tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post2705096104200922353..comments2024-03-23T22:54:58.661-04:00Comments on FBC Jax Watchdogs: How Social Media Has Shaped How Jim Smyrl Left FBC Jax, and Aided in His Church Plant and Communication of His VisionFBC Jax Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-24966980978612449512011-08-05T02:59:22.167-04:002011-08-05T02:59:22.167-04:00This blog really is disheartening. The things you ...This blog really is disheartening. The things you point out about a lot of churches is true, but your solutions are often an over-reaction.<br /><br />I am a bi-vocational student pastor who has had to wait to start seminary because I couldn't pay and didn't want more debt, I'm only starting now because I've been blessed to get a seminary that will significantly help me afford school.<br /><br />Even with two jobs, I couldn't fully support a family on my own. Why is it wrong for a pastor to be paid a reasonable salary to provide enough, albeit modestly, for his family?<br /><br />The problem isn't pastors and churches with buildings, it is the false teachings of some of them.<br /><br />Ive been in ministry now for four years and have never made more than 30k in a year for working between 40-70 hours a week. One church laid me off because I wasn't only about growing a large youth group but rather wanted to focus on discipleship and gospel-centered teaching.<br /><br />There are many pastors way too caught up with money,influence,power etc.... But that doesn't mean that a church that grows is unbiblical, that a pastor who is paid a salary is sinning or even if a pastor writes a book and makes some money off it is wrong. Those CAN be bad but they aren't inherently bad all the time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-83847453127270953962011-08-01T11:28:30.975-04:002011-08-01T11:28:30.975-04:00Anon 12:07
I too am impressed with Chan. I don...Anon 12:07<br /><br />I too am impressed with Chan. I don't mean to exalt Platt as a spiritual hero. In fact, all men will eventually fail and disappoint in some way.EZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618922003412636401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-10406785268074987952011-08-01T10:09:18.499-04:002011-08-01T10:09:18.499-04:00"Many of us remember when Jim Smyrl first cam..."Many of us remember when Jim Smyrl first came to First Baptist and how well he was liked but then left to get his degree and came back to First Baptist a totally different person."<br /><br />Totally agree on this point. He did change significantly for the worst.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-28389537975461693272011-08-01T10:07:51.718-04:002011-08-01T10:07:51.718-04:00"One very significant family from FBC Jax was..."One very significant family from FBC Jax was present."<br /><br />Why should that surprise you or anyone else. If I was the associate pastor I sure would hope that my parents were there to support me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-87326075695212324242011-08-01T08:49:05.951-04:002011-08-01T08:49:05.951-04:00I would encourage many to read the book Revolution...I would encourage many to read the book Revolution bu Barna. here he lays out the church attendance trends of evangelicals over the past 25-30 years. he goes on record in this book and states that the institutional church is rapidly declining and that by 2045 only 1/3 of Christians will be involved in an instutional business church. Where aer they going? BACK to the first century model of the early Christians! The house church or church systems founded in homes that meet in larger groups for the larger connection to the Body. The majority of Christians around the world already meet this way and they are growing rapidly. <br /><br />The focus is no longer on the business of church, marketing, TV, selling products from the pulpit during services, buildings or programs, but on true disciple making! It appears that Jim and the folks at his community of believers are getting it. Chets Creek church is closest to this in town so far. Their strength are their home "life groups." I myself, am involved in a house church and LOVE IT. <br /><br />Another book to read: So Do Don't Want To Go To CHurch Anymore. Be open minded when should you have the courage to read this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-44313486635789951472011-08-01T00:07:07.440-04:002011-08-01T00:07:07.440-04:00"I did not mean to suggest that David Platt i..."I did not mean to suggest that David Platt is bi-vocational. I do suggest that you pick up a copy of Radical and read it for yourself."<br /><br />Read it. I am impressed with Francis Chan.<br /><br />Platt is out speaking and getting on with the Reformed big boys. Making a name for himself selling his radical agenda.<br /><br />Chan walked away from it all because it was killing his soulAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-70119613488121841332011-07-31T23:48:18.288-04:002011-07-31T23:48:18.288-04:00David Platt made hundreds of thousands on his book...David Platt made hundreds of thousands on his book and pushes it all over our nation. He is not hurting for money. He lives in a very expensive home...that is a fact.<br /><br />The "Graham Family" has made Millions off the Gospel and has employed their whole family in the BGEA. Franklin Graham is one of the most arrogant individuals that you would ever want to meet...that is a fact.<br /><br />Jim Smyrl is a gift from God.<br /><br />I hope he stays humble and stays bi-vocational.<br /><br />Preachers that are broke preach better than those that are rich.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-6592569688708282412011-07-31T23:02:49.860-04:002011-07-31T23:02:49.860-04:00Update on the first day at LHBC:
About 50 to 60 i...Update on the first day at LHBC:<br /><br />About 50 to 60 in attendance.<br /><br />Very simple service, music with acoustic guitar played by teens and PowerPoint lyrics. <br /><br />Jim Smyrl preached.<br /><br />There are going to be 4 gospel community groups to start on four sides of town.<br /><br />One very significant family from FBC Jax was present.<br /><br />I would say not a bad start.<br /><br />Good luck Jim and LHBC.FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-13922634184297373422011-07-31T22:44:42.446-04:002011-07-31T22:44:42.446-04:00Anons 6:58 and 11:42
I did not mean to suggest th...Anons 6:58 and 11:42<br /><br />I did not mean to suggest that David Platt is bi-vocational. I do suggest that you pick up a copy of Radical and read it for yourself. The changes that Smyrl is making are right out of the book. Perhaps Platt makes a lot of money from speaking engagements. Does he use that to make his own life more comfortable or further the kingdom? I don't know for sure and I'm not here to defend him. Paul wrote "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. " Now, I am not accusing anyone of false motives. The point is that the message stands apart from the messenger. If Platt doesn't live what he preaches that is between him and God. (If we have evidence of such inconsistencies I do believe we should sight them.) Regardless of his motivation, the Lord can still use him to spread his message. That may be difficult to accept but it is biblical in my opinion. Again, I am not accusing him of false motives. I am also not defending or justifying those who abuse their positions as teachers and leaders. I only meant to state that what Jim Smryl is doing seems very "Radical" to me and I commend him for it.EZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618922003412636401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-36421604795989669762011-07-31T20:52:48.926-04:002011-07-31T20:52:48.926-04:00Now if God would do the same thing to our current ...Now if God would do the same thing to our current Pastor and make him a humble man and get rid of his arrogance.<br /><br />July 31, 2011 7:00 PM<br /><br />In other words, you want your "pastor" to act like a Christian.<br /><br />Anyone else see the cognative dissonance in this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-63265464390851307352011-07-31T19:00:05.540-04:002011-07-31T19:00:05.540-04:00Many of us remember when Jim Smyrl first came to F...Many of us remember when Jim Smyrl first came to First Baptist and how well he was liked but then left to get his degree and came back to First Baptist a totally different person. Hopefully all that has happened to him lately has made him a humble person and gotten rid of his arrogance. Now if God would do the same thing to our current Pastor and make him a humble man and get rid of his arrogance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-69699447960185785042011-07-31T16:22:41.682-04:002011-07-31T16:22:41.682-04:00"We'll be following your church's pro..."We'll be following your church's progress. And maybe I'll pop in some Sunday to say hi."<br /><br />Or maybe, if you don't like what he preaches or the way he preaches you will blog against him also.DAWG Watchdognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-13829911435959524522011-07-31T11:42:45.063-04:002011-07-31T11:42:45.063-04:00"It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading Dav..."It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading David Platt books and is taking the message to heart"<br /><br />Hmm. If David Platt is working in the real world while being bi vocational, then how does he have time for all those speaking gigs?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-52815993340316278602011-07-31T08:17:47.498-04:002011-07-31T08:17:47.498-04:00"I hope that excelling in his job and earning..."I hope that excelling in his job and earning more money is not the furthest thing from his mind."<br /><br />I hope that excelling in his job(s) and earning more favor with God is the nearest thing to his heart.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-3416608238483009682011-07-31T07:37:29.978-04:002011-07-31T07:37:29.978-04:00I can't sleep.
I always got a good nap when D...I can't sleep.<br /><br />I always got a good nap when Dr. Smyrl preached.<br /><br />I will be there...His sermons are better than Ambien.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-80918455265934893572011-07-31T07:01:48.229-04:002011-07-31T07:01:48.229-04:00Here is the perfect example of one who thinks the ...Here is the perfect example of one who thinks the traditions of men are biblical.<br /><br />Jesus takes care of my many needs. When will these types start eating meat instead of being spoon fed milk? Probably never.<br /><br />July 31, 2011 6:57 AM<br /><br />Sorry, I was referring to this shallow comment earlier that got cut off...<br /><br />"It is kind of interesting how you people love to see a pastor out in the world working instead of busy pastoring the church and taking care of your many and varied needs"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-32562554641782111502011-07-31T06:59:12.148-04:002011-07-31T06:59:12.148-04:00You said: " You will pay full taxes on your i...You said: " You will pay full taxes on your income, and you get no housing allowance."<br /><br />That is not exactly true. I assume that as a bivocational pastor he will still receive at least some salary from his church. The portion of income that he receives from his church can be designated "housing allowance" up to the fair rental value of his home or his actual living expenses which ever is the lessor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-19572672871875526542011-07-31T06:58:56.440-04:002011-07-31T06:58:56.440-04:00"It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading Dav..."It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading David Platt books and is taking the message to heart."<br /><br />I did not realize David Platt worked in a real job. Are you sure about this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-20285614502486294472011-07-31T06:57:22.149-04:002011-07-31T06:57:22.149-04:00.
Here is the perfect example of one who thinks th....<br />Here is the perfect example of one who thinks the traditions of men are biblical.<br /><br />Jesus takes care of my many needs. When will these types start eating meat instead of being spoon fed milk? Probably never.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-24640919181162142962011-07-31T06:36:25.369-04:002011-07-31T06:36:25.369-04:00I know of another pastor (nakedpastor) who now wor...I know of another pastor (nakedpastor) who now works full-time and does his pastoring on the internet. I'd think, if there is a God, he'd approve of pastors and all Christians, being out "amongst 'em."<br /><br />I've also heard of a church that meets in a bar and allows people to have a beer while talking about God. Makes sense to me. <br /><br />I've also heard of a famous preacher that traveled around and went to bars to talk with people. <br /><br />Don't all these things seem more authentic than having a church building and inviting people to church-where they'll most likely feel uncomfortable?<br /><br />Plus if you're out in the real world, you have to show respect for the thoughts of others. Hey, you might even learn something if you truly listen.<br /><br />So I think this is a good thing this pastor is doing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-35029903882714844652011-07-31T04:50:58.723-04:002011-07-31T04:50:58.723-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14487653939801553210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-24191449570621663512011-07-30T23:27:00.723-04:002011-07-30T23:27:00.723-04:00Point is, I sincerely hope that Jim prospers at hi...Point is, I sincerely hope that Jim prospers at his job. I hope he is blessed and does well and earns lots of money that he can use to care for his family, and give to ministry. <br /><br />I hope that excelling in his job and earning more money is not the furthest thing from his mind.FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-69630319698509596102011-07-30T23:25:19.652-04:002011-07-30T23:25:19.652-04:00"I hope you do well at your new job, Jim, and..."I hope you do well at your new job, Jim, and make the big bucks and buy a house larger than the one you had. Maybe you can even buy Mac's house when he moves and you're a VP at your bank."<br /><br />Maybe you felt better after typing this but I suspect this would be the farthest thing from Jim's mind.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-3122987627603636862011-07-30T22:18:31.471-04:002011-07-30T22:18:31.471-04:00It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading David Pla...It looks like Mr. Smyrl has been reading David Platt books and is taking the message to heart. This is right out of "Radical". How exciting to see God's people making sacrificial changes in their lives in order to focus on serving Him and His purposes.EZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618922003412636401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-86767431056462264902011-07-30T22:07:43.952-04:002011-07-30T22:07:43.952-04:00Spot on as usual, Tom. And I echo your sentiments ...Spot on as usual, Tom. And I echo your sentiments with regard to Rev. Smyrl. It is truly an ongoing leap of faith for Jim and his family, and God is blessing. <br /><br />Praying for Jim and the first worship service at LHBC. Very excited to see what God has planned.Long Time FBC Jax Membernoreply@blogger.com