Dads make a difference. Stats show that kids do better when they have a loving dad around. Families do better with a mom and a dad. Much is taught, but even more is caught. Our kids are watching. Not all kids have a dad or had a loving dad. But all kids who become dads can change the family tree by becoming the dad God wants them to be--the dad God will empower them to become. Fortunately, there is a loving heavenly father who will be all we ever desire and will provide for our every need. God said He is full of "compassion and mercy. I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty." (Ex. 34:6-7). Trust, obey, learn from, listen to, thank, and glorify our Heavenly Father.
Happy Father's Day.
Jim Smith
President
Pacific Church Network
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PACIFIC CHURCH NETWORK SEMINARY
Un
der the direct
ion of Dr. Emilio Núñez,
our seminary has grown to 12 classes in 11 locations throughout Southern California and Arizona.
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ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT FOR SPA DAY
Join other pastors' wives for this free spa day event on
Saturday, June 23 at the Glen Ivy Spa in Corona, CA. Sign up now to get the two spots left. $25 secures your place and you'll get it back when you attend. (We will have a waiting list as well.)
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CB CHAPLAINCY
Rev. Andy Meverden / CB Chaplaincy Director
Last Spring, at the request of the daughter (Nancy Reid) of a failing Korean War Infantry commander, I visited Colonel Ed Pierce (US Army, Retired) at a nearby retirement home. He was in decline and had concerns about his eternal destiny, given, among other things, his wartime experience. I met the shell of what was once an imposing Army officer. After introduction by the daughter, I sat close to the Colonel, and probed his wartime experience. I asked him if he ever facilitated the visit of a chaplain to him men prior to entering combat. His eyes widened and he said, “Many times.” Then I asked if any of these subsequently were killed in combat. He choked out a quiet, “Yes.” I thanked him for preparing his Soldiers, not only for combat, but for potential death in the process. Tears trickled down his cheeks. Then I told him, I was there to do for him, what he had done for his men; prepare him for life’s Final Battle. I shared briefly with him about “Hill #1” where the greatest battle of all time took place, and recounted the story of Calvary with Jesus crucified between the Two Thieves. When I asked him if he would like to confirm his faith in Jesus, he took my hand and I prayed with him the Sinner’s Prayer, etc. After a couple other visits, the Old Soldier died. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery several months later – there’s quite a waiting list. His wife, who was always present, recently passed and eventually will be buried with him at Arlington.
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MAN CAMP
Start signing up for this year's fall men's retreat, Thursday - Saturday,
October 11-13, 2018. Speakers include Brian Howard, Joel Webbon, Bishop Garrett, Thien Doan, Mario Zamorano, and Jim Smith.
Spanish Men's Retreat will start on Friday the same weekend.
PCN offers five (5) fall retreats.
Pine Summit Camp, Big Bear Lake
Murrieta Hot Springs, Murrieta, CA
September 28-30
Pine Summit Camp, Big Bear Lake
October 11-13 (Starts Thursday)
Pine Summit Camp, Big Bear Lake
Retiro de Varones: October 12 - 14
Pine Summit Camp, Big Bear Lake
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BOARD WORKSHOP
Saturday, August 25
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pacific Coast Church
San Clemente, CA
Bring your entire leadership team to hear PCN's Chairman, Dr. Rick Koole, share very helpful ways to make church and board meetings easy, informative, non-confrontational and beneficial. Rick currently pastors LifePointe Church in Fallbrook and is also on several boards around the country.
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Plan on joining PCN's trip to Greece next March, 2019. Visit Athens, Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete and more. Included is the airfare, a three-night cruise through the Greek isles, bus tour throughout Greece, guides, hotels, breakfasts and many dinners, entrance fees and tips. Call the PCN office to find out about the Lead Pastor discount.
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RETIREMENT
Guidestone offers many resources, including information about the minister’s housing allowance and retirement planning to help you meet your goals.
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INFORMATIVE FREE WORKSHOP
Church pastors and leaders gathered in Upland last month to attend PCN's "Engaging the Unchurched" workshop. Thanks goes to our two speakers, Dr. Brent Strawsburg and Oscar Mendez, who shared practical advice and helpful ways to reach more people for Christ.
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Hope Again's board of directors voted unanimously to merge with the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. SFVRM will assume all operations of Hope Again. The merge will take place in the beginning of June.
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Join other students from around SoCal for a weekend of fun, food, games and encouragement. Get ready for another school year. Enjoy the coolness of the San Bernardino mountains at Pine Summit Camp in Big Bear Lake, CA. This retreat is in English.
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MORE MARRIAGES STILL TOGETHER
Contrary to the popular media myth, Census Bureau data shows 72% of those who have ever been married are still married to their 1st spouse! And the 28% who aren’t includes everyone who was married for many years until a spouse died. No one knows what the average 1st-marriage divorce rate actually is, but based on the rate of widowhood and other factors, we estimate it is closer to 20-25%. For all marriages (including 2nd marriages, and so on), it is in the 31-35% range. Yet, expert demographers continue to project that 40-50% of couples divorce; but the actual numbers have never come close, and divorce rates continue to drop, not rise! Even among baby boomers, the highest-risk age group, 70% are still married to their 1st spouse. Also, according to Barna Research data, regular church attendance lowers the divorce rate anywhere from 25-50%.
(ChurchLeaders.com, Shaunti Feldhahn 5/2/18)
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PREACHING MATTERS
Most church attenders admit sermons focused on the Bible are the primary reason they choose a congregation. 76% say sermons that teach more about Scripture were a major factor. 83% of Protestant church attenders say Scripture-
focused sermons are a major factor in their church decision. Sermons that help connect faith to life are a major reason for 80%. Fewer Protestants credit programs for children and teenagers (68%), community outreach and volunteer
opportunities (61%), or dynamic leaders (53%) as major factors for their church selection.
(Facts & Trends 18 Important Stats for Ministry in 2018)
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