Timeline

A timeline is a linear projection of directionality that includes the accomplishment of a number of short term goals that move a participant or organization toward the achievement of a larger long term goal [my definition]. We have been working on developing a timeline for my cancer treatment.

After meeting with doctors at the U of M Cancer Center last week and with our own physician today, we’re projecting a timeline for treatment. This is, of course, subject to change. God may intervene at any time. Medical tests and discoveries vary. And, only God knows what is really going on in my body.

Here’s the tentative timeline.

April 20 - 22	Chemo treatment	Holland
May 4 - 6	Chemo treatment	Holland
May 18 - 20	Chemo treatment	Holland
Late May	MRI	Holland
June 4	Surgery consultation for removing spot on liver	Ann Arbor
Late June	Liver Surgery	Ann Arbor
Late July - November	Resume chemo: 8 treatments over a 4 month period	Holland

We know that there will be additional dates for consultations and treatments, but they should all fit within the above timeline.

While I’m thinking about planning and goals, here are a few of my favorite quotes.

It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard . . . is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.

Shauna Niequist

If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.

Yogi Berra

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

Robert H. Schuller

Cat: Where are you going?

Alice: Which way should I go?

Cat: That depends on where you are going.

Alice: I don’t know.

Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.

Lewis Carroll

Everybody has their own Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.

Seth Godin

Begin with the end in mind.

Stephen Covey

Cancer Center Visit

We would never have anticipated that our first trip to Ann Arhor, Michigan would be for appointments at the University of Michigan Cancer Center. But, that was our journey yesterday, Thursday, April 17. Marlene’s sister and her husband, Jerry and Diane Antoon, provided wonderful support by joining us.

Our consultations were with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Hari Nathan, and Medical Oncologist, Dr. Christine Veenstra. We were richly encouraged by these gifted physicians, their staffs, and the entire culture of the Cancer Center.

Their recommendations are consistent with those of our current Oncologist, Dr. Eric Batts. However they are suggesting a few modifications that make sense to us. As a result of the appointments, Marlene and I have a better understanding of the current situation and the proposed future direction. The doctors spoke positively about the probability of being “cancer free” as a result of a planned liver surgery and continued chemotherapy.

Many thanks for your continued prayer during coming chemotherapy treatments and for future liver surgery. On Monday I receive my second round of chemo. At that time, we will also meet with Dr. Batts to make decisions about the recommendations from Drs. Nathan and Veenstra.

Marlene and I live on a little lake and have a small sandy beach. Yesterday the landscapers added fresh sand to the beach. This morning I went outside in bare feet and made footprints in the sand while reflecting on the following story.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Second Opinion

Upon receiving the news that the spot on my liver is cancerous, I talked with the Dr. Batts about getting a second opinion.  He agreed and recommended University of Michigan Cancer Center, Ann Arbor. (You've heard the old second opinion crack. Patient to Doctor upon getting news of his/her illness, "I'd like a second opinion." Doctor to patient, "OK, you're not only sick, you're also ugly.")

Monday afternoon we received a flurry of calls from Ann Arbor. W are scheduled for two appointments for this coming Thursday: one with a chemo doctor and one with a liver surgeon. We are thankful to get the ball rolling before the next chemo treatment, which is scheduled for this coming Monday.

I am apprehensive about the next chemo treatment. The side effects from the first have been significant: fatigue, mouth sores, sensitivity to hot foods and drinks, decreased appetite, a bit of nausea, both constipation and diarrhea. We may need to modify the mix or dosage.

As I reflect on the coming days and making connection with new individuals in the medical community, the prayer of St. Francis comes to mind.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

Further Developments

Over the Easter weekend, we were waiting for results from the liver biopsy that I had on Good Friday. Dr. Batts called with the news this noon that the small spot that had showed up on the CT scan and the MRI is cancerous. 

This moves us into a new area of discussion, testing, and treatment. The situation now includes the following.

Yesterday, Monday, I was hooked up to a chemotherapy pump. After a four-hour infusion in the cancer center, I went home with a continual infusion of the chemotherapy for the next 46 hours. The infusion pump will be removed tomorrow, Wednesday. It's a portable thing that can be fit in a sport jacket pocket. It just means that I'm dressed better than most when I'm out and about. We are currently planning on this for the next three months--or possibly six months.

At the three month point, liver surgery will likely be recommended to remove the spot. At that time. we will also be able to see how the spot has responded to the chemo, or if there are other spots in other places.

Because the liver has become involved, we will be working with our local oncologist in getting a second opinion. This will be as soon as possible through the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where we will seek recommendations on treatment options.

As we look at the developments of these past months, we are surprised at how rapidly the situation has escalated. From a routine colonoscopy at the end of January, to colon surgery on March 3, to multiple tests (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, fine needle biopsy), to the first chemotherapy treatment this week, and now toward possible liver surgery. 

We remain grateful for the fine medical and spiritual support we are receiving. In going through this journey, we find help in Scripture, prayer, music, and the support of family and friends. The following quote about attitude has been on my mind today.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” 
Charles R. Swindoll


  

A Quick Update

A quick update:

Monday's MRI did show the "spot" that the CT scan had originally revealed; however, it was impossible from the MRI to indicate whether that spot is merely a benign cyst or cancerous. The next step is a fine needle liver biopsy, which is today, Friday, at 11:30 AM.

We're assuming that it will be Monday or Tuesday before we find out the results. Meanwhile, you thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Bible passages on which I have been reflecting lately are:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

My Health: An Introduction

Welcome to the reactivation of my old "Blogger Burt" site.

I've decided to use this site to record personal information about my/our journey in dealing with colon cancer, including insights from Scripture and examples of expressions of support from friends and family. There may also be occasional posts about work, travel, and family.

Beginning with a colonoscopy in January, we have been on a journey that has moved from a routine colonoscopy to the discovery of cancer cells and related surgery and chemotherapy. 

On January 22 I had the colonoscopy (Dr. Bruce Fletter) during which a cancerous polyp was discovered.  

This led to colon surgery (Dr. Fletter) on March 3. The doctor removed about 1/3 of my colon along with 26 lymph nodes, 2 of which contained cancer cells. The discovery of cancer cells led to the recommendation for consultation with with an Oncologist, Dr. Eric Batts, on March 17. Dr. Batts recommended a CT and scheduled it for March 23.

The CT scan revealed a spot on the liver. They could not tell from the CT scan if the spot is cancerous or just a cyst, so an ultrasound was done on the liver and related organs on Thursday, March 26. 

While waiting for the results of the ultrasound, I had outpatient surgery (Dr. Fletter) to install a port for beginning a 6-month regimen of chemotherapy on March 27. Chemo was to begin on Monday, March 30. It is administered in three day blocks, every other week for 6 months. 

At the March 30 appointment, we learned that the spot on the liver was not detected by the ultrasound. This could mean that the spot is not there (many friends were praying for healing) and was a technological error in the CT scan or that it is present but not visible to ultrasound. 

Dr. Batts recommended that we do an MRI to look at the area more closely. Consequently, chemotherapy has been delayed for a week. The MRI is scheduled for Monday evening, March 30.

If there is no cyst or if there is a non-cancerous cyst, the treatment protocol will still be for six months but labeled as "curative."  It there is a cyst and it is cancerous, the treatment protocol is referred to as "palliative," requiring a more extensive level of care.  

While we're not sure what is the outcome of the MRI nor of my tolerance to the first round of chemo which is now scheduled to begin on Monday,April 6, we are sure of God's grace, faithfulness, and healing mercies. 

Your prayers are especially appreciated for the MRI tonight at 10:10 PM and next Monday at 9:45 AM when I begin chemotherapy. I am so grateful for Marlene's love and support. She is alongside me each step of the way.

Qualified to Serve

A group of friends and I were recently discussing the question, "How do we know if a person is qualified to become a pastor once their training is complete?" Is it enough that all the required courses were taken, that all the boxes have been checked? Certainly, the completion of a rigorous process of preparation demonstrates persistence, which is a commendable quality. In addition, there are certain pastoral proficiencies that can be evaluated, such as preaching and pastoral care skills. However, our churches and classis organizations recognize that there must also be a confirmation of Christian character in order for a person to be commended as a candidate for ministry. So, along with exams in the areas of Bible content, Reformed theology and church history, and in addition to evaluation of preaching and teaching capability, the classis must be satisfied that a candidate has demonstrated personal integrity and spiritual maturity; in other words, Christian leaders must be persons of Christian character. About 600 years ago, Thomas à Kempis wrote the well-known devotional classic, The Imitation of Christ. He observes, "For a person's worthiness is not to be estimated by the number of visions and comforts which they may have, or by their skill in the Scriptures, or by their placement in a high position." It is interesting that neither experience by itself, or education by itself, is deemed to be sufficient. Instead, Thomas believed that worthiness (or for our purposes, qualification for Christian leadership) is found in those who are marked by true humility, God-inspired love for others, desire for God's honor, and a willingness to put the interests of others above their own (The Imitation of Christ, III. 7, adap.). While education and experience are both good and necessary things, it is character that sets a person apart as a Christian leader. The Apostle Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy to follow this same path. He instructed him to carry out the duties of a pastor/preacher, pursuing his ministry gifts for the good of the church (1 Tim. 4:13-16). He was to know, understand, and preach the scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-16; 4:1-2). However, Paul also insisted that this young leader must train himself in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8), and that his leadership would consist of setting an example in "speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Knowing the right things and doing things well were not enough – he was to be the right person. In its training programs for Commissioned Pastors and other Christian leaders, Church Leadership Center emphasizes learning that transforms. Leaders who are living out God's call on their life find themselves "transformed and transforming." Throughout candidates' training plan experiences, they are personally mentored by experienced leaders in the church, as well as further observed and encouraged by their supervisory team. Admittance into candidacy is dependent upon recommendations from their church and their classis, and their final commissioning is an affirmation by those who know them that these leaders have not merely completed a course of study, but are also men and women of Christian character. Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here. Special thanks to Dr.Mark Veldt for writing the above article. He is CLC's leadership development specialist.

Whose Dream Are You Living?

Even though it was over 30 years ago, the conversation still stands out in my mind. He was a seminary student recruiter making a campus visit to the college at which I was teaching. We were having coffee at Mr. Fables on Michigan Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI. I asked the recruiter, "With a seminary M.Div. degree, why is it that you are a recruiter and not serving a church?" His reply startled me: "I wanted to be an attorney, but my father discouraged me. 'They'll eat you alive,' he said. 'You should be a pastor.'" The recruiter went on to say something like, "I took this recruiting job for a year. Then I'm going to law school. I had been following my father's dream for me, rather than my own." The above conversation came to mind when I read Michael Hyatt's blog, "Are You Living Your Own Dream or Someone Else's?" Click here to read it for yourself. He asks three questions. Am I living my own dream or someone else's? If we are not careful we can unconsciously be following the agenda of someone else for our lives. This can happen if we do not take full responsibility for our own life-directing decisions. What is my dream? Sometimes in an effort to please those who are important to us, we put more weight on their input than on our own understanding of our talents, gifts, calling, or vision. What is it that we believe that God is calling us to be and to do? What are our passions? If money were not holding us back, what would we do? What can I do to move in the direction of my dream? What are the substitutes for achieving our dreams that we should start rejecting… one at a time… from the smallest to the largest? What are a few baby steps that could move us in the direction of our dreams? Whom could we ask to be accountability partners (coaches or mentors) so that we are certain to make progress in the direction our dreams? Last Sunday, CLC participant Chris Hall was installed as Commissioned Pastor of Elevation Church, Wyoming MI. As a construction coordinator with Habitat for Humanity, he chose Church Leadership Center to move him toward his dream (calling) of becoming a Commissioned Pastor. He wanted a practical, "tool box" approach. After his commissioning he conducted four baptisms. Segments of the service are portrayed below. Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here.

Family Matters

One of the joys of my job is to conduct assessment interviews for Commissioned Pastor applicants and other Leadership Development candidates. It is inspiring to hear so many stories relating how God calls people to follow Him and forms them to live out that call. There are, however, challenges that often show up in many of those stories. It seems that many of those who grew up in the homes of pastors and other Christian leaders share unique struggles. A Barna survey asked pastors why they think their children often struggle in the development of their personal faith, here is how these pastors answered.  -28 % Unrealistic expectations others place on them  -18% Exposure to the negative aspects of the church  -17% Pastor is too busy for them  -14% Faith is not modeled consistently at home While there are no simple formulas or easy advice for making family life less challenging for families of ministry leaders, here are two important basic guidelines to keep in mind. Be Real: Too often, there has been a discrepancy between who the pastor is as a church leader and who he or she is as a private person and family member. In public, the pastor knows how to do and say all the right things, but at home another side becomes evident. The pastor's spouse and children see who he or she really is, and when there is an obvious contradiction, the results can be tragic. God replaced King Saul with David for this very reason. As pastors, we would do well to remember that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams;" and that people may "look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."* Service in the church and public reputation are no substitute for personal integrity and authentic holiness. Be There: One pastor's kid (PK) expressed the peril this way: "One of the biggest reasons PKs get so rebellious is that they don't really have a dad – they have a live-in, full-time pastor who treats his kids more like a member of his congregation."** Other PKs would say that they'd settle for being treated like a member of the congregation, so that they would at least get some parental attention instead of being completely overlooked. The Bible is clear that there is no pastoral priority higher than one's own family: "For if someone does not know how to manage his own household well, how can he take care of God's church?" (1 Timothy 3:5). The good news is that the people I talked to are still following Jesus! In spite of what might have been missing in their parents' lives, these emerging leaders have hung on to the good things they were taught, and they are seeking to serve God in ministry and in their homes. Our mission at Church Leadership Center is to support them in their personal and professional development, and we invite you to join us in this awesome calling. Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here. *1 Samuel **Scott Thomas, Hey, You're a Pastor's Kid – Why Aren't You Crazy? www.churchplanting.com This article was written by Mark Veldt, Ph.D. He is a Leadership Development Specialist with Church Leadership Center and may be contacted at veldtmark@gmail.com

Mentoring Matters

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well" (2 Timothy 2:2). "Likewise, tell the older women to . . . encourage the young women" (Titus 2:3-4). It has always been God's plan of leadership development to connect people with others from whom they can learn by word and example. Joshua was trained to lead the people of Israel by serving as a personal assistant to Moses. Elijah invited Elisha into a relationship that led to an extension of his prophetic ministry into the next generation. Jesus called twelve men to follow him, and for a period of three years, they were formed into his disciples as they observed Him in all the joys and demands of everyday life. In each of these biblical examples, emerging leaders were formed by the personal relationships they enjoyed with their mentor. Recently I received a quarterly newsletter from Scott, my financial advisor. The focus of this communication was not the state of the market or any investment advice. Instead, he shared stories about his family and his office staff, and he also told about another aspect of his work that I had not known before. He said that his firm "is a unique company in that we foster a culture of volunteerism," which is expressed through mentoring relationships. Scott continued: "Just as I received a tremendous amount of support during the early stages of my career, I have recently been asked to take a more active role in training some of our new advisors. This has resulted in volunteering many days and weeks to training the future of [our company]. Most notably, for a six month period, I am working closely with a new financial advisor in West Michigan to ensure that they are up to speed with how to grow and operate a successful branch office. In addition to this support, I am committed to spending three separate weeks in our home office to serve as a 'visiting veteran' . . . with thirteen new financial advisors from all over the country . . . " It is apparent that Scott does this, not grudgingly or out of obligation, but cheerfully, because he enjoys helping these new advisors as he was helped by others earlier in his career. He observes that "by serving in these volunteer roles, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be with [this company] and to work with you all on a daily basis." How interesting that the value of mentoring is so widely recognized! In our work with Commissioned Pastor candidates, we have also become convinced as to how crucial these kinds of relationships are. We believe that a well-designed training plan and top-notch courses contribute in important ways to the development of people as leaders in Christian ministry. We are also convinced, however, that the personal investment made in each life by one's mentor is equally important. God uses mentors today, as He did in biblical times, to form and transform people to become the leaders He has designed them to be. Current and past Commissioned Pastor candidates have been blessed by the willing service of several dozen pastors and other Christian leaders who have served as mentors. These mentors have also experienced blessing as they are reminded of how privileged they are to have the opportunity to serve God as leaders in their faith communities. If you are interested in learning more about our guidelines for mentoring or mentoring a lay leader in your church, please reply to this email. Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here.   This article was written by Mark Veldt, Ph.D. He is a Leadership Development Specialist with Church Leadership Center and may be contacted at veldtmark@gmail.com

Taking Care of You

There are times when leaders wonder… How can I be an example of hope and light on days that seem down and dark? How will everything work out? How will I be able to keep up with my emails? How will we meet our budget? How do I respond to critics gracefully? How can I provide meaningful encouragement to colleagues and friends? During challenging situations, I sometimes think of the song, "God will take care of you." The lyrics include, No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you. (verse 4) God will take care of you, Through every day, o'er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you. (chorus)  Listen to Aretha Franklin's rendition of the song from her "Gospel Greats" album by clicking here. Another perspective that keeps me going is Spurgeon's devotional writings. An example is his reflection on "God's Provision" (May 21). It is based on Genesis 4:2, "There is grain for sale in Egypt." The following excerpts are liberally edited. May they also speak to you. Leader, though all things are apparently against you, rest assured that God has made a reservation on your behalf. In the roll of your troubles, there is a saving clause. Somehow He will deliver you, and somewhere He will provide for you. Your rescue may come from a very unexpected source, but help will definitely come, and you will praise the Lord. If men and women do not feed you, ravens will; and if the earth does not yield wheat, heaven will drop manna. Be of good courage, and rest quietly in the Lord. God can make the sun rise in the west if He pleases and can make the source of distress a living steam of delight. God provided for Jacob with grain from Egypt (Genesis 4:2) through the hands of Joseph; he opened or closed the granaries at will. And so the riches of providence are all in the absolute power of our Lord Jesus, who will dispense them generously to His people. Joseph was abundantly ready to help his own family; and Jesus is unceasing in the faithful care for His sisters and brothers. Our responsibility is to go after the help that is provided for us: We must not sit and sulk, but, rather, stir ourselves. Prayer will bring us quickly into the presence of our royal Brother. Once before His throne, we have only to ask and receive. His stores are not exhausted. There is still grain:. His heart is not hard; He will give the grain to us. Prayer: Lord, forgive our unbelief and constrain us to draw largely from Your fullness and receive grace for grace. One supportive help that is provided is Church Leadership Center, which works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here

Songs of Life

His shrunken frame and age-diminished voice were almost lost at the front of our large church auditorium. He had been a medical intern at a small hospital in Arnhem when Hitler's war machine rolled through the Netherlands and set up a puppet Nazi government. Radios were destroyed to prevent BBC "propaganda" from demoralizing folks who needed nothing other than German "truth."   But among the clutter of equipment in one surgical suite, someone had managed to hide a short wave set. At 5 p.m. each Sunday afternoon the doctors and nurses gathered secretively and tuned softly the worship service of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields on the edge of London. My friend could not remember a single sermon heard in those covert assemblies, but one thing he never forgot. At the close of each broadcast swelled the choral power of Henry Lyte's magnificent melody, "Abide with Me."   "In the distance we could hear the guns," the old doctor whispered, "and the cupboards of medical supplies rattled with falling bombs. We huddled together, standing close to the single speaker, weeping as we were transported for a few moments into the congregation in London, and with it to the very throne of God."   "This," he said, as we turned our own hymnbooks to the song, "is how we survived those dark and awful hours." And so we sang with him: Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide! The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, O, Thou who changest not, abide with me!   I think of him often when my students walk into class with buds in their ears linked to phones. "What are you listening to?" I ask them, and they tell me of the latest hits and greatest groups and hottest tunes and newest metal. I love music, and I share their passions, often playing videos of recent songs for classroom discussions.   But in the noisy archives of all the wonderful melodies I've loved and sung with pounding intensity or heart-throbbing intimacy, I wonder, sometimes, what music actually changes my life, or places me in the company of those who need to enter another realm in order to remember what this one is truly all about. What are you listening to?   The greatest music, of course, is the melody of creation, echoing the timeless beauty of its Creator. And those who sing that song best have learned the lyrics from Jesus, the one who sang life itself into being and taught us the song of salvation.   CLC is training people who can sing these songs well, and who then can teach them to others. Partner with us so that the choir of grand music can swell in your neighbor, and in others as well--particularly those places that have too long heard only the discord and dissonance of evil. It is time for the music to begin again.   Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here.   Special thanks to Dr. Wayne Brouwer for writing the above article. He is CLC's theological editor, professor at Hope College, and adjunct professor at Western Theological Seminary.

Let Freedom Ring

This past weekend we celebrated Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July. The day commemorates freedom of the original American thirteen colonies from Great Britain. The weekend provides an opportunity to identify education and leadership perspectives on freedom that are embraced by Church Leadership Center. The following quotes are foundational to the ways in which CLC approaches teaching and learning. The quotes meet no particular criteria for selection other than being favorites of this writer. They are from John Calvin, John Dewey, Paulo Freire, and Martin Luther King, Jr. John Calvin (French Reformer, 1509-1564) There is no worse screen to block out the Spirit than confidence in our own intelligence. The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It cannot be grasped by reason and memory only, but it is fully understood when it possesses the whole soul and penetrates to the inner recesses of the heart. Therefore, in reading profane authors, the admirable light of truth displayed in them should remind us, that the human mind, however much fallen and perverted from its original integrity, is still adorned and invested with admirable gifts from its Creator. If we reflect that the Spirit of God is the only fountain of truth, we will be careful, as we would avoid offering insult to him, not to reject or condemn truth wherever it appears. John Dewey (American Educator, 1859-1952) Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. The most important attitude that can be formed is that of desire to go on learning. We always live at the time we live and not at some other time, and only by extracting at each present time the full meaning of each present experience are we prepared for doing the same thing in the future. Paulo Freire (Brazilian Educator, 1921-1997) Liberating education consists in acts of cognition, not transferals of information. One cannot expect positive results from an educational or political action program which fails to respect the particular view of the world held by the people. Such a program constitutes cultural invasion, good intentions notwithstanding. The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves. Reading is not walking on the words; it's grasping the soul of them. Teachers and students (leadership and people) co-intent on reality are both Subjects, not only in the task of unveiling that reality, and thereby coming to know it critically, but in the task of re-creating that knowledge. As they attain this knowledge of reality through common reflection and action, they discover themselves as its permanent re-creators. If I am not in the world simply to adapt to it, but rather transform it, and if it is not possible to change the world without a certain dream or vision for it, I must make use of every possibility there is not only to speak about my utopia, but also to engage in practices consistent with it. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Civil Rights Leader, 1929-1968) The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?" The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the Good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here.