Dan Cooper's Blog

In a healthy church, the love that flows through God’s children is deeper, richer, faster and more authentic than that which is found anywhere else in the world!  There is a common goal among believers, a common sacrifice, common values, common habits and common traditions.  We connect more than on Sunday mornings, once a week.  We relish day by day fellowship.

Agape love motivates disciples to sacrifice their egos in service to each other.  So, if I don’t always get to sing the songs I like, I’ll not gripe and complain.  If everyone else doesn’t dress up (or dress down) like I do on Sunday mornings, I’ll not judge them.  If someone hurts me, I will forgive them and “get over it.”  Even though the world does not grasp this kind love, growing churches are filled with Christians who work to have “all things in common” (Acts 2:42-47).  In fact, we are part of a fellowship that connects us, even with total strangers, as we celebrate our oneness in Christ.

Building Christ’s Church in 2010 Requires:
# 6 A Spirit of Harmony
# 7 Every Member Being A Minister
# 8 Practicing AGAPE Fellowship
-Dan the Preacherman

Do you feel special? I am hand-picked by God…and so are you!  We were chosen by God.  We are priests, citizens in His holy nation, and we belong to Him (1 Pet. 2:5, 9).  Since we are His specially chosen ones, He has specific things for us to do.  Together, we are to complete works of service (Eph. 4:11-12).  There is no distinction between clergy and laity. He saved us so that we can save and serve others.  Isn’t that cool?  We not only get to partner with God, we also get to partner with each other.

Few things are more exciting than watching dozens (or hundreds) of God’s hand-picked people working together to complete a task!  Conversely, few things are more frustrating than being burdened by the major part of a work load of a church family.  You know the feeling?

Nothing helps you grow as a Christian like service.  Teach a class, serve the homeless, prepare a Wednesday night meal, sing at a nursing home, go on a mission trip, visit a hospital, open your home to someone new, work at camp, or lead a LIFE Group.  You and I are hand-picked by God to minister together! 
-Dan the Preacherman

God hates those who sow discord among believers (Prov. 6:19)!  Jesus’ longest prayer emphatically demonstrates His concern for our unity (John 17).  Jesus went so far as to declare that our love and harmony is the distinguishing mark of His church.  When God’s spirit fell upon the fledgling church in Century One they were all together in one place, at one time, with one accord!

What threatens harmony?
  -False teaching threatens harmony
  -A legalistic spirit threatens harmony
  -A cutting, caustic, critical spirit threatens harmony
  -An uncontrolled ego threatens harmony

The evil one is determined to steal, kill and destroy.  Jesus prayed for His church to be united, loving and harmonious. 

Guiding principle number six in Building God’s Church in 2010 requires A Spirit of Harmony. I don’t always get my own way, and neither do you.  We get to defer to one another!         
-Dan the Preacherman

Many churches today are not growing because their efforts are characterized a shallow, stained-glass, padded pew, “business as usual” faithlessness. 

Growing churches are characterized by bold, daring, even risk-taking faith.  Growing churches say to this mountain, “move from here to there,” and it moves.  They say to their members, we need $1,000, 000 to complete this project, and $1,000,000 appears.  They say, we need another staff person to accomplish all that God is calling us to do; and somehow, some way—after fervent prayer—the right person appears at the right time, along with the just the right amount of funds to support.

Simply stated…<u>Building God’s Church in 2010 Requires</u>:
1) A Bold Proclamation of truth, the Bible!
2) Vibrant Worship, in spirit and in truth!
3) Unselfish, servant-hearted leaders!
4) Excellence—-God deserves our very best!
5) Radical Faith—-Daring, risk-taking trust in Him!

Growing Churches Demonstrate Radical Faithfulness,
Dan the Preacherman

Many churches today are not growing because their efforts are characterized by mediocrity!  God deserves our very best.  He wants our first, not our leftovers! Unfortunately we tend to take the first and give him what’s left.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him” (Col. 3:17).

Hallmark urges us to send their cards when “Only the very best will do!”  That’s the way it is with God, He deserves our very best!  Churches that are growing pursue excellence.  They may not hit it every time, but there is a conscious pursuit of excellence.  The lost deserve the best we have to offer.  God deserves our best.

Simply stated…<u>Building God’s Church in 2010 Requires</u>:
1) A Bold Proclamation of truth, the Bible!
2) Vibrant Worship, in spirit and in truth!
3) Unselfish, servant-hearted leaders!
4) Excellence—-God deserves our very best!

I cannot offer that which costs me nothing,
Dan the Preacherman

Gimmicks, programs, big buildings and creative ideas do not build great churches. Humble, Christ-centered leaders do!
Christ-centered leaders make tough, sometimes unpopular, decisions. They inconvenience themselves.  They do what is best for the flock,; not what is best for their own interest!  They pause a building program when the economy tanks!  They cancel church when a huge snow storm hits!  They “anoint with oil,” when the sick saint calls.  They spend countless hours in meetings and prayer as they oversee the flock. 

Why are so many churches floundering today?  Simply stated: Floundering churches do not have leaders who unselfishly devoted themselves to pastoring the flock.  That is a strong accusation, but it is true!

Simply stated…Building God’s Church in 2010 Requires:
1) A Bold Proclamation of truth, the Bible!
2) Vibrant Worship, in spirit and in truth!
3) Unselfish, servant-hearted leaders!

By God’s Grace…
A Builder,
Dan the Preacherman

Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Lk. 6:45).  What flows out of your mouth?  God’s church, when it is functioning as it ought, leads disciples to vibrant worship and praise.  Jesus also said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Just as central as truth being taught to build up God’s church (that was # 1, last week); is the fact that our Holy God is to be worshipped.  He is to be adored with all of our heart, soul mind and strength.  Our lips are to honor Him.  I love singing the old traditional songs and the new praise songs.  I love our congregational prayers, too!  What a thrill to unite in one mind and one heart as a brother publicly leads us to the Creator of the universe!  And gathering around the Lord’s table is yet one more time to link hearts together.  We join as ONE when we commune with each other and with Him around the Lord’s Table.  We share the bread and drink the cup as ONE!  Our giving is one more unmistakable form of worship. My cheerful giving says, I trust the Almighty God not the almighty dollar. 
A Vibrant Worshipper,
Dan

It takes more than money to build God’s church!  Words cannot describe my ecstasy over passing the million dollar mark in our giving last Sunday.  Money is great and what a huge testimony to our faithfulness!  However, money by itself , will not build God’s church.  Believe it or not, collecting the money to build God’s church may be one of the easy parts.  What else do we need?

It is mandatory that God’s church emphasize truth!  His church powerfully, creatively, and lovingly presents His truth and applies it to people’s lives.  For that reason I am challenging all our members to read through your entire Bible in 2010.  I have aggressively encouraged the church to join me every five years in this journey.  I led that cover to cover reading at this church in 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and now I am challenging us to make the exciting journey through the Bible in 2010.  You can do it!  It will be good for you, and it will help build a rock solid foundation for your faith.  Use a Bible that you can underline and make notes in.  Use your existing Bible or you may want to try a new translation.  Get a Bible and read, Genesis-Revelation. 
Truth Matters,
Dan

It all started on August 30th, the day of our ground-breaking ceremony.  I committed to having someone on the property to pray every single day.  So far we’ve made it at least 90 to 95% of the time. 

Yes, we could pray from anywhere and the all-seeing God would hear!  But for me there is just something special about being on the property as the prayers are lifted up.  What do we pray about, you may ask?  Everything!  The safety of the workers, the weather, the permits, Rich Rinne’s leadership of the project, the timing, the finances, the people (especially the children) living around our new building. I also pray about you!  I pray for our sick, (especially Tanya and Caryl) about our church unity, about our elders, and our office staff.  I pray for lost souls, for wisdom, for patience, for the sale of our current building, and for God’s timing.  This is about so much more than building a building.  This is about building a people of deeper faith, of greater dependence upon God. God is in this process, every step of the way!  Without Him we are doomed to fail.  With Him, success in a sure thing!  Will you join with me in prayer?
-Dan

What a thrill it was to mail those 30 Thanksgiving cards last Monday!  You did great!  We sent cards to former members, missionaries, people from the community and far away financial supporters.  You filled the cards with more names and notes than ever before.  Great!  Sometimes word gifts are the best gifts you can give. For most recipients, the cards arrived the day before or the day after Thanksgiving.

First Fruit Sunday!  Next Sunday will be the third anniversary of our first “First Fruit Sunday.”  Three years ago, on Dec. 3, 2006, our church donated $52,694 on our “First Fruit Sunday,” and committed $975,000 over three years.  In spite of his grave illness, John Reimels insisted that Joyce send their check for the “First Fruit Sunday” contribution!  John would be so thrilled to see us finishing strong.  On next Sunday Greg Krinks, one of our elders will preach, and we will formally conclude our three year “Reaching Out in Faith” campaign.  Katherine and I have sacrificed, like many of you, to make our pledge a reality.  Next Sunday we finish!  One of the many lessons learned, “God honors sacrifice!”
Dan

Katherine and I are leading a 13 day tour to Israel and Egypt, May 13-29, 2010. We already have about a dozen who are committed, and we can take as many as 40 or 45 with us.  The tour will depart from Newark International Airport and we plan to hit all the high-lights in Israel, including Masada, spend a day and night at Mt. Sinai (climbing to the top, for the hearty), then spend the last three days in Egypt.  This will be our third trip to lead to Israel, but our first to include Egypt.  We are excited!

While this does promise to be a spiritually enriching trip, it is not sponsored by the church.  If you’d like more information please contact me and I will be glad to send you a full color brochure which includes all the basics.  The weather should be perfect in May, after the rainy season, and before the summer heat settles in.  These dates are pretty well locked in.  After a trip to Israel, you never again read your Bible in just the same way.  This trip to Jerusalem (and beyond) is just a precursor to the ultimate trip to the “New Jerusalem.”  Contact us if you are interested in learning more. 

His Servant,
Dan

If I had been writing the script, I could not have scripted it any better!

A perfect beginning with angelic blending of voices on Friday night… then a delicious breakfast on Saturday morning coordinated by Judi Campbell ... then the wonderful food, fellowship and loving spirit at Masso’s on Saturday afternoon, coordinated by Barbara Britton and her committee ... and finally the wonderful turn out for the noon meal on Sunday from “extended family,” host families and current church leaders!

The perfect touch in the ideal script was the baptisms of the “two Joe’s.”  Welcome to Joe Pollard, Courtney’s husband, relatively new in association with our church family.  And, welcome to Joe Calabro, Nancy’s husband, who has been attending our church for the better part of three decades.  What an astounding way to end our 50th anniversary celebration…The baptisms of two adult males.  Wow…How could it have been any better!  God is so good.

Still celebrating God’s victories, 
-Dan

I dug out the old church bulletins and discovered what was happening here 25 years ago today.  Jim Daniels, Frank Rizzuto and John Rucker were our elders.  Ted and Rose Noe were complimented for their excellent job of building cleaning.  Jim McManus was struggling with heart issues.  Ruth Daniels was experiencing “nausea and vertigo.”  Helen Dilks was “not doing as well as she’d like.”  Evelyn Wandel was “recovering at her daughter’s home and” Katie Point was “recovering from a tonsillectomy.”  The Hobo Party was advertised, Alex Isaga was baptized and Jr. and Carolyn Boren placed membership.  On that first Sunday of November, 1984 there were 127 in Sunday morning worship and we gave $1,260.  Many have gone on to their reward and we are standing on the shoulders of some spiritual giants!

It was the Cooper’s first Sunday with this church.  Andrew was 9, Becky was 7, Luke was 3 and Rachel was only 1 and still not walking. This was my second full time preaching job.  The first column of “From Katherine’s Kitchen” appeared (See inside for reprint.)  Remembering and thanking God for the last 25 years.  He has been so good to us!  Thank you, Dan and Katherine

I had Christmas in October this year!  Really!  Gifts were given, great food was shared, we stayed up late, and it was a time for family and special memories.  It is like Christmas for me when all of our elders get together with us preachers for our annual prayer and planning time.  That was last week-end, and I was again humbled to be working with such godly men.  Each shepherd brings his own unique gifts, his own perspective and insight.

And, oh how they love you!  They are spirit-led men, and they are devoted to growing God’s kingdom, especially the church here in Pitman.  They sacrifice for you!  They have the hearts of loyal and devoted shepherds.  So much so that they smell like sheep. 

Our annual time at the shore is always one of the highlights of the year for me.  You have a diverse, but unified leadership.  They are so different in their perspective.  Not one of them is a “head elder.”  Christ is the chief shepherd, and they are all His servant-leaders.  And that’s the way God likes it!  Amen. 

–Dan

Don’t you just love “getting even” with people?  No, not “getting even” when you’ve been hurt.  I’m talking about “getting even” when someone has done something nice to/for you. And you get to “get even” with them by reciprocating. Steve lavished wonderful word gifts on me last week in his “Family Porch” article.  Today I get even!  Yippie!

Steve Sikes is a gifted listener.  He is steady, thoughtful, wise, discerning, non-judgmental and compassionate.  He mentors, teaches, preaches, and leads.  He prays like no man I have ever known.  I love hearing Steve pray.  His giftedness has been noticed by others.  He is in demand as a speaker elsewhere.  Steve almost always approves of an abundant accumulation of alliteration in addresses, arguments and articles.  He has an earned PhD and I’ve never once heard him brag about it.  Did I mention that Steve is a humble man?  I love, trust and respect him.

God sent him here at the right time. I love him. He is my brother in the faith. I love our team approach to ministry. 

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  Even when we don’t understand Him! 
- Dan