24 December 2006


The Cousins Family would like to wish all our Blog readers a very Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year! Click here to see our family video greeting!

05 December 2006

Covenant Eyes

CovenantEyes.com

"I have made a covenant with my eyes" Job 31:1

We are pleased to announce that we have now partnered with Covenant Eyes to provide you with what we believe is the best accountability software on the market today that protects you from harmful material on the internet.
Covenant Eyes can be simply downloaded and installed on your computer and it costs as little as £3.50 ($6.99) per month! Not a high price to pay for protection and integrity.
Because of an agreement we now have with Covenant Eyes, every new sign up will now generate commission for us that we will put towards our ministry support.

Click here to join now or just to find out more information!
When prompted, please make sure you enter Promotional Code: thecousins
(A Mac version is also available)


CovenantEyes.com

04 December 2006

Claudia has started to post again to her blog. You can see it by clicking here.

30 November 2006

Der Cousins Courier (Deutsche Ausgabe)

German: Die deutsche Ausgabe des "Cousins Courier" kann hier in PDF Format heruntergeladen werden.

28 November 2006

Envelopes, stamps and prayer letters

Today we got all our Christmas post out! Around 250 prayer letters plus our Christmas cards. This was a big job this time around as I was using a new database for all the addresses. It took many hours to get all the information into the system and to check its accuracy. However we are glad to get these letters into the post and now we are praying that God will cause many to decide to pray for and give to our ministry.

If you are a missionary and you raise your own support then this is a great program for keeping good records of your prayer supporters, their giving and your relationship with them. The program is called TnTMPD and it can be downloaded by going to the TnT webpage - I thoroughly recommend it. (It is available in: English, French, German, Spanish and Russian.) Posted by Picasa

24 November 2006

Prayer Update

We continue on deputation taking many meetings across the province and visiting various Youth Challenge and CEF events. Over the past weeks, there have been times of frustration as we have wondered how we will ever raise our full financial support, scattered with times of great encouragement when God has reminded us, in amazing ways, that He is in control.

Gary continues to help on alternate Monday evenings with two Junior Youth Challenge (JYC) groups in Carn and Gilford. This is an important part of our preparation as we will be teaching others in the future how to set up such groups. Pray for the club in Gilford which is reaching up to 20 un-churched junior teens. It can be very lively and keeping your concentration while teaching from God's Word is a constant battle.

Please pray for us in December, as we share in the following meetings: 3rd Dunseverick Baptist, 7th Dromore Baptist, 10th Portadown Baptist and at a 6pm Carol service in Londonderry Baptist, 12th Carryduff Baptist, 17th Dromore Baptist Carol service.

Our Christmas Prayer Letter wil be sent out in the next couple of days. If you would like to sign-up for it, please click on this link and a webpage will open where you can fill in your details. If you do that we will also send you out our new prayer card. Thanks for all your prayers. Why not drop us a line to tell us you are praying for us? Look forward to hearing from you.

11 November 2006

Christmas gift ideas

Remember wish lists? As kids we filled our lists with stuff we hoped to receive and stuff no one would ever buy us. Well, I've started my own Wish List on the Amazon.co.uk website. (Just in case you wanted to buy me a Christmas present:) ) Check it out then create one for yourself if you haven't already!
You can see my List at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/registry.html/ref=w_h_em-si-html_viewall/202-8856756-2492616?id=1E28T2HB340Z5

31 October 2006

Visit from Claske & Jobina (Netherlands)

It was great to have Claske and Jobina from the Netherlands stay with us for a long weekend. They did the CEF Institute with us during the summer. Our boys really took to them in Switzerland, so they were very excited that they were able to visit us in N. Ireland. Posted by Picasa

24 October 2006

First steps in deputation

We have been encouraged by the response to our first deputation meetings. We are thankful that our support is starting to come in but we still have a long way to go! We know that God is able and we believe that when "God calls God equips"!
Please pray...
  • for Gary as he attends a CEF course in Glasgow about building a support team (1-5 November) and as he shares in Harper Memorial Baptist Church, Glasgow on Sunday morning, 5 November.
  • for the two JYCs which Gary is now involved in on alternate Mondays in Craigavon and Gilford and the SYC on Fridays
  • for Gary as he preaches in Armagh Baptist (12 November) and for Claudia as she takes part in this and other deputation meetings
  • for us as a family at the Fermanagh JYC weekend in Oceanview, Donegal
  • for Claudia as she continues to help in the Girl Craftsmen and the Parent & Toddlers

  • that we would get more openings in Germany for deputation
  • for us as a family for safety in travel and the salvation of our boys
  • for Gods clear leading as to where we should set up home (currently we are looking at living in the Rheinfelden/Loerrach area of Germany which is just over the Swiss border and only 45 minutes from Kilchzimmer)

23 October 2006

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water

I know, I can't believe it either - but the MacBook has once again broken down! Same problem as last time 'Random Shutdowns'. I rang Apple Support. They said that I need to bring it to a repair centre in Belfast. I told them that wasn't good enough and asked to speak to customer relations. After going through the same story again, (about having the logic board replaced in Switzerland and being without the machine for 5 weeks) the guy agreed to organise a courier to collect the unit from home.
I requested a replacement unit stating that the product was not fit for the purpose but they replied with a statement that it was company policy only to replace the unit after three repairs. Oh right very funny! By that time they know and I know that the 12 month warranty will have expired and then I will no longer be entitled to a replacement. This is so annoying and frankly just not good enough! Come on Apple, your customers deserve better than this.
The last guy I spoke to on the phone was able to tell me that Apple now know what the problem is and that they didn't really know back then when they replaced my Logic Board.
He tells me now that there is a heat sink on the processor which is expanding when it heats up and as it expands it is pulling on some of the contacts and causing them to disconnect. (Some are suggesting that the heat sink expands and makes contact with the metal casing and causes a short.) Now that theyhave worked this out, they are simply replacing the heat sink and not the Logic Board. I am told that this is a simple repair and that the part is readily available. Now I am waiting for the courier to arrange a pick-up. So here's hoping for a quick turnaround.

Below are two posts which shed some light on this issue http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/10/20/macbook/index.php
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3232501
http://www.macbookrandomshutdown.com/

19 September 2006

16 September 2006

Graduating from Kilchzimmer


Today we graduated from Kilchzimmer (the CEF Leadership Training Institute in Switzerland). Joel and David also got diplomas! Now we have to say goodbye to all the new friends we made (some tears will be shed). We are traveling home tomorrow and after a few days off we will start into deputation. Thanks for your prayers.

29 August 2006

Our first ever family Prayer Card is at the printers



Here is a preview!
We will send one out along with our next prayer letter (early October). If you are not on our prayer letter list and you would like to join it - then please drop me an email requesting it.

27 August 2006

Grasshopper on the bunk-bed



First Joel found a snake in the laundry... then yesterday as we were putting Joel and David to bed, Joel was refusing to climb up the ladder to his top bunk. I thought he was just employing his usual stalling tactics - but then I saw it for myself. A huge green, boy eating grasshopper on the post of the bunk-bed. Of course while mummy and daddy wanted to get as far away as possible, the boys just couldn't get close enough. They are so fascinated by animals, especially bugs and insects!!! Anyway we were all glad that uncle Dani was on hand to get the think out of the room.... It makes you think twice about leaving your window open :)

26 August 2006

Claudia's Birthday




We celebrated Claudia's birthday today at 2200 metres above sea level on the top of the Susten Pass in Switzerland.

Happy Birthday Claudia!

25 August 2006

Photographs uploaded



I have just uploaded a lot of photographs from the months of July and August. You can view them by clicking here

23 August 2006

Family photo


This photograph was used on the latest edition of the Kilchzimmer Echo Newsletter.

19 August 2006

The Mac is Back

Got the MacBook back today and it's working ...at least for the moment. Reading the online discussions about the "random shutdown" issue, many users have experienced the same problem again within weeks of the repair - so I will not be putting my pen and paper into long term storage just yet!


Today we also took a good drive around the BL area (the area between the small town of Waldenburg and the city of Basel). We now have a good idea of the area we would like to live in and we have narrowed our search down to about 6 villages/towns. The area we have identified is less than half an hour drive to Kilchzimmer and is in close proximity to the Christian school in Liestal - with good bus/train connections. It would also be less than half an hour to Basel city.

Another interesting development is that just two weeks ago the German supermarket chain ALDI opened its first shop in BL. We went to it today and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the prices are much lower than standard Swiss supermarkets. This is really good news because the cost of living in Switzerland is very high and being able to buy cheaper food will definitely help reduce our monthly expenditure. The other good thing is that the shop is inside the area which we wish to move too next year.

Four weeks from today will be our graduation service and then we will be on our way home to Northern Ireland. Time has really flown. Kenny Martin (CEF worker from our home church) is teaching until the end of next week. Last week we also had the classes with Philippe Mayhew on Youth Challenge. He said I will be teaching these classes next year at both the summer and autumn institutes - so it was interesting listening as a student with that in the back of my mind. (Photo: Me and Philippe demonstrating some games which can be played in a JYC meeting.)

As you know, we will be starting deputation in October. Actually I am working at the minute on the design of our prayercard. I am also a little concerned at the moment that we do not have more meetings booked. Can you help? Could you invite a few friends around to your house for an evening and invite us come and show a powerpoint and talk about our future ministry? We are really praying that God would raise up those who would be willing to get behind us in prayer and regular financial support. Could you help us share this need with others? We are so thankful for those who have already pledged their support but we need many more people to get behind us. Please pray for us.

12 August 2006

Camp, computer and contacts

  • Just said goodbye to over 30 English speaking children from Germany who spent the last week at Kilchzimmer. They came for a camp and all us students were their leaders/teachers. This practical week was a great opportunity for us to apply what we have learnt over the last six weeks. It also marks the halfway point in our course.
  • I’m still waiting on my computer coming back from the repair centre in Basel. It is two and a half weeks now since I left it in and there is still no sign of it :( (But on the positive side, I am enjoying using a pen again - it is a bit like riding a bicycle for the first time after many years)
  • The bi-monthly newsletter from Kilchzimmer (CEF European Headquarters) has just been published. As we feature on the front page you may be interested to download it. (I will have some printed copies available on deputation and there will be opportunity for you to sign up to receive it regularly).
  • While we are talking about deputation… if you would like me to speak at your church, youth group, home Bible study group, etc then please get in touch with me by email ASAP to book a date (Oct06 - Jun07). I still need to do a lot of work in organising meetings so please, please get in touch if you can help in any way.
  • Everyone is keeping well - we are very content here and looking forward to returning in July next year.

02 August 2006

The official Kilchzimmer student photographs

Click on the photograph to view a larger image.


Above is a photograph of all the students and children at the institute this summer. It includes the English, French and Polish classes.
We are on the back row at the left and David and Joel are on the front row, on the left.

The English Class

The Polish Class


The French Class

24 July 2006

A very sick Mac - Random Shutdowns

If you are not a computer techie then you better stop reading this now or you will wonder "what on earth is he on about?" :)
I was very happy with my new MacBook until last Wednesday when it suddenly shut down without warning. Since then I have had numerous random shutdowns. I looked the issue up on the mac users discussion board to discover (to my horror) that there appears to be a major hardware problem with the new MacBooks (the topic currently has 18,200 views and 541 posts). Apple havent yet admited that there is a problem but there clearly is and it seems that Apple are still not sure how to fix it.
I rang Apple Support on Friday and they told me to bring it to the Apple Shop in Basel for a repair, but I am reluctant to do that because they appear to be replacing the faulty part (i.e. the logic board) with an identical part. Surely if you do that, then I am going to encounter the same problem again in the coming months?

If you are interested in following the discussion thread then here is the link
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=544012&tstart=0
and if any of you bloggers out there have any advice, please let me know.

15 July 2006

Walking in the Swiss mountains with daddy


This past week we took time to go up to the Ankenballen - the rocks we can see from our bedroom window. Joel went all the way to the top with me and to prove it, here is the photo with Kichzimmer in the background. We hope in the coming days to get time to explore more of the area by foot.

A snake in the laundry

Mummy went down to take down her washing tonight and found a snake in the laundry room. When Joel heard about it, he got out of bed and ran down to see it. We had to convince him to let the other children handle it – he didn’t want to let go.

Lots more photos have been added to www.thecousinsfamily.org/albums

11 July 2006

Just another sign of life

Hi everyone! This is just another sign of life to let you know that we are all well and really enjoying our time in Kilchzimmer. The teachers are excellent and the subjects are very interesting. There is a lovely atmosphere among the students and staff. We are enjoying getting to know people from many different countries and making new friends.
David and Joel are so at home here. They are really behaving well (most of the time) and also making new friends. They are never bored and always glad to see their bed around 7.00 - 7.30pm. Once they are sleeping we spend the rest of the night in study.
We are continuing to add photographs all the time so be sure to keep revisiting www.thecousinsfamily.org/albums

30 June 2006

New photographs available at
www.thecousinsfamily.org/albums
Click on the headings:
- First Days at Kilchzimmer
or
- Discovering the Area

26 June 2006

Back to school

Joel has made a full recovery.
The students all arrived at the weekend and have settled in with us to our new home for the next 3 months.
It has been great to renew acquaintances with the staff, most of whom I have not seen for 10 years.
Today was our first day of classes. Our English class has 12 students - from Portugal (2), Netherlands (2), Greece (2), Lithuania (1), Armenia (1), and Norn Iron (4 of us all on the front row). I have the responsibility of making audio recordings of all the classes on computer and I have to clean the main classroom every morning. We all take our turn at the dishes. Two baby-sitters (both great girls from NI) look after the children while we are in class. This gives us great peace of mind to concentrate.
I will be preaching this Sunday morning to the students and staff so please pray that I will be sensitive to time as I have to allow for translation into French and Polish :)
The weather is warm and sunny with the odd thunder storm.
Please pray for our continual adjusting to communal life in Kilchzimmer.

24 June 2006

Feeling better

Thanks for your prayers. Joel is feeling much better now although his
glands are still a little swollen. We went to the doctor again this
morning for a check-up and he is happy with the improvement. So we
just have to continue to give Joel the antibiotics for the next few
days.

29 c - this is going to take some getting used too. The Field Council
are leaving today and most of the new students will arrive by tea
time this evening.

23 June 2006

Kilchzimmer snap shots

We will be posting some photographs over the coming weeks to the web.
You can view them by clicking on the link below:

www.thecousinsfamily.org/albums/

The Swiss Doctor

Yesterday we decided to take Joel to the doctor. He could see clearly how swollen Joel's glands were and was able to prescribe suitable antibiotics. We will go back again on Saturday morning for a check-up. Praise God that today a marked improvement is observable.
We have medical insurance so hopefully it won't be too complicated to claim back the costs once we get a bill from the doctors.

22 June 2006

The sound of cow bells

We arrived at Kilchzimmer (CEF European Headquarters, Switzerland) last night at 10.15pm.
Our journey began on Monday morning when we got the 7.35am sailing from Belfast to Stranraer. We arrived around 8pm at Mark & Heather Steele's home in Rochester (SE England). Mark (who is the brother of my brother-in-law) is Assistant Pastor in Rochester Baptist Church. We spent all day Tuesday with them and left at 7.30am on Wednesday. We then got a boat from Dover to Calais and for the next 9 hours we travelled through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France (again), Germany and finally Switzerland - arriving just after 10pm.

We are thankful for the Lord's protection on the long journey and for how well the boys behaved. One cause for concern is that Joel has had swollen glands since Monday. He has a temperature, sore head and has been sick a couple of times. We went to see a doctor in England but she was happy that it was only a viral infection and that we should treat him simply with the usual Capol and Nurofen. However, he has still not improved and we are wondering whether we should just be patient or if we should go through the hassle (insurance wise) of seeking medical help in this a non-EU country. Pray that this will not be necessary.

The weather is cooler today than normal and there are light showers (which allows us acclimatize). The meetings of the CEF European Field Council are taking place this week and we will meet with them either today or tomorrow. So we have some time to settle in and get our bearings before the rest of the students arrive on Saturday. Classes begin on Monday morning at 8.30am (rise and shine is at 6.30am !!! )

Thank you again, that you are interested enough in us to take the time to read this and to pray for us. We really appreciate your partnership with us in this way.

Gary (Claudia, Joel and David)

12 June 2006

Meeting Dr John MacArthur















Today I had the privilege of fellowshipping with Dr John MacArthur (pastor of Grace Community Church, California, president of The Master's College and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You radio ministry). John preached in our church last night (click here to download the message 24MB) and today he spoke at a special pastors conference in Belfast, which I helped to organise. We were greatly blessed by his ministry and also that of Dr Steve Lawson and Pastor Philip De Courcy. It was also great to have lunch with them all before they left for a round of golf before going back to the states tomorrow.
Details of where to order tapes and DVD's from the conference.

Visit from Philip De Courcey

Me with Pastors Clifford Morrison and Philip De Courcey outside Portadown Baptist Church. Posted by Picasa

05 June 2006

BBQ in Gosford

Wow what a day! The weather was beautiful and the people came and really enjoyed themselves. We estimate that 200 people were there. We were so blessed by all the people who sponsored the food and offered their help – people have been just so kind to us!
Then last Sunday night (28th May) the church was packed with friends, family and well-wishers who gathered for a special service to mark the end of my ministry as Associate Pastor in Portadown Baptist Church. We were very pleased with the programme and encouraged by all that was said. It is so good to know that the church is behind us as we step out in faith to follow God’s leading.
Two weeks holiday now to get ready and then we are off to Kilchzimmer to do the CEF Europe - Leadership Training Institute. Please pray for us.


Here is my father with David and Joel. He will miss them and they will miss him a lot this summer.
We had a large bouncy castle, an large inflatable slide, a treasure hunt, face painting… A great night of family fun was had by all. Posted by Picasa

27 May 2006

The polish connection

It was exciting this past week to meet Bogdan Bassara at the CEF Regional Conference, in Kilkeel, NI.
As coordinator for Media and Publications in CEF Europe, Bogdan and I are sure to be working together a lot in the future. I had heard much about Bogdan but this was the first time we met and I believe we instantly clicked with each other.
While being part of the European regional staff based in Kilchzimmer, Bogdan resides in his home country of Poland with his wife Agnes and one year old daughter. Posted by Picasa

20 May 2006

Service and BBQ

You are invited to join us on...
Sunday 28 May 2006 at 7 pm
in Portadown Baptist Church (Thomas Street)
for a service
to mark the end of Gary’s ministry
as
Associate Pastor

and to a
Barbeque on Saturday 3 June 2006 at 6.30 pm
in Gosford Forest Park (Main car park)
Food, fellowship, bouncy castle, face painting, games for all the family…

Opportunity will be given at both events to contribute towards Gary & Claudia’s expenses.

Visit from the Gwynne's

The Gwynne family will also be attending Kilchzimmer this summer so we had them over for a Saturday evening. It was a great opportunity for us and the boys to get to know each other.


 Posted by Picasa

04 May 2006

A step closer

At last night’s meeting of the CEF Ireland National Committee, Claudia and I were officially accepted as CEF Ireland Missionary Candidates.
This means that we are now free to organise deputation meetings to raise regular prayer and financial support. To arrange a meeting, please phone me on Tel. 07967 651 647.
We praise God that He has brought us another step closer to beginning our new ministry at Kilchzimmer.

A special service to mark the end of my ministry, as Associate Pastor, will be held on Sunday, 28th May at 7.00pm in Portadown Baptist Church. We would like as many of our friends and supporters as possible to be present – so please do come.

Some prayer and praise points:

  • Praise God for those who have offered to help us in many practical ways. This always encourages us and we never cease to be amazed at peoples generosity.
  • Give thanks that a suitable tenant has been found to rent our house while we are away.
  • Pray for me as I finish my time (Sun. 4th June) as Associate Pastor in Portadown Baptist Church. Pray that the church would know the will of God in finding a suitable replacement.
  • Pray for us as we finalise our travel arrangements for driving to Switzerland.
  • Pray that as we prepare to leave salaried employment and step out in faith, that the Lord will provide the necessary finance to cover all the costs associated with this summer.
  • Pray for us both through this emotional transition, that God’s grace would prove sufficient as we submit to the perceived plans of God for us at this time.
  • Pray for our boys as they adjust to all the changes. They are very excited about going to Kilchzimmer this summer!

19 April 2006

"And the Shofar Blew", Francine Rivers

I just finished reading this book. It was an excellent read and a timely reminder of the temptations that could so easily be the downfall of the servant of God in ministry.

13 April 2006

Spring Prayer Letter available in English and German

If you would like a copy of our latest prayer letter then please request it by email
(Please indicate which language you require)

10 April 2006

"David: A Man of Passion and Destiny", Chuck Swindol

Read this one recently.
It is very well written, helpfully applied to everyday life and grounded in scripture. Looking forward to reading more books in this "Great Lives from God's Word" series.

16 March 2006

Belfast MacArthur Conference

I am involved in the planning of a conference for pastors, church leaders and everyone else to be held on Monday, 12th June 2006 from 10am - 2pm with guest speakers: Dr John MacArthur, Dr Steve Lawson and Pastor Philip De Courcy at Newtownbeda Baptist Church.

More information: www.belfastmacarthurconference.com
You can also register to attend at that website.

15 March 2006

Official acceptance by CEF Ireland

Last night Claudia and I had our interview with the CEF Ireland Executive. Today we received the news that we have been officially accepted to become CEF candidate missionaries from September '06 when we will begin an official time of training and deputation with a view to moving to Switzerland in July 2007 (provided by then we have raised our full financial support).

We will be available for deputation from October this year. If you would like us to come and speak at your church or house group then please contact us as early as possible. Our email address is gary@thecousinsfamily.org or Tel. 028 3835 1215

(Note: These arrangements are subject to the verification of the CEF Ireland National committee who meet in May and also the satisfactory completion of the summer institute in Kilchzimmer.)

12 February 2006

Announcement regarding our future ministry

Click here for the same message in German - Hier klicken für die deutsche Übersetzung

This morning in church I made an announcement to the members that I will be stepping down as Associate Pastor at the beginning of June this year.

On 13 January we were approached by Henry and Madeline Berry (Child Evangelism Fellowship Ireland Directors), with an invitation from the 'CEF European Field Council' to join the team based in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland and to take up the post of 'European Youth Challenge Coordinator's.

This is the same place where I worked from 1992-96 but then I was involved in their literature and printing departments. Although these developments took us completely by surprise, we do feel that God has been preparing us for this and that it is His will that we accept this invitation.

Claudia and I have asked CEF to begin the necessary procedures that would lead to us becoming candidates with the mission. Pending acceptance, we as a family will attend the summer training institute at Kilchzimmer which is compulsory for all of their missionary candidates. The course lasts for three months from the middle of June.

The timetable and details of what happens following our return home in September have still to be discussed with the 'CEF Ireland Executive Council' but the following dates have been suggested as a rough guide:


  • Jun - Sep 06 - CEF candidates course at Kilchzimmer, Switzerland
  • Oct 06 - June 07 - a practical time working alongside CEF workers in Ireland and taking meetings to raise our support throughout Ireland; also some visits to Europe for training courses and conferences
  • July 07 - Leave NI and move as a family to Switzerland
  • Aug - Dec 07 - practical time in Switzerland (working alongside Philippe) with probably some deputation in Germany
  • Jan 08 - official take up the new post

Youth Challenge is the youth division of CEF (JYC 11-14 year olds and SYC 15+). The main areas of my job description are:

  • Training - teaching and organising of instructors courses
  • Literature - revision and writing of material for JYC and SYC and it's translation into other European languages
  • Website - will be used as a resource for YC workers
  • PR work - producing YC newsletters and representing the YC ministry at various conferences and Bible colleges in Europe.

The last few weeks have been extremely intensive for us and while exciting, they have also been mentally exhausting. We will be very sad to leave Thomas Street Baptist as we have enjoyed our time here since our arrival in August 2003, yet we believe that this is the next step in God's plan for us and that we must have the faith to step out and follow. We intend to remain in membership in the church.

As you can probably appreciate, the major mountain before us now, is going to be the raising of financial support. The mission expects us to raise 100% of our finance through regular donations from churches and individuals. Our budget is still to be set but it is likely to be very high because of the high cost of living in Switzerland and because I also have to raise the finance for my ministry expenses, which will include travel costs.

We know the Lord is able to supply our every need and we must simply trust Him. One verse that has always meant so much to me at times like these is: "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1Thes 5:24).

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Gary, Claudia, Joel and David


Visit from Philippe & Joanne Mayhew

We were visited on 25-26 January by Philippe and Joanne Mayhew. Philippe is the current CEF European Youth Challenge Coordinator based at Kilchzimmer in Switzerland. It was great to have fellowship with them and to be able to find out more about the ministry they are involved in. Posted by Picasa

03 January 2006

"Worship by the Book", Don Carson

I’d like to recommend a book that I read over the Christmas holidays entitled "Worship by the Book", published in 2002 by Zondervan. Edited by Don Carson, he is one of four authors who each write an equal length chapter on the subject of worship and more specifically – corporate worship‘ i.e. what the church does when they meet together on Sunday. Each of the writers provide a biblical understanding of worship and then give guidelines and templates for how to apply this understanding into corporate worship within three different traditions (Mark Ashton - Anglican, R. Kent Hughes – Free Church and Timothy J. Keller – Presbyterian).

Don Carson sets the scene with the first 52 pages entitled "Worship under the Word". On the issue of how we are to worship God as a New Testament people, i.e. a proper response (giving God his worth-ship), Carson writes: "What this means for members of the new covenant is that our response to God in worship should begin by carefully and reflectively examining what God requires of us under the terms of this covenant. We should not be asking whether or not we enjoy "worship", but asking, "What is it that God expects of us?" That will frame our response."

Below are further choice quotes from the various contributors:

Carson
· In an age increasingly suspicious of (linear) thought, there is much more respect for the "feeling" of things-whether a film or a church service. It is disturbingly easy to plot surveys of people, especially young people, drifting from a church of excellent preaching and teaching to one with excellent music because, it is alleged, there is "better worship” there.

· Despite the protestations, one sometimes wonders if we are beginning to worship worship rather than worship God.

· There are far too few choruses and services and sermons that expand our vision of God-his attributes, his works, his character, and his words.

· What we must strive for is growing knowledge of God and delight in him – not delight in worship per se, but delight in God.

Ashton
· John Wesley’s verdict on the Prayer Book was: "I know of no liturgy in the world, ancient or modern, which breathes more of solid, scriptural piety than the Common Prayer of the Church of England." But it would not have been Cranmer’s wish to freeze Anglican liturgy for centuries to come so that it lost its cultural relevance and reintroduced into church services the obscurity that he laboured so hard to remove.

· A vicar may well feel that the responsibility for deciding what passages his congregation should hear is his alone; it is too important to be left to anyone else, but he will need to beware of his own hobby-horses. Aiming to work systematically through all the major Bible books, passage by passage, Sunday by Sunday, over a ten-year period provides a balance between freedom and system so that the present needs of the church can be weighed against the long-term responsibility to teach the whole counsel of God. All too few churches today benefit from regular teaching by the same pastor from the same book of the Bible, carefully and faithfully expounded week by week. Those that do are often the most healthy.

· Any clothes worn by the minister and not by the congregation will communicate a clericalism that sits ill with "the priesthood of all believers."

Hughes
· For some time I have been in implicit agreement with Don Carson’s assertion that New Testament worship encompasses all of life and that it is misleading to imagine it as only a corporate activity of the assembled church.


· Because worship is a way of life, you cannot worship corporately on the Lord’s Day if you haven’t been worshiping throughout the week – apart from repentance! Christians don’t have a Sunday "worship switch," despite what is sometimes portrayed on television.

· Musicians must see themselves as fellow labourers in the Word and must lead with understanding and an engaged heart. Those who minister in worship services must be healthy Christians who have confessed their sins and by God’s grace are living their lives consistently with the music they lead. The sobering fact is that over time the congregation tends to become like those who lead.

Keller

· Do we really want to assume that the Sixteenth-century northern European approach to emotional expression and music (incarnate in the Reformation tradition) was completely biblically informed and must be preserved?

· If worship only "happens" in the "big event," then we will be overly concerned to give people a huge emotional or aesthetic experience.

· ...if we have a sense of humility before God’s grace, we won’t be pompous, authoritarian, severe, or "ministerial." Instead of pomposity, there should be authenticity and humility.

This book will be very helpful to Pastors, elders and those who are involved in corporate worship both as musicians or vocalists.