Welcome to Pastor Ed's Blog!
God Still Moving
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
08/15/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
God Still Moving
A lot has happened since I last updated my blog two weeks ago. First of all, lots of people continue to come to Living Faith for the first time every Sunday. Last week, I signed letters to about twenty couples or individuals who filled out a card indicating it was their first time with us. I won’t know the total from today until Tuesday morning. However, we are blessed for the Lord to continue to bring new people to Living Faith.
Over these past two weeks we have seen our attendance increase, a dozen adults and youth baptized and a new Discovery Class begin to fill up. Normally, we would not announce a fall Discovery Class until everyone returns in September. But this year, we knew it simply could not wait. Although the class was just announced this morning, sixteen people have already registered on our website. I have no idea how many others might have signed up in worship today.
Getting Ready for Fall
Next weekend is our third annual Leadership Retreat. About sixty of us will head to Connecticut to spend a few days as we get ready for this fall. In the past, all three pastors remained at the retreat until Sunday afternoon. However, because of the growth of our church and the way God is moving, Pastor Jonathan and I will be returning on Saturday to be in worship at Living Faith.
Speaking of Sunday worship, I am aware there has been a parking problem during the second service for the past two weeks. I can’t believe that we are having parking issues considering a few months ago we didn’t even having parking! I know it may be inconvenient, but it is a small price to pay for reaching people for Christ.
I so want to thank everyone for being patient as we work through all these things. We are doing our best to handle the unknown that happens in our new building each week. All of you have been willing to make adjustments and take everything in stride. Praise God!
As we look toward September, we will begin monitoring our attendance and parking situation. Also, we will begin to make some contingency plans for how to handle more people this fall. We do not want to presume or get ahead of the Holy Spirit. However, we don’t want to fall too far behind what God is doing either. Therefore, pray for us as we begin to consider what to do if we are overcrowded. Again, it is hard to believe we would need to consider overcrowding just five months since moving into our building.
Under Construction: Online Video
I am beginning to hear from people who have seen a video of a message on our website. Today, someone that has never attended Living Faith emailed to share they had watched a sermon and would be attending next week. That is why we installed cameras in the new building.
However, new technology has its own set of unique challenges. For instance, one of our two new cameras stopped working and had to be shipped back to Sony for warranty repair. So, for the past month or so we have only been able to use the side camera. I learned that today they were not able to record the video at all because of technical problems.
Fortunately, we are on track to have the entire system back up and running this week. Since the once camera has now been repaired, we should be able to generate a better online video of the message for those who wish to watch it. By the way, don’t forget this gives you a new option when inviting someone to our church. Now, they can go online and view a message before attending just like the person who emailed.
See you next Sunday,
Pastor Ed
Spiritual Markers
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
08/02/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Last night Donna and I attended a reception for Josh and Sarah Makin. It was a great time and they make a great couple. I am glad we have been able to know Josh for the past six years. There is no doubt that Gregg and Joyce have reason to be proud. In fact, I believe the Lord is going to do great things through Josh and Sarah in the future.
Speaking of knowing Josh, yesterday marked six years since I became Senior Pastor of Wantagh Baptist Church. It’s hard for me to believe it has been that long. Life has a way of slipping by fast when you do something you love. It seems like just yesterday that Donna and I walked into the original Farmingdale building for the first time. I remember wondering what in the world the church was going to be able to do with it! God definitely answered that question.
Many times during the construction of our new building I tried to remind everyone that God called us to build the church more than a building. In our Annual Business Meeting this past week, some key things marked the way God has blessed those efforts as well. Each one was a spiritual marker in the life of Living Faith.
First, this past week 44 people to became members of Living Faith Christian Church. Almost certainly that was the largest number of new members received at a single time. Each of them completed a Discovery Class, elder interview, and was baptized either at Living Faith or another evangelical church. Many had only recently become Christians. Praise God!
Another marker was the approval of a $1.75 million budget for our new church year (July 2010-June 2011). The net budget amount was lower than the total because it included some of the Building Fund receipts to help make the new mortgage payment. However, it reflected accurately the total amount that had to be received through our Budget and Building Fund receipts to meet all our obligations over the next year. That approval was definitely a marker of faith on the part of our church.
Finally, to help meet the needs of ministering to so many new people, our new budget included five new staff positions here at Living Faith. That was the largest number of positions ever added at a single time. But, we felt it was necessary to catch up with what God has already done.
Included in these is Chris Torrellas who becomes our new Children’s Ministries Director on Monday, August 2, 2010. Chris will be working part-time for Living Faith while she continues her full-time job as a professional educator. I believe that adding Chris to our team will help us do more to reach young families than ever before.
Another major marker was that on September 1, 2010, Steve Kinsel will join our staff as our new Student Ministry Director. For the past three years, Steve has been working full-time with Youth for Christ here on Long Island. Now, he will move back to a part-time role at YFC over this next year so he can accept the position at Living Faith. This new position is critical because it will allow Pastor Gregg to begin helping with our Small Group ministries.
In addition to these, we approved funds for another part-time Ministry Director that is still in the planning stages. This step was taken because we may need additional help when everyone returns this fall. More information about this will be shared as God makes his will clear.
The next addition to our staff is Rudy Lazina. For the past four months, Rudy has worked 20 hours a week as one of our custodians. Now, will Rudy step up to 30 hours weekly as our Facility Manager immediately. In fact, he has actually been doing this since July 1st because we needed his help.
Finally, we are adding a new 32-hour per week position for a Lead-Secretary in our office. The plan is for this person to become our full-time Office Manager this time next year. Skills needed to be considered for this position include office management experience that includes supervision of several other office staff.
Also, experience in ordering, budgeting, and office machines is a must. The person must have strong written communication skills that include proofing and good grammar. Also, strong computer skills that include graphic design using Publisher and others are a must. Finally, the individual must be a Christian and active part of Living Faith Christian Church.
Anyone interested must send me a cover letter and resume via joycemakin@livingfaithny.org no later than August 15, 2010. The goal is to have the position filled by the first of September.
As I said, these were big spiritual markers. Now, we are beginning the real work of building the church instead of the building. Together, let’s pray that the Lord is honored even more in this building project than the one we just completed.
Have a great week!
Pastor Ed
An Amazing Day!
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
07/18/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
An Amazing Day
It was really great to be back at Living Faith today. As I said before, Donna and I had the opportunity to worship in two different churches while we were away. One was in Georgia and the other in NYC. Both are known to be great churches. However, we just didn’t sense God like we are used to at LFCC.
Speaking of God moving, today the Holy Spirit was definitely present in worship. The first service was really great. But, the second service was amazing. I believe it was one of the most powerful times we have experienced in worship together. At the end of both services people filled the front kneeling before the Lord and pouring out their hearts. Clearly, the Lord was at work at Living Faith today.
In fact, there were so many stories people shared with me that it was almost overwhelming. One man told me he had just been released from spending four day in the hospital. He shared that he had worked two or three jobs for twenty years and he ended up with a heart problem as a result. Now, he was trying to learn he had to slow down.
I met someone else who told me about a friend who was dealing with a terrible tragedy. We prayed together for strength and healing in this situation. They were leaving to go minister to their friend right after the service.
Someone else told me they lost their job this past Friday. Add to these a number of others who stressed that God had met them this morning and it was enough to convince me the Holy Spirit was definitely at work. By the way, a large number of those who came by to share were visiting Living Faith for the first time. Praise God!
I don’t mean to go on about this too much, but I have to mention one other thing. The music was just great! The songs, praise team and summer choir all helped make today one of the days you remember for the glory of God.
2009-2010 Annual Report
Every year we prepare an Annual Report that is released two Sunday’s prior to our July Business Meeting. The 2009-2010 Annual Report contains summaries of what happened in most of our ministries that are submitted by the different leaders of those areas. It is a great way to end the church year and keep us all accountable.
The Annual Report contains to other sections of importance. One is the Nominating Committee Report. In it, you will find the name of all those being presented for election to serve on various committees for this next year. That includes the four men being presented for election to serve as Elders. Each of them has gone through a pretty extensive screening process by our current Elders.
The other main part of our Annual Report is the Financial Report Section. This includes our year-end summary of all monies received and spent during the 2009-2010 church year. Also included is the Annual Auditor’s Letter stating that things are in financial order. For those that might not realize it, we have an external audit every year here at Living Faith.
The last portion of the Financial Report is our proposed 2010-2011 Ministry Budget. Due to moving into our new building and the growth we have experienced as a result, our new budget includes a larger debt service and new part-time staff positions. These include a new Children’s Ministry Director, Student Ministry Director and others.
The bottom line is that our total proposed budget for 2010-2011 is $1.75 million. It’s hard to believe, but that is the level of ministry we are now dealing with at Living Faith. But, there is something that is even harder for me to accept. According to the Financial Reports, this past church year we received $1.8 million in combined budget and building fund receipts. Yes, you read that correctly. God is definitely at work in this place.
To Him by Glory in the Church,
Pastor Ed
35th Wedding Anniversary
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
07/12/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Hi everyone! Donna and I have been away for the past two weeks on vacation. She had to be back at work today and I have been busy getting ready to leave early tomorrow morning. I am going to meet up with Pastor Gregg and the Student Work Camp team in the Bahamas. But, before leaving, I wanted to make a quick blog entry to let everyone know what is going on.
First of all, this past Sunday (July 11, 2010) was Donna and my 35th Wedding Anniversary. Trust me, if that is hard for you to believe, how do you think we feel? Honestly, I am a very blessed man because I have spent my life with my very best friend. Don’t get me wrong, I love the people at Living Faith like crazy! But given the choice, I would rather spend time with Donna than anyone else. After thirty-five years together, that’s saying something.
Please pray for our youth in the Bahamas. Pray for me as I speak to our teens and those from another church on Tuesday evening. Then, pray for us as we minister in a Haitian church on Wednesday evening. The youth will do their drama and then I will be preaching. Pray God will meet us and then get everyone home safe and sound.
I will be returning on Friday and will be back in the services this Sunday. I hope to see all of you then.
Pastor Ed
Why We Were Gone!
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
07/04/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
By now most of you realize Donna and I were not in church this morning. The reason is because we are away for a few days of much needed vacation. So, we attended worship at a church here in Atlanta today. In the service, we sang one of the songs that really resonates with all of us at Living Faith. However, although the words were the same, I missed the passion that I hear when we sing that song in worship back home. There is just something about hearing our people sing "Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, Our God is higher than any other." Again, the words were the same, and I am sure the people singing meant it. But, there is just a power when the people at Living Faith sing it that I really missed.
So, I suppose the question some of you are wondering is why did we travel to Atlanta this July 4th weekend? Well, we came to meet our new grandson named Jude Allen Kirkland. He's a little guy for sure! It's been a long time since one of ours was that small!
Now, at this point some of you might be wondering why would I go to the trouble to update my blog while on vacation when I don't always do it when I am at home. That is a fair question! But, the reason is simple. You see, he just happens to be incredibly addorable. Therefore, I thought you might enjoy a couple of pictures. Yes, I know that grandparents love baby pictures more than regular people. But, I just had to include two that show the first time each of us ever held him. The last one I shot while Donna was holding him and he fell asleep. I just liked that one.
Don't worry. After this I will not continue to use my blog to show him off. But, this is the first time we ever met him. Beside that, it's a holiday!
See you soon,
Pastor Ed
Yes, he's that cute!
What a Month!
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
06/20/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
I know it has been a few weeks since I posted an update to my blog. But, this is the first Sunday in a month that I didn’t have another obligation on Sunday afternoon and/or evening. On Sunday, March 30, 2010, I was at Christian Tabernacle for their Dedication Service in Wantagh at our former church home. It felt a little strange to be back in the building for the first time in months. But, it was a blessing to complete the transition between our two churches that began years ago. Praise God that after sharing a building for three years and going from owner to renter, we ended in a way that glorified God!
The following Sunday was completely full. Following two services that morning we spent the afternoon with about 40 people in the Discovery Class. By the way, we set a new record that day with over 100 people completing a Discovery Class in three months!
After the Discovery Class that day, Donna and I were honored to attend a very special celebration honoring Natacha Tessono’s graduation from Medical School. That was an amazing accomplishment! We were honored to be asked and very proud of Dr. Natacha. But, by the time we got home that night, the need for sleep won out over a blog!
Then there was last Sunday. If you were in the first service that day you know it was anything but ordinary! In all the years I have served the Lord and been in churches literally across the country, I have never been in one where a fire alarm went off. Well, I suppose there really is a first time for everything! Praise God, it was a false alarm.
In spite of the alarm going off many times during the sermon, the sound system shutting down (as it is supposed to do when the alarm goes off), and everyone else wondering what was going on, God somehow still received the glory. In fact, that day dozens of people indicated God spoke to them specifically about a need in their own lives. Praise God that nothing can hinder the Holy Spirit from working!
Later that same day, I met with our Elders as we are working to discern God’s will about staffing for the next year. Normally, our ministries work on budget requests in February and March. However, our church voted to delay that process this year because of the move into our new building. That ended up being a wise decision because we could not have anticipated what God was going to do after we moved to Farmingdale.
Speaking of moving to Farmingdale, it was just one year ago last Sunday that over 600 gathered under a tent in front of an empty building. On that day, we committed to give over $1 million to our building fund over the next two years. In fact, over $200,000 of that commitment was given on that day. It was an incredible day with dinner on the grounds, a special music concert, and sharing the results with all who remained.
The day concluded with Tim Ahrens and me going up on the lift to unveil the cross on the top of our new steeple in the front. I will never forget doing that and turning around to see traffic almost stopped on Hempstead Turnpike with people blowing their horns and waving. It was definitely a sign of things to come. Only God knew that one year later over 800 people would come to worship him in that new building. He knew that one year later, dozens would call out to him for help and he would meet their need.
That brings us to Father’s Day 2010. A year ago, we could never have imagined 70% more people would come to worship the Heavenly Father on this day. Yet, that is what happened today.
Also, this Father’s Day was a special one for me because about two weeks ago Donna and I became Grandparents. We look forward to seeing Jude for the first time in just a couple of weeks. We can’t wait.
So, I apologize for not adding to my blog until now. But, I had good reason. For years, God has been at work in our church like I have never personally witnessed anywhere before. The past month has been no exception. Also, it has been an emotional time for our family with the birth of Jude. Praise God he is well, and so is God’s church. Next Sunday ends June 2010. Who knows what God has in store next!
Serving Him Together,
Pastor Ed
A Few Thoughts
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
05/30/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Our First Memorial Day Weekend
Each year the combination of warm weather, family gatherings, and extra day off over Memorial Day weekend have a pretty obvious impact on our church. So, we were curious to see what would happen over our first three-day holiday weekend since moving into our new building. Well, once again God blessed beyond what we expected.
Although the first service was lower in attendance, the second was actually up! In the end, even with the holiday weekend, we still saw over 750 in worship today. Also, we had lots of new people who came for the first time. Praise God!
Helping the Curious
Speaking of new people, the next time you come to the church during the week you will see a new sign in our parking lot offering free information. I got the idea from watching multiple cars slowly drive around the building during the week. It is obvious they are looking for information. But, normally they simply drive by slowly to look and then leave without learning anything other than what they can see.
So, one day as I was watching another car slowly passing I remembered that real estate signs sometimes have information sheets for those driving by who are in the market for a new home. As a result, I thought perhaps the same thing would work for people looking for a church. If we can’t bring them inside to the information, we could take the information outside to them! Pray God can use this simple way to reach new people.
Reaching Deep to Repair a Life
In the message this morning I mentioned the oil spill in the Gulf off the coast of Louisiana. It really is hard to believe that after a month it is still going. I think it is amazing that the damage to the shoreline has not been greater than it has to this point. But, let’s just think about this for a moment. Would you really want to east any shrimp from that area for the next few years? Yea, I didn’t think so.
Granted, I don’t know what is involved to make such a repair. I am not an engineer and have no marine training. The only thing I know about drilling an oil well is what I have read or seen in movies. Therefore, I would not be the one to come up with the answer on how to stop this disaster.
But, wouldn’t you think that by now there would be someone somewhere who knows what to do? I realize there have been attempts. But perhaps what is needed is an idea so radical that those in charge are not willing to consider it. Perhaps they feel the risk would outweigh the chance of success. In other words, the gamble would be too big. If so, it would make sense that they would choose methods that had been used before even though not at such depths. What I would like to ask them is, “How’s that logic working out for you?” We all know the answer to that one.
I hope in the days ahead they will listen to someone new. I hope they will consider what has never been considered and become more visionary than reactionary in their approach. Also, I hope someone will opt for action over rhetoric. After all, the tract record is not very good when people involved in a tragedy are told they “will not be forgotten.” The simple truth is that in the end they will.
Any one of a number of conflicts or issues could erupt into a full-blown crisis in any given week. You could take your pick from North Korea, China, Afghanistan, the economy, or probably a number of others. When that happens, an oil leak (hopefully repaired) will be old news. After all, the American “interest span” is about as long as a commercial.
I mention this tonight for the same reason I did this morning. I see the oil leak and the failed attempts to stop it as a metaphor for our lives. Simply put, we all know what it’s like to have something very wrong deep in our soul.
When that happens, we usually try to solve it using methods we understand and trust just like the people working in the gulf. When one idea fails, we simply try something else that makes sense. Each attempt is based on what seems right to us and often to another friend or friends. That means we use the collective knowledge of friends who probably know as much about repairing a hole in the soul as the experts at BP do about repairing a leak one mile below the surface of the Gulf.
So, this week I would encourage you to entertain another idea. Stop trying so hard. Stop consulting with the same friends who gave you the advice that didn’t work in the first place. Instead, why not try something unconventional? Why not consider God’s way? If that sounds too strange, then I have a question for you. How’s the “handle it my way” thing working out for you? Yea, I thought so.
The good news is that our problems are never too deep for God to handle. He has no problem going straight to the problem. Also, it doesn’t take him days or weeks to get there. From my experience, God can go there in a hurry.
His contract includes giving up the profit and the problems. In other words, he takes over the entire project. But, instead of trying to fill it in, he retrofits it for a new purpose. And when God says “you won’t be forgotten” you can take it to the bank. You see, God is in the cleanup and recovery business.
Deep ruptures in a soul don’t have to remain open because God knows exactly what to do and how to get it done. On top of that, he already has everything required for the job. All you have to do is accept the terms to give up the profit and the problem. Maybe that sounds like too high a cost for you. But, if someone offered BP such a deal right now, what do you think they would do? I think we both know the answer to that question.
See you next Sunday,
Pastor Ed
A Week of Firsts
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
05/16/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Right now it’s about 9PM Sunday night. We got home a little while ago and just finished dinner. To be honest, I have a headache and feel pretty tired. Still, there were a couple of things I must say about this week before I stop for the day.
A week ago tonight, I was at the Kalin home because Eileen left for heaven. Gus and Eileen became members in our church only recently. After serving the Lord faithfully in another church in the area for twenty-six years, they made the decision to become part of Living Faith. Personally, I am very glad they did.
Heavily involved and very well-known in their previous church, I watched them enter Living Faith without any need for recognition or honor. Instead of telling people what they had done, they simply got involved serving the Lord in any way they could. They became active in small groups and never missed worship. In fact, they left the services beaming each Sunday. More often than not, they would stop to tell me how much it meant to them to be part of what God was doing in this place.
Somewhere around the first of March, as we were feverishly trying to get everything ready to move into our new building, I found myself standing in the new sound booth with them. For a few moments, we were the only three people in the new Sanctuary. That day, Eileen told me how thrilled she and Gus felt to be part of what God was doing here. She told me that although they had only recently become members, it felt like they had been here for years. I agreed.
I would never have imagined that just a few weeks later the first funeral at Living Faith Christian Church would be for Eileen Kalin. Yet, it didn’t surprise the Lord in the least. Her coming to Living Faith and then leaving for heaven was all part of God’s plan. After all, the Christian life is all about a journey of faith that ultimately leads us all to the same place.
But, this week was not just about the first funeral in our building. It was also about the first baptism service at Living Faith. Tonight, nineteen people shared their faith journeys that lead them to Christ. We heard about deliverance from alcohol, drugs, depression, and even plans for suicide. In short, we heard about broken lives being made whole.
At one point, an elder leaned over and commented that our desire to be an E.R. for God was already coming true. Based on the stories that were heard, he was exactly right. We were witnessing lives that had been transformed by the Holy Spirit of God! That’s why we went into debt to build this building. We did it to make a difference for the kingdom of God. Tonight, we saw some of the fruit of that labor.
So, this week saw great loss and grief which resulted in the first funeral at Living Faith. Also, we heard amazing stories of God’s grace and salvation at our first baptism service at Living Faith. When you think about it, there were both celebrations of what it means to be a Christian.
So, it’s been a long, but good week. Now, I am going to try to get some rest. I pray you do the same and look forward to seeing all of you again next week.
God Bless,
Pastor Ed
Mother's Day
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
05/09/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Today we celebrated our first Mother’s Day as Living Faith Christian Church. Also, we began the second service with seven couples bringing their children to dedicate them to the Lord. Not only was it the first time we have had a child dedication in Farmingdale, it was also the largest number we have ever had at one time.
At the end of each service today, I met people who told me it was their first time at Living Faith. Some of them were with us because of the child dedications. Then, there were some who came because of Mother’s Day. But, in addition to those groups, I was reminded that others simply came because God was drawing them.
In fact, as my family and I were leaving this morning and Frank was locking up the building, we discovered two new women who had come in to “look around.” One told me her children were going to come to our Vacation Bible School. Obviously, she was curious about what we did and looked like.
This was not the first time someone has come in at the end of the services just to look around. They remind me of the people who asked Jesus was he was about and he said, “Come and see.” So, I find their curiosity about as biblical as you can get.
As a result, we showed them around, gave them a Bulletin from the morning, and answered their questions. Perhaps the kids will enjoy VBS so much that mom might have a reason to return! After all, the goal of our children’s ministry is to reach the kids and parents because we know that reaching the parents is the key to impacting the child’s life for Jesus Christ.
Speaking of parents and children, it didn’t take long before I received my first email from Pastor Gregg! Actually, it was Joyce who sent me the first few. I don’t mean to put her in a bad light, but I do believe there was an implied threat to my well-being when she and Gregg returned! I say that so that if something happens, you will all know where to look!
Seriously, it was all said in fun. However, I did point out that someone else on the platform (Pastor Jonathan) was actually the one who said that perhaps Gregg and Joyce were gone on Mother’s Day to celebrate Joyce becoming a mom again. So, I was just going with that thought. Thanks to however many of you actually texted Gregg with congratulations!
However, in the interest of saving their marriage, and sparing my life, I want to make clear that Pastor Gregg and Joyce were on vacation this weekend to move their daughter out of the dorm at Liberty University. Also, out of self-preservation I need to make clear that to my knowledge, Gregg and Joyce are not expecting any new little bundle of joy. So, this morning those comments were made simply in fun.
Finally, you can now go to the sermon download link on our website and view the video of any message since we moved into our new building. When we designed our audio and video system, we had remote cameras installed so we could put our service on the web.
We did this so when you invite someone you can point them to the website to see what we do. As a result, we pray it will be one more tool that God can use to reach people for Christ. Also, hopefully it will be a resource people can use when they miss a service as well.
Have a great week.
Pastor Ed
An Atrium Story
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
04/25/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Today was our sixth Sunday in our new building and the first while it was raining. We were not sure how the parking would work out on a rainy Sunday for a couple of reasons. First, we just didn’t know if we would be able to park any cars on the field. The other unknown was how many of those who just started attending would return in the rain.
Well, some vehicles were able to use the field to park. I know because I was driving one of them! But, the better news was what we learned about the people now coming to Living Faith. Even on a cool, rainy Sunday morning almost 800 people worshipped God today at Living Faith. It would seem that something real has happened in many lives over the past six weeks.
Speaking of new people, after the first service today a friend asked me how I was keeping up with them. I confessed that I had a way to go to learn all the new names. But, I explained that for me the key was learning their faith story.
Last Sunday, we had about forty people in The Discovery Class. Each one of them completed an application that included a section where they shared some about their faith background. In addition, others have emailed or shared their stories with me in person. While I would not pretend to remember them all, I do remember many.
In fact, if you were to ask me what has been the most impacting part of this move, I would say it was hearing so many different stories of God working in people’s lives. I have never experienced anything like it before. It is amazing to me to see what God is doing on a daily basis.
Consider an encounter my wife had with someone who came to Living Faith for the first time today. Donna told me she met this woman and her daughter in the atrium. The mother explained that she and her daughter came to “check things out.” She said this was the first time she had been in a church like ours and her own mother did not approve since they were Catholic.
Donna told me the woman sat there a few more moments and then announced that she want to join the church. Apparently, the combination of watching the people, the service on the monitors, and just being in this place communicated that something different was happening here. More than that, she was feeling drawn to it.
Over the next few minutes, Donna learned this mom had several children and the one with her was in the 5th grade. Since they had come during the 9AM service, she then took both of them to see KidZone in action and later introduced them to Chris Torrellas. Because this girl would become part of our youth ministry in the fall, they went down to see The Studio next.
When they got back to the atrium, Donna thanked them for coming and encouraged them to stay for the second service. The last time she saw them they were going into the Sanctuary. But, before they left, the mom told her again that she wanted to be part of this church.
I don’t know her name yet. But, when I do, I will always remember she was the person who decided to join Living Faith on a rainy Sunday while sitting in the atrium. Instead of basing it on a sermon or a song, she based it on the love she saw and felt. I have to admit, that’s a pretty good reason to join a church!
I can’t wait to hear the stories this week will bring.
God Bless,
Pastor Ed
Amazing!
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
04/18/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Today was a really great day at Living Faith. First of all, the Holy Spirit was obviously present in both services. Afterwards, one young man came over to share it was his first time to attend. As he began to talk about his experience, it was obvious that God showed up in his life today. It was also obvious that was a completely new experience for him. Praise God!
Several others told me it was their first or second or time coming. Some of them shared how they felt the message was aimed directly at them. I explained that instead of me, that was the Holy Spirit speaking to them. In fact, it isn’t possible for a person to craft a talk that can speak to such a broad range of ages and issues all at the same time. When that happens in a message, I know the Lord has spoken to hearts and I was blessed to be his mouthpiece.
But, the one that touched me most of all was a young lady that I noticed in the atrium. She waited patiently until others had finished and then made her way over to me. She paused, started to cry, and then she told me that she had gone to get the book. When I asked her if she accepted Christ as her Savior today she cried and nodded in agreement. I was touched by the fact that on this day she met the Lord!
Immediately following the second service, Donna and I began The Discovery Class. With almost 40 people attending, this was one of the largest groups we have ever had. We spent the next three hours sharing the story of a church that sacrificed everything and by faith went into debt just to reach them. It was a strange moment for me because I had the privilege of explaining to this group that they were the ones we built the new building to reach! As I did, I knew our vision was becoming a reality.
By 4:00PM, we had talked about our history, church, faith, vision, and values. Add to that a building tour, and lots of questions being answered, and our time was gone. At the end, so many wanted to become members that it took another hour for our Elders just to get to speak with everyone and answer their individual questions.
After the class, one person told me she started coming just a few weeks ago. But, during that time, she was saved. Also, a family shared how they stopped attending church years ago. But, as they kept driving by our church as it was being built, their seven year old told them that she wanted to know about God. This morning their daughter was in KidZone for the third time. She told me she really liked it! As a result, her parents were in The Discovery Class today. Yea, God!
Donna and I talked a little while ago about how the stories of changed lives were simply amazing. In all the years we have been involved in ministry, we have simply never seen anything like this before. Truly, God is at work in this place.
Today, we learned that Christ is the key to everything. We learned that he holds all things in the universe, our world, and our lives together. But to me, the most amazing thing was that the same Lord who forgave a thief dying on a cross 2,000 years ago forgave a young woman who was in Living Faith today. I hope we never get over being amazed when God takes time to change a life.
To Him be Glory in the Church,
Pastor Ed
M & M's Are From Heaven
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
04/12/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Well, yesterday I must have hit a nerve in the message when I made the statement that M&M’s are from heaven. Actually, I suppose it would be more accurate to say that instead of a nerve, it forged an almost instant bond with fellow M&M lovers. It was bizarre to watch everyone’s eyes brighten up at just the mention of those little ½” round multicolored circles. After each service I heard stories about how much people loved them. Also, I had more than a few who promised to bring me some more.
However, as much as it pains me to say this (and it really does) please don’t bring them! You see, even though I love the little devils, they don’t love me. Trust me when I tell you that I am not supposed to eat them at all.
As I think about the reaction so many had to such a small thing, it reminded me how the Bible says a little rudder steers a big ship. Consider that when our minds become fixed on just a small amount of cocoa pressed inside a little colored shell, it can disrupt everything else. After all, a craving can drive you to do really stupid things like buy a large bag of M&M’s when you are not supposed to be eating sugar at all!
But, the same thing holds true for any object of temptation. Focusing intensely on a single thing that you are not supposed to have can be dangerous of your health, relationships with others, and your relationship with God. Remember, when you desire something more than him, that object of desire becomes an idol.
Sometimes it is the little things that take control of our lives and begin steering the ship. That little desire, urge, obsession, thought, appetite, itch or hunger. When that happens, it can lead you quickly to a really bad place.
This week, be careful in the little things. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that grows in the life of a committed Christian. You see, being a Christian is more than simply being baptized, a member of a church, or attending a service. Being a Christian is a whole-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, that leads to a better life.
Join me this coming Sunday for the second installment on how to live that life. In the book of Colossians, God provided us with a blueprint for that very purpose. I don’t know about you, but I have a feeling that my fellow M&M lovers could use a little help.
God Bless,
Pastor Ed
A Record Easter Sunday in Every Way!
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
04/04/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Tonight, this blog marks the end of a long journey. For the past two years, we have been working toward getting into our new building. During that time, you could see the steel and concrete being put in place. Finally, everything was ready and we opened. From the outside, it seemed like everything was all done.
However, at the same time there has been another facet of the construction behind the scenes. Over two years ago, the pastors and I laid out a plan for the transition of our church from Wantagh Baptist to Living Faith. Actually, when we began, we didn’t know what the name of the church would become. The process of selecting the name was part of that master plan.
During this time, our staff has worked to help everyone prepare for a move of gigantic proportions. Consider that we were getting ready to leave the original building and property, change our church name, ask everyone to adapt to new guidelines for building access and ministry, and dramatically increase the number of people needed to make our worship services even happen. We needed to secure people to learn a completely new sound system, complex lighting system, operate cameras, park cars, greet, usher, and answer questions of what could be more new people than we had ever experienced.
On top of all that, we needed to do so without loosing our love for one another, love for Christ, and love for all the new people we hoped would come. At the same time, we had to step out in faith during the worst economic times and go $7.5 million in debt to make all these things happen. We would do all the above without knowing whether anyone new would even come through the doors. And, if they did, we ran the risk of seeing our church completely change. In other words, we had to step out in faith and be willing to give up our church for God’s glory at the same time.
So, for the past two years, the sermons, elder and leadership retreats, building reports, and dozens of other things have been aimed at helping us move the church without falling apart! After studying the way Solomon dedicated the Temple, Hezekiah cleaned and rededicated the Temple, and Nehemiah dedicated the Wall of Jerusalem, it became clear that a single day of celebration would not be enough. After over 20 years of searching for a home, our church needed to give greater glory to God than a single service.
Solomon combined the Temple Dedication with a Jewish holiday time to extend the celebration to last two weeks. When I saw that, it seemed like a good plan to me. By scheduling our move to Farmingdale on March 21, 2010, it gave us two weeks for special services that would culminate on Easter Sunday. After two years of planning and work, it is finally done.
So, what has been the result? First, our people have risen to the occasion and answered the call in an amazing way. Just the number that have volunteered to help make Sunday mornings happen is incredible to me. This afternoon I went back to the church to look up some things for this blog. As I did, I went into our new Ministry Office (I can't believe we have that either) and saw dozens of you who were part of the Sunday Ministry Team today alone.
The Sunday Ministry Team includes those who help people park, as well as those who greet them, meet them at the welcome center, and help usher them to seats in the new Sanctuary, along with several others very important roles that must now be filled each Sunday morning. But, to get the whole picture you still have to add the tech ministry, Choir, musicians, Sunday School teachers, and I am sure many others as well. Because it has taken so much on the part of so many, I am amazed at what our church has been willing to do to reach people. On top of that, each one has done it so well. I praise God for the sacrifice of each one individual.
In addition to our volunteers, I cannot stress how blessed we are to have the pastors and staff that we do. They have worked long and hard, yet have done so without complaint. Each one has remained focused on the goal to bring glory to God. Well done.
For me, tonight marks the end of this stage of the journey. The move is now complete and the dedication services are done. To tell the truth, I am pretty tired! But, it's a good tired because I believe we have done all we could to give glory to God.
No doubt, it will take several weeks before we know how many will be attending Living Faith each week. Also, it will take some time to figure out how to budget for ministry this next church year that begins in July. After all, we don’t even know what our new electric bills will be! Finally, and most importantly, it will be months before we see how many new people are reached for Christ as a result of our move.
However, even though those things will take some time, I feel the need to share some numbers with you from today to give glory to God for what he has already done. First, Easter 2010 was the largest attendance in the history of the church with 1,270 in worship. That is about 130 more than attended our opening day. Add to that all the children and some 1,410 people were on our property at some point on this Easter Sunday. That is simply amazing.
Out of the 1,270 who came, at least 54 completed cards stating it was their first time at Living Faith. But, given the fact most first-time guests do not turn in cards, we believe there were over 100 people who came to Living Faith for the first time today. In fact, in the first three weeks in our new building, we believe some 200-300 people have attended for the first time.
Another amazing thing was that almost 60 people registered for The Discovery Class on a single day. Because of that, we will go ahead and open a second class for two weeks later on May 2, 2010. Those who completed the card in the service will be contacted this week by email.
Although I don’t like to focus on this, I simply must give glory to God for what has been happening in the giving of our church. During the first three weeks in our new building, we have received over $140,000 for our ministry budget and building fund without any special emphasis on giving. Under normal circumstances that would be unbelievable. But, in this economy it is miraculous!
But, the most amazing number from Easter is a range from about 18-30. That represents the number of people who raised their hands in one of the three services indicating they prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Also, it represents the range of those who requested the book we offered to all who had prayed to become a Christian. I was told between 6-12 people went to speak with Pastor Gregg or one of the elders after each service. Praise God!
Few churches are privileged to see such a movement of God’s Spirit on a single day. Those of you who volunteered, prayed, or gave to help the Easter services and/or this building happen are resonsible in some small way for those individuals being saved. Remember, that is what it's all about.
Glory to God for the great things he has done! I can’t want to see what is going to happen over the next few months. But, for now, I am going to stop writing a get some rest. After all, one part of the journey ended tonight. But, the next part begins in the morning.
To Him be Glory in the Church,
Pastor Ed
Dedication Day
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
03/26/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
Normally I post an update to my blog every Sunday evening. However, last Sunday was so overwhelming that it has taken this long before I could bring myself to write anything. After years of hard work and prayer, we moved into our new church home on March 21, 2010. Still, after all that, I was not prepared for the way this day would impact me.
I was sitting in my office last Saturday at 1PM as our Elders were waiting to offer tours of the new building. It was about that time I began to question the decision to have an open house. After all, who was going to come to tour a church on a beautiful Saturday afternoon? I didn’t have to wonder very long because by 4PM over three hundred and fifty people had taken a tour.
But, as amazing as that was, it didn’t compare to Sunday. By the end of the second service, a record 1,139 people had attended worship at Living Faith Christian Church for the very first time. Add to that another 142 children and almost 1,300 people came to 25 Hempstead Turnpike in Farmingdale last Sunday morning.
The building was filled to capacity again for our Dedication Service that evening. But, more important than the number who came was the way the Spirit of God moved among us. During the Dedication Service I said that in every construction project there comes a time when the builder must turn over the keys to the new owner. I will never forget the emotion of everyone bowing before God to give this new building to the real owner.
The service ended with everyone singing, “God of the City.” It was one of the most amazing worship times I have ever experienced. It was a night I will never forget.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait until Sunday!
Pastor Ed
Seven Days Left
[Pastor Ed's Blog]
03/07/2010
By Kirkland, Ed
As I shared this morning, at this point we still do not have our Certificate of Occupancy for our new building. However, twice during this past week we were assured by the building inspector that it was simply a matter of paperwork. According to the last word we received on Friday, we should be able to pick up our final C.O. this coming Tuesday. Along with that assurance, we were again told that we had permission to begin moving into our new building. Please pray for us to get the final C.O. this coming Tuesday.
This past week was perhaps the busiest and most exciting since we broke ground to begin construction in June 2006. We put out the word for volunteers to help us move our offices from the old building to our new administrative space on the second floor. We needed to move quickly for two reasons. First, so that we could empty the old building to get it painted and the new carpet installed before we move from Wantagh. Second, because our staff needed to get in place to have time to finish everything else we need to do to be ready for dedication day.
Well, once again people responded in an amazing way! So many came and helped that we were able to move all our offices in just two days. In fact, by Friday afternoon the phones were on, computers were again connected, and the copiers and printers were all working. I learned that some of our volunteers took days off work just to come and help. I really cannot thank each of you enough for helping make the move possible.
This week we will need to move the remaining files, supplies, conference room and the equipment in the main meeting area out of the old building. When that happens, everything will be ready for the rest of the repainting (some has already started) and the carpet. Therefore, if you are able to move boxes, clean, or paint please come by to help!
Five years ago we voted to buy more property, build a new facility, and relocate to Farmingdale. Now, the time has finally come to fulfill that decision. Although it is hard to believe, next Sunday will be the final time we will meet for worship at the corner of Twin Lane and Wantagh Avenue. After more than fifty years, God has been glorified, the church has grown, and the vision of our founders has been achieved.
At this point, Wantagh Baptist Church has far outgrown the red brick building we use every week. I think it is safe to say that was exactly what Pastor Washburn and Pastor Hoover would have wanted to happen. Reaching people for Christ was the reason this church was planted. It is ironic that fulfilling that purpose has forced us to either change locations or change our focus. Our decision is sitting on Hempstead Turnpike.
Next Sunday will be a time of rejoicing and probably a few tears. But, following God always involves leaving something behind. For us, the time to leave is just seven days away. However, I don’t think the tears will last too long because our first meeting in our new home as Living Faith Christian Church is only two weeks away. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss this Sunday or the next!
God Bless,
Pastor Ed
