When difficult times arise, here are three things to remember:

1. You must remember the promises of Jesus.

• Philippians 4:6-7
• Romans 8:28

2. Remember the presence of Jesus (Mark 4:38)

• Jesus was in the same boat with the disciples
• the enemy will try to tell you that God has forsaken you
• in difficult times, we easily forget the good times and what God has already shown us.

3. Remember the power of Jesus (Mark 4:39-40)

• “Why are you so fearful? Do you still have no faith?” – Jesus
• remember that there will be an end to this time – “This too, shall pass.”
• The disciples were rebuked by Jesus because they had forgotten what He had done in the past

“If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it” – Fred Luter

But before you write this off as yet another plea for you to join up, switch your phone over to unlimited texting, and spend countless hours pouring through the shallowness of the mundane, let me assure you that this is merely how Twitter and Facebook has changed, and even enhanced, my life. I no longer beg or plead with others to join up.

A Global Front Porch

Two years ago I set out to attend a conference called Re:Create. It’s founder, Randy Elrod, one of the most forward thinking Christians of our time, encouraged all who were attending to sign up for Twitter in order to enhance the dialogue at the conference.

While at the conference, many, myself included, were taken back by the cool factor of such a service. The long-term benefits were yet to be realized.

What started as a simple gathering of creatives in Franklin, TN, quickly blossomed into a world-wide network of worship leaders and creative thinkers that had a quick and easy tool to share resources, ideas, prayers, and encouragements. Almost all of the attendees operated a blog on some level and through the use of Twitter, we were able to let each other know when we had found helpful resources or deeper insights that would benefit the greater Kingdom of God.

This opened up a new door of retaining communication with people who were a part of a very special time of worship, renewal, and growth in my life. It was as if Twitter became our front porch and the sharing of ideas and thoughts began to flow.

A Dialogue Planted

What took place over the twelve months after Re:Create in February of 2008 was nothing short of a modern miracle of communication. Many colleagues who attended the conference experienced personal crisis. My friend, Paul, from north Georgia, learned of his mother’s diagnosis of cancer and shared specific prayers, updates and praises throughout the process. Others shared of family sickness or tragedy in their church and received immediate prayers and encouragements.

Several of us, including myself, celebrated the birth of children with friends all around the world. And speaking of celebrations, birthday greetings were enjoyed by all.

Countless conversations about worship, theology, technology, and surviving ministry poured out. The wealth of knowledge from such a diverse group of men and women was not limited to only one week – we continued our think tank conference on for an entire year. Having attended many conferences in the past, Re:Create was the only one where I actually kept up with the new friends I met. And it was largely thanks to Twitter and Facebook.

A Handshake Now Deeper in Meaning

Last February, we reconvened in Franklin, TN. People came once again from all over the United States, Canada, Egypt, and South America. The reunion on the first day was filled with deeper conversations because for the last twelve months, we were all in touch with each other in real time. We all knew of each other’s ups and downs and were able to go on to a deeper level in relationships because there was hardly any catching up required.

Since then, I have had many of my local church family join these services. There are countless testimonies of how these online connections have enhanced my face-to-face relationships.

Most of my friends in ministry agree that in today’s landscape of ministry, people give their money quicker than they give their time. With so little time for face-to-face contact, the relationship connections made online can only help us stay connected with our congregation, family, and friends from the past. It’s a band-wagon I’m willing to ride and use for the glory of God until it’s over and something new takes its place.

I’m Challenging, Not Begging

So what about you? If you’re in ministry, do you feel as though you’re getting deep connections with your congregation? Do you feel as if you’re in a bind for resources you can’t afford? Let me suggest that you give Twitter and Facebook a try. What could it hurt? It’s likely that many in your congregation already use these services. In less than an hour, you could be setup and connecting online to make your Sunday handshakes even better!

-BP

As a pastor or other minister at your church, have you ever made one of the above statements or asked one of those questions? Sure you have! We all do. Admit it.

Now let’s do something about it.

Just a few weeks ago, my family got to spend a few days at the newly remodeled Shepherd’s Rest at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD. It turned out to be one of the greatest five days of my life.

Shepherd’s Rest is a beautiful, three-bedroom home in it’s own little corner of Skycroft. If you are a minister on staff at a BCM/D church, you can sign up to spend either two separate three-night stays a year or a consecutive six-night stay within a year. It has a really nice kitchen stocked with utensils if you wish to cook, or if a group is using the cafeteria at Skycroft, you’re allowed to eat there.

Did I mention this is ALL FREE?

No, I am not a paid endorser of Shepherd’s Rest. Can’t be. It’s FREE! And this article is one hundred percent unsolicited. I’ve just spent an amazing time of reconnecting with God and my family and I want you to have the same opportunity. Here’s how my stay went:

I arrived at Shepherd’s Rest on a Wednesday and spent the next two days in solitude. During that time I experienced a renewal in prayer and personal communion with God. It was also during that time that God pointed out several areas of my life in need of improvement and I returned with a long list of to-do’s.

On Friday of that week, my wife picked up our oldest from school and joined me there. We spent Saturday and Sunday exploring the gorgeous natural surroundings, visiting some tourist spots, and worshiping together as a family. It was one of the best weekends our family of five has ever had together.

Shepherd’s Rest exists largely because of the efforts of David and Sherry Lee. Their vision to minister to pastors and their families is carried out in this mountainside house. You can see Mrs. Lee’s loving touches in all the furnishings and experience the truth of God’s Word with walls that are adorned with scripture. Thank you, Dr. & Mrs. Lee for providing such a place.

I personally believe the ground at Skycroft to be hallowed. Life change has occurred there. Countless teenagers have found new life in Jesus there. Lay leaders have found significance in ministry there. And God, on His Mountain, has a purpose waiting for you there.

Just to answer the questions above: you can’t get much cheaper than free; your church will survive; the time is now. Click here for pictures, and booking information.

Go and connect with your Creator.

-BP