Sean Rheaume

Walking Dead Evangelism part 1

I grew up watching zombie movies. Now they are all the rage but I am not talking about the realistic drama oriented zombies of today…I am talking about the campy 80’s Night of the Living Dead, Return of the Living Dead and Return of the Living Dead part 2. As a teenage boy it was so cool to watch. It didn’t really scare you because it was just so ridiculous.

However we come into contact with zombies everyday. They appear alive but they are in fact dead. Spiritually that is. There are those in our friendship circles, families and work places that are spiritual zombies and we as believers are in a struggle to stay alive. Over the next 3 posts we will learn how to identify a zombie, how to kill a zombie and how to keep from being zombied.

The characteristics of a zombie.

They are cold – with no blood flowing through their veins they are cold to the touch.

Spiritual zombies are cold and indifferent to the world and those around them…not caring if they hurt anyone much less anyone’s feelings.

1 John 2:9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

They stink – they are after all corpses and have been dead. Death smells. Have you ever been around a dead animal covered with maggots…it is a smell you never forget.

Mary – Lazarus’ sister didn’t want the tomb to be opened because he would stink…but life doesn’t stink it has a fragrant aroma.

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

They are relentless – the entire movie is a few people running away from slow moving zombies intent on making THEM zombies. No matter what they do they cannot seem to destroy the zombies they just keep coming.

The spiritually dead will pursue you because they hate life. It makes them feel more dead. They are threatened by your life. They will do whatever they can to make you like one of them…because the enemy hates you and hates Jesus. (Eph 6:10 – we don’t fight against flesh and blood)

John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

So if you see someone today that is cold hearted with a stinky attitude and relentless in bringing you down to their level…RUN! You may have just encountered a zombie.

START

The hardest part of anything is starting. I just joined a gym.

That wasn’t hard…the hard part was actually going and picking

up the weights. When you have a project around the

house…the hard part isn’t the project. It is starting.

I believe that you want to do the best for your family. I believe

you want to lead your family spiritually but you just don’t know

how to do it.

START.

S – Start Simple. Pray with your family at night or when you

leave for work.

T – Turn off the TV and play or talk or take a walk.

A – Ask about their day and actually be interested.

R – Remind your family how God is working in your life and

how he is blessing them.

T- Take it easy on yourself if you are not the greatest parent in

the world. We are all in this journey together.

I know parenting can sometimes be intimidating…but take

charge and START something today.

What are some other easy ways that you lead your family…email me at

sean@jamesislandbaptist.com

Slow Down and DO something

In June of 1994 I sat before an ordination council and was asked what was my favorite scripture? I answered, Psalm 46:10 “He says. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Truth is, that was simply the verse I had memorized for my devotion that day…I was nervous and couldn’t think of anything else so I spouted that out. I was applauded for being so young yet having a verse about being still as a life verse. I took the praise…but not the counsel.

I live a pretty fast pace. I freebase on caffeine and I love getting things done. I love lists, working on the lists and then moving on to the next journey. However, I have learned in the last month that in that pace is not only a path to burnout but it also keeps one from growing. I have needed some emotional healing for some time and only recently have I begun to deal with things because I have learned to slow down. Not my work schedule but my Spirit.

We do need to sit still sometimes…especially in this noisy tech world we live in but the Psalmist I believe is concentrating on having our Spirit be still. I am learning that this journey of life is a marathon not a sprint.

I am committed to living on James Island till I am old. I am committed to this Church till I retire. I know that is a bold statement but it gives me a peace I have never had before. You see, not looking for the next thing allows me to think long term in my ministry here at JIBC. It allows me to work on loving my God, Family, Church and Community (in that order).

In fact I have found the last few months to be more productive and my attitude much brighter. Simply by slowing down.

Jesus often stole away for some time alone…to quiet his Spirit. He never seemed in a hurry and yet we know he knew his time was short. Why? He knew what he had to do and he did it. I know what God has called me to do. I know he will equip me to do it. I know he will allow the time I need to do it in. So, I work hard. I take care of my Mind, Body and Soul. I follow Jesus.

Unreached People Group

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

I serve in a Southern Baptist Church and every year we take up a Lottie Moon Christmas offering for foreign missionaries and An Annie Armstrong Easter offering for North American missionaries. Every year we see videos and hear stories about men and women going into all kinds of areas to reach people with the Gospel. We often hear phrases like reaching “unreached people groups”. The term is used when the Gospel has reached less than 2% of the population.

I am a missionary to an unreached people group. I am family pastor currently serving in James Island SC. On this island drugs, apathy and sexuality overrun the youth culture. There are 2600 teens in JI public schools. An unscientific survey of churches showed that less than 150 students are actively involved in church. Now if you did your math you see that is 5.7%. I did not include in the equation the schools on Johns Island and the private school, home school and the dropouts. However, even at 5.7% it is beyond alarming.

So, JIBC has hired me as a missionary…a missionary to an unreached people group. We must approach this group as any missionary would…on purpose and with passion.

The International Mission Board uses the following strategy for their EMBRACE UPG Initiative. We are taking the same approach. (1)

1) Study their culture – we recognize that adolescent culture changes and we must be aware of trends and needs.

2) Identify their language – I know it is hard to understand but teenagers do communicate. We choose to listen to them and hear their hearts in their heart-language, which includes social media, music and the arts.

3) Identify their religion(s) – We identify what they worship…on the island it is sex, rampant drug use and the beach.

4) Discover cultural landmines that need to be avoided for long-term effectiveness – We must reveal a righteous God without appearing self – righteous.

5) Identify barriers to their understanding the Gospel

6) Discover where they live – go where they are and not expect them to come to us. Be involved on school campuses, neighborhoods, hangouts etc.

I am proud to support our denominations emphasis for International and North American missions…however we as churches need to do an evaluation of our own backyard…look around, you may have an unreached people group right under your nose.

(1) http://www.imb.org/main/lead/embracedefault.asp?StoryID=9651&LanguageID=1709

She still drives me crazy.

Fourteen years ago I got married. That woman drove me crazy. Her talent, her spirit, her hypnotic eyes and she smelled great. I loved to hear her laugh and I love her smile when she scrunches her nose. She is my best friend and I can’t imagine life without her.

After all these years she still drives me crazy with those beautiful blues. Her talent is matched only by her heart and now as a mom she amazes me with her ability to do it all and still kiss me goodnight.

Happy Anniversary Audra. You are my love story and we are just getting started.

I need a hobby

I was looking through some old journals this morning (you have to see if you are progressing but that is another blog). I journaled some time ago about the need for a hobby and it occurred to me that I still don’t have one. I was a quiet kid in a difunctional home and just kept my head down so it didn’t get knocked off. Sports and Hobbies were not in the cards for me. I had to help watch my kid brother and sister. I surrendered my life to Jesus during my senior year in High School and in my Freshman year in College all I wanted to do was be a Youth Pastor. For the past twenty years I have devoted all of my time to being a youth pastor and now a husband and father. I never got a hobby.

I mean I play the guitar but not because I enjoy it but so I can lead teens in worship. I like golf but did I tell you what I did for a living? Playing Golf in Charleston is not for the financially challenged. I don’t surf or skate or play much of anything….it is really sad.

I don’t post this as a pity party…I will figure it out. I simply wonder how many pastors out there are like me. You have poured your whole life into your calling that you forgot to have fun. What do you do for you. Not your church, not your enrichment…just selfish ole you.

It is not bad to stop every once in a while and have you time. I think it is pretty healthy. Jesus would often steal away to pray. Who knows maybe he got in 9 holes before Peter came and bothered him again?

So, I am going to stop blogging and go find a Hobby. Maybe collecting stamps?

Rock the Block

It seems like whenever Jesus wasn’t preaching or teaching he was at a party. His first miracle of turning water into wine was at a party. He was accused by the Pharisees by partying with sinners. If you search the scriptures Jesus was constantly creating a party atmosphere. He fed 5000 a fish fry so he could keep teaching. He put the FUN in funeral by raising the dead. All that to say is Jesus loves a good party. It is in that vein that I chose Rock the Block to be the mission for JIBCYM (our Youth Ministry).

I believe that when you add the fellowship of believers with food and music and fun…there is only good that can come from that.

People need to see the Church standing up for FUN. People need to see the love of Christ and smiles on faces. I believe that can change the world….we will start with James Island.

Our first Rock the Block was in our church’s neighborhood Medway Park. Around 30 unchurched came to check it out and were blown away that we wanted nothing but to share some fun and eat a hot dog with them. It was a great event and will happen monthly around the Island.

cktheblo

When the music fades…

After 21 years and 6 churches I am constantly fighting the battle of music in our youth services. I have used the videos, had student led bands and paid worship leaders. Once again I am at the crossroads of music in our services. I can do it but I am not that talented. I have a few students but they are really not ready. Does it do the kingdom any good for a kid to come in and his first impression of church/Jesus is awkward singing? Is it ok to scrap singing until we can do it well? What would that meeting look like to you?

Help me out.

To my son…on his birthday.

Today you turn 3 years old. I am already so proud to be your father. You have the perfect blend of strength and compassion. I pray that remains in you. I will do everything in my power to foster that trait. I will try my hardest to model Christ in front of you so that you learn to love Jesus with all your heart. I will try to show you how to treat a woman so that you will grow to be the husband that your future wife deserves. I will try to show you how to pray because it will guide you throughout your life. I will try to show you how to throw a football, catch a baseball and strike a golfball…sorry you are on your own when it comes to basketball. I will teach you how to cook on a grill because that is the mans job. I will teach you how to drive a car because mom just won’t understand. I will teach you to appreciate great movies and music and hot wings. But most of all I will try to be a better dad because the cycle of distant fathers ends with me. I love you son. I love being your dad. Happy Birthday.

Popes, Ministry and awkward transitions

The Pope is resigning and it hasn’t happened since 1415. The news is covering who the next pope will be and pontificating on why the current pope is really stepping down (Like being old as dirt isn’t reason enough). The thing that is really interesting to me is the transition. How does a Pope transition out? And talk about the awkward transition for the new guy.

Thing is transitions are difficult anywhere in ministry. Unfortunately I have been part of a few of these. Some have been healthy…some VERY not. Actually in a few weeks I will be involved with transition again. Since I have been a part of this transition thing a few times I figured I would give the Popes some tips.

For the Outgoing Pope…

1) Set the new guy up well. If you know who it is, with humility take them out and let them know all you can to make their job better. Who are the players? Who are the knuckleheads?

2) Leave the place better than you found it. Don’t take off with the books, AV equipment or the Sistine chapel.

3) Don’t bad mouth the new guy. Don’t talk about how this place is going down the tubes without you. (Of course it is the Catholic Church so…)

For the Incoming Pope…

1) Don’t trash the outgoing guy. The person you are replacing may be going out under great circumstances. There may be a good reason why you are hired and they are going. You may very well be better than him (that will be obvious once time passes). There is no need to rub it in.

2) Don’t change everything right away. Unless your direct report tells you to. Chill for a bit. 3 months to a year do little to change. Bill Hybels says that like the size of a boat the size of change directly affects the time needed to change it.

3) Spend as much time as you can getting to know your leaders, volunteers and teams. When it is time you will know who fits with your leadership style.

So there you go you sharp dressed leaders of the Vatican. Im glad I could help.