Pastors' School 2008

Pastors' School

We will be posting a brief synopsis of each day  shortly after the evening service. Those of you that could not attend will get a little of the flavor of this exciting event. 

We are putting this page up on Sunday March 16, 2008, the day before Pastors' School begins. Be sure to check back for our daily updates during the conference, March 17- 20, 2008. 

Monday March 17, 2008

The service was wonderful! The music was outstanding. Several childrens choirs combined with the adult choir and the Tharp Brothers, It was impressive.

Bro. Schaap's former pastor, Dr. Jim Binney delivered a powerful message concerning the way we think of God. We think too little of Him. Sometimes we will hear someone say that "I know that God forgives me, but I can't forgive myself." Think a moment about that statement. You are saying that God winks at or forgives because He is just an old softy, while we really know how bad we are. We make Him smaller than us. And we wonder why our prayers do not get through?

Then Preacher had all the men in the meeting that were retired from the ministry and had served at least 33 years come to the platform. Most of the men had been serving for over 50 years. Many of them had their wife with them. Each man gave a testimony about his ministry. Some of these men were overcome with emotion that they were being honored. They were given some nice gifts. Then all of the men that are currently in their first year of ministry were called to the platform. The senior soldiers of the Lord then presented a Bible and a book to each of the "new" men. Bro. Schaap then gave these wonderful retired servants of God one more gift. They and their wives will be taken on a tour of the "Holy Land" hosted by Dr. Ray Young. Preacher thought it was fitting for these men who have served Jesus so long get to see the land where Jesus started it all!

Look at some pictures from today.

Tuesday March 18, 2008

The day was really beyond description. Bro. Schaap taught all morning on the state of the Independent Baptist movement. He analyzed what has happened since 1976. Why is it that in 1976, 67% of all "mega churches" (defined by Time Magazine as a weekly attendance of over 2,000) were Independent Fundamental Baptists and in 2008 that percentage has sky-rocketed to an amazing... 2%?

Just before lunch, Bro. Eric Capaci preached an amazing sermon on being used of God. We must Prepare, Dare and Care!

There are hundreds of afternoon sessions to choose from. We went to the Computers in the Office class at the educators school which is being held at our City Baptist Schools. We are related to the teacher!

Music played an important role in the evening session. At one point Bro. Tharp sang the wonderful song "We Believe". It was so moving that Preacher had him sing it again. Folks, I have never been in a meeting like this. The impact of the truth of the words of that song were used by the Holy Spirit to move on hearts. One couple walked to the front and knelt to pray. Soon there were people from all parts of the auditorium coming to the altar while Bro. Tharp was singing. The preaching had not even begun yet!

Tonight, servants of God that are currently suffering physically or have recently lost a spouse were honored. It was a very sweet time.

Bro. Doug Fisher preached an amazing sermon about letting God humble you. The altar was full!

Here are some pictures of Tuesday at Pastors' School!

Wednesday March 19, 2008

Friends, I could just about write "Ditto" and be done. I am not a good enough architect of words to adequately describe what is going on here this week.

Bro. Schaap taught in the morning about "Servant Leadership". This is sadly lacking today.

Dr. Paul Kingsbury preached before the lunch break. He really "rang the bell" for being willing to be used of God in any way He wants to use us.

We attended the legal seminar by Christian Law Association this afternoon. The hot legal issues pertaining to Christians were discussed. There was a segment about the importance of having a very specific and current will. We were given a worksheet to fill out and if we wish, CLA will prepare our will for us before the end of Pastors' School!

The Hyles Memorial Defender of the Faith Awards were presented to two amazing men during the evening service. Then a brand new award that was created by the CLA was presented to Dr. and Mrs. Schaap. The Christian Heritage and Legacy award was presented to them for not only preserving the ministry that Dr. Jack Hyles started, but taking it to the next level. This will be a yearly award given at Pastors' School.

Dr. Larry Brown closed out the evening with a rip roaring sermon based on the story of Rehoboam becoming King after his father Solomon. Shortly after he assumed the throne, Shishak attacked. He was met with little resistance. He removed all of the golden shields that Solomon had made. So what does Rehoboam do, attack Shishak and get them back? No, he had the craftsman make duplicate shields out of brass and hoped no one would notice! We need to get back the golden shields of:

The aisles and the altar were flooded during the invitation!!

Here are some pictures.

Thursday March 20, 2008

Today was another "home run!" Bro. Schaap taught much this morning about how the wife hold's her husbands ministry in her hands. How important it is for her to fully support her husband and his ministry.

Dr. Russell Anderson spoke just prior to the lunch break. It was an amazing testimony of how God can use a laymen. Years ago he came to Pastors' School and applied the things he learned to his business. He kept learning and applying it. God has used him to give over 35 million dollars to the ministry. The churches and schools that he has been used to finance are responsible for over 9,000,000 souls getting saved! As Bro. Anderson says, "Not bad for a coal miner from Kentucky!"

The closing session of Pastors' School 2008 began with a choir of over 1,000 filling the platform and singing "All the Glory Belongs To Jesus". WOW!!

Updates from the China and Ghana mission teams were presented. Thousands are being saved! The assistant pastor of our First Baptist Church of Kumasi, Ghana, was present and honored. This man had been a muslim for years, but he knew something was missing. He begged God to reveal the truth to him. Long story made short. God did send someone and he got saved!

The newest Team Mission project was presented. These folk will be leaving for Bangkok, Thailand in the next few months.

Bro. Schaap preached an amazing sermon and closed by asking if there were any men that would surrender to full time Christian service. Hundreds flooded down the aisles and filled the platform while the choir sang "I Have Seen the Lord". After the service Bro. Schaap remained on the platform surrounded by hundreds of people.

Folks, serve the Lord with all of your might and then make plans to come to Pastors' School 2009!

Here are the pictures!