CALVARY AUSTIN GATHERING UPDATE

Calvary Austin Regathering

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing— life forevermore.”  

Psalms 133

While ‘shelter in place’ mandates were designed for our protection, they proved to be a huge challenge for those of us who thrive on fellowship. The Psalm above are sentiments shared by many today, myself included. You have been dearly missed at Calvary Austin. 

As you may have already heard, the quarantine for our state is being lifted in phases, with phase 1 beginning on May 1^st. Under this first phase, churches may assemble under certain guidelines which will be adhered to by Calvary Austin. To give ourselves ample time to meet state requirements, we will not assemble the first Sunday of May, but will open doors on Sunday, May 10. With these things in mind, please consider the following:

1.   We encourage those who are at-risk to please stay home.  If you are immune-compromised in any way, or have had any recent illness or potential symptoms, please continue your online participation rather than coming in person.  Don’t take chances. Error on the side of safety.

2.   As we begin regathering, we will do so with a family-style worship service, with no children’s ministry yet offered, other than what we provide online.

3.   Having a large facility allows us to observe social distancing guidelines rather easily. We have already taken advantage of the auditorium space, pre-setting chairs with ample distance between them, while allowing families to sit together. 

4.   Instead of handshakes and hugs, greeters will be holding welcome signs. Coffee and baked goods will not be served the first couple weeks of phase 1. 

5.   The building has been thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. We will continue to maintain deep cleaning procedures each week.

6.   We ask that you observe social distancing in the lobby. I know this is a tough one, especially after being apart for so long. Our tendency will be to run up to each other. That day will come. In the meantime, we must take precautions. 

7.   Hand sanitizer and masks will be available for anyone in need.

For more details on state guidelines for churches, we encourage you to visit the ‘Open Texas’ website using the link below:

https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Checklist-Churches-Places-of-Worship.pdf

During phase 1 we will have one service at our facility at 10:00am with a second online service at noon at live.calvaryaustin.com

Phase 1 service times begin Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)

I know this is a lot to take in, but these are critical times. We need to look out for each other. Thank you for doing your part. If there’s anything we can do for you, doesn’t hesitate to call upon us. We love you and can’t wait to see you.

In Calvary love,

P. Terry, staff and leadership

We'd All Rather Gather

We all wish it wasn’t so. We wish there wasn’t anything disrupting our comfortable lives and forcing us to make tough decisions about socializing, shopping, dining and worship services. We’d rather carry on as usual with the freedom to gather. But that has all changed with COVID-19. We now face some of the most challenging decisions of our lifetime. For church leaders, they have become painfully challenging. To gather or not to gather, that is the question. Answers don’t come easy. 

For churches over 250, well, the decision was already made for them. It’s not unlikely this decision will be made for smaller congregations as well. In the meantime, church leaders grapple with what serves in the best interest of their fellowship and their community. It is also certain that, either choice is bound to bring criticism. Those who cancel services will be charged for lacking faith or buckling under pressure, while those who keep doors open will be accused of not being neighborly or not taking the virus seriously.

In all honesty, deciding whether to gather or not has been a major struggle for me. Keeping our doors open at Calvary Austin last Sunday was not some decision made on a whim. I needed to hear from other pastors in the community. All but one felt strongly continuing with their regular service times, and all for good reasons. I also met with fellow Calvary Chapel pastors the other Tuesday. They also felt keeping doors open was the right thing to do. I share this to let you know that church leaders are not making rash decisions, at least not the ones I know. We are all struggling to do the right thing. We want to be responsible and, at the same time, walk in faith. Knowing how isn’t as simple as at seems. We need prayer in these times of uncertainty, not criticism. 

Adding to this difficulty, the coronavirus has touched my family on a deep and personal level. My youngest daughter and her husband, who work in food service, are now both out of work. They are also expecting their first child. As a dad, this leaves me quite worried. I also have an older sister who is a cancer patient. Her husband suffers from Alzheimer’s. The retirement community she lives in, in Palm Springs, has cancelled all activities. Her church also cancelled services. She is basically shut in, with no help and no place to go. 

These are things that not everyone thinks about as church leaders labor over what is the right thing to do. Or, for that matter, the wrong thing to do. So, I ask that you be patient with those who are left to make these difficult calls. Try to understand the struggle involved. These are not easy times, nor do decisions come easy.

Thanks for your prayers.

Stay well and stay calm.

P. Terry

PASTORS NEED ACCOUNTABILITY

Calvary Chapel churches are well known for verse-by-verse expository Bible teaching. This is a major distinctive of ours - we place high value on the Word of God. Another distinctive is that each Calvary Chapel is autonomous and “pastor led”. On one hand, there is great value in what we affectionately refer to as the “Moses Model”. Pastors are free to be Spirit led without having to be subject to ruling officers or a church appointed committee, which is often the case in denominational settings. 

The Moses model serves well for pastors who hold themselves accountable, but what about those that don’t? This is the question raised by critics of pastor-led churches, and their concern is valid. It should also be said that alternate forms of church government aren’t without flaws either because they all involve imperfect people. This includes pastors. As imperfect people, we need accountability like everybody else, perhaps even more so! Not only do we benefit, our congregations fare a whole lot better. 

Accountability is what keeps the Moses model of leadership from becoming like an Egyptian pyramid, where everybody has someone to answer to except the person on the upper level. This would be better described as a Pharaoh model. The Moses model can only work if the fellow on top has people keeping him in check. 

Some pastors under the Moses model look to the church board for accountability. This can work if the board meets regularly, but from what I’ve observed that’s not always the case. It also needs to be said that church boards are found nowhere in scripture. They are mandated by the state for all tax-exempt, non-profit corporations. Most states only require boards to meet annually. Furthermore, boards often consist of non-church members appointed by the pastor, usually peers. This is fine for legal purposes, but it’s not adequate for keeping pastors spiritually accountable. The board’s primary job is to ensure that the “corporation” is operating by its bylaws.

Moreover, board terms for officers are often limited to one year. This is done to protect the pastor (who also chairs the board). It’s completely up to him to nominate someone for reelection. He can always opt not to. This is all well and fine if the primary role of the board is to satisfy its state-mandated purpose of keeping things legally tidy. But as far as accountability is concerned, it’s hardly enough. The board only steps in if the pastor violates the bylaws by doing something illegal, immoral or unbiblical.

This was the standard passed down to me early on in ministry under the Moses model - So long as the pastor hasn’t done anything illegal, unethical or unbiblical, support him. To a large degree, this makes perfect sense. Oftentimes pastors make hard decisions that aren’t always popular. It’s not uncommon for some folks to feel their way is better. But they don’t have to deal with the fallout when decisions are left to them. Ultimately, the pastor does. So, it only seems right that he has the final say. It also makes sense that his leaders support him in such instances. But should pastors be supported in every instance, even if it means going against one’s conscience?

The “support the pastor no matter what” philosophy isn’t the best answer in every given situation. The reality is, there are multiple things a pastor can do to upset, hurt or divide a church that may not rank as an impeachable offense. And frankly, no one is above making bad calls on occasion. When such is the case, we need voices of reason, not a choir singing, “He hasn’t done anything illegal, unethical or unbiblical. Hoorah! Hoorah!” This type of support doesn’t help a church or its pastor. It only perpetuates a Pharaoh style of ministry and cripples the Moses model.

Moses was not perfect by any means, but he understood his calling to leadership. The model he offers is one we can truly learn from, especially those of us in ministry. Moses spent a great deal of time communing with God as if they were best of friends. He looked to God for help in leading His people. The prayer he prayed in his ‘Tabernacle of Meeting’ says it all:

“See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

(Exodus 33:12-13)

This is where accountability begins. We must seek God and seek to know His way. For those in ministry, we must also recognize that the people God brings are not ours, they are His. The Lord uses others to remind us of that. Therefore, we need accountability partners who aren’t afraid to speak up. Might we also create a safe and friendly environment where staff leaders and elders are welcome to share concerns they might have. We must also reconsider decisions or behaviors that cause upset to the church. May we always welcome sound counsel from others. Let us permit well-meaning saints to chase out the inner Pharaoh that they might see Jesus.

WHY PEOPLE LIKE ME BELLY UP TO THE BAR

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing it’s because the title got your attention. Maybe it even shocked or alarmed you, especially with me being in fulltime ministry and all. “What’s up with Pastor Terry?” some may wonder. While it’s true I do favor the lounge to the dining room in most restaurants, it’s not for reasons you may initially assume. Let me first say right off the bat, I am not a drinker. Nor am I trying to be one of those trendy barstool evangelists you may have read about in Relevant magazine. What I will admit to is, I’m a rare breed. But, certainly not one to be envied. 

I suffer from Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). This condition manifests itself in multiple ways. In my case, the pelvic floor muscles are in a constant, continuous spasm, and have been for over twelve years now. These spasms cause all kind of havoc in my body: muscle pain, nerve pain and regular flare-ups. To help manage, I see a physical therapist that specializes in CPPS on a weekly basis. I also see other doctors for complications that arise because of my spasms. 

Many like me don’t get out much, simply because it’s too complicated. We can’t sit and are too embarrassed to explain why. As for me, I’m finally over it. It’s time to put myself out there and bring some awareness to what silent sufferers of CPPS deal with. Maybe I can encourage a few who live with pain to get out more with the normal crowd. And maybe, just maybe, I can help normal folks better understand those like me that miss the normal life. 

As odd as it may sound, this is my rational for why I belly up to the bar. It’s mainly because I want to do what normal people do. I want to eat at the restaurants everyone else eats at. The only thing standing in my way is those dreaded chairs. But in the lounge, yes, the blessed lounge, tall tables shine in all their glory, tall tables that invite me to stand! (Thank you Chili’s, Applebee’s, Torchy’s and Chuy’s for this wonderful provision. You’ll never know how much people like me appreciate it!) Not all restaurants are so accommodating, but at this stage I know which do and which don’t. And I’m always checking pictures on Yelp if there’s any question. This goes for coffeehouses too. Many have tall tables or a bar while others don’t. Are you hearing me Starbuck’s?

While CPPS is recognized in the U.S. as a disability, there are no requirements for public establishments to accommodate those who can’t sit comfortably. Visiting such places comes at a painful cost to the daring few, not only while they sit, but possibly for hours or even days afterwards. There’s no other agony quite like it. Therefore, folks like me either turn down dinner invitations or suggest the lounge. So, if you happen to see me belly up to the bar, don’t judge me. Join me! I might even treat you to a soda water with a twist of lime.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

BORDERLINE LOVE

While we may have viewed things from different perspectives, I’m certain that the border issue was grievous to most all Americans. Thankfully an executive order was signed to help remedy the situation. What continues to linger, however, is the shaming and finger wagging on social media. This is also grievous to me. To be honest, I don’t completely understand why professed followers of Jesus engage in it, when He taught not to judge, love your neighbor and love your enemy. But for some, it’s more important to make their political point, not through constructive conversation, but by lashing out at those who don’t share their position. I expect this in the world, but not among the family of God.

All of us have convictions that we feel strongly about. But rather than cast stones at those who see things differently, it would be more worthwhile to help others understand our side of things and make some attempt to understand theirs. Who knows, we may even persuade some to change their views (If that’s important to you). We don’t win anyone by attacking them, that’s for sure. We come off as uptight, arrogant and judgmental. That’s not a good reputation for anyone to have, especially a follower of Christ. 

It’s sad to say but, too many followers are better known for political uptightness than spiritual uprightness; or a wagging finger as opposed to a compassionate heart. I have made numerous appeals to the flock at Calvary Austin, to love like Jesus on social media and not be divisive. At this point, I question how effective these appeals have been. However, I do see some light with our younger generation. They also seem to recognize the disparity between what Jesus taught and what politically agitated Christians post on Facebook. It seems to offend them as much as it does me. So, in the end, I’ll help to shape a few more of them. May this next generation of Jesus lovers prove to be more friendly and less combative. 

SQUIRREL-POCALYPSE

It seemed like the beginning of an ordinary day; a typical Tuesday. As per our normal routine, Christy and I drove to Calvary Austin together. And as per usual, we entered through the side door leading to the church offices where we perform our usual morning tasks. But to our surprise, we found ourselves in an unusual situation.

“Power is out!” Glendon informed us. “It’s not the breakers.” Not only was power out, there was an alarming odor in the building, one that reminded me of burnt electrical wires. Glendon knew to call the experts. Our maintenance volunteers, Steve Thoe and Walter Renna, responded quickly. Walter brought his two boys, Phillip and Dallas. He’s training them to be useful and fix stuff. They’re catching on well - so well they may replace Steve and Walter one day. But that’s another blog for another day.

After thorough investigation, it was discovered that a puny squirrel was the culprit. He decided to come to church via the power lines. Sadly, he didn’t make it. Not only did our lights go out, so did his. Because of that crispy critter, the women’s Bible study was cancelled. It’s amazing how one little varmint can cause so much havoc.

There's a great illustration here on the importance of being watchful. One bad choice can have devastating consequences. While this is true, that is not the point I wish to make, although I’m certain I’ll use the roasted squirrel story in a Sunday sermon one day. The purpose of this blog, however, is to glorify God for His provision.

We are extremely blessed at Calvary Austin to have faithful volunteers who are willing to give of their time and talents with joyful hearts. Thank you, Lord, for people like Steve, Walter, Phillip and Dallas. Thank you for their faithfulness. And thank you for the many others who serve your people at Calvary Austin. We are blessed beyond measure.

OLD CAR AND NEW FACES

The other Sunday, RJ introduced me to his friend, Mike. It was Mike’s first time at Calvary Austin. The fact that he showed up at all came as a huge surprise to RJ. It wasn’t his first time to invite somebody to church, but most invitations were never accepted. RJ compared his efforts to sea turtle hatchlings finding their way to the sea. “Only a few make it.” he laughed. That’s how it is when folks are invited to church services! Nevertheless, the Lord stirred RJ’s heart to be more active in reaching out to the lost.

 

It was at the workplace where RJ led Mike to the Lord. RJ then encouraged his friend to take the big leap and visit Calvary Austin. Mike said he’d like to go, but never made it. After a few no-shows, it became apparent that Mike didn’t have transportation. RJ kindly offered him a retired automobile sitting on his property - free of charge. The following Sunday, Mike happily drove himself to our fellowship in his new 'rickety old putter'. That’s the day I shook his hand to welcome him.

After meeting Mike, I headed back to the auditorium for second service. At the door, I was welcomed by another bright and cheery face. It was her first day as greeter. I was blessed beyond measure to see her serving, because she too was like a lost sea turtle. She was introduced to our fellowship through our jail ministry. When she got out, one of our ladies invited her to Calvary Austin. She’s been a regular ever since.

There are countless more sea turtle stories to share, and there are plenty more hatchlings floundering about. Some just need a nudge. It’s something we can all do. God will take it from there.