Within the last several weeks, a new Cracker Barrel restaurant has
opened in our area. Complete with a new interior design and exterior
appearance, this updated take on an already successful franchise has
culinary attendees lining up for the experience. Because the Kistler
family has frequented many a Cracker Barrel over the last 30 years, I
can honestly say that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic. Almost
without exception, we’ve found the Tennessee-based chain to be
incredibly consistent in all aspects of restaurant service! So, the
comments that follow are NOT meant to be critical! They just need to be
made for the purpose of making a larger point.
After enjoying a dining experience twice at our new Cracker Barrel, I’ve
noticed a distinct difference between the new location’s atmosphere and
service from those that are older. Perhaps most prominent is the
attitude of the wait staff. Though all employees are in training, the
smiles, eagerness to serve, and overall pleasantness make dining at the
new location a much preferred choice! A recent Cracker Barrel
experience, at a well-established location, underscores my point.
Rather than appearing excited to be there, the wait staff seemed tired,
overworked, and almost regretful that Betsy and I were even there. Even
the language used was tired and worn.
What makes my observations poignant is the fact that ministries can
suffer much the same unfortunate fate as a successful restaurant chain.
Rather than being thrilled to serve our Lord, and people, thru committed
adherence to God’s truth, we can become passionless and tired, even
responding in a less than excited way toward visitors. Rather than
eagerly anticipating each opportunity for collective worship and hearing
of the proclaimed word, we can (in weary, old location Cracker
Barrelesque fashion) unconsciously slip into a mundane, “I’ve done this
before” mode. The tragic result is that those to whom we minister can
pick up on our tired, passionless attitude.
Recently, I spent several days at one of our nation’s newer Christian
college ministries. Everyone with whom I interacted exuded a contagious
joy–such as was the case with Solomon’s servants–a joy that impressed
the Queen of Sheba. This ministry, especially it’s global media
operations, have a crystal clear understanding of why they exist! I
didn’t meet one individual who appeared displeased that I unexpectedly
entered their world. No, they were genuinely excited to see a visitor
to their area of ministry–so much so that it was difficult to get away
from them. When I spoke briefly at a staff chapel, they were
phenomenally and eagerly receptive of my message! Throughout the day,
as I encountered those who were in attendance at the chapel, I was
repeatedly thanked for coming and speaking! Such anticipatory
excitement hasn’t always been the case with other Christian ministries
I’ve visited. Far too often, I’ve felt somewhat like an intruder
because I interrupted their day’s work. Yet, people ARE the ministry!
They ARE the reason we enter ministry in the first place. They must
NEVER be viewed as unnecessary interruptions in our otherwise busy day!
So, to our new Cracker Barrel, as well as to my recently met new friends
in ministry, I say a giant “job well-done!” Simply keep up the great
work you are doing! Your understanding of Whose you are and why you
serve is coming through LOUD AND CLEAR! May EVERY genuine believer in
Christ exhibit the same contagious enthusiasm!
NOTE: The word “enthusiasm” comes from the compound Greek word “en”=in,
“Theos”=God–in other words, literally “God within.” When we are
possessed by Him, how can we be any way other than exuberant!
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
Stand in the Gap Today 7/15/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerGuest Jimmy DeYoung, host of Prophecy Today, joins the program to discuss the Iran Nuclear Deal in light of biblical prophecy.
Stand in the Gap Today 07/14/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerHosts Sam Rohrer and Gary Dull discuss the Iran Nuclear Agreement. How does an agreement differ from a treaty and how has President Obama used this to his advantage? What does this deal mean for the US and it’s allies? Listen to this program to hear more breaking news on this historic event!
A Cracker Barrel Truth!
/0 Comments/in Blog /by News RoomWithin the last several weeks, a new Cracker Barrel restaurant has
opened in our area. Complete with a new interior design and exterior
appearance, this updated take on an already successful franchise has
culinary attendees lining up for the experience. Because the Kistler
family has frequented many a Cracker Barrel over the last 30 years, I
can honestly say that I am somewhat of an expert on the topic. Almost
without exception, we’ve found the Tennessee-based chain to be
incredibly consistent in all aspects of restaurant service! So, the
comments that follow are NOT meant to be critical! They just need to be
made for the purpose of making a larger point.
After enjoying a dining experience twice at our new Cracker Barrel, I’ve
noticed a distinct difference between the new location’s atmosphere and
service from those that are older. Perhaps most prominent is the
attitude of the wait staff. Though all employees are in training, the
smiles, eagerness to serve, and overall pleasantness make dining at the
new location a much preferred choice! A recent Cracker Barrel
experience, at a well-established location, underscores my point.
Rather than appearing excited to be there, the wait staff seemed tired,
overworked, and almost regretful that Betsy and I were even there. Even
the language used was tired and worn.
What makes my observations poignant is the fact that ministries can
suffer much the same unfortunate fate as a successful restaurant chain.
Rather than being thrilled to serve our Lord, and people, thru committed
adherence to God’s truth, we can become passionless and tired, even
responding in a less than excited way toward visitors. Rather than
eagerly anticipating each opportunity for collective worship and hearing
of the proclaimed word, we can (in weary, old location Cracker
Barrelesque fashion) unconsciously slip into a mundane, “I’ve done this
before” mode. The tragic result is that those to whom we minister can
pick up on our tired, passionless attitude.
Recently, I spent several days at one of our nation’s newer Christian
college ministries. Everyone with whom I interacted exuded a contagious
joy–such as was the case with Solomon’s servants–a joy that impressed
the Queen of Sheba. This ministry, especially it’s global media
operations, have a crystal clear understanding of why they exist! I
didn’t meet one individual who appeared displeased that I unexpectedly
entered their world. No, they were genuinely excited to see a visitor
to their area of ministry–so much so that it was difficult to get away
from them. When I spoke briefly at a staff chapel, they were
phenomenally and eagerly receptive of my message! Throughout the day,
as I encountered those who were in attendance at the chapel, I was
repeatedly thanked for coming and speaking! Such anticipatory
excitement hasn’t always been the case with other Christian ministries
I’ve visited. Far too often, I’ve felt somewhat like an intruder
because I interrupted their day’s work. Yet, people ARE the ministry!
They ARE the reason we enter ministry in the first place. They must
NEVER be viewed as unnecessary interruptions in our otherwise busy day!
So, to our new Cracker Barrel, as well as to my recently met new friends
in ministry, I say a giant “job well-done!” Simply keep up the great
work you are doing! Your understanding of Whose you are and why you
serve is coming through LOUD AND CLEAR! May EVERY genuine believer in
Christ exhibit the same contagious enthusiasm!
NOTE: The word “enthusiasm” comes from the compound Greek word “en”=in,
“Theos”=God–in other words, literally “God within.” When we are
possessed by Him, how can we be any way other than exuberant!
Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)
Stand in the Gap Today 7/13/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerStand in the Gap hosts discuss the financial disaster in Greece, the widening GOP Presidential candidate field, and the Iran Nuke Deal—all from a biblical and constitutional perspective.
Now That Same-Sex Marriage is the Law of the Land, What is the Church to Do?
/in Stand in the Gap Weekend /by Sam RohrerLiberties of All and Tax-Exempt Status of Non-Profits—Colleges, Adoption Agencies, Others—At Risk
/0 Comments/in News, Release /by News RoomAmerican Pastors Network President, Sam Rohrer recently spoke with KDKA Radio’s Mike Pintek about some of the pressing issues and pertinent ramifications of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on same-sex marriage.
Rohrer, who is also President of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) said the Court’s recent 5-4 decision will eventually force churches and other religious organizations to either compromise their faith convictions or face the specter of losing their tax-exempt status.
“Everyone should be aware that there’s more than a moral consideration to this marriage ruling. Because the Court usurped and stepped over their Constitutional authority, vis-à-vis the matters of the 10th Amendment—the ability for states to make laws that are within their jurisdiction and to rule them all out of order—is a violation of civil law, the Constitutional law!” Rohrer said on the Pittsburgh radio program. “I would submit that every aspect of freedom as we know it, being the range of the First Amendment or the Second Amendment or any of the Amendments, have now been violated by the actions of this Court because they’ve made themselves the law over and above the Constitution. So, every aspect of what we consider civil freedom or religious freedom has been jeopardized by the action of this Court.”
Rohrer went on to say that those working to defend and protect religious liberty may look to the freedom of religion clause of the First Amendment—but the First Amendment may protect religious freedoms only to a point. The Supreme Court essentially overruled the 10th Amendment by overriding the laws already set forth by the states and voters within those states. Therefore, Rohrer says, all other Amendments are open to attack as well.
“Do we not think, therefore, that any of the other Amendments are not equally jeopardized?” Rohrer told Pintek. “Just as Justices Thomas and Scalia indicated, there was no jurisdiction for the Court to rule; they had no power; they had no right. And yet they exercised their will in trying to make this kind of application when, in this case, it has nothing to do with any kind of historical precedent. And as Justice Scalia said, there is no precedent in the history of the Court to rule such kind of an action on this type of a matter, which, in the case of marriage, has been established, as (Justice) Roberts said, for millennia.”
Rohrer added that he would expect litigation against religious colleges that decline to provide housing for same-sex couples, faith-based adoption agencies that have policies against matching children with same-sex couples, and eventually, pastors and churches who will not perform or host same-sex weddings.
Additionally, even if litigation is not successful, the government could attempt to revoke the tax-exempt status for those organizations that do not comply with the new Court opinion, Rohrer added.
“All of these are absolutely legitimately predictable because of the nature of the ruling,” he said. “It will be a matter of ‘you cannot discriminate against, therefore, you must permit.’ This is how it will go; you can see it. The ramifications of this law are broad and deep. The fact of the matter is, the very people who think this is a win will find out that their own civil freedoms have been jeopardized by the actions of this Court. It’s just the nature of the ramifications of undoing law as we have had them in the Constitution. This is a big deal,” Rohrer concluded on the Pittsburgh and surrounding area radio program.
Stand in the Gap Today 7/10/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerGuest Anna Harmon, Constitutional Attorney for Aaron and Melissa Klein, gives an update on the case brought against them for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. Other topics include the removal of the Confederate Flag at the State House in SC, the surprising rise of Donald Trump in the polls, troop cutbacks, and more!
No Spirit of Fear
/in Stand in the Gap Minute /by Sam RohrerStand in the Gap Today 7/9/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerGuests Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, join the program to tell their story and share why they will not keep silent or give in to those who want to deprive them of their religious and constitutional rights as Christians, American citizens, and business owners.
Find out how you can sign a petition pledging your support for the Klein’s.
Stand in the Gap Today 7/8/15
/in Stand in the Gap Today /by Sam RohrerThis program originally aired on May 20th. Dr. Charles Dunn, who worked with the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations shares his thoughts on presidential leadership and executive action. He is an author, international lecturer, teacher and leader. He is the author of the book titled “The Upstream Christian In A Downstream World.”