6 month reflection

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr.

As Arise Christian Church approaches its 6 month anniversary, it almost seems appropriate that I write theologically about the experience so far, or perhaps give some advice and share some secrets about what I've learned, or write an exegetical reflection. But I am not going to do that. I just want to take a moment and write about how I feel.

1) I feel like I've grown spiritually. As the new church planter and pastor, there's a lot of contact with people who need spiritual guidance. I walk side-by-side with a lot of people, but who walks with me? God does. God demonstrates to me that He fulfills His promises and that He is faithful. I have witnessed God at work in ways I've never seen before. This has drawn me closer to God.

2) I feel happy. While new church planting is a lot of work and can be very stressful, I can honestly say that I am having a lot of fun. In all my years involved in ministry, I have never said that until Arise began. Because it is fun, I am happy.

3) I feel at peace. So much has been done to get Arise to where it is today, but there's still a lot more to do. However, I feel peace because I know God is in control, and I am focused on the mission and calling He has placed before me.

I am humbled that God called me, that God chose me for such a time as this.

(Image by Erik Huber)

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 | 0 Comments

Conversations can be holy moments

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: , ,

Earlier this week I had a great conversation about church administration and stewardship with a colleague. My day started off today conversing with a fellow new church pastor about mobile ministry, and tomorrow I will be talking with my coach. In between all of these conversations, are other discussions with various other people. Taking a step back and reflecting on all of these conversations, they were indeed holy moments.


What do I mean by a "holy moment?" I find that in these conversations I experience, what my seminary professor and mentor often mentioned, a "means of grace." Through these conversations, I enter into a space of dialogue where Kingdom building is the foundation. And in these conversations, I can learn something new, hear something new, share my thoughts and ideas, give testimony, discern, challenge myself, disagree, etc. This is indeed a holy moment because I am a different person at the end of the conversation than when I started the conversation. May God be praised!

A lot of people view inquiry and "asking questions" as a weakness. I certainly do not. I find that by asking questions and being open to learn, an opportunity for gaining wisdom and learning something new is of high probability. It does not necessarily mean that one is obligated to give up something of oneself, or one's deepest values and convictions. The way I see it, there's an opportunity for personal growth and strength. How is this a weakness?

Jesus said, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart..." (Matt. 15:18) What is in your heart? I gave my heart to the Lord many years ago, and I enjoy Kingdom centered conversations. I wonder what 21st century Christendom would look like if more of our conversations became holy moments.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 | 0 Comments

Get rid of da 'junk in your trunk!'

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr.

Here are the main points from my sermon, "Get rid of da 'junk in your trunk!'"

Get rid of da 'junk in your trunk!'

Monday, January 11, 2010 | 0 Comments

heart of a [new church] pastor

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: , ,

Way before Arise launched, I did much research on new church planting and attended new church training events (both live and online), as I still continue to do today. I must say that they have all been very helpful and educational in some fashion or another. BUT, I have to say that one very important element has not been present in nearly 100% of these events: how to be a pastor.


Let me explain what I mean. Much of the content and events that surround new church ministry in general revolves around leadership. This is great. However, the image it paints is one of a pastor who basically tells people what to do because "he" (unfortunately, a lot of the content surrounding new church ministry is Eurocentric and male dominant) has the vision and knows what's going on. I understand this concept, and quite honestly, I agree with the importance of strong leadership in new church ministry. The new church planter/pastor must/should have strong skills in administration, strategic planning, team building, budgeting, etc. But the way it is presented creates a utopia that everyone that comes to help build and start the church under the leadership of the planter/pastor is "perfect." It's as though the people under the pastor have nothing wrong with them, and they are equipped to do everything "he" says.

I do not believe this is accurate and true. Yes, God does bring people to help build the church with God-given gifts, to be a part of a new, growing community of faith. There is no doubt in my mind that God participates in this, and does a great job with it. But to think that these people don't need pastoral care is not realistic. Just like any other parish ministry, people are going through stuff: grieving, sadness, loss, depression, stress, confusion, etc.

I raise a few rhetorical questions to challenge this utopia:
  • How can a new church pastor be an effective administrator and leader, and still balance the importance of offering pastoral care?
  • Is it worth starting a cool, new church at the expense of a lack of spiritual care?
  • What is the role of self-care in new church planting?
I hope that eventually as more content is created for new church ministry, that more time is taken to discuss and teach what it means to be a new church pastor, and just not a new church leader. While in many respects, they are one in the same, and one cannot be one without the other, they each need to be discussed respectfully in its own personality.

I must say that I am so grateful that I took 3 1/2 years for seminary training to help me wrestle with these tough questions. I honestly cannot imagine how I would be able to take on this calling that God has placed before me without appropriate preparation. It's a shame that many people who claim to be called by God for ministry think that they know it all, and don't need to educate themselves. Every pastor is human, and every human makes mistakes. Pastors not only have the power to help, but they also have the power to harm. While all ministry is important, new church ministry is unique, in so much that it presents opportunities for offering pastoral care in ways that ministries with many years of life may not offer. This should not be taken lightly.

I close this reflection with a quote that I have come across many times. I find it appropriate in this discussion:

"People won't always remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel."

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 | 0 Comments

Alarming articles - Signs of the Times

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels:

This morning I came across a couple of articles that left me with mixed emotions, primarily sad. I guess it was the "caffeine" I needed to get my eyes opened to the "signs of the times."


The first was in regards to an attack on the Creation Museum by an atheist leader/group. I had the privilege of visiting the Creation Museum, and I found it to be wonderful and educational. These accusations are ridiculous, and this situation is unjust.



The second is a blog post on the Hispanic community, predominantly 2nd generation Hispanics. Since Arise is a ministry that pays particular attention to this demographic, this data on progress, and most especially challenges, hits home.



As I read these articles, all I could think about is the importance of ministry, and that God calls us, even in the midst of chaos, conflict, and confusion, to be His hands and feet in the world. There is still a lot of work to be done!


Luke 10:2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Monday, December 14, 2009 | 0 Comments

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