There has been a resurrection in Rogue Valley!

Having been invited by Pastor Brian Steller to preach at Calvary Church, in Jacksonville, Oregon, I was honored to participate in the church’s 60th anniversary celebration.

The weekend was fabulous. Hundreds of people participated in meal and worship events as Calvary Church gave praise to God for His faithfulness during these last six decades.

The church had a strong start as John and Maryann Skinner came from California to plant this church. Under the leadership of other strong and godly pastors, this church became a vibrant church in Jacksonville and the entire Rogue Valley. More than four hundred people were part of Calvary at its peak.

Sadly, the church fell on hard times. By the time this enthusiastic and passionate young couple, Brian and Kimberly Steller, arrived five years ago to pastor Calvary Church, they could count the people who were part of the church on two hands and one foot – eleven people. Brian and Kimberly’s two young girls were the only children in the entire church.

The youngest deacon, Roger Ackerman, was fifty. Paul Kerth, the oldest deacon was 92. Harry Belau was 82. Jack Bransford was 80. These four men and Brian, about sixty years younger than Paul, were the leadership team.

Being a wise young pastor, Brian spent the first six months praying and talking with this small remnant about their future. Finally, he broke the news to them, “We have to make changes.”

They asked, “What kind of changes, pastor?”

“Everything has to change,” he replied.

“Why everything?” they asked.

“Because,” he honestly said, “What we’re doing now is not working.”

The response of these deacons, whose average age was seventy six years, paved the way for the resurrection. They said, “Pastor, whatever changes need to be made, to reach the younger generation, make them.”

And he has! The facilities have been updated – the logo has changed – the music is contemporary – small groups have been implemented – the worship service has a non-traditional look and feel, yet very Christ centered and Spirit led.

The 60th anniversary service was electric! You can imagine the energy when Pastor Brian introduced and honored five charter members who are still active in the church. They love him and he loves them. Before I shared a message entitled, “Reaching The Rogue Valley Until Jesus Comes Again,” they took a “coffee break.” The entire congregation, totaling more than 200, left the sanctuary for a cup of good coffee and fellowship. Fifteen minutes later we reassembled and I preached.

This is a resurrected, renewed, and revived church! People are being saved and filled with the Spirit regularly. Young single adults and young couples are everywhere. Dozens of babies and children are now part of the church. The youth group, under the passionate leadership of Josh and Shereena Gering, is alive, strong, and growing.

I watched Paul, Harry, and Jack (The young deacon, Roger, is deceased). I don’t suppose the worship choruses the church was singing were their favorites. But there they were – clapping and raising their hands in praise to God – a huge smile on their face – as they looked around and saw a sanctuary full of joyful worshippers, young and old.

These older men could have killed their church or kept it very small. Instead, they chose to support their pastor – follow his vision – and embrace the change. Calvary Church is doing exactly what Jesus expects us to do – they are making disciples – loving, joyful, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ.

There’s been a resurrection in Rogue Valley. And I witnessed it!

Paul, Harry, and Jack are finishing strong! Because of them and a young couple who was courageous enough to make necessary changes, but not alienate the older generation in the process, Calvary Church is finishing strong, too.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 13th, 2007 at 1:30 am and is filed under Encouragement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.