New Believers Interview

Tanya is you young mother who started coming to church a little over a year ago and soon after gave her heart to the Lord.

1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.

Answer: My journey to faith in Christ began when I was baptized as an infant. Then as a young child I attended Sunday School and Bible School. My family did belong to a church, however we did not go regularly. At the age of 13 I went through Catechetical Class. After that I really did not have much to do with the church or the Lord. After becoming a mother I often thought about sending my children to Sunday School, but did not want to drive a half hour to my church. From 2007-2008 I worked in a church nursery in which I was able to hear the sermon and take my children to Sunday School. I believe this was the beginning of reacquainting myself with the Lord. I happened upon Calvary Christian Center in August of 2009 at their Back to School Kick Off. While there I ran into an old friend from school and her husband who kept asking me about my son joining Royal Rangers. We finally came to Royal Rangers and Impact in December 2009 and also began attending Sunday School and church regularly. I now also teach the Rainbows and Daisies in the Impact Girls Club. I could not have made a better choice than reacquainting myself and my children with the Lord. I continue to grow in faith through teaching, reading, attending Sunday School and Bible study group and through the guidance of my pastors, church family and friends.

2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

Answer: I really wanted to get involved with a church for my children. But the more I thought about it I needed my own refreshers and learning so that I could help my children learn and understand. We were warmly welcomed into the church family. Hearing testimonies and receiving guidance from those around me also helped me to make the commitment.

3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

Answer: The best part in becoming a Christ follower for me is all the knowledge I have gained. There is so much that I was unaware of and did not remember from attending Sunday School as a child. And hearing all the testimonies makes me believe in the Lord that much more. Hopefully some day I will have my own testimony to share.

4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

Answer: There are 2 major things I find challenging. One is being able to feel/hear the Lord. I hear people's testimonies and how they felt the Lord's presence or listened to what He told them and wonder why I don't feel Him or hear Him. Sometimes I think it's because I am too busy to take the time to notice and that I should slow down. The other thing I find challenging is tithing. I know that I should give 10%...but I find this hard to do. Considering my circumstances of being a single parent of 2 children and providing for my family is what makes it hard for me...because I don't want to fall short. I do know in both of these instances I need to slow down and have more faith. and I know that in due time I will get t here. But as everyone, I want that instant gratification...and that's not how it happens.

5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Answer: What I believe is helping me to grow the most in my faith is all that I am learning/relearning about the Lord and all He did. Also my friends and family in the church...they help me in so many ways. They really are a blessing to me.

6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their
faith?

Answer: My advice to you Cindy is to keep doing what you are doing! I have learned so much from you . You are a loving and caring person. You are also a wonderful inspiration and teacher as well as a great friend!


After our interview I shared the following with Tanya:

You have blessed me so much by sharing your personal thoughts. I have seen your love for God increase and that blesses His heart more than you may know. Hearing your answers, it is easy to tell how much you long to have a deeper relationship with Jesus. Honey, He is a friend that will stick closer to you than a brother. He will never leave you, never forsake you! He is your provider and as far as tithing I can only encourage you to TRY Him! He said, Try Me as see if I don't throw open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing, so much that you won't be able to contain it...He is not a liar! You can trust Him with your very life! And for your children.
Tanya, I want you to know I am here for you. Anytime you have questions or need to talk all you have to do is send me a message, give me a call, grab me at church...I am so proud of you!!!! As you teach the Rainbows you are going to learn so much more about the Lord. As for a your own Testimony ... you already have one! When you gave your heart to Jesus your soul came to life. You were brought from death to life, from darkness into the Light, You became a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; your name was written in the Lambs Book of Live and God is preparing a place for you in Heaven!! Your testimonies will keep growing as you grow. As you continue to learn how to apply God's Word and listen for His voice you will hear Him speaking to you. I'm sure you already do and just don't realize it yet. I am sooo proud of You!!

Tom Rees

Off and on through out the entire day I would wonder who this weeks guest would be. As I entered the building at 5:50pm there was a woman going up the steps in front of me, and I thought, “Wonder if she’s our guest?” Once she reached the top of the stairs she turned to the left and headed in the opposite direction. Even after class started I still wondered who it could be as I didn’t see a new person in the room. Needless to say I was quite impressed as Professor Reese informed the class that he was the one to be interviewed. “I bring guest in, he said, and they I ask the hard questions. It’s only fare that you have the opportunity to ask me hard
questions as well, so tonight you get to interview me. I am the guest speaker for the evening.”

The interview started with a student asking about his journey growing up. Professor Rees began by telling how his mother came here from Italy at a young age and in time met and married his dad who was a dancer on American Band Stand. He talked about what life was like having three different fathers and the tragedy that his family faced with each one. At a young age he looked out for his mother as she suffered with thoughts of suicide upon learning that husband number three had three families in different places. “I would sleep, on the floor, at the foot of my mother’s so she wouldn’t do anything during the night.” Professor Rees said.

After his mom experienced salvation through Jesus Christ her heart and life were changed. She Felt God! And now she wanted her son to feel the same thing.

“Tell us about your salvation and ministry.” came from another student.

“At the age of sixteen, my mom would called me into the house to watch Billie Graham crusade on tv. At the end of the message I prayed the sinner’s prayer. My mom’s big thing was always, ‘Did you feel anything?’”

Professor Rees came to his own personal experience after read two tracks he had picked up for his mother from a record store. “I put them in my pocket thinking I would get some for my mother. I forgot about them until one day as I was on the train headed for school, I took them out and began to read. It was then I realized that I was a sinner and needed God. I prayed and gave my heart to Jesus. When I told me my mom she said, ‘Did you feel anything?’ Because of what I read from one of the tracts I was able to tell her, ‘It’s not about feeling. It’s about Faith.”

He attended a Catholic church where Charismatic services held. Later he found an
Assemblies of God church where he heard about Heritage U.S.A and the P.T.L. Club. He attend their camp ground and it was there he received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and a call to ministry. Instead of becoming a lawyer he became a Youth Pastor.

He attended VFCC. While in college he was part of the 3D music group which traveled ministering in song. On one trip to the Potomac District Youth Camp he met his future wife, Sheri, who later came to VFCC - they started dating and eventually married.

He graduated from VFCC in 1984 and worked for some time at the Debroah Foundation, where he served as a house parent, cared for and planed activities for clients ranging from 18-30 years of age. He left the foundation after a dear friend, who also worked their, was hit in the chest by one to the clients and died.

He and Sheri began seeking God as to where He wanted them to go. “I just didn’t take anything that came along. The questions wasn’t, “Will they want me to work for them? No, the question was “Do I want to work for them?” “I would never accept a position without first going to a service to hear the pastor. Having dinner with a family will tell you a whole lot about their situation.”

He and his family ended up at Glad Tidings in Reading, PA and the youth pastor. After being there for one year he was asked to take over children’s ministry. Before he knew it he was wearing many different hats. During that time he began to realize he can’t do it all and he needed a team to work with him. He was on staff at Glad Tidings from 1985-1997.

After accepting a position at the Penn/Del District Office his family continued to attend Glad Tidings. He now serves as the Saturday night pastor at the church.

When asked, “What is your most difficult thing?” He quickly answered, “Me!” He began to share some of the struggles he has had to work through - explaining that when you live in they type of environment he did growing up - it leaves the door open for all kinds of stuff.

He has found the Faithfulness of God and the importance of having an accountability partners. When asked what he felt was the biggest test of God’s faithfulness, he replied, “The biggest test of God’s faithfulness has been through my wonderful wife and two great kids.”

It is not always easy to be transparent in front of a group of people. Let along a class of college students. Truly we all have gone through things that would be helpful to the younger generation coming up, if we would share our experiences. I appreciate Professor Tom’s openness with the class which show that no matter your past God can still use us!

Intervies With A Unchurched Friend

My interview was with a woman by the name of Flora Mae. Most of her life she has not gone to
church. However, from time to time over the years she would start but with all her efforts she
only lasted a few weeks before she would loose interest once again.

At the present time she not attending church anywhere and hasn’t for some time. She tells me
she prays and reads her Bible at home.

Our Interview

1. What are a few issues or topics that impact or interest you?

* As I watch and listen to the news and all that is happening in the world, I would like to know
more about all that is happening relates to the Bible.

I said, “So, are you saying you would like to know more of how the book of Revelation lines up
with what’s happening in our world right now? She replied, “Yea, I guess that’s the book I’m
talking about.”

* I would like to know why there are so many different demonstrations. Like the Catholic, Baptist, Christian, Lutheran, Methodist, Church of God, Assemblies of God. Where did they all come from? If there is suppose to be only one God to follow I don’t understand why everybody is different.

* I would like to know what it means when people say, ‘God has a plan and I need to accept His
plan.’ I would be interested in learning how His plan could involve the suffering of innocent children. Those who are being harmed and even born with deformities and can’t live a normal healthy childhood.

* I would also be interested in learning why people who say they love God and go to church all
the time, even pastors, deal with pain and suffering. If He is a merciful God then where is the mercy?

* When my mother was dying people would say to me, ‘God is trying to get the attention of her
children.’ If that is the case they why did He have her suffer? Why didn’t He just tap us on the shoulder instead of trying to get my attention by making my mother suffer? These might not be topics of interest but they are things I really would like to know.

2. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?

* We hear of so many pastors who hide their evilness behind the pulpit. Pastor’s and Priest are being arrested for molestation. There is so much adultery and greed. Aren’t Pastors suppose to be holy?

* Feel they don’t have the proper clothing.

* Afraid of being made fun of

* Afraid of being the new person in church

* I don’t want to raise have to raise my hand, stand or come up front to be recognized. That makes me feel like I am being judged and put on the spot.

* Afraid they will call on me to read or ask me a question that I don’t know the answer to.

* One church had everyone who brought their Bible - hold it up high so they knew who had a
Bible. I didn’t take mine because the print was to small and I could see it. I was so embarrassed. Anyway I am there for the pastor to teach me.

* I don’t want to be asked to fill out an information card. Some people are not ready to give out
their personal information. A lot of information cards ask questions that I’m not sure I want to get the answers to. Like, I don’t want them to know I have problems. And what if they send someone to my house to talk to me that I don’t feel comfortable talking with.

I’m not even sure I want someone coming to my house at all. What is my family is discussing a problem and they come knocking at the door at that time. Not good.

Another reason I don’t like to fill out their cards ahead of time: I’m not sure what the people are like, friendly or not or if I like the pastor’s message. It’s too late if I have already given them my information.

3. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?

* Smaller church

* Friendly people

* A Pastor that shares his knowledge of the Bible

* A Pastor who will share the goals of reaching eternity (heaven)

* Younger people — not just old people — a younger generation

4. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?

* Let people know you are available to talk, listen or pray whenever needed

* Let people know you will keep problems between them and the Lord. Unless it is asking for
others to pray too (prayer request)

* It would be nice if the Pastor would call once in a while just to check people. That person
might have something bothering them but they might feel it is not important enough to ask for help.

* I would really be helpful if they would put their sermon topic and scripture text in the bulletin.
I like to go over the topic with my Bible at home but can’t.

* They could really help the needy in the community with things like: clothing and food. Helping the elderly or families who have trouble children. They could also offer more activities to younger people in the community.

Flora Mae is actually my aunt. We have talked many, many times over the years. However,
asking her these four questions has given me a deeper insight of her view on the church,
ministers, and those who call themselves Christians.

After she gave her answers I went back and touched on several of her concerns. We talked about
why bad things seem to happen to innocent people, we talked about how everything we hear
must be filtered through the Word of God. How we can’t hold a grudge against those who have
hurt or offended us. In the light of eternity it’s not worth missing out with Jesus. We talked
about forgiveness and what it means that God has a plan for our lives.

Flora Mae is defiantly as searcher. She has prayed the sinners prayer and wants to make it to
heaven. She is just trying to figure it all out in her mind.

I found her reasons for not wanting to fill out an information quite interesting. It has made me
rethink of what we do personally at our church. Not that we ‘pressure’ people into doing this,
because we don’t. Just was so appreciative that she went into detail as to why she doesn’t like
that.

She is only ten years older than me and we are very close. We talk quite often and we pray
together a lot. I know the difficulties she has experienced when she tries to find a church. I pray
she will be able to push pass her fears.

Class Project Make Up Lesson

Coaching 503
Change, Transition, and Transformation

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living and hold sacrifices, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Coaching 503 is designed to help, the would be, coach to be able to do the following:

∙ Understand the dynamics of change, transition and transformation
∙ Use coaching skills and the coaching process to help people navigate through the three
∙ And increase effectiveness as a catalyst for transformation

When it comes to change most people are quick to say, “I don’t like it!” However, if we want to move from one place to another change must take place. In looking at the three aspects of Coaching 503 one must first define and understand the meaning of each.

Change is: external, temporary, self initiated, doing, relationship with other & God

Change always starts in the mind. If we always stay where we stop offering ourselves as an act of worship to God. If one truly wants to be transformed they must first recognize their need for others especially God. To often those longing for changes refuse the cocoon experience, for it is within the cocoon that transformation comes. Unfortunately, if change does not come we will die either physically, spiritually or both.

Transition is: internal, resisted, frustrating, confusing, fearful, painful, a mind shift

In this step of the journey to transformation we become a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament when a sacrifice was given salt placed on it. A dead sacrifice feels no pain. However, if you add salt to the wound of a living sacrifice there will great pain and all that comes with it. Not only is this a painful process it leaves the PBC (person being coached) with feeling of total vulnerability which only adds to the pain. As coaches we must let them know it’s ok to have these feeling and to feel the way they do.

M. Scott Peck says, “The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”

Transformation is: internal, permanent, God initiated, being, new relationships

It is vital that we as coaches understand that transformation is a process and we are to coach people through that process. For that to happen we must first learn we can not tell they what they need to do. Instead we must learn to ask the right questions that will enable them to come up with their own process. (example: Job’s friends vs. God’s response). In doing so we will help the PBC move from surviving to thriving (Philippians 1:9-11; Psalm 63:3-4) which will lead them from bondage to freedom (Galatians 5:1, 13; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Freedom, that’s a great place to be!

A good coach will be able to help people moved into that transformation place, by helping the PBC:

∙ Expand their horizon to new possibilities.
∙ Elicit powerful new commitments.
∙ Transform their point of view about themselves.
∙ Foster new ways of being, skills, and practices.
∙ Move past places where they are stuck.
∙ Coaching them to effective action.

Although a business can undergo changes within it structure, changes that will cause the business to expand and grow to new levels, we can’t be so quick to use the work transformation in this setting. For true transformation can only come about once an individual has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. True transformation happens from the inside out. The old has gone and the new has come. Some individuals have even gone as far as to change their name, all because they have found a new identity in Christ Jesus.

I have personally experienced this type of transformation in my own life I have had the privilege of helping others in their journey as well. It is my desire to see our church fulled with individuals who can sing, “Look What The Lord Has Done” not because they can read the words off the wall, but because they have experienced this transforming power for themselves. I believe as I learn to apply these coaching skills that desire will soon become a reality.

It is so my desire to become a coach that will be able to help people through the process of becoming transformed.

Jason Lamer

Guest Speaker: Jason Lamer
February 8, 2011

Jason lives in Harrisburg, Pa and serves as the Director of Youth Alive for the PennDel District of
the Assemblies of God.

Jason’s father became a Christian when Jason was two years old. So at a very young age he was
taught the ways of God and what it truly meant to be a servant of God. Leading by example, his
father would take Jason along as he ministered in a rescue mission for men and at the New Life
Ministry for girls.

Jason said, “My dad lived his whole life finding needs and serving people. He would always say
ministry is never a job, that’s who we are. Ministry is my hobby. His hobby was to build the
church and meet the needs of people.”

Jason said, “Just today my dad and I were talking about ministry. And he told me he would go
play golf with friends and they vowed not to talk about ministry. Yet somehow the conversation
always came back to ministry. “That isn’t work” my dad said, “That’s fun.”

At the age of thirteen Jason gave his heart to Jesus. That night he told God, “I am giving you
everything.” He was filled with the Holy Spirit and received a passion for God. Jason recalls, “I
saw myself preaching to people. And at the age of thirteen I preached my first message.”

“My dad always gave opportunity for me to preach. He has even given the same opportunity to
his twelve year old grandson. Dad was my newt work to preaching events.”

During his senior year in high school Jason gave up all sports, which he loved, to have more
ministry time. He traveled doing Youth Rallies during his senior year. Why6yyen he graduated
from high school his parents gave him $500 and said, “Make a life for yourself.” He laughed and
said, “So, he took the money and went out to eat a couple of times.”

He attend North Central College, where he met and married his wife. In 1999 he graduated from
North Central and went to Uniontown, PA where he serve as Youth Pastor for seven years. In
2006 he began to feel God stirring his heart and he knew his ministry was about to change. “God
told me, ‘It’s your turn!’ This was on a Saturday and two days later, on Monday I received a call
from Doug Sayers asking me if I was setting down because he had something exciting to talk to
me about. I already knew what it was.”

Jason gave great tribute to his father. He was asked, “What do you pray for your children” he
replied, “I pray three things over my children. First, that they would always be sensitive to the
Holy Spirit. Second, that they would have humility before God. And third, for them to have a
servants heart.”

Jason ended the class by saying, “God has divinely ordered our steps. I have walked the path He
has laid out for me at the age of thirteen. He is faithful. Don’t’ ever walk in fear or your own
comfort. Let God lead you in all comfort.”

Class Project ~ Option #5 ~ Coaching 501

Class Project - Option # 5
Coaching 501

"Building Blocks for Powerful Coaching"

Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, But a man of understanding draws them out.

Prior to attending Coaching 501 I had heard of coaching and had even been in meetings where the concept was practiced. However, a couple of hours did not give a full understanding of how this worked.

After taking the class I not only have a much better understanding but a great sense of relief . Growing up I always assumed that those in ministry needed to have all the right answers. This brought me a great deal of stress at times and even fear when someone would say, “Can I talk with you?” because I know how inadequate I am to even begin to full such a roll.

Another great relief was to learn what coaching is not. 1) Coaching is not counseling. A counselor deals with the past while a coach evaluates the present and move the person toward the future. 2) Coaching is not mentoring. A mentor is a one who counsels or teaches. With the goal of the mentee becoming like his/her mentor.

This class, as intense as it was, gave me valuable tools when it comes to helping others move forward in their life.

Some of the skills I learned were — A Good Coach Will:
∙ Build a trust. If the client can not trust you, you will not be able to help them. All that is shared must be kept confidential.
∙ Be a good listener. The client is the one to steer the conversation. They are the ones who decide what to talk a bout. The coach is there to help them process their thoughts.
∙ Be a good communicator. As he/she listens to the client they must be able to communicate clearly so the client understands what’s being said.
∙ Ask the tough questions. Tough questions will help the client to dig deeper within themselves to find the reasons why, or what to do next. Questions such as: What motivates you in life right now? What is currently preventing you from reaching this goal? What can you eliminate in your life to help you reach your goal this time? What are you tolerating right now in your personal life? What are you willing to do in the next 30 days?
∙ Ask open ended questions. Yes and no answers will get you no where. Questions must be asked to make the client think. Questions should be direct, simple and open ended.
∙ Help client narrow down topic. Helping them to stay focused on the situation at hand and help them come to a plan of action.

This class was amazing and I look forward to using the tools I have learned.

Story Of A Christ Follower ~ Aquila

Story Of A Christ Follower
Aquila
Acts 18 - Romans 16:3 - 1 Corinthians 16:19

Aquila and his wife Priscilla were devout Jews who lived in Rome until Claudius gave orders for all the Jews to leave. After leaving Rome they settled in the town of Corinth.

Now Paul had been traveling through different cities teaching and preaching the resurrection from the dead. Upon leaving Athens he arrived in Corinth. It was there that he met Aquila. One would assume they made a connection during this first encounter and somewhere during their conversation Aquila tells Paul that he and his wife are tent makes by trade. Sometime later Paul goes to their home and Aquila offers to let him stay there and work with him making tents.
Little did he know at that time the journey that was about to unfold for him and his wife.

As they were getting acquainted Paul began to give his testimony of how he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Aquila was hanging on every word as Paul told of the joys and struggles he had encountered as he himself followed the leading of the Lord. I would have loved the opportunity to have listened in on those conversations.

I think of the words Paul spike in 1 Corinthians 11:1 when he said, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” It could have been a warm Summer day as Paul is sharing with Aquila that he come to know this Jesus that Paul speaks so freely and passionately about. I can just imagine them kneeling right there, in the midst of their work, as Aquila surrenders his life to Jesus Christ. Two amazing things happened that day. Not only did Aquila and his wife give their hearts to Jesus - Paul became a mentor for Aquila as well, teaching him what it meant to be a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. The hours they spent together making tents and talking about Jesus was setting Aquila on a path that would one day cause him to lead others down the same path.

Aquila soon realized that being sold out to Jesus was not always going to be an easy road to travel. He observed first hand the opposition and abuse Paul faces as he declared that Jesus was the Christ. He saw Paul’s determination to keep speaking the truth no matter what the cost. The same determination that was beginning to develop in his own heart. Paul’s example made him more determined than ever to be a Christ follower.

The bond between these three had become so strong that when Paul decided to leave Corinth they left with him. Upon their arrival at Ephesus Paul parted ways. However, the lives of this couple would never be the same. It was now Aquila’s turn to step into the role of helping others become devoted Christ followers and God opened the door for that very thing to happen.

A young Jewish man by the name of Apollos comes to Ephesus. He was a learned man and with a thorough knowledge of the Scripture. Aquila and his wife heard this young man speaking boldly in the synagogue. After he had finished Aquila invites him to join them at their home. Even though Apollos was quite knowledgeable of Scripture Aquila wanted to use this opportunity to explain the way of God more adequately to him. He spoke into the life this young man just as Paul had spoken into his life.

Aquila’s faith along with Pirscilla's grew stronger and stronger as they continued to put into practice those things Paul taught them and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. Their deep love and passion for Jesus and His followers, was quiet evident as they were willing to risk their very lives to protect Paul and I'm sure others as well.

We all meet people on our journey, people who desperately need to know about Jesus. People we can take the opportunity to build a relationship with. Disciplining then not only in word but in deeds as well. Paul not only talked the talk, he walked the walk and lived a life that caused Aquila to want to follow Paul who was following Christ. When we invest into the lives of others we build a bond that can't be broken. No matter where our journey may take us.

That was the type of relationship Aquila and Priscilla had with Paul. Although they were separated for a time, each going about the Father’s business, their hearts were still connected. Somewhere along the way they are brought back together.

I’m sure Aquila was not the same man Paul met as he arrived in Corinth some years back. No Aquila had become a devoted follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. A man burning with a passion to care for, look after and even risk his life if need for saints like Paul.