I grew up in a church where—like all Nazarene churches at the time—we gathered every Wednesday night for “prayer meeting.” That’s what we called it, but it was mostly a time for testimonies and a Bible lesson.
These “prayer meetings” gave ordinary people the opportunity to stand and say, “Let me tell you what God is doing in my life.” It wasn’t primarily theology explained; it was theology experienced. Someone shared about an answered prayer, a restored relationship, a conversion, a provision in a difficult moment, or grace discovered in suffering. I’ll never forget the testimony about the provision of a much-needed car. “And it was red—just what I prayed for!”
When I arrived at Northwest Nazarene College (now University) in the fall of 1959, it was the same pattern. To accommodate the larger attendance, one of our science professors invented a wireless microphone which I helped take from person to person so their testimony could be heard.
Then one of my classmates said to me, “Rich, it seems like every time you stand to up to testify, it’s about I some kind of problem you had to deal with.” I was devastated by that remark, and it shut my mouth for a long time.
Forty years ago I brought a message to my congregation in which I told of a deep issue I was struggling with. I have regretted doing that ever since. But looking back on that now I realize that the good folks received my confession with favor and without condemnation. My honest testimony revealed my desire not to be a hypocrite but to serve them and God with integrity.
The church does not need to prove that Christians are perfect. We need to demonstrate that Christ makes honesty possible. The stories we share in The Chronicles are from real people and tell real-life stories of faith. They go beyond theology explained these testimonies are theology experienced. Here you will find the contemporary testimony meeting.
There are some advantages to testimonies in print. The story is carefully told. It can reach people who never would attend a testimony service. It can be reread, passed along, left on a coffee table—and encountered months later by exactly the person who needs it. We have simply moved the microphone to the printed page.
So this is our challenge when we plan each issue of the Chronicles: where do we see the goodness of God this quarter? Our stories always say, “Look at what a good God did in the lives of imperfect people.”
This issue focuses on “The Word.” Why do we read it? What have we read? What have we written—whether books, stories, or articles. In this issue you will learn how has God shaped our faith through words.
Several submitted stories about the books we have written:
Jan Ketter’s book emerged out of a deep tragic loss, describing a Harvest of Joy.
Brian Gammill explains the results of God calling him to India.
Bob Hunter’s books reach out to Christians seeking to live authentically.
The “Lit and Latte Book Club” is a small group of ladies with a love of reading who gather monthly to share their latest read. It goes beyond their books and has become a safe haven for sharing life experiences.
Pastor Andy Marrufo gives insight into the rich history of music we sing in church today.
Pastor Tara Smith answers the question, “Why is the Bible so long?”
Cindy Fetters and her son Logan provide a recipe and unexpected history in “Honey In the Rock” that makes us almost smell the delicious fragrance of scones.
Our kids are reading! And writing, reports Pastor Trevor.
And here is your chance to find out why our writers write!
Sit back, relax with a scone and latte and enjoy this issue of Crossroads Chronicles, As Told By Us!
