Jerry and Dar Johnson of Christian Concourse Ministries
Three days ago I received a note from Jerry Johnson, a local minister friend, who holds his ministerial credentials with the Evangelical Church Alliance International, the same group through which I am currently ordained. He was kind enough to create a link from his website, ChristianConcourse.org, to the Powerful Poetry page on our original site, FinestOfTheWheat.org. (Thanks, Jerry!)
That got me to thinking about two reasons why you might want to explore Brother Jerry’s site:
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Not only does Christian Concourse have a poetry section of original Christian poetry, but they encourage Christian poets to submit their work to them for possible publication and recognition. You may be a nascent poet or know of someone who is. Pass the word on.
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Jerry’s site and ministry are better known for their primary focus on providing ministry resources for those involved in or contemplating some aspect of nursing-home ministry—or, as Christian Concourse Ministries (CCM) prefers to call it, Long-Term Care Ministry. Jerry and his wife Dar have been involved in this vital outreach for so long that they really know the ropes, and they have created free, downloadable resources such as manuals, permission slips, worship service programs, visitation logs, etc. In addition, for those resources which aren’t so easily downloadable—like the CCM-created paperback hymnals with CD-based music tracks, as well as special Christmas hymnal with CD music tracks—these are free as well, but shipping arrangements must be made. It’s all free to those in long-term care ministries, as the Lord makes the resources available (but I’m sure donations are always appreciated).
Dear Kernels of Wheat, thanks for the promotion. Please note that the nursing home ministry materials on our site are free because they are provided specifically for ministry to the residents of the facilities. We are asking the facility staff, the chaplain or volunteer minister to help us place these resources into the hands of the people they are prepared for. We really feel like the Lord wants us to trust Him to meet our needs as we share — it is His supply all the way around! …and He certainly has proven Himself trustworthy! Imagine that! To go right to the site map where all our resources are listed visit: http://christianconcourse.org/TOC.htm#Long-Term-Care Ministry . Blessings, Jerry J.
Hey, Jerry!
Thanks for the clarification. More importantly, we thank you and Dar for all that you do in this very under-appreciated field of ministry.
Jim
August 11, 2011
Psalm 133: 1-2 “Behold [pay attention, be alert] how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest] that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]; (Exodus 30:25, 30) (Amplified Bible).
Jim, Jerry and Dar, this wonderful Psalm illustrates the inward work of the Holy Spirit that brings Christians together in genuine love, compassion, fellowship and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ 1st and to one another 2nd. The oil or ointment represents God’s presence overflowing into and outwardly in a believer’s life into the lives of others. Jesus prayed in John 17:20-23 that His disciples would be one even as He and His Father were one. How true and how needed is this work of the Spirit in this hour!
What was shared above about your ministry activities along with complements of one another truly is what Christian unity and love is all about.
As a fellow Christian minister/pastor with the Evangelical Church Alliance, my prayer is that God would break down the walls and barriers that divide and alienate Christians from one another. The Body of Jesus Christ is ONE.
Joe DeLong
Joe,
It’s always good to hear from you. It’s your “fault” I’m in the ECA anyway! Amen to your prayer, and this is how we do it — one relationship at a time…
Jim