I spent last evening on the Pamlico River, sharing my heart with a group of women about Moses’ “walkabout” of faith. It was a night of pleasure for me—a time of fellowship with friends, both old and new, all the while in the company of our Father who spoke to us through his Word.
I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that God has allowed me any type of platform for sharing his truth. Like the apostle Paul, I bring little eloquence and even less knowledge than him to the table. Like Paul, I feel unworthy of the calling; still and yet, God bestows the privilege upon me—upon us all as partakers in the kingdom that is now and is to come.
Today I called my dad to talk about my experience; we talked about preaching—about his experience behind the pulpit, his nerves regarding the pulpit, and his preparation for the pulpit. He told me something important as it pertains to the “handling” of God’s Word. He’s been a professor of preaching for nearly forty years. I think, perhaps, he holds some wisdom in the matter.
“I tell my students, Elaine, that they should write their sermon outlines, write out their entire thoughts word for word if they like, early in the week. They should get their sermons down on paper by Thursday noontime and then spend the rest of the weekend reading them, pondering them, praying over them. And then, when Sunday morning comes, they should walk away from their notes (not needing them) and preach the story with all the confidence of heaven to back them up.”
A sermon well-preached is a story well-lived. My dad’s been preaching that story for fifty years now … living it a bit longer. This past Sunday marked his golden anniversary in the pulpit. It is my privilege to share with you a few words he shared with his readers regarding this treasured milestone.
A seasoned minister, upon hearing that I was going into pastoral work, asked me this question, “Chuck, when you get up to preach, where will you be standing?” My first thought was “What a strange question.” Was there no better question to ask than that—the geography of where sermons will be preached?
I responded, “Behind the pulpit, of course.” He paused and, slightly shaking his head, replied, “No, no, they tell me when one stands to preach, they do so between heaven and hell.”
That was a stopper! Karl Barth, noted theologian said to the preaching students in his class, “Upon what grounds do you assume the role of mediator between heaven and earth? You will be standing between God’s grace and human need.” I have to admit, this business of ‘standing’ in that location has haunted me every step of the way. On the other hand, I have discovered inexorable delight and joy, knowing full well that I would have been missing ‘the mark’ had I done otherwise. My only boast was that I stood on “a Rock that was higher than I.” That made the difference!
This past Sunday, I preached at the ACTS United Methodist Church, which marked the anniversary of a fifty-year journey that started off at a little country church in Darke County, Ohio. It was during my senior year at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan), that I commuted to that unincorporated little village called Longtown. My congregation was African American, and those people loved, supported, and challenged me to stand up and “do it.”
My ministry has been ‘bookended’ by Longtown Wesleyan Church and ACTS United Methodist. The in-between years, all fifty of them, have fled swiftly by, like a weaver’s shuttle. And on this Golden Anniversary I can say without exaggeration or embarrassment, that it has been a ‘good stand’. And for the rest of the trip, I have several more corners to turn until I get home.
~Chuck
I suppose the “fruit” of my father’s “good stand” is the living witness of the countless lives he’s touched along the way. He’s touched mine. He’s taught me what it is to stand between heaven and hell as a mouthpiece for the truth of Jesus Christ. I stood there last evening, and by God’s grace and only his grace, I’ll stand there again.
So for you, dad, here are a few words of living witness to let you know just how wide and long and high and deep your reach has extended for the kingdom of God. It reached to the Pamlico River last night; I imagine there are several more corners it will turn before we all get home. This I do know … we’ll get there together. I love you.
(This portion of my talk last evening came at the end. It is a bit blurry and the sound not high quality. Please forgive. Remember…we’re a low budget operation over here.) Copyright © June 2009 – Elaine Olsen
What a delight to get to sit in at Beth's house. Thank you for posting this Elaine. What an treat to my heart today. I wish I could have you at my church ladies gathering. I guess Oregon is a little too far for you. You speak with such enthusiasm that it permeates the room. You embody and evoke what is most important to you…it is King Jesus and He does receive so much glory. And what a treasure for Preaching Hubby to film it…love his chuckles toward the end.
You are my sweetheart! Should you ever want a 'backup' job, you can stand just about anywhere and deliver the 'goods'. In fact, you have been doing that in more ways than we can calculate, so keep doing what you are doing and the Kingdom will come, here and there, now and then, and you'll be right in the middle of it. Love you. Dad
Wow, Elaine! No wonder you have such eloquence in your teaching. The apple does not fall far from the tree.
What a lovely experience it must have been. Oh, to have been there!
You bless.
A great word from one who has "stood" so long. Thanks for sharing, Elaine.
I enjoyed the video so much…I found myself longing to be there with that group of women, listening to you IN PERSON! It's going to happen one of these days. You are so anointed, Elaine. I need to get you here to talk to our ladies. What a blessing that would be! 🙂
Love,
Beth
Your father's eloquence and FAITH in preaching God's Word explains a lot about you, Elaine.
So blessed to read your words — and then to hear them spoken from your mouth tonight.
You're right, Elaine — it's an absolute privilege to be able to share the truth with others, whether through the spoken or the written word. How blessed we are!
Oh I love your Dad!!! I had already read his words, but they have impacted yet another time on this second reading.
Elaine, I'll be coming back later to watch your video. (My guys are both sleeping right now, so volume is off.)
Keep sharing His Word, unashamed.
Sending hugs and love,
Joy
Yesterday afternoon I asked our group of ladies in the Believing God study, to ponder just how many lives have been touched by the story of Moses in the Hall of Faith. And then this morning, I come, and you share about Moses and Hebrews 11. Love how God does things like that, for litle ole me.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Precious and powerful! The impact of "one" … incalculable.
Thank you for sharing both yourself and your father, AND your Father (and mine).
Kathleen
Outstanding as always! Nick's blog yesterday was too. What a blessing each one of you is to us. It is so obvious WHOSE you are!
Love,
R&B
i currently use picasa as one of my photo editors but not a lot of framing options…
some of the photographers from the "i love faces" blog might be able to give you good ideas with more options. sorry i'm not more help with more options
i currently use picasa as one of my photo editors but not a lot of framing options…
some of the photographers from the "i love faces" blog might be able to give you good ideas with more options. sorry i'm not more help with more options
I agree with Jennifer, Your father's sharing God's Word does explain a lot about you! A lot of wonderful things!
wifeforthejourney:
What a joy it is to have you for my wife and a constant source of encouragement. You were indeed "in your element" this past Monday, and like your father says you can indeed "deliver the goods." We may be a low budget operation when it comes to having me as your cameraman, but its all quality when it comes to you sharing the truth.
Thanks to your mom and dad for all they have done in raising you…you have turned out just right!
Love,
Billy
Hey Mrs. Elaine!:)
This post and the video were definitely motivating!:) That is amazing that you have a father that is so godly. That is some good fam heritage:) I think the Lord used you to speak to those women for sure! Giving you an update: I had another appointment today with my fertility doctor, and he said that the bleeding looks like it has stopped-PRAISE! and Little Bit moved around in there while we were doing the ultrasound! Loved it!:)
Blessings to you today, lots of ((HUGS)),
katiegfromtennessee
Elaine… Oh, how my heart leaps with joy when I hear you speaking… knowing that you're the real deal. You do not seek to speak… You do not seek to write… but you are compelled to do so. You just can't help it, can you? Those who have been forgiven much… love much. I know it, too.
Looks like you've got an Oregonian following… I think you'll need to visit us… We do have a mountain here, you know. If we promise to take you to the mountain… will you promise to take us to the mountain mover?
You are a woman blessed by God in so many ways.
What a heritage of faith.
What a dad.
What a son.
I'm thankful that our paths have crossed.
Thanks for inviting me in. I loved listening to you. You are a blessing to my heart Elaine. I loved your sharing of your dad and his place when he preaches. I must remember that always, even if I am just standing in my kitchen.
p.s. three oregonians on one comment thread….I am thinking that God is calling you into my home. I will gather the ladies, you deliver the goods. I loved how your dad wrote that in his comment.
Hey Elaine,
I just wanted you to know that I tagged you. Please come by my place and see what to do next.
Christy
What a wonderful man you were raised by – what a legacy. Beautiful. Thank you.
This grace-filled legacy of one man has not only reached to the Pamlico river but also to the mountains of Bolivia. It brings great joy to see the touch of Christ moving through the generations.
You are a gifted speaker, Elaine. I appreciate being able to hear your heart.
Shalom,
Denise
Elaine,
You are one AMAZING woman!! I love your heart, your passion and your love for the body of Christ.
I've missed stopping by, and what a TREAT it was to hear you share!
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may
see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
I praise God each time I stop by this sight♥
I loved what you said about your Dad and what he said. What a legacy you all will leave behind. I love your passion for God. It speaks loud and clear through your posts.
Keep doing it Elaine…God must be so pleased with you!
Love,
Lelia
Happy anniversary to your Dad in his life in the preaching of the Word of God with all truth and in walking it out.
I loved what he told you that he teaches his students.
Beautiful photos!
Love you.
P.S. I have SO enjoyed DJ's CD!!! My goodness!