A Transformed Generation
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Wed Jun 9, 2021
In his weekly update, Pastor Danny provides an update on Vacation Bible School, our summer and fall Sunday schedule, and recaps Student Camp. Take a look!
Weekly Bible Reading Forecast: Week 23
Posted in Bible Reading Forecasts | By Bradley Patton | Posted on Sun Jun 6, 2021
Weekly Preview
I once heard someone compare passages in the Bible to “load-bearing” beams in a house. Some passages hold the full weight of part of Scripture and deep theological truths (like Romans 8, for example). But other texts are like the floor boards – very practical but can’t hold up under much weight (though an equally significant part of the house!). I submit to you that Proverbs are like those floor boards. Essential for moving about the house, as long as the weight is evenly distributed. So, let’s listen well to a father of the faith’s instruction so that we may learn how to move around the household of faith. I’ll try to pick a verse or two each day to help us think along the biblical storyline about how that verse might apply to followers of Jesus.
The 4 Ps | People
Posted in Uncategorized | By Shades Staff | Posted on Sat Jun 5, 2021
As the people of Shades anxiously await the naming and meeting of our new pastor, we are filled with many questions. What will he be like? Will he be a good leader of our congregation and at the same time be very approachable to individuals? Will he have a good sense of humor? Can our staff work well with him? And the questions go on and on.
It says in Numbers 27:17 when Moses was turning over leadership to Joshua; -- "set a man over the congregation who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep who have no shepherd."
Sheep have no sense of direction or defense mechanism. They totally rely on the shepherd for guidance, but that relationship takes time to develop.
I pray that the community at Shades will give our new leader time to develop that relationship. We must be willing and flexible to accept new leadership directions, personalities, and change. We also must support our new pastor for it will be a transition period for him and his family. A wise man said “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.” May our thoughts, words and actions be always focused to bringing honor and glory to God.
The 4 Ps | Personnel
Posted in Uncategorized | By Shades Staff | Posted on Fri Jun 4, 2021
We all fear the unknown, whether that is in our professional careers, relationships, or big changes in our life. That’s a similar feeling that the staff and congregation had when Pastor Danny announced his intention to retire this August.
A verse that has been on our Pastor Search Prayer Team’s heart for our staff is Colossians 3:23:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”
There is an understood degree of apprehension from the staff about what their role will be under a new pastor. There is also great excitement. The staff asks for prayer in dealing with the understandable fear of the unknown.
-- Garrett Franks
The 4 Ps | Process
Posted in Uncategorized | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu Jun 3, 2021
Early on, with God’s wisdom as their guide, I am confident that our church staff and leadership realized the importance for our congregation to maintain an attitude of prayer for the pastor search process. During this final stage, it would be easy to “take a break” or begin to run out of steam. As we approach the finish line, we need to do just the opposite. I can remember days when I ran track in high school. My track coach would shout for me to “Sprint!” to finish the race.
We cannot let up! Now is not the time to let that happen!
God’s word in Galatians says:
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”Galatians 6:9
If we ever needed to pray for the process, we need to do so now! I hope this blog post encourages you to increase your intensity in prayer for the process. Continue to pray for the search committee. They have taken on the enormous task as they work to identify our new leader. They face challenges in life, as we all do. The members of the search committee are not immune to distractions and difficulties. Please pray for them as they face the pressures of life each day, in their careers, their businesses, their jobs and family life; they need our prayers. The leaders at Vanderbloemen need our prayers as well. Pray that God will grant them delight amid any challenges they face and give them his wisdom as they work to completion of this process.
Every one of us who profess faith in Christ, and who worship and love our Pastor Danny Wood, and our beloved Shades Mountain Baptist church, should commit to continue to pray for the process. We should take heeds to the words contained in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that admonish us to, “Pray without ceasing.”
Pray that the search committee maintains their endurance to run the race. Hebrews 12:1b says, “…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Our prayers are needed as our search committee approaches the finish line.
Our prayer team continues to covet your prayers. The late Billy Graham identified prayer as one of the primary reasons for his success as an Evangelist.
We are incredibly blessed to have church staff and leadership that prioritizes prayer. For years, prayer warriors have gathered throughout our church to pray for our Pastor before, during and after every Sunday service. Likewise, this blog is to compel you to continue to pray for the search process.
-- Victor Brown
The 4 Ps | Pastors
Posted in Uncategorized | By Shades Staff | Posted on Wed Jun 2, 2021
Change and transition are often difficult, even when it is the right thing. As we move closer to having a new pastor/leader/shepherd at Shades, remember to pray for both he and Pastor Danny. In Deuteronomy, as the leadership was transitioning from Moses to Joshua, God said, "Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you." Ask the Lord to give courage and wisdom and to walk closely with both our "Moses" and our "Joshua."
-- Charlotte Autrey
Let's Pray!
Posted in Uncategorized | By Shades Staff | Posted on Tue Jun 1, 2021
Years ago I read “The Power of Prayer and the Prayer of Power” by a recognized prayer leader named R.A. Torrey. It was written back in the 1920s, and yet it was still powerful and relevant to my life in the 90s. I was particularly drawn to one of the chapters, “How to Pray so as to get What You Ask.” I know some of you are stopping right now and googling that book … or maybe just that chapter! Even some 30 years later, I can remember much of the outline as it was taken straight from Acts 12:5. Peter was miraculously released from prison because of the prayers offered on his behalf. Acts 12:5 outlines four things about prayer:
- It's earnest
- It's specific
- It's corporate
- It's God-directed
In short, God is more inclined to step into situations when the church comes together, with a surrendered heart, earnestly seeking the face of the Father, specifically asking for something. God moves and responds in a powerful way.
For some months we have been seeking to do that very thing. Thank you for your willingness and responsiveness to pray the 4 Ps (pastors, process, personnel, people) on behalf of the next pastor for Shades Mountain. We have asked everyone to set reminders on their phone or watch to pray at 8:15 am or pm to align with Pastor Danny’s last Sunday on August 15. We have engaged in numerous prayer groups, some large, some small, some online, and some in person. We have had a week-long emphasis of prayer for the search process in which 224 people were involved in scheduled prayer times from 6 am until 10 pm for seven days. This week, members of the Pastor Transition Prayer Team have written posts around praying the 4 Ps. The church has earnestly sought and specifically asked for guidance, clarity, agreement, conviction, and favor in the search process. God has heard and God is responding!
Wednesday, June 2nd is another prayer time. This is different than the others yet in alignment with the same objective. We will gather, in-person, as a large group to worship and pray from 6:30-7:15 pm in the Conference Center. There will be something unique and different in this time of prayer that has been unlike the other prayer times so our hope is that you will be there if you can. However, if you can’t make it, please mark that time and take a moment to join with us in “spirit” and pray wherever you may at that time. Claiming Acts 12:5, we know that our prayer will have power as God sees, He hears, He responds, and He will be glorified!
Weekly Bible Reading Forecast: Week 22
Posted in Bible Reading Forecasts | By Bradley Patton | Posted on Sun May 30, 2021
Weekly Preview
We turn our full attention to Solomon. We’ll read how his desire for wisdom granted, even while simultaneously sowing the seeds of his destruction. The Psalms will provide additional color to the narrative portions. A few Proverbs will show us the depth and practicality of Solomon’s wisdom.
Just like Old Times
Posted in From the Pastor | By Shades Staff | Posted on Thu May 27, 2021
Pastor Danny pumps us up for VBS and highlights a few upcoming calendar items. Take a look!
Weekly Bible Reading Forecast: Week 21
Posted in Bible Reading Forecasts | By Bradley Patton | Posted on Sun May 23, 2021
Weekly Preview
We’re spending one more week with David and his Mighty Men before we make the royal transition to Solomon. We’ll see David’s final acts as King – both good and bad – and hear his reflections in Psalms. I’m struck by David’s persistent God-centered focus and his reverent awe of the Lord’s splendor. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon gets it, too: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Indeed. The church itself is now God’s building – built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:19-20).