Dr. Kenny Flaming's Blog !

The Demise of Flannel Graphs and Penny Marches

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:52:00 +0000

The Demise of Flannel Graphs and Penny Marches

Something that is really clicking with me lately is the word “Missional” it epitomizes what the church should be all about. Doing the “Mission of Jesus” We have to become missional or we might as well just close the doors!

Why are we here? Are we here just to have a place to show off our newest suit or fancy illustrated sermon? If we are not about the “mission” of Christ then we are no more that a social club.

This past weekend I attended Engage 21 conference in Cleveland TN. This conference was sponsored by my denominational leadership and was geared to open the dialogue between the “Emerging Pentecostal Leaders” (Someone must think I am an emerging leader) and the more current more “Established Leaders” in addressing the future of the church.

The first night session was a bit strained; it seemed they weren’t sure where to go or how to get there. Our General Overseer Dr. McGuire spoke that night; he had just returned from some extensive travels and it showed. Dr McGuire is a great man and a great leader but this wasn’t his best night, the next day after some rest he was on his game!

The 2nd days sessions were very good, after a “round table” type discussion on connection, Sam Santana a pastor from Tucson and Brian Hunter from Tallahassee shared their success and their burdens- it was an emotion time and very encouraging to see God work in the lives and ministries of these two men.

Dr Oliver McMahan is a true Pentecostal scholar; I met him 20 yrs ago when he worked at the seminary in Baton Rouge. I have heard him many times and I have never been disappointed!

Dr. Ed Stetzer is a leader with the Southern Baptists and he gave two tremendously informative sessions on the missional church as well as some church history. I was impressed with his insights and candid comments- I knew where he was coming from when he said “If the 50’s ever come back in style- our churches are ready for it”! How true it is.

I came away from this conference more proud on my denominational leaders than ever- It took real guts to open up the dialogue and to be able to address the hard questions, I feel that the church must be ready WITH the next generation of leaders if we are going to face the next generation of the unsaved. We can pretty much bank on the demise of flannel graphs and “penny marches”

The privileges of ministry

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:54:00 +0000

Any one in the ministry will tell you that being a preacher is not all slaps on the back and high fives. Oftentimes ministry is difficult and thankless.

But this past week I received some awesome blessings; I traveled to California to attend the graduation of Golden State School of theology where I received my Doctoral degree.

I also had a couple very unique and special privileges. On Thursday I was allowed the privilege in officiating my sister Lorrie's wedding.

Sunday I performed the dedication of Lorrie's grandson (My Great-Nephew) Luke Anthony Owens held at Calvary Temple Worship Center in Merced CA.

The unexpected blessing came on Saturday. My sister Janice and I went to visit some special family friends; Junie and Regina McDowell. Junie was recently diagnosed with cancer. When I got to the McDowell’ I was told that Junie wanted to be baptized.

It wasn’t feasible to baptize him in the traditional way (immersion) but I knew the Lord knew the intention of his heart. I guess you could say I transformed from a “Pentecostal” to “Presbyterian” for a few minutes!

I took a pitcher of water and baptized that night one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of calling “friend”. I do not think there was a dry eye in the house!; we hugged each other and just relished in the sweet presence of the Lord.

It is good to be in HIS Service

It Stinks When Your Kids Grow Up!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:51:00 +0000

I have determined that it stinks sometimes when your kids grow up!!!

Yesterday we said goodbye to our daughter Bekah as she loaded her car up and begin her trek to Ellendale North Dakota to attend Trinity Bible College.
It was a little over 21 years ago that I saw my parents cry as I loaded up Tammy and Katie and headed to Baton Rouge to attend Bible College myself, now I know how they felt.

Yes Bekah is 18 and legally an adult but maybe I am not ready to give her up yet. I know that she has prayed and sought the Lord about this, but it is still hard to let her go and take on the world so far away.

I still remember her as the “Kamikaze walker” at 7 months old; I remember her getting down from the dinner table and walking over to slam the microwave door shut- because she could not stand it being open.

I remember her having to have her hair just right and the frilly things around her socks. I remember her willing to beat up the big girl on the bus that was giving her older sister Katie a hard time.

I remember her determination to make the cheerleading team in New Mexico, and standing up for what was right when one of the girls on the team was messing up real bad!

I remember her driving that “hot pink” VW bug (with lips and eyelashes painted on the front) it didn’t matter that it never stayed running right or that it had no A/C.

I remember her feeling guilty about taking a hot bath after she evacuated to her grandparents home in CA after Katrina because “she knew many others still were without”

I better quit rambling on, I guess I am just a proud Dad, that loves all his Kids, and hates to say goodbye.

General Assembly

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 23:56:00 +0000

The 71st International Church of God General Assembly will begin tomorrow evening and continue through Saturday July the 29th. Pastor will be leaving immediately following this morning’s service to attend.
Audio updates on the proceedings will be posted here on our blog. Please check back often for updates.

What a ride!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Thu, 18 May 2006 21:21:00 +0000

What a ride!

The last couple of weeks have been a wild ride to say the least and there are a few more turns left.

On May the 6th I celebrated my 40th Birthday- just a few days before our church; Wardline Church of God honored me with a surprise “Over The Hill” party after the morning service. (Kenny Hinson sang it best “It may be the truth I’m getting over my youth but I will never be over the Hill”)

The next week Tammy and I celebrated 19 yrs of marriage. And just this past weekend I was honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Amherst Theological Seminary in Lynchburg VA. Amherst Seminary recognized not only our years of ministry but also our work post-Katrina. Tammy and I traveled to Lynchburg and had a great time with all the great folks there. We then took a trip up to DC and saw as much of our nation’s capitol as we possibly could squeeze in in the amount of time we had.

We will be attending our State Camp Meeting in just a few days and will be going through the ordination service and will become an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God.

I feel it is an honor to serve here at Wardline Church of God, I feel we have had tremendous spiritual growth as a church in the last 12 months- And I see greater days ahead.

Thanks to all that have made this last few weeks very memorable-And a special thanks to my wife for putting up with me for almost 20 years of her life!

The Evolution of Dance

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Tue, 09 May 2006 21:52:00 +0000

Being a child Born in the 60's and raised in the 70's and 80's
( I have to to admit, I never was much of a dancer)

I found this on a friends Blog and had to share it with you!

If we are going to be true to our calling we must be as Rush says "On The Cutting edge of societal evolution."

I present to you- The Evolution of Dance!

PodCast's Are Now Up!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 17:46:00 +0000

Well we have worked out all the details and we are now online with the “Cross In Action” PodCast.

We will be in the coming days putting many of our radio programs up on the web for you to download to your IPod, If you (like me) do not yet have a IPod you can still download the programs and listen at your convenience.

Please follow this link http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=146634204&s=143441

and it will take you to our PodCast site.

Feel free to contact us with any problems or comments that you may have

Media@wardline.org

POD CASTS ARE COMING

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:27:00 +0000

POD CASTS ARE COMING!

For quite sometime we produced and aired a radio broadcast called “The Cross In Action”.  This broadcast presently airs in the largest Christian radio network in the state of Virginia.

We have been asked on many occasions how someone can listen to “The Cross In Action” if they do not live in the coverage areas.  Although it is possible by tuning in to the station through the internet; that may still be inconvenient.

We are working on putting “The Cross In Action” in Pod Cast form where you can download it and listen on the go.  If you do not have an IPod you will still be able to download the programs and listen on your computer or burn it to a CD and listen in the car etc.

Please check back here or on our website www.wardline.org or www.wardline-media.com  in a few days as we hope to have these programs up very soon.

As many of you know on Jan 1, 2006 we kicked off a great ministry that eventually came to be known as New Orleans Inspirational Radio, This is a 24 hour a day internet based radio station.  This outreach has literally touched this world – we have had listeners tune in from the US, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Great Britain, and many other nations; one login that really effected me was a listener from TEHRAN IRAN! tuned in for a considerable length of time.

Unfortunately we at this point have had to quit broadcasting.  We have discovered that we are not in compliance with all the copyright laws that are in effect for broadcasters.  We are in need of 3 licenses BMI / ASCAP/ Sesac.  Since our station has no advertisers or any else to underwrite the expenses we at this time must remain off the air until the funds are available to purchase the licenses.  If you would like to help us in this area and allow us to go back on the air please e-mail me Pastor@wardline.org

Blessings

To God Be The Glory

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sat, 04 Mar 2006 20:28:00 +0000

Because of the damage caused by both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, plus years of neglect it was exceeding necessary that we renovate our sanctuary.

We are worshiping in a beautiful renovated sanctuary! Because of the help from a number of sources, some good ol' elbow grease and the grace and favor of God!; we can be proud of what has been accomplished.

We have new interior with great lighting, color schemes and a new multimedia projector system and sound sytem.

Growing in Him~!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sat, 04 Mar 2006 20:25:00 +0000

This past Sunday we were pleased to welcome our Administrative Bishop and State Womens Ministries President Bill and Kathy Isaacs.
Brother and Sister Isaacs, blessed with great music and a great message from the word of God.
They also helped us to welcome 23 new members to our church. We thank Bishop Bill and Mrs Kathy for their ministry of love to the LA Church of God and the entire Body of Christ.

A NEW OUTREACH MINISTRY !!!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 01:00:00 +0000

We want to formally announce to you the Launching of New Orleans Inspirational Radio!!!

At Midnight of January the first we official launched a new ministry of Wardline Church!
If you go to our website www.Wardline.org you can click the Microphone Icon

and it will show you how to quickly download the Destiny Media player. The player is small and safe!!!!

Once you have downloaded the player you can simply click on the "Listen Now Icon. On the home page of our website!

New Orleans Inspirational Radio!!! features "The Cross In Action Broadcast" as well as some of the Best music This side of heaven!!!

If your tastes range from Southern Gospel, Christian Country, Praise and Worship, Inspirational, Contemporary or even Urban, Then you will find just what you are looking for at New Orleans Inspirational Radio!!!

We have had listener's from all over the U.S. plus Ireland, England, Mexico, Brazil, Yugoslavia and even from the Muslim stronghold of Tehran Iran!!

Someone once said that a country can build a fence to keep the Gospel out but they cannot build a roof to keep it out- We are using the internet to stream the gospel into the lives and hearts of people who may not have any other access of the gospel! To God Be the Glory!

Keep this ministry in your prayers as we reach beyond ourselves to preach the gospel!

Wardline Church of God- "A FAMILY Church with a WORLD Vision"

Still at it!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 00:43:00 +0000

It has been TOO LONG since our last update, this is because we have been so busy!!! I will try to keep this space updated!

Work has begun the last several days on the repairs on the interior of the church sanctuary. Water damage from the hurricanes and just plain "Old Age" has necessitate us to do some major renovations.

We are in the process of re-sheet rocking the entire ceiling structure as well as two of the interior walls. We will also be adding additional light fixtures and some pre-wiring in advance of adding a computer projector to aid in our praise and worship.

Our Kitchen and fellowship hall is just a few steps away from completion as we have ordered new cabinets that will be delivered in a few days. We would like to thank all the Wardline family as well as the others who have been so gracious in helping us. God is doing great things!

Ministering to the Hurting

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:07:00 +0000

Last weekend (and this weekend as well) one of our newest families (the Hawkins Family) decided that it was not enough to sit back and watch others do it, they decided that it was their job to get involved in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!!!

Brother Alan loaded his truck with a BBQ grill, Burgers, Hot Dogs, plus all the fixin's and we headed to Arabi Louisiana, (St. Bernard Parish). Between 150-200 people were fed each of these two Saturdays in the parking lot of Amazing Grace Church of God.

Brother Hawkins and his family have been moved by compassion to see the needs of these people met with the Love and Compassion of Christ

The immediate plan is to continue until the host Pastors (Rev. Ricky & Stacy Hager) are able to take over.

Please keep us in your prayers as we seek the direction of God for all our future and present ministry!

We will be back

Ministering in the Katrina Aftermath

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sat, 29 Oct 2005 02:28:00 +0000

We took the team from Real Life Church in Macon GA. to Saint Bernard Parish.

Once the "Shock" of seeing the massive devastation was over, The group was ready to do MINISTRY!

We took cleaning supplies, food, baby items, water and clothes to those that have had their lives and many times their homes turned upside down.

The group was quick to find those that needed a supplies, prayer or just a word of encouragement.

It was awesome to see these folk reach out to minister to the citizens of Arabi, and Violet.

We also were able to show them Amazing Grace Church (pastored by Rev. Ricky Hager)

And Cornerstone Church (pastored by Rev. Terry Hammett)

A fresh start!

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 02:09:00 +0000

This week we were blessed to host a team from "Real Life Church" in Macon Georgia. This group of Sold Out believers worked tirelessly putting a new roof on our church. They also helped turn a former storage room into a very nice pastors study/ church office.

Wardline Church of God is forever grateful to Bishop W. Wes Hardin and the group from Real Life Church.

Please see our next post to see our outreach!

Saturday October 15, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sat, 15 Oct 2005 18:06:00 +0000

Welcome to the Wardline Church of God Blog!

We hope you find information that will help us keep you informed about what is happening here in South East LA and our the things going on with the ministry here.

Yesterday we were able along with Pastor Randy Baugus of the Abbeville church to take two camping trailers to Chauvin and place them at the Chauvin COG.
Brother and Sister Thibadeaux's house was very much effected by the recent flooding and there new truck was completely lost.

Bishop Bill Isaacs was able to hand them the keys to a very nice automobile to replace the lost truck!

This was my first time meeting this couple, but I look forward to coming back as Brother Thibadeaux has promised to take me out to catch some Redfish !!! I will take him up on that !!

We will be adding more to this Blog very soon so keep checking back!!!

Blessings

Wed Sept 28, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 05:06:00 +0000

Wed, Sept 28, 2005

Another full week has passed and things remain quite busy here. The Distribution in Covington continues- Jeff and Theresa Hammond and the church family from Freedom House COG are working tirelessly in meeting the needs of our community.

I want to say a very special thank you to the work team from South Cleveland (TN) COG. These fine folks came in last week and did some great work in the lives of our friends and neighbors.

We have a very special appointment for tomorrow (Thursday) in New Orleans. I will be meeting with TL Lowery and some gentleman that are making a very special donation to help some of the people that have endured great hardships.

I hope to have some new picture on the Web Site soon.

Remember us in your prayers

Wed Sept 21, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 04:04:00 +0000

It has been almost a week since I have been able to update the site. This has been a good week, We had power restored late Saturday night and have been able to sleep in our parsonage again as well as take hot shower and do laundry, Tammy is back to work but wishes she could be out and about with me!...

The Covington Distribution center is still going strong we are hoping to turn the corner from "immediate relief" to a recovery/rebuild mindset.

There is still a great need but the need is changing every day.

I want to say thank you to all that have pledged or provided financial support for us here it is much appreciated and needed. We are using your funds to help those among us that are in need. We have people that have lost homes/jobs and much more.

Thank you for all the e-mails! I cannot reply to them as I am having problems with my laptop -??? But I am receiving them!

Our mail is now working (sort of) If you wish to contact us feel free:

Pastor Kenny Flaming
16559 Million Dollar Rd
Covington, LA 70435
985-788-8506 (cell)

Thursday Sept 15, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 15:06:00 +0000

Some people will do anything to get a day off!!!

Well thats what my wife was thinking at 1 AM this morning as we were leaving the local ER. Last night I was trying to get a few things done around the parsonage and I twisted my ankle pretty bad! After several hour waiting at the Hospital and a few X-Rays I didn't break anything but my right ankle is badly sprained. I spent a good part of today laying down with my swollen foot elevated.

I hope to be back in business in a few days.

Some men from my Uncles church in Truckee CA came in this morning with a Donated RV as well as some much needed supplies for our food distribution.

I asked them to take the RV into Baton rouge and tow a donated camping trailer to a local pastor who has some significant damage to his home.

Thanks to all of you in Truckee CA who helped to make this possible!!!

Keep us in your prayers!!!

Pastor Kenny

Sunday Sept 11, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 03:40:00 +0000

Friends, Family and Ministry Associates.

Just a short update to try and bring you all up to speed on the relief efforts and the ministry that is taking place here.

We had a great service at church this morning and then after a quick lunch we headed to Bogalusa LA, for a great time of outreach and ministry in some underprivileged areas of town, we were able to distribute food/clothes water and some personal hygiene items and we were well received in this neighborhood. This was a great time of seeing people repent of their sins and seeing lives impacted with the gospel.

I have uploaded a few random pictures
follow this link http://www.wardline.org/page.php?pageid=0e37af8451e362792cb9cd0405c78fbb

or use the Katrina Link on the left side bar of this page

We had a chance over the last few day to visit with The General Overseer of the church of God and the Editor of the Church of God Evangel. They seemed quite pleased with the Covington Distribution efforts. We recently had Brother Lonnie Stewart from Nevada Texas come with a great meals on wheels setup which allows us to give hot meals along with the other items.

We are still without power and phone service and it appears we will be for some time. We have purchased some Nextel walkie talkies to aid in communication, so if you use Nextel my Nextel # is 157*571*4098

We appreciate all the e-mails we have received of encouragement, God is doing a great work here and we are just proud to be a part of it.

We are now receiving mail delivery so if you need to contact us thru the USPS feel free

Blessings on you and keep praying for us.

Pastor Kenny Flaming
Wardline Church of God
16565 Million Dollar Rd
Covington, LA. 70435
(985) 788-8506 (Pastors Cell)

Sat Sept 10, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 06:49:00 +0000

I am not currently able to send bulk e-mails thru outlook express so I am hoping as many as possible will see this and prayer accordingly.

Since the storm Katrina hit we are housing 40 (including MY FAMILY) displaced persons in our church.

We have the Covington food distribution center up and running and are looking at expanding into some of the other communities around us. Jeff and Theresa Hammond are heading this up and doing an awesome job.

We need for the outreach and the church a portable PA system that we can run from a generator ( the church has no power either and probably will not for many days.

We also need a gas powered pump- our septic tank cannot take all the water that is going thru it and we are getting sewer water above the ground. If we had a pump we could pump the septic tank out. we (all 40 of us) presently are using a make shift portable shower.

Feel free to contact me thru my cell 985-788-8506 All our phone lines are down.

I come into town almost daily and check e-mail, Thank you for your continued prayers.

Pastor Kenny FlamingWardline Church of Godpastor@wardline.org985-788-8506

Wed Sept 7, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 06:51:00 +0000

We are continuing our efforts to alleviate the suffering of our Friends and neighbors that were hard hit by the recent hurricane.

We are presently teaming with Pastor Jeff Hammond's and his Church "Freedom House" here in Covington and with the relief supplies from The COG "Operation Compassion".
We have been able to supply Food/water and clothes to about 1000-1500 Vehicles each day since last Thursday.

We are presently housing about 40 displaced persons as well as some medical relief teams at the church, We are now dealing with an overburdened septic tank.

Please keep us in your prayers as we do whatever possible to reach our community with the GOOD NEWS that Jesus is still the Answer!!!

Monday Sept 5, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 18:33:00 +0000

Please Continue to pray for us

We have 45+ People staying with us at the church

We are doing food distributions each day we are receiving 3-5 semi trucks each day and immediately distributing to our friends and neighbors.

I have VERY LIMITED INTERNET access- only when I can drive into Baton Rouge (60 Miles)
I AM getting your e-mails but cannot always reply.

Please send all correspondence to:
Pastor Kenny Flaming
C/O Church of God State Executive Office
12005 Coursey Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

BLESSINGS!!!

Tuesday August30, 2005

pastor@wardline.org (Pastor Kenny Flaming) — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 05:55:00 +0000

OUR AREA HAS SUFFERED MAJOR DEVASTATION
IT WILL BE WEEKS IF NOT MONTHS BEFORE WE GET BASIC SERVICES WATER, ELECTRICITY ETC.
WE ARE SAFE AND CAME THRU UNHARMED
PLEASE KEEP US AND ALL THE RESIDENTS OF THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA IN YOUR PRAYERS
You may try to reach us thru our cell
# 985-788-8506