The Christian Chronicle (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Vol. 69, No. 7, Ed. 1 Sunday, July 1, 2012 Page: 4 of 35
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Christian Chronicle and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Abilene Christian University Library.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
INSIDE STORY
4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE
JULY 2012
www.christianchronicle.org
www.har'din^edu/mmin
Phil McKinney, adjunct professor, Fairfax, Va.
CONTACTbobby.ross@christianchronicle.org.
improve your serve
36-HOUR, NON-THESIS DEGREE
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
MEET ONE OF OUR PROFESSORS
e
CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR FALL 2012
aster.
• B.A., Harding University
• M.A., Harding School ofTheology
• Ph.D., (ABD) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Accredited graduate courses
• Online at-a-distance
• Scholarships available
Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds
and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site.
• Visitor feedback: See more comments and ideas from readers on how
to show Christian love and hospitality to people who visit your church.
• Breaking news: Don't wait to read all the latest news or check out
exclusive online features.
• Family includes wife, Angie, and three daughters: Kaylee,Taylor and Rylie
• Youth & Family Minister at Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark.
(1995-2008)
• Spiritual Formation Minister at Fairfax Church of Christ in Fairfax, Va.
(2008-present)
• Advanced Bible Study Techniques with Tim Westbrook
• Old Testament Theology for Ministry with Kevin Youngblood
• Ethics in Ministry with Phil Thompson
• Spiritual Formation and Discipleship with Phil McKinney
• Congregational Ministries with Scot Crenshaw
HARDING UNIVERSITY
CENTER FOR ADVANCED
MINISTRY TRAINING
PHOTO PROVIDED
A guest parking lot at a different
church from the one visited.
He said he especially wanted the
visitors to know how much everyone
appreciated our attendance. In fact, he
urged us to be sure to go to the wel-
come desk and receive a free gift.
My minister friend preached an excel-
lent sermon. After the service, I went
up to meet him.
He was talking with a member, so I
stood beside the two of them, not want-
ing to interrupt and figuring someone
would notice me standing there. But
before I had a chance to say anything,
another member passed in front of me,
stuck out his hand to the
minister and told him
how much he always
enjoys his lessons.
Once or twice, I felt
my minister friend glanc-
ing at me, but he never
acknowledged me or
said anything. He just
kept talking to the other
person. Maybe I really
was invisible?
I finally gave up and
walked to my car in
the visitor parking lot.
I couldn’t help but feel
pretty disappointed as I drove away.
A few minutes later, I received a
much more enthusiastic welcome.
As I turned into an off-airport parking
lot to return my rental car, a man with
a big smile spotted me immediately and
waved me forward.
“How was your trip, Mr. Ross?” a
second employee asked as he rushed to
carry my bags to a waiting shuttle van.
“Come on in here, and we’ll get you
ready to go,” said a third employee who
poked his head outside an office door.
Sixty seconds, and three people
already had made me feel at home.
Next time I’m in town, you can bet I’ll
visit again.
The rental car place, that is.
inistry
GUEST: A disappointing experience for visitor
FROM PAGE 3
though I arrived at the same time as a
handful of members.
Just inside, a nice, older lady handed
me a colorful worship program. She
smiled but did not introduce herself.
I walked slowly through the foyer and
noticed small groups of people min-
gling and visiting with each other. After
standing by myself for an awkward few
moments, I made my way to the rest-
room and then led myself on a tour of
the church building, hoping to run into
my minister friend.
Feeling a little invis- ____________
ible, I headed into the
auditorium and grabbed mb]
a seat at the end of an ■ ■■
empty row. A family sat
down in the pew in front I
of me but did not say
anything — until another I
family arrived and joined |
them. The two families
appeared to be wonder-
ful friends, and they
enjoyed catching up.
I searched my brain
and confirmed that I had
showered that morning
and even shaved. So it couldn’t be that
I was turning off fellow Christians with
an unsavory odor, right?
I had ironed a blue dress shirt and
black pants and put on shiny black shoes.
Could it be that I looked too churchy''
Just before the service started, a
woman approached me, and I couldn’t
help but think that this might be my big
moment. I was actually going to meet
someone. My anticipation built.
“Are these seats taken?” the woman
asked, referring to the rest of my empty
row.
“No,” I said, enjoying the longest con-
versation of my visit to this 200-member
church 750 miles from home.
I finally saw my minister friend when
he stepped to the pulpit to welcome
everyone to the assembly.
• "The M.MIN. program has been a period of incredible growth, refresh-
ment and renewal for my life and ministry."
• "This program is a great blessing! It's rigorous yet flexible and I know
I'm better equipped for full-time ministry!"
• "The spiritual growtOffered through these classes is amazing. Without
that growth we cannot hope to minister to others."
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View five places within this issue that match your search.Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
McMillon, Lynn. The Christian Chronicle (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Vol. 69, No. 7, Ed. 1 Sunday, July 1, 2012, newspaper, July 1, 2012; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1509318/m1/4/?q=green+energy: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Christian University Library.