We All Need A Paul In Our Lives!

The past few years has taught me quite alot. But, probably the one thing I have learned is how bad we all need a mentor. Like Timothy had Paul in scripture...we all need a Paul in our lives!

I say this because we need someone who truly cares about us, believes in us, and is wiser than we ar...able to speak into our lives. Or to listen to the train wrecks we are climbing through in an attempt to survive lifes crashes.

I hate to admit...I have no Paul. Nor have I ever had a person that is like a Paul to me. I have had pastors, bosses and older people that just loved me. Unfortunately, I have never had that one leader that poured his life into mine....man do I regret that.

Its not that I haven't tried. I love the pastor I came to Christ under. He was a great preacher! But, his leadership skills were not extremely strong. He was caring, compassionate, and a man of prayer. He did influence me to be a person of prayer. After moving away for 10 years I found myself under his ministry again. He was great but distant. Once I began pastoring another church come to find out he was having an affair with his Timothy's wife!

While in college I connected with a ministy that I thought had what I wanted. I was faithful to them, and they were faithful to me. It was great! Then, things changed in our relationship. It was my fault. I made a comment in passing to a church member that I thought my pastor was being a little controlling and untruthful in the way he handled the firing of some staff members. That's when I learned the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde of ministry. Don't cross the boss! The pastor and I did reconcile. He actually appointed me to the church in Enterprise. And you know the rest of the story....

My first full time church position was some of my happiest times in the ministry. Growing church, growing as a leader, still friends with most of those members, and my pastor was a great guy. Just the type of person I loved to be around. He loved me, he complimented me, he corrected me, he prayed for me, he recognized my leadership....he was what I needed. When I tried to really bond...I realized his wife was not welcome to him having someone like me in the way. She lived by a conspiracy theory....everyone was trying to take over the church...and that included me. She was actually our secretary for a while, and I had to talk to my pastor about the way she treated the whole staff...we all ended up resigning our positions. A several hundred member church closed its doors within two years of that day.

The man who came to me as a Paul...I would not heed his loving concern. I was about to take the position discussed above. He came to me pulled me aside and told me his son was in the ministry. With tears in his eyes he begged me to stay with the company I was working with and doing very well. He informed me that its not what its cracked up to be. I believe he was telling me I was going into the ministry with blinders on. I had just graduated college, just had a baby, just come through a marriage crisis, still connected to pastor #2 and I had promising opportunities that could have landed me in Chicago. Now, that I am forty and have had some struggles and some victories I think about that mans words at least on a weekly basis. He was the manager of SEARS, and he was my boss....I wish I could have kept him in my life over the past 15 years. My mother recently told me I need to go back and have a discussion with Mr. Gentry!

Life is painful, but life is great! Not only do we need a mentor in the times we are confused and unsure, but we need that person in our victories as well. I promise some of my victories lead to crisis moments just because I didn't handle the victory well. And sometimes we all just need some godly input. Don't take me wrong I have godly people around me...many of whom I rely heavily upon. But I still think that this is true....That we all need a Paul in our lives!

Closing in on building!

Just wanted to give everyone an update as to where we are in regards to a potential building. To say the least it has been an eventful journey. We began over a year ago meeting in the local park for worship services. Then, we began meeting in the Hampton Inn Conference Center and quickly out grew the facility. From there we met at David's Catfish House (which was really a great location) until the economy forced them to open on Sunday's. We went briefly to house groups, and for the past several months we have met in our home.

Since we have started from ground zero Christ Life has had to rebuild financially and numerically. It has really been a challenge...a walk of faith...and at times a challenge to my faith. But, after a year of patiently waiting we are seeing some movement. A building has come available that would be within budget providing a few things can work out.

The main part being that we had set a goal of having $7500 in hand to work with before committing to a building. We are only about one third of the way to that amount. I guess you can help us if you feel it in your heart. But, my main reason for this communication is for those who have informed me that they are still part of Christ Life, and have not felt comfortable in our very uncomfortable setting. Just wanted to let you know we are presenting the owner of the building with three different options. If we can all get on the same page we should be in a building by the end of Novemeber.

Please pray God will guide and continue to give us wisdom. Laurie and I have no problem with everyone meeting in our home, but today as I taught people were actually laying under the table listening to the message.

Our plan is to enter the building...have video worship via Lifechurch.tv and my message. We will have youth services during another time. We are starting simple...very basic...we have to rebuild the base. I hope everyone will rejoin our fellowship once we are established in a building. If you have any questions or would like to donate money, supplies, or time please contact me.

Don't Lose Your Mind...

Have you ever felt like you were about to lose it? There have been times that not only did I feel I was about to lose it, but I was ready to let it go. Fortunately, God's grace has always been there. Have you ever noticed when you are at your wits end....that's when it seems like God shows up.

Lately, I have found myself reading over/rehearsing the scriptures that regard protecting your mind....

• cast down every imagination that tries to exalt itself against who Christ is...
• renewing your mind with the washing of the Word...
• being transformed and not conformed to the ways of this world....
• dwell on the right, lovely, praiseworthy, and the list of things goes on...

Its a battle out there, and its a battle in here. By in here I mean your mind! There's a song out that says "why does love feel like a battlefield". My era was more Pat Benatarish...."love is a battlefield." Have you ever considered that maybe the battle rages in your mind becasue of the tremendous love God has for you. On the other hand, there is an enemy to your soul who is battling for control of your mind as well. The mind is the battlefield.

Not much of a soldier, but part of the strategy of war is to gain ground. To lose ground is to lose a battle. In your mind do whatever it takes to maintain what you have conquered, and advance slowly. In times of battle...I will say out loud that I am not going to think about that or this. Its my insane way of staying sane. Lately, I have practiced that alot and found that it helps. Because it helps in areas I have struggled with for years....guilt, fear, etc.

So just a thought this morning....DON'T LOSE YOUR MIND!

Where does the desire go?

I have been doing alot of thinking lately about myself. For the last 20 years I have served in one capacity or another trying to make myself a better pastor/leader. Today as I blog this I recognize by God's grace I have accomplished some pretty amazing things, and at the same time I have failed miserabley in some areas.

For nearly 20 years I have either drawn people closer to Jesus, or totally ticked them off. I realize I am either the kind of person you love or hate...not too many middle grounders out there when it comes to Mike Shroades. That is something I have learned to live with. I have never been one to mix words. At the same time I don't want to hurt peoples feelings.

Ministry causes many pastors to absorb themselves with what others might think if they don't ........

On the other hand, alot of pastors live guarded with the fear of what if someone sees me in this or doing ...........

Let's face it, we are public figures. Not only are we public figures, but we represent the Creator of the Universe....we are Gods representaive in our public lives. By our title alone we tell people that we have high moral and ethical standards bestowed upon us by Almighty God.

As public figures we are public speakers. Our words influence people...and influence is leadership. I have often felt like my words were shallow, and falling on deaf ears. Only to have someone remind me point by point of something I preached years ago.

My life's ambition has always been to be a Godly man, a provider for my family, a blessing to others, a great communicator, and a trusted/respected pastor. At times I have excelled at those goals, and at times I have dropped the ball.

I understand there are ups and downs in life and in the ministry. I know that I will not always say or do the right thing. Heck, you know I don't act right. I admit at times I am lazy, lethargic, tired, unprepared, deceiving, manipulative, annoying and depressed. There are sins I have struggled with since the day I came to Christ. There are times I do things that I know are not socially acceptable considering what I do for a living. And there are times I am totally on top of my game.

With that said...in all the ups and downs I have never strayed from what I knew God has called me to do. But, I have to admit that over the last couple years my desire has fainted. In the last year I have considered stepping down as a pastor every single day.....

I recognize it is due to the tremendous loss we suffered as a church. Also, questioning leadership decisions I felt was best for the church. My main concern is that the will of God was detoured and that has so frustrated me. To the point that I have questioned everything there is to question in kingdom work. Of course, my accountability partners know all that I struggle with, and I will not oblige my critics with all the sorted details.

I really need God to give me a resolve to endure the hardship of this trial, and in His time to restore my passion/excitement for ministy. I will continue to lead and love Christ Life Church...who by the way has been awesome. They inspire me!

My focus has turned to my family. This kinda sabatical has helped me to think constructively, and yet critically concerning things I can do to give them a better life on this earth (and prayerfully beyond this earth). Many times I assumed I couldn't do something without my wife and kids. In reality, I can do nothing without God. My wife and kids are the wonderful perks given to me by my Boss.

The Climb

Its really weird having church in the house, but I can tell who is going to see this through. I appreciate all of you who have remained committed beyond just saying you would continue to support and be part of the church.

This past Sunday we completed a little study I called The Climb. Mainly, because that's what we are doing...climbing! Hard to believe it has been a year that we have been without a building or any sort of permanent location.

We did a study on I Samuel 17 concerning David and Goliath. In this familiar story I taught 3 points to help us climb over obstacles or to new heights. To set the stage we have Goliath defying the armies of Israel and their God. He has dared any of them to come and fight him but none has taken the challenge....Why? Because of intimidation...and the stakes were really high.

Most people won't face their giants because of the extreme intimidation they face in their challenges. Whether trying to quit smoking or starting a new business...its intimidating. In my prep I saw three characteristics that David displayed that can help us conquer our giants and climb to new heights.

1. Self-confidence. Nothing wrong with being confident as long as you can do it without being cocky. Arrogance is idolatry according to scripture. But, recognizing that God has given you certain abilities is okay. David approached Saul about fighting Goliath by presenting his resume...killed a lion...killed a bear...and he trusted God! David had the confidence that he could defeat the giant.

2. God-confidence. David knew that God was with him and that was enough. He was willing to step out on stupid faith. He knew his ability came from God almighty. The young warrior was willing to go into battle with full assurance that God would help him conquer the giant. This is where we have learned to go into our battles in the name of the Lord.

3. Confidence to Complete. I have a problem of starting strong and losing momentum at times. The loss of momentum is discouraging, but we must have the confidence to complete the task. That's where self-confidence and God-confindence mix together like your favorite dressing. You see God always works through people...I'm not into the false humility that says its all God ... I didn't do anything....sure you did...you sang, you preached, you stepped out, and God got all over it. It was you using the ability that God gave you to complete the task. David let his giant know that he was about to be defeated...he was confident that he could complete the climb with God's help.

You can complete the climb! Lou Holtz says "if you don't have confidence in yourself you will never succeed." The balance of that is the simple quote by Rick Warren, "that its not about you." Its all about God, but God wants to use you. How awesome is that? When you and God get on the same page there is not a giant that exists that you cannot conquer in His name!

Check Out the Potential Building...How You Can Help!

This past Sunday I gave everyone a list of five different options. I think its vital that we begin to move towards a central location. I sensed some weakening in our fellowship and it has continued for about three weeks. Attendance and finances has dropped dramatically.

So, I have given five options:

1. Rent and renovate building beside Watson Glass (acrossed from Best Yet)

2. Rent a store front on Main Street

3. Rent in a strip mall

4. Rent a conference room (this would require setting up and tearing down weekly)

5. Merge with another church

My first option is my favorite idea. So, what I am asking is for everyone to go by the location and give me your honest input...

I need to know if you are that committed to remodelling and giving to make it work. I have only had a couple people respond. So, it goes without saying that two or three people cann't carry the load. If we don't have the commitment in labor and finances there is no way we can rent the building beside Watson.

Please email your thoughts and how you think you can help in this effort. I need all input by this Sunday.

Thanks...love you guys!
Pastor Mike

Ode to turning 40!

Well, I have reached a milestone. This past week I turned the big four-zero. I wasn't quite sure how it would feel. I found it was a time of deep reflection. Thinking back to when I was a kid and figuring out what year it would be when I turned such and such age.

Many of those years have past...Now its 2009 and I am 40 years old. I can say I have done alot of great things in past couple decades. I have had some horrific days, as well. I remember when Prince sang Party like its 1999 and I thought I would be and old man at the age of 30...now I am a decade removed from that, and I realize that probably half of my life is now over...VERY SOBERING!

The first forty has been eventful to say the least. Its hard to believe that I finished highschool in 1987 and then crammed 4 years of college into six years. I have been married to my high school sweet heart all these years. But, I have to admit...we were way to young to get married. The majority of our challenges have stemmed from those early years. Too young, Too immature, too stupid, too little money, not much wisdom and trying to take advise from people who hadn't learned their lessons! Yet I truly love my wife...and I think she still loves me...that's what over 20 years of marriage will teach you...don't speak on her behalf.

I have really been reflecting on the blessing of our children. Its hard to beleive the genetics doctor told us to abort both our children. Wow! How stupid was that? I love my kids so much...that's why I push myself to work so hard. I really want to provide the best I can for my family. I have zeroed in on living within our means and preparing an inheritance for my kids and their kids. That's what a good man does!

My kids inspire me...how can something so good come out of something that is so screwed up? I love Mikey and Brookie like there is no tomorrow. One goal I have always had is to lead my kids to Christ...I hope of all things I have been successful in that...they love the Lord and hope they will pass on a healthy spiritual leagacy.

Even though our church has really gone through it...I know I have reached a milestone of nearly 10 years at one church. Many pastors don't have that opportunity...nor do the congregations they lead. It will be officially 10 years in March 2010.

I was talking with one of the elders of the church, and I let them know they have shared 25% of my life with me. That's alot of time for leaders to work together...and we have lead with the utmost of integrity...always trying to listen to God and keeping what was best for the church in the forefront of what we have done.

One of the biggest regrets is that I have spent so many of those years away from my parents. I have a great relationship with my mom and dad, but I have always wished I could share more of my life with them. I wish I had some videos of my birthday parties, but all my parties were videos of my sister Morgie. I wish I could have been there for Morgan in her teenage years, but she came through pretty good. And regardless of the things my brother has done I don't like to hear the criticism from outside of the family. Remember the first eighteen years of my life I shared a room with that boy. They both have afforded me the pleasure being an uncle...Devon, Tylor (Benji's son), Sarah, Linda, and Brad are so special. I have actually begun to wonder what it will be like as a grandparent....I can wait to find out!

I miss not having grandparents...all my grandparents have passed away. Its been years since I said lets go to my grandparents house.

I have met some of the finest people in the world over this 40 year span. Some are just old church members, some are friends, some are good friends, but I have alot of God-friends

The past 40 years has been good, but I hope the next 40 are great! Like most people I don't feel like I have accomplished what I should have. There will be some necessary changes to make. Some serious goals are...preparing for retirement, preparing an inheritance, a possible career shift, deeper devotion to family, more time with my parents, a new convertible BMW (sounds like a mid-life crisis) and I really want to write a book (even if noone buys it).

Most people don't know this...but I have written a few poems...even a rap song...and I like rap music of all kinds...but I am going to try to spit a few rhymes covering 40 years.

The day I was born uncle Jim ran away,
in my grandparents hotel I would stay.
My mother was young and what I see
is alot of her on the inside of me.

My dad was so proud of my name,
With hopes I would grow up and play Gary's game.
Sarah Jane had to take a seat
to a little boy that we call Bradley.

Since 1977 there are no pictures of me
cause that was the year we got Morgie.
They both follow me to school as a kid
and I blame myself for alot of what they did.

Married my girl and we had alot to learn,
scripture said better to marry than to burn.
Two kids and over twenty years later,
I sure have learned how to treat a girl when you date her.

The boys all know by the look in my eye,
go ahead and touch her if you wanna die.
My son, now he's another story
I tell him to look at mom to see what she looks like at FORTY!