"Treating others the way you want to be treated"

So here is the situation. You are working just fine. You love your job, you like what you do, you don’t mind getting up early or working late to make sure things get accomplished and out of the blue you are told your services are no longer needed. Professional we call their action and describe the situation as being “laid off”. In most cases, the most negative way to describe your situation is that you were fired. These words no one wants to hear. I’ve had the opportunity to attend and participate in a lot of seminars that deal with hiring and firing. One thing that should be true is that anyone who is about to be let go, so have a clear understanding before the fact, of the options under consideration. Being caught off guard is the norm but it should not be the standard. A good employer, a good supervisor should be working with their employees helping to ensure that expectations, goals and standards are always not only understood, but effort and support from the employer to help the employee succeed are required. My expectations and experiences are on both sides of this issue. As an employer, my expectations are higher for myself then for anyone else. I expect understand I am the leader, the decision maker, but working to gather opinions, different thoughts and ideas are valuable. Sometimes leaders will run into a problem with those who want to give their opinions, thoughts and ideas. Normally this issue is one where the givers have lots of answers, but never work toward any resolution or solution. This is a problem. My personal expectations for myself involve follow through and follow up. I’ve heard, and witnessed many great comments and ideas, but sometimes the manner in which they are delivered seals their doom without any consideration. Team work is an important part of life. Not that you cannot have your own opinion and not that it has to agree with anyone. However, listening to someone in a genuine manner is the key to agreeing to disagree. Respect because you listened is the element that keeps things moving forward. This former paragraph is important because most issues could be settled without “firing” someone. The real issue is lack of cooperation, teamwork and buy-in. Experience on this subject comes from both perspectives. As a minister you might think what does this look or feel like from this point of view? When you surrender to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ you think to yourself what could do wrong, nothing? You have surrendered to serve others, why would people not want help, and surely everyone is going to love me—wrong. For a minister, a single deacon who sees themselves as overseer and not a servant could be the first problem. A committee who has an agenda other than the gospel could be a problem. A minister’s nightmare for church work would be a group that is committed to seeing specific plans fail or worse case you leave. Finding oneself out of employment is not a pleasant experience even when you have a valid warning or advance notice. A surprise disconnection leaves so many things unanswered and lingering thoughts can hang around for years if they go unresolved. So what is the answer for all parties involved and more especially for Christians when dealing with issues such as these? Something must be said Biblically speaking for “treating others as you want to be treated”. This covers all sides. This type of standard permits everyone to be involved, it offers opportunity to talk, to share, and be heard. Often times we assume things as fact and negative is most often the first consideration when we should be positive and consider first the fact that something might just well be miscommunicated or not true at all. Explanations are always good. This would be my suggestion for difficult moments. It could be that as an employee you will never receive this type of fair treatment. Could be as an employer you need to change some practices. The Good News about Jesus Christ is that he totally understands being mistreated too. He was lied about and Jesus was also dismissed. Only time proved Him to be just who he said he was. Time will do the same for me and you too. Until then

America is "We the People" me-you-us

“This land is my land; this land is your land. From California, to the New York Island; From the redwood forest, to the Gulf Stream waters; This land was made for you’re and me.” These words written by Woody Guthrie I was first introduced to as a child growing up. It was about exploring all the vast land of America. It was about freedom to go and see, experience and learn. There is something about approaching and reaching that half of a century mark in age that causes reflection on the things of childhood and the future. As our nation celebrates the 4th of July, I am not going to be asking anyone what they think about America. If you listen to talk radio, observe comments, post and links on Facebook, catch the tweets of those you follow, the word is generally not very positive about America. I have no hesitation sharing that I am not sure why folks don’t love America. My only thoughts would be that they have never been out of the country. For anyone who has traveled across the border of the United States of America into a foreign land will understand where I am coming from. Traveling outside of the United States will make you love home quickly. I love America! I love her and cannot remember a single moment in my life that I wasn’t proud of this land of red, white and blue. There are many people who don’t feel the way I do, I read their remarks and post on social media and even hear them make statements that I cannot identify with They are not alone. First Lady Michelle Obama in 2008 said “for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country, because It feels like hope is finally making a comeback”. She made this statement in Wisconsin, then she repeated it again in another speaking engagement. Myself, I’ve been proud of America for a long as I can remember, and I cannot imagine anything that would change my position. There are many politicians, movie stars, and well known citizens who have made statements about America that I’ve wondered where they were coming from with respect to comments about America. So, you think there are challenges that she is facing? Absolutely. Is America a land where there are no divisions? No. Is our home land perfect and without corruption? Certainly not. We are however still the land of the Free and the Brave. We are free because our Constitution gives you the right to agree and disagree. Support and protest. Brave is in our motto of slogans because our citizens have been drafted and others have volunteered to serve our nation’s needs, and the cause of freedom, democracy and service to others around the world. I love America and with all the problems that exist I think we the people are the solution. There is no debate about to whom the responsibility of our nation resides with. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States begins with “We the People”. We are responsible for making a more perfect Union. We are responsible for establishing justice, creating domestic tranquility, working to provide common defense, general welfare, not to mention our responsibility to secure the blessings of liberty and our posterity. I hear lots of people talking as if they are owed something. As if somehow you should receive things without work, effort or commitment. The Constitution I read says that “WE” are responsible and that “WE” are the holders of our own fate, opportunity, and vision. Yes, I know that folks can work against you, I know that people, organizations, institutions, and even the government is not always fair. I know and appreciate the fight for equality. Every level of society has fought for equality. The results for our advance as a nation rest clearly on our shoulders as a people. America is the greatest nation on the earth, even with all her ills. I believe that we the citizens must safe guard and protect her. American is a melting pot of people, ideas, experiences and vision. We the people must be involved if we are to do our duty. Young people must be concerned and active and elderly citizens must be encouragers to the young for their ideas, thoughts and dreams. I am writing about a pattern of support, responsibility and involvement that is what will keep America strong as we march forward. Until then

First Baptist Middlesboro - First Baptist Spartanburg Connection - Ky Missions

Here is a test. Read this list and tell me what they have in common: Arjay Baptist; Bethel Baptist; East End Park/East Cumberland Ave Baptist Church; First Christian-Pineville; Jenson Missionary; Newtown Baptist; Pine Grove Baptist; Chenoa Church; Wasioto Baptist; Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch; Now your first inclination might be to say they are all Baptist, but that not correct. A matter of fact, one of the places there is not church, it is just a park. Baptist is out! What can it be? What is it that each of these locations share in common? Bell County has experienced this week the invasion of ‘White Vans’. If you have seen what looks like several vans traveling down the highway or in your community picking up kids but not sure what is happening or going on, you might not be alone. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed the Student Ministry of First Baptist Spartanburg in action. The connection with each of the locations I mentioned is that this week teenagers, college students and adults have been conducting Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camps, and community outreach events throughout Bell County. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. In 1955 the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called as their pastor, Dr. Alastair Walker. He fell in love with the mountains and the people of Southeastern Kentucky. Dr. Walker was only in Middlesboro-Bell County for a short time but the impact this area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this grow a trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people who came to conduct a Vacation Bible School for churches that might not otherwise have a summer Bible School. Today, the little trip is known as Kentucky Missions and it has continued to build a connection with Kentucky and more especially Bell County. This week teenagers, college students and adults have volunteered their time to make a difference by loving on people and sharing that Jesus Christ loves everyone, and not only that, but that Jesus also has a wonderful plan for all our lives. Kentucky Mission is a project that ministers to churches throughout Southeastern Kentucky. Churches in Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties will result in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. A matter of fact the relationships that are built from this week continue to grow year after year. Seth Buckley, the Minister of Students has often shared the story of a little boy who was 8 years old being invited to attend a Vacation Bible School at Crocket in Fields, Kentucky. This little fella loaded up in station wagon and off he went. He learned how to sing songs like “Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down”. He made his first craft, played all the games at VBS and most importantly was introduced to a guy named Jesus Christ. Some might never imagine what would happen or what can happen because someone shares and another listens. Who can imagine what God will do with a life that volunteers and follows His call. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure. Because the people of First Baptist Middlesboro called Dr. Alastair Walker as their pastor the lives of thousands have been touched. Thousands have volunteered each year to come to Kentucky and their training process is a big commitment of time, preparation and study. Self-Sacrifice is always a great place to start to go and make a real difference. For those of us here in Bell County thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Until then

Harlan County, Kentucky - Tugglesville Baptist Church - Ky Missions

Here is a test. Read this list and tell me what they have in common: Arjay Baptist; Bethel Baptist; East End Park/East Cumberland Ave Baptist Church; First Christian-Pineville; Jenson Missionary; Newtown Baptist; Pine Grove Baptist; Chenoa Church; Wasioto Baptist; Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch; Now your first inclination might be to say they are all Baptist, but that not correct. A matter of fact, one of the places there is not church, it is just a park. Baptist is out! What can it be? What is it that each of these locations share in common? Bell County has experienced this week the invasion of ‘White Vans’. If you have seen what looks like several vans traveling down the highway or in your community picking up kids but not sure what is happening or going on, you might not be alone. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed the Student Ministry of First Baptist Spartanburg in action. The connection with each of the locations I mentioned is that this week teenagers, college students and adults have been conducting Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camps, and community outreach events throughout Bell County. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. In 1955 the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called as their pastor, Dr. Alastair Walker. He fell in love with the mountains and the people of Southeastern Kentucky. Dr. Walker was only in Middlesboro-Bell County for a short time but the impact this area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this grow a trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people who came to conduct a Vacation Bible School for churches that might not otherwise have a summer Bible School. Today, the little trip is known as Kentucky Missions and it has continued to build a connection with Kentucky and more especially Bell County. This week teenagers, college students and adults have volunteered their time to make a difference by loving on people and sharing that Jesus Christ loves everyone, and not only that, but that Jesus also has a wonderful plan for all our lives. Kentucky Mission is a project that ministers to churches throughout Southeastern Kentucky. Churches in Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties will result in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. A matter of fact the relationships that are built from this week continue to grow year after year. Seth Buckley, the Minister of Students has often shared the story of a little boy who was 8 years old being invited to attend a Vacation Bible School at Crocket in Fields, Kentucky. This little fella loaded up in station wagon and off he went. He learned how to sing songs like “Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down”. He made his first craft, played all the games at VBS and most importantly was introduced to a guy named Jesus Christ. Some might never imagine what would happen or what can happen because someone shares and another listens. Who can imagine what God will do with a life that volunteers and follows His call. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure. Because the people of First Baptist Middlesboro called Dr. Alastair Walker as their pastor the lives of thousands have been touched. Thousands have volunteered each year to come to Kentucky and their training process is a big commitment of time, preparation and study. Self-Sacrifice is always a great place to start to go and make a real difference. For those of us here in Bell County thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Until then

Cumberland Gap Still a Gateway - First Baptist Spartanburg - Ky Missions

Have you ever seen traveling through our area a mile long group of white vans? Every year at the end of June there is a group that stops on top of Clinch Mountain, enjoys the view from the overlook and even takes time to have some lunch on their stop. There is about 250 of them and if you happen to just drive by the overlook it is a sight to see, and you brain will stop for a moment or two and ask what in the heck is going on? The answer to the last question is simple and complicated. I can answer the question simply by sharing the group of teenagers, college students and adults are from First Baptist Spartanburg in South Carolina and they are traveling through the Cumberland Gap and immediately heading in every direction in what is the State of Kentucky’s largest mission event sponsored by an organization not from Kentucky. The Kentucky Baptist Convention recognized Seth Buckley, Minister of Students and Pastor Don Wilton previously for the continuous ministry efforts that started in 1969. Our local area here in Claiborne County has a connection with this group. For years this team of missionaries and their church called the dorms of Lincoln Memorial University home during their week long commitment of conducting Vacation Bible Schools and sponsoring mission projects. While the church is a Southern Baptist Church they are fully committed to loving people and being a helping hand wherever they can serve. The New Tazewell United Methodist Church connected with these willing volunteers one year and demonstrated what the church of Jesus looks like when in action. Helping out, crossing denominational lines to assist when a need exists never flinching for one second at the call for help. Serving Jesus for some churches can be confusing. Normally the confusion begins with a long list of rules, do’s and don’ts. This attitude followed by a no bending or adjusting spiritual position that seems to exclude everyone that doesn’t fit your idea of proper connections, and even worse seems to be most self-serving tops the list off. First Baptist Spartanburg has been creating a long line of white vans down Clinch Mountain, through Tazewell and New Tazewell toward Harrogate and even back in the day over the Cumberland Gap. The travel route along 25E over two mountains until this caravan made it way to Kentucky always causes folks to wonder who are these people? Where are they going? Smiling faces and even hands waving out the windows, horns sometimes blowing catch our attention as they drive by through to their new home for the week in Barbourville, Kentucky. Imagine once our forefathers traveled from the Carolina’s to discover the trail that Dr. Thomas Walker found over the Cumberland Gap. Dr. Walker traveled with his band of surveyors and scouts to what is known today as the Dr. Thomas Walker State Park. The travelers in these white vans, these missionary surveyors if you will, are out scouting for the heart of people by means of an introduction to Jesus Christ. The Cumberland Gap has long been the Gateway for many a traveler and for even many a weary traveler too. The Bible talks about each of us traveling and bearing our load. Scripture talks about us sharing that load too. Helping those who might also fall beneath a heavy load unless someone comes along to walk beside us and help in our journey. . Today, I am so thankful for not just First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina, but I am thankful for the way East Tennesseans are too. A gentle people, who can and will defend her own if rattled without a doubt. But a people with great big hearts that believe in helping neighbors, giving aid and assistance, just as these visitors to our area offer to help us by extending their hand of friendship. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. It is exciting to know that when Jesus comes into your heart, there is a change. The change will get you moving and going. Real change will motivate you to tell the greatest story, the story of Jesus and His love. Throughout our county we have churches on hillsides and in the valley standing as a lighthouse of the power of God and the plan of God. It is my prayer that because we see others coming that we will hear that still small voice of God that moves us to pack our backs and go for Him too. Until then

First Baptist Spartanburg - Continuing the Tri-County Connection - Ky Missions

If you were to survey the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Gray, the 1st Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Corbin, Cedar Gap Baptist Church, Chapel Grove Baptist Church, Apple Grove Missionary, Dewitt Baptist, Northside Baptist, Roadside and Walker Baptist as to what is one thing each year they look forward to, I am rather confident they are going to say “White Vans” rolling into town. The Tri-County Area this week has been invaded by South Carolina, or at least it can feel that way and it is an awesome invasion too! Setting up operations and headquarters at Union College in Barbourville, these area churches are experiencing what First Baptist Spartanburg Youth Ministries calls Kentucky Missions. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed some of the over 250 volunteers taking a break in between morning or evening Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camp, a community outreach event, a building project as just a few of the events they sponsor or hose in our area churches. For those of us who are locals, this is a highlight of summer as eternal differences are made because people are willing to go in His name. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. It all started down in the Crater City of Middlesboro In 1955. The First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called Dr. Alastair Walker to serve as their pastor. You should note that the First Baptist Church in Corbin, Barbourville, Pineville and Middlesboro all have connections as they were established by men of vision to impact our communities. Dr. Walker was only in Bell County for a short time but the impact the area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people the ministry is thriving and impacting thousands now over the years. The Kentucky Missions project reaches into Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties resulting in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. The students that come bring with them a real energy and excitement about sharing about Jesus, meeting needs, teaching someone a new skill or just sitting and talking about life or basketball. I know some might wonder why at Vacation Bible School would you be talking about basketball, well here’s an answer. It’s fun! It is a connection point with people. Some might never imagine what would happen from expressing an interest in others so it is safe to say “only God knows”, and He does. For some it might be hard to imagine what God will do with a heart that says yes to Him, deciding to ask God is there something He wants to do with their life? Just imagine what happens with one person volunteers to be a friend to someone else all in His name. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure because people are willing to hear and respond the difference made might very well be forever untold here, but we will know it all in the by and by. Thousands of lives have been touched by those that have volunteered over the years. Some of the adults traveling with this group first came to Kentucky as teenagers. They have witnessed generations of impact, and that is quite awesome! For those of us here in the Tri-County, thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Thanks First Baptist Spartanburg! Until then