there are spiritual dangers to the art, which all are variations of not denying self as Christ told us to (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). But is that the only side of the coin?

One thing to keep in mind is that artistic/creative talent is something that originates from God. Why was I able to teach myself piano and guitar but completely lacking in athletics? God's choice. Some state that everybody is born with creativity but education and employment and other things rob it. That may be true, but again God is sovereign on who gets to keep their talents and who doesn't.

But why did God give us talents? Yes, if God gives us talents, He has a purpose for it, and in the end it is for His glory, not ours. 

Are you familiar with Bezalel the son of Uri and Aholiab the son of Ahissamach? They were artists that God appointed to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Ex. 31:1-11). The former was said to be filled with the Spirit of God, and both were given wisdom. Yes, God uses artists.

Singers and musicians also had a part in a lot of the history. Chenaniah and Asaph were involved in David's days. The singers were mentioned with the Levites and other assistants of the priests in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Art and music are connected with worship. Examples include the pair of paintings I have included in this blog: Adoration of the Lamb by Jan van Eyck (at the top of today's blog) and The Exaltation of the Cross by Adam Eisheimer (left). 

However, it has other purposes as well. Colossians 3:16 talks about teaching and exhorting with  psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. How often does Christian music take up that challenge? Likewise, we sing to the Lord, but do we sing to each other to comfort and encourage?

Now, some may think I'm trying to say that everything a Christian artist/musician  does needs to be done for Christians or clearly evangelistic. Nope. Not true. Some Christians may lend their talent to a secular employer. A believer may be an instrumentalist for a mainstream band. The important thing, though, is to realize to Whom each artist (and non-artist) will give an account to, and to realize who deserves the glory.

How are you glorifying God in your daily activities? And how can you encourage others (artists and non-artists) in their ministries?

BOOK REVIEW - SACRED PATHWAYS BY GARY THOMAS

 

Before reading this book, I've labored at worship time, having a preconceived notion on what private worship looks like. Then, I discovered this book and read it. This would be one of the five most influential books on my life.

In the first chapter, Thomas introduced the concept of spiritual temperaments -- some might consider it psychological, but I don't. He closed that chapter with a description of the nine temperaments he noticed. The following nine chapters each look at one of the temperaments, giving Biblical examples and ways to develop it, weaknesses of that temperament, and a six question quiz on how strong you are on that temperament. The final chapter encourages you to compare the scores on the tests, and gives some admonitions, such as not judging those with a different temperament.

Thomas does an excellent job of dealing with each temperament. He admits he's stronger at some than others, and tries to give a fair and accurate view of each one.

Allow me to tell a story how this book has positively impacted my life. I started reading this book as my wife and I were planning on a vacation. She always wants to get away from the city for our trip, while I'm not as excited about it. As I read this book, though, I had a hunch she was strong on the naturalist temperament (wanting to get into nature) and had some leanings to the ascetic temperament (wanting structure and solitude). So I realized her desire to get away was connected to her worship temperament, and as a result I was more prepared to encourage that kind of getting away.

I recommend this book to every Christian to understand yourself. I also believe this will help you understand your wife and possible your children (not having any kids doesn't make it easy for you to understand them). I also believe a pastor or church leader may benefit from this book to help the services be varied enough to help any temperament worship.

Allow me to add some thoughts focused on apologetics. One might assume that the activist and intellectual temperaments are the ones best suited for defending the faith. But is it possible that each temperament is capable of defending the faith in a style directed by the temperament?

If you've read this book, what temperaments are your strongest? Mine are intellectual, enthusiast, sensate, activist, and traditional in that order.  

Have You Encouraged Your Favorite Author/Musician/Minister/Friend Lately?

Has anybody found 2020 to be disappointing, discouraging, depressing, or all of the above?

So I'm not the only one?

I want whatever I do to be for God's glory, and not mine. Which leaves me struggling with the novel I started in '07 and am still trying to get published. Am I seeking its publication for God's glory or for me to have the sense of accomplishing something? 

Even if it's for the former reason, is it what God wants me to spend the time writing and editing and rewriting and re-editing and submitting to one or two or three hundred editors/agents hoping I finally cleared the hurdle? Or is it taking the time from what God really wants me to be doing?

I feel the same way with my Facebook posts and even this blog. Is it impacting anybody? There are times when the response to my contributions is drowned out by the chirping of the crickets and even the noisy communication of passing by of a herd of giraffes. Oh, and a free zoology lesson - giraffes make no sound - they're mute.

I gave an alliterated adjective list above, and I could add a fourth - debilitating. Sometimes those concerns can paralyze me.

First, let me say that anybody trying to accomplish something feels the same way, be they a novelist, a non-fiction author, a musician, a pastor, a missionary. I have a hunch anybody reading this (all three of you?) occasionally asks the same questions. We all need encouragement.

Second, let me give one thing that helps me, and that is encouraging others, hopefully giving them an oasis in the desert of the 'd' adjectives previously mentioned.

Do you have a favorite author (fiction or non-fiction)? You can encourage them by corresponding with them. An Amazon review would also help - I try to write my reviews pointing out the specifics of why I enjoyed the book. So can mentioning it on Facebook and getting the word out. I've had the honor of being mentioned in acknowledments of books by Kerry Nietz and Donna Fletcher Crow.

Similar methods help with musicians and other artists. Tod Moses, a musician friend of mine, has commented that I remember some of his compositions that he's forgotten. If it's a local singer, make a request for something they've written. I also have brightened the spirits of artists like my church-planting painting friend Kerry Jackson by mentioning art by them that moved me.

The same is true with ministers. I have a hunch that pastors are blessed when they see someone take notes and then make comments or even ask questions as a result. (Another way is staying awake during the sermon, one which I need work with at times.) Also, missionaries are blessed by correspondence as well.

Are there various things you do to encourage others, including authors, musicians, ministers, and the like? Do you have any story of how you have blessed someone else's life, or how somebody else encouraged you?

Let Us Stir Up Love And Good Works!

"And consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, but exhort one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV)
We're probably familiar with verse 25, which starts with the word "not". We may not be as familiar with the preceding verse, which actually begins the sentence. And we may put the emphasis on the "don't forsake the assembling" instead of "exhort one another."

Likewise, we may look at our well organized church service as fulfilling that passage. But Hebrews is not a pastoral epistle. It is talking to the whole church. The leadership's job is to equip believers for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). We should be involved in this as well.

Let me move to the writers and musicians and artists. Are we focused on stirring up love and good works in our talents? 

One thing I miss in church services is special music, though I think special music could go deeper. Often, it is a singer singing a song everybody knows that some established singer or group has previously recorded. To me, it could be a 3-4 minute sermon with musical accompaniment. Also, it could be an opportunity to develop songwriters in the church.

We are in a time where there are limits on indoor meetings, and in California singing is banned because of COVID. But are we able to meet in small groups? Can we work together to meet urgent needs? 

What are ways we can stir up love and good works?