The Transformation of Mark Koch, Hollywood Producer

40 Responses to “The Transformation of Mark Koch, Hollywood Producer”

1. Michael on October 2nd, 2010 7:32 am

   Calling: Whatsoever ye do,do all to the glory of Christ. 40 years ago when I was an enthusiastic new follower of Christ I was asked numerous times if I was going into the ministry. Flattering of course and enticing; “ministering” to people often seems more attractive than 9-5,”sweat of the brow” stuff. My wife’s pregnancy put my application to seminary on hold but finally made it a few years later. But working full time, attempting to care for a young family and the things I learned in that year finally convinced me that vocational ministry was not my calling. I finally realized that my calling was to raise a godly family and put into practice the life and words of the Savior into everyday life.

   I continued working eventually starting my own paint contracting business (in the construction world a trade sort of at the bottom of the food chain; they don’t even need painters for short term missions projects!). But God has blessed us in spite of us. We have been in business almost 30 years now, have a solid reputation, survived several recessions and have a wonderful staff of quality people. On Wednesday mornings 4-6 of us gather for prayer and we have seen several come to know the Lord and deepen their walk as they learn to be disciples on the job. And most significantly I do have godly children and 6 grandchildren so far (7th on the way Lord willing) all because of the Lord’s blessing and His leading us into following His ways.

   Oh, by the way, we are starting our first group this coming Monday.

   [Michael, thank you for this great testimony! You have followed the Lord's calling and that is of great glory to Him. I hope your first TP meeting went well. Blessings to you and your whole family! dt]

2. Michael on October 2nd, 2010 9:45 am

   “Don’t pray in my school and I won’t think in your church” -A sticker reads on the bumper of my clients 28 year old son who prides over what he calls himself, “Flaming Liberal”
   I am rebuilding the home of this man and his son in Southern California.
   The job is challenging, but the person is a bigger challenge for us! (God and I). The spiritual battle is ongoing!
   One day a few months ago, this young graduate of UCSB-biology major confronted me in the trench as we worked together.
   “So you are a Christian?” he asked. The dialog has continued over the course of work in bits and pieces! I embrace my work as a position to defend the truth that we hold on to!
   So “How is it going” — time will tell and I think more about this person than the job! I love this position that God gives! We often engage in discussions of science and biology!

   Michael — Los Angeles area Contractor Truth Project Enthusiast.

   [Michael, thanks for sharing this. I pray the Lord will use you in an attractively winsome way, through your gentle speech and grace to first win a friend. Thank you! dt]

3. Amber on October 3rd, 2010 5:39 pm

   My pastor was saying the same things this morning in church about how we are all called to minister and it is not just for Sundays. Looking forward to that segment, Dr. T. Our family is truly enjoying watching Cross Examine.

   [Thanks, Amber! dt]

4. Rachel on October 4th, 2010 7:32 am

   “I’m from Naples, FL and went through The Truth Project” with our church, FBCN, where I also had the privilege of going through “The Truth Encounter” and attend “The American Experiment”. My husband and I were so moved that we bought “The Truth Project” series and are going to do it with our children as well. Tour twelve, I think was my favorite, although State was incredible as well. Tour twelve, helping the “needy”, hit me where I have felt convicted for a very long time. Back in the spring, I think it was around April or May, I purchased a program called “To Save a Life”, it’s an outreach program to middle and high schoolers (of which we have two 7th graders), the ones that are having difficulties in grasping what’s going on in their lives, and looking for an answer, reaching out for help but not being heard, ie cutting, teen pregnancy, thoughts of suicide, etc. and having met a few of these children through our own, I bought the licensing, movie and curriculum in hopes to do it with our church. Upon speaking with the youth pastor, he thought it was a bit too much for some of the children and it wouldn’t fly with the parents. I held on to it, prayed and prayed what God wanted me to do with it. I’m happy to say that after your twelfth tour, I went to our Education Pastor, Lewis, who, after hearing what the program was about and how passionate I was about it, has agreed to show it to the other pastors and consider it as a youth group project to start in January. I KNOW with all my heart, that this was not turned down initially by accident. I truly feel that the twelfth tour softened hearts to see that there really is a need out there, particularly in our youth today. I don’t believe in coincidence, I believe in God-cidence! I knew it wouldn’t happen in my time, it had to be in God’s time, and although it’s still a work in process, I am incredibly grateful for The Truth Project and the real truth that you projected throughout that series. My husband and I have signed up to host and facilitate, with other families of our church, The Truth Project, also starting in January from our home. Thank you so much for your dedication and service to Christ and making Christ known throughout the world. I have to laugh, my husband calls me a “Dr. Tackett groupie”, I guess in some ways I am! It was such a blessing to see you in person and hear what God is doing through you! May God bless you in all your endeavors!!!
   Love in Christ
   Rachel

   [Thank you, Rachel. The issues you are talking about within our youth are serious and deep-seated. These require dedicated prayer for them. Thank you for attending this weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed being in your church. Everyone I met there was a blessing to me. And remember...I am only the tour guide! dt]

5. Kathy on October 4th, 2010 11:54 am

   I am truly convinced that our “calling” in life for Christ is living and being available for all those who he brings across your path.

   [I agree that we have that responsibility, but the point is that our vocational work is a glory to the Lord in itself. Thanks for the comment! dt]

6. Kim on October 4th, 2010 12:21 pm

   Thank you for stating what should be the obvious: as a follower of Jesus Christ, wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, whomever I’m with, I am in ministry.

   [Thanks, Kim. And that ministry (or "service") is to the Lord. So, if he has called me to farm, that farm work is a "service" to Him...just in itself...without trying to add something "spiritual" to it to make it "spiritual". dt]

7. Robert on October 4th, 2010 3:22 pm

   So true. It is not enough to be a Sunday Christian. You are a Christian 24-7, and your ministry is to live the life all day every day. You do not need credentials or ordination to live out the Christian life. You need only to follow what the Lord has called you to do.

   [Agree! I love to meet people who are following God's vocational call in their lives. They love their work, they are master crafstmen and that in itself is a testimony to the Lord for they are using His gifts and talents to do so. Thanks, Robert. dt]

8. Aprill on October 4th, 2010 5:13 pm

   Thank you, Dr. Tackett, for sharing this real life Hollywood story. And thank you, Mark, for staying in your field to be salt & light. Coming from a family with missionaries & pastors, it’s nice to hear someone reaffirm that my “secular” job can still be within God’s will for me.

   [Sometimes, when a family is filled with pastors and missionaries, one can be under great pressure to follow that same path and sometimes made to feel you have settled for second best if you don't. The bottom line is that God makes us for a particular purpose and that is a divine purpose. Thanks! dt]

9. allison absh on October 4th, 2010 7:21 pm

   I must say thank you for such a wonderful thing as the Truth Project! I wish I could have heard you in Naples. My brother-in-law and his family went and I anticipate hearing great feedback! I am learning SO much through this class at church and can not wait to hopefully lead my own small group.
   Allison Absher

   [Thanks, Allison! If you lead a small group, pray for them and give them time for discussion and you will experience the great joy of watching the Lord work in the lives of your guests. Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

10. Bob on October 5th, 2010 5:00 am

    My wife and I are developing a ministry while maintaining my job as custodian for an apartment building. I’ts a “HUD” program , housing for low income people. I’m thankful that God has shown me that my day to day interactions with people can have a huge impact on their lives and that I don’t necessarily have to stop and attend a university program before I can be used in His service.

    [Bob, I would go further and say that you should see your job itself as something sacred before the Lord. He placed Adam in the garden to tend it...that was a sacred commission. If God has called you to tend a building, that is a sacred calling in itself. Your interactions with people are wonderful, but they don't make the job sacred...it already is. Do it as unto the Lord. Thanks! dt]

11. Heather on October 5th, 2010 1:19 pm

    Thank you for this very relevant message–one about which I’m passionate. I had decided that I wasn’t qualified to share the gospel… that I needed to be a full-time missionary or minister to be part of God’s plan. Or at least that’s what I felt until about 4 years ago.

    During a deep valley in my life, I told God that I had no one and nothing holding me here and would go anywhere to serve Him. I then heard, as if audibly: “Even where you are?” What a challenge that has been! Through the last four years, I’ve been blessed to see the divine appointments God has scheduled. From an IT person who saw the verses on my bulletin board behind my computer screen (intended only for me) and proclaimed he’d run too far from God. He held back tears as I read Psalm 139. Another staff member, stressed out about her job, commented: “There is an incredible peace that surrounds you. What is it? Where does it come from?” And then another staff member shared with tears about the death of her mother and asked one weekend–”What is the purpose of life?” We had a conversation lasting several hours about God’s plan for our lives. My growth group leader challenged me to make a list of those around me every day who needed prayer. The list went on for several pages.

    I share this testimony [not] to pat myself on the back, for I am nothing but a broken jug. I hope someone can find some encouragement in this story that God can and will use any willing servant right where they are.

    [Heather, none of us are worthy to carry the message of the gospel, but He has qualified us all by His grace. Sounds like He is using you in a mighty way! But don't lose sight of the fact that even your work, by itself, is a glory to Him. Thanks for writing. dt]

12. Bob on October 5th, 2010 5:13 pm

    Thank you for writing, Dr. Tackett ! My two brothers are pastors, my sister an emergency room physician. It’s been a journey, accepting where God has me and my relative value. He does exhort us to love our neighbors, and to remain humble, what a chance to be molded this is !This poem hangs framed in our living room, I trust it will touch your heart. “Where shall I work today, dear Lord?” and my love flowed warm and free. He answered and said. “See that little place? Tend that place for Me.” I answered and said, “Oh, no, not there! No one would ever see. No matter how well my work was done, not that place for me!” His voice, when He spoke, was soft and kind, He answered me tenderly, “Little one, search that heart of thine, are you working for them or me?” Nazareth was a little place…so was Galilee.

    [Bob...I love it! Thanks! dt]

13. Bob on October 6th, 2010 11:51 am

    I thought I would leave a comment the other day and maybe someone would read it and be encouraged. What a pleasant surprise to interact with you, Dr. Tackett! Thank you for taking the time to respond to people in this forum. I don’t know how much time it takes, but it sure has encouraged me!How in the world do you schedule time for this ?I really enjoy The Truth Project, thank you for your efforts. I prayed for you today. : )
    [My pleasure, Bob. Thanks for the prayers...much, much needed. dt]

14. Lee Morgan on October 9th, 2010 10:13 pm

    A few years back after completing the 7 year Bible Study Fellowship series I sat down with my pastor stating I wanted to do more… he posed the question “do you want to become a pastor on staff ?? I then realized that I had started my explanation on the wrong path. I wanted to do more with the people around me. I I started a community group on our home shortly after and I think it was 3 years ago I was introduced to the Truth Project, became a facilitator and have held a few classes. I still want to do more. One of the best complements I received was from my boss who stated he wanted a manager that can teach truth and ethics in the work place… humm I would never have guessed that comment would ever come out !
    Growing up I loved going to the movies and back then they wrote good movies- ya know, your mind can paint a picture better than any special effects and now the turn to everything sexual and no hope…. calming down now…. It’s totally awesome that another movie producer is on our side! Good Honest movies do sell !
    Thanks again Del !
    Lee Morgan
    [No, thank you! Thank you for fulfilling your role as a business manager that enjoys being a creative steward for the Lord and bringing Him great glory in how you do it. If I were a pastor, I would have weekly testimonies from people who are glorifying God in the home and the workplace. Let's get back to seeing ALL of creation bringing Him honor and glory. dt]

15. Lee Morgan on October 10th, 2010 10:31 pm

    Update on my previous entry.
    My assistant manager was out with an injury, the other was up skiing so I had to go in and open the store this morning- not something I regularly do on the weekend. We all know that God works in strange and marvelous ways… It was raining pretty good which kept the customers away. I asked my employee who just started The Truth Project in his college group what he thought of the last lesson, He stated that he missed the class…. To be politically correct, which I am not, I shouldn’t have done what I did next…. I opened my brief case pulled out my TP Leaders note book and we went over the lesson.
    At Work. We went through all the discussion questions and then since I just finished watching the Cross Examine series on the web…in a moment of silence I prayed for guidance- amazingly I was able to remember the reference to the movie Raiders of the Lost Arc which opened up several questions he had regarding sharing the Word with a lost friend.
    God stopped time for all this to happen, and no interruptions. What a great way to start the day!
    Now I must tell you that the Lord has brought me a handful of employees that believe and they just started in their college group the Truth Project!
    Another awesome moment for the Lord:
    My 12 year old daughter who has been around all the other Truth Project classes decided on her own to sit in for this class. Today was lesson #3. She feverishly takes notes on everything. During the discussion the class was pondering on the question where evil comes from. She raised her hand to ask a question, flipping through her notes then placing them on her lap she confidently asked: “Does it bother you when you sin? Do you think about it? Do you want to be set apart from others?”
    Not a sound could be heard in the class and all eyes were on her.

    Not a bad day for me and the Lord !

    At home, work or play we all need to keep our focus.

    Lee Morgan

    [Thanks, Lee. The Lord is obviously at work, no? You have an incredible daughter! dt]

16. Paul on October 19th, 2010 6:03 am

    I don’t preach on Sunday or any other day. I don’t lead music. I don’t organize any educational ministries. I don’t lead Christian activities. I don’t lead the youth. I don’t even play in the band. I’m never invited to a ministry leaders’ meeting, unless it is to point out my failures. (That’s unnecessary, I already know them). All that said, I strive to follow Christ, be a good husband and father. I bring Christ to work, with me, every day. God has forgiven me for my past and called me to full time service in His kingdom. I know I am where God wants me but those where I work fail to see my work as a ministry. It’s OK. they just don’t understand. I’ll never be the Biblical scholar that most of them are. My relationship with Christ is not on an intellectual level, He’s my best friend. By the way, I’m the Building Superintendent. If I do my job right you forget I’m even here. I like it that way.
    May God Bless You All.
    [Thanks, Paul. May we all see the glory in working for the Lord whether we are farming, or preaching, or superintending a building. Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

17. Lucretia on October 26th, 2010 7:45 pm

    How wonderfully refreshing to read this story. Our town in West Kentucky has been undertaking a project over the last year and a half called “Pray Murray”. It is designed after the priinciples used in Elk River Minnisota to transform an entire city for Christ. How was this accomplished? Not through pastors and missionaries, but through business owners and everyday ordinary Christians taking Christ into the workplace and realizing that we are all “home” missionaries and our workplace is our field of service. Our Church building and services are our re-charging centers where we go to meet with other Christians to hear reports of how God is moving throughout the town and to praise Him. We have prayer walked our entire town which includes a university that literally doubles the population during the school year. Churches of all denominations are uniting for one purpose, to proclaim Christ to the lost and to heal the brokenhearted! Praise Him! What a God we serve! One of the men involved in the Elk River transformation is a man named Rick Hereen who spoke a few months ago at my church. Rick has written a book entitled, “Thank God it’s Monday” What a terrific book about the very subject you have spoken about in your blog. We MUST become Christ in the workplace. The lost will most likely never seek out a pastor or missionary, but they will seek out a fellow factory worker or secretary. The lost most likely will never walk in the doors of a church on their own, but they can see our lives in the office and hear our speech from behind the sales counter or cubicle on a daily basis and know that we have something they do not have, Christ. We come into contact with people that pastors will never meet. After all, a pastors job is to shepherd those who are in the flock. On a side bar, I want to also send a word of encouragement out to those parents who may have a wayward teen. Is your child running with a “not so good” crowd? God has recently revealed to me that instead of feeling defeated in this, that I should lift my head and look unto the field for it is ripe unto harvest. And He has been reinforcing this fact over and over in various ways through His Word. What if the reason He has allowed you to have a rebellious child is because He knows that the only hope for the “bad” friends is you, who will pray for them and ask others to put them on a prayer list? Have you considered that your childs rebellion may be as much for the benefit of the other children who are in hopeless situations as it is for them? Just a thought to give parents hope and a reason to KEEP PRAYING AND REACHING OUT TO THOSE TEENS!!! Thanks Del for your blog and your project.

    [Thank YOU, Lucretia. I wanted to add that we must not only see our attitude and actions at work as a "witnessing" source, but there is something deeply Divine about "work" itself. You can take joy in knowing that being a good farmer, by itself, is pleasing to God. BTW...I know there are many, many parents who are desperately praying for their children. If you are not in that situation, find a parent who is and join them in those prayers. dt]

18. Debbie on October 26th, 2010 9:12 pm

    My husband is currently our police chief in our town, although for years as he was an officer I helped make ends meet by cleaning homes, offices and being a full time Mom. I treat others homes like I would my own… I do the best job I can do. I show up when I say I will and if I break something (which has happened) I replace the item or pay for it. I try to show forth Christ as people trust me with their homes. It has also opened up many ministry opportunities. I have cried & prayed with those going through the agony of divorce, comforted a child that had to get shots and was scared which allowed me to share my testimony, I have helped widows and widowers after they have lost their spouse and I pray over the homes I work in and for those that live there. When the opportunity permits I share my faith, if it doesn’t than they still benefit from an honest housekeeper who prays and cares for them. Once a missionary recently back from Africa overheard me telling a friend that a client had asked me to turn off my Christian radio station at her house. I complied to the request. She told me I should just turn the volume louder! I am glad that I didn’t because over the years this woman softened to me and it opened a door of ministry that I believe if I hadn’t complied might never had been presented to me. My Dad was a Pastor and I have worked in the church too… but there is nothing like seeing a beautifully cleaned house and filling it with the aroma of praise to our God and being a witness in the homes of those who so desperately need to know that its not about wealth, power, and the worlds system! Likewsie, my husband has always strived to treat ALL fairly in the police dept and that goes for those who don’t always treat him with the respect he deserves. We both do everything as unto the Lord and pray for opportunities! Thank you Dr. Tackett for sharing your teaching gift with us— we get so much from you!! God Bless You! =D

    [Debbie...I love your story! What a testimony to the work of God in both of your lives. I am so sorry that the missionary didn't understand the Scripture regarding how we deal with outsiders, but you did. May the Lord raise up His people to be this kind of attractive witness for Him. dt]

19. ChapLarry on October 26th, 2010 10:31 pm

    As a former teacher, I applied the teaching principles to the chaplain profession I now enjoy. It was a clear call, since I was working in industry after conversion as a technician. When the job dried up, I went forward to serve God however He desired! I am chaplain at two correctional facilities one for juveniles and one for adults. Teaching Biblical Principles for Life. I use the Truth Project on a rotating basis at the adult facility. Good stuff for the deceived in the institution I serve in. Love the work! Like your story. I follow HIS lead!

    ChapLarry

    [I have heard from several chaplains who are seeing the Lord work behind bars in mighty ways through the Truth Project. Thanks for laboring there. Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

20. Tece on October 26th, 2010 11:38 pm

    This is a comment for Michael. As a missionary, I know firsthand that there IS a need for painters on short term missions trip!

21. Raphael on October 27th, 2010 12:53 am

    It is amazing that Mark made use of the grace from the Lord to see how his vocation fit into the Kingdom of Lord Jesus Christ. I am encouraged that we can really do everything as unto the Lord.

22. Jana on October 27th, 2010 2:26 am

    Thank you so much for this encouraging article which I have read at crucial moment in my life! When the Lord reached down and picked me up out of the pit (at the age of 40), my entire life transformed! I was full of love for my Savior and prayed and prayed to be led into Christian ministry full time. It never happened and I often felt I would never fulfill my potential in God’s Kingdom. I have always worked in the secular world with most of my colleagues on the liberal side of the fence. For many years, I was outspoken for Christ and was able to witness on numerous occasions. Then my Christian life went “underground” and I lost my spark. Recently we have moved to DR Congo where most of my friends are missionaries, while I continue to work in the area of health care in projects funded by the US government. Again I have struggled with feeling that my life doesn’t count because I am not in full-time Christian service. I am now 64 years old and have been discouraged wondering about God’s purpose for my life. Reading this article has reminded me that God has me exactly where he wants me and that I can do His Work where I am! In fact, He NEEDS me to be where I am because there are few Christians in my field of work. Who else can pray for my unbelieving colleagues if not I? Thank you for this reminder which has reminded me that His plan for my life is perfect.

    [Jana, I pray that the Lord will continue to give you peace and joy knowing that He is pleased with one who fulfills His calling, no matter where that is. If He gave you these gifts (which He did) then you are doing exactly what He crafted you for. Thank you for your encouraging words! dt]

23. Heather on October 27th, 2010 1:31 pm

    This message is SO important. So many feel that the only vocation that is sacred is full-time ministry. It is a lie that Satan uses for his advantage. I felt that I should be a “tent-maker” missionary, a missionary that supports him/herself by his/her vocation. After I did not get an overseas assignment for some time I felt that maybe I had missed God’s calling somewhere. As I looked back I felt confident that the decisions I had made were what God wanted. However, I became confused and felt that I had missed something somewhere. Then I read the book “GOING PUBLIC WITH YOUR FAITH” by William Carr Peel and Walt Larimore. It radically changed the way I viewed my work and gave me confidence in the direction God had given me. I’ve had children since then and now I stay at home raising my two young sons. Even now, in this work, God uses me to reach out to other moms. We are all sent to our own sphere of ministry – our mission field is our workplaces and neighborhoods. You don’t have to be in full-time ministry for God to use your life.

    [Heather...there is no greater call than the unique call God gives to His children...whether as a missionary or as a full-time mom. There are no second-class citizens in His kingdom. dt]

24. Susan on October 27th, 2010 2:13 pm

    When I became a Christian, I felt I had to be in full-time ministry or I wasn’t really serving God fully. I recall a very bold pastor telling me that I could serve God in any job. I went away very upset because I didn’t want an “ordinary job.” A few years later, after getting my masters from a Bible college, I went to work in a church as a manager but some of the pastors made it clear it wasn’t really ministry since it was administrative. I kept hoping to one day get a “real ministry job” at that church. Well, it never happened and I now work for a different Christian organization. Though not a church, I find it interesting that they refer to everyone here as working in “full-time ministry.” It took a while, but I’ve come to the place where I now see all jobs as a ministry. I thank the Lord for opening my eyes.

    [Amen, Susan! This is not uncommon as people continue to believe that anything outside of "full-time Christian" work is settling for second best. Not true. Thanks for sharing. dt]

25. Grace on October 27th, 2010 2:28 pm

    I’ve been a wife, mother and now Grandmother to 19 grandchildren. I always felt guilty because I love to quilt and I could never see how that helped God’s plan, but I also love to just love people. I have a hard time talking about God but so many people I meet just need to be loved. And sometimes that means giving them a quilt. I don’t do a lot of talking because I can never remember the word that I need but then most of them just want to be heard. So I listen and pray. I loved the Truth Project. It clarified so much for me. May God bless your work. Grace

    [Thank you, Grace. I think the words you put together in this comment were quite beautiful. I'm sure the quilts you make are as well...and the joy you bring to others. The Lord must be greatly pleased with you! dt]

26. Brian on October 27th, 2010 4:19 pm

    Thanks so much for your participation in Cross Examine, Del.

    While reading the account of Mark Koch, I was so encouraged by what God has done in Mark’s life. As I read your first sidebar (about how a ministry does not necessarily mean leaving one’s vocation), I was reminded of someone very important in my life.

    That would be an English teacher. I walked into Tom’s classroom on my first day of high school. In the coming weeks, our class was invited to write an essay describing what motivates us to do the things we do. In my essay, I wrote of a religious group I was involved in. Soon after, Tom surprised me by asking to speak to me after class. He gently explained that I might consider switching to a different English teacher. This was because some parents had not wished their kids to be in Tom’s class because he had been expelled from their religious group (the same group I was involved in). I told Tom that I enjoyed his class, and did not want to change to another teacher.

    And I was greatly puzzled. Why? Because I had been taught that those who left my religious group were among the worst people on earth. And here was Tom, who seemed to be so nice, and also seemed to possess a joy which I had never really noticed in another. And so I asked Tom why he left my religious group. It was lunchtime, and Tom took out a worn Bible from his desk, sat down at a desk next to mine, and began to share his faith with me. It was to be the first of many lunchtime discussions with Tom.

    And Tom shared with me the source of his joy: the gospel of grace. It was the first time I had heard what Christianity is all about. Tom would plant many seeds in my heart. And I have since come to know the salvation of which he so often spoke.

    Though Tom was an English teacher, he was also a winner of souls.

    [What a great story, Brian. I hope you have the opportunity, if you have not already, to tell him how much the Lord used him in your life. Thanks for sharing this with us. dt]

27. Terry on October 28th, 2010 7:40 am

    Del, Thanks for the reminder that we are not to make a division between sacred and secular in the Christian Life. God has created each of us as individuals with our own unique gifts and personalities to bring Him glory. I believe that means all born again Christians are called to a life of ministry, we need to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to know where He wants us to serve Him.
    Terry

    [Thanks, Terry. We do such a disservice to the body of Christ when we start making distinctions between the cleric and the farmer, the rich or the poor, the prominent or the unknown. God's calling is divine and the "little guy" is just as important as the "big guy". dt]

28. Bernadette on October 28th, 2010 9:24 am

    Thank you, Dr. Tackett, for The Truth Project and also for having it presented via Focus on the Family (many Christians in South Africa are familiar with Focus). When you presented the course in August 2008 in Cape Town, i was jumping up and down with excitement. Since then i have presented it to three different groups and it has always been well received. Mainly, the reason for my gratitude is simply that i have never trusted God nor His Word as emphatically as i do since having experienced your teaching in The Truth Project. I always SAID it and BELIEVED it but now am LIVING it!!! Also, i knew what it was that i believed but now i also know why and am better able to vocalise it. God is so Awesome and He has become our Everything in all things.

    [Nothing thrills me more than to hear a testimony like this. You've made my day, Bernadette! This is the Lord who does this kind of amazing work in the hearts and minds of His people. I'm thankful He is using the Truth Project in your country. I often tell people of how much I loved our visit to South Africa and especially how amazed I was by Cape Town. Thank you for joining us in this work and let's pray He continues to use TP throughout the entire continent of Africa. Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

29. Glen on October 28th, 2010 10:46 am

    Hello all,
    Glen here and I, too, am a total sell out to the Truth Project. Oh, how the eyes have been opened! I used to be a Natural Geo fan and nature and science are soooo cool. Here lately such shows are seen in a different light. Everything seems to be evolution bent and it’s sad to see. Our church is in the proccess of trying to start a charter school and one of the things told them was that you cannot give creation the same or equel time as evolution. Not if you call the school a ‘public’ school. Again , how sad.
    Anyway, I’ve just recently had ‘my’ eyes opened and it’s a in a large part due to the Truth Project teaching. I used to chase all things but God, now it’s nothing but God. The least I can give Him is the rest of my life!! And I have to say He can use anyone, all one must be is willing and available. It doesn’t matter what your doing or where your at as long as you do it for the Lord. Let all you do and say be done for the glory of our Lord and Savior. He will provide you your ministy. Amen
    Again thank you for your time and effort Dr. Tackett!!!

    [Glen...reading your comments brought a big smile to my face! This Lord is so very, very good and I am delighted that He used the Truth Project so powerfully in your life. I pray you will hunger for Him all the days of your life. Don't be surprised by the moments when you find yourself bumped off the track. Just get back on and press ahead. Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

30. Curtis on October 28th, 2010 4:36 pm

    Thanks for the post Dr. T. I’m three years into my born-again life and for some time I’ve been in the midst of a search to understand the good works for which I’ve been uniquely created. I have come to believe my response to the gift of my new life in Christ as concerns my occupation requires asking two questions.

    First, is my current occupation for any reason not in step with my sense and understanding of where I need to be in my Christian walk because something in it is inconsistent with or in opposition to Christ and His Kingdom? If in my occupation I am in any way disadvantaging others for my good rather than disadvantaging myself for others, I will need to make a change. Perhaps a present occupation can be redeemed, as would appear the case with Mr. Kock. Or perhaps not, leaving change the only option.

    The second is whether I was in fact created for a vocational calling different from my present occupation. It’s of course possible for someone to have an occupation for purposes of material provision and also have a calling for some non-vocational ministry apart from that occupation(just as you describe). But of course it’s also possible for one to be created for and called to a vocation, an occupation for which one has ordained and unique gifts, which is both a means of provision and some form of ministry.

    For most, a faithful response to our new life in Christ will not require a change of occupation. For some, it will, whether because his or her present occupation is somehow not Christ-honoring and not redeemable, or because he or she was in fact created for and is being called to a vocational ministry.

    [For a young believer, you manifest some great wisdom! These are good questions. I'm not sure what you mean when you state that you are obligated to "disadvantage" yourself for others in your vocation, but basically it seems you are saying that we, as Christians, must not engage in a vocation that is unrighteous. I would agree. Thanks! dt]

31. ROY on October 28th, 2010 7:39 pm

    HI DELL
    YOU STRUCK A SENSITIVE SPOT WITH THIS SUBJECT JUDGING FROM THE MANY REPLYS.THANK YOU FOR YOUR OPENESS ON THIS SUBJECT. I SO MUCH ENJOYED YOUR DVD ON LABOR. YOU DID SUCH A GOOD JOB OF EXPLAINING HOW GOD LOOKS AT OUR LABOR.I SHARED WITH SOME AT CHURCH HOW I WISHED I HAD SEEN THIS WHEN I WAS 17(I AM NOW 71). I WORKED IN A DAIRY QUEEN AND WAS ALLOWED TO HELP WITH RUNNING THE BUSINESS AND I REALLY ENJOYED WHAT I DID AND NOW I REALIZE WHY.LATER IN LIFE I HELPED A HEADWEAR MFG.COMPANY EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS AND I ENJOYED DOING IT.YEARS LATER I CAME INVOLVED IN A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY THAT BROUGHT THE MESSAGE THAT IF YOU WERE REALLY A COMMITED CHRISTIAN YOU WOULD SELL ALL YOU HAD AND JOIN THE MINISTRY.
    I LIVED UNDER THAT THOUGHT FOR SOME TIME BUT GOD LED ME TO BUY A WINDOW TREATMENT COMPANY.I WENT INTO THAT BUSINESS THINKING OF IT AS A TENT MINISTRY LIKE PAUL HAD. BUT AS MANY YEARS WENT BY I FOUND THAT BEING A CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN TAKES MOST OF YOUR TIME.(I SOLD A LOT OF TENTS)
    GOD ALWAYS MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE CAME FIRST THEN MY WIFE AND KIDS AND THEN THE BUSINESS. WE REMAINED A SMALL BUSINESS AND WORKED HARD.PEOPLE KNEW THAT THEY WERE TREATED AS THEY SHOULD BE BY A CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN. LETTING JESUS LIGHT SHINE THROUGH YOU IS A REAL BLESSING IN ITSELF.

    MANY YEARS AGO I WAS TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT THAT GOD USED MEN LIKE MOSES, JOSHUA, AND THE GREAT MEN OF THE BIBLE, BUT THE MAJORITY OF BELIEVERS LIVED OUT THEIR LIVES IN THE COMMON THINGS OF LIFE AND NOW I SEE THAT THEY ALL FIT TOGETHER IN GODS PLAN.

    THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT TO PEOPLE WHO MISTAKENLY FEEL THEIR WORK MAY NOT COUNT AS MUCH AS SOME ONES MORE VISABLE LABOR.
    ROY

    [Roy...your testimony here is worth a million bucks (or a thousand tents!) of encouragement. It is sad that sometimes the cleric furthers the notion of a sacred/secular split to gain power. The non-cleric sometimes uses it to abdicate his responsibilities. Overall, we can be just downright pathetic, can't we! dt]

32. Bruce on October 28th, 2010 8:24 pm

    Dr. Tackett,

    I really don’t know how to do this without sounding like a teacher. In your interview with Mark, you stated that God had given him a great burden, yet in Matthew 11:30 it states that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. The only great or heavy burden we have is that which we place upon ourselves just like temptation-that which is common to man. I hope that I have not offended you with the correction yet know that everytime I watch The Truth Project, I learn something new each time. God bless and keep up the good work!

    [Bruce...no offense at all! Maybe I could have used a different phrase. I think there is a difference between the "heavy loads" that Jesus was talking about (the old works of the law that will never get you right with God) and the phrases we sometimes use to express a passion to see things changed. Jesus cried over Jerusalem because of their state, Paul uses words like "concerned" or "afraid" in reference to something that isn't right in others or he even states that he wishes he were "accursed" for the sake of his Jewish brethren. These words express a deep inward desire/hunger/zeal for something different in their lives. So, Mark has a deep passion ("heavy burden") to see God raise up mighty men. I do to. It is not a "works oriented" burden at all. However, I understand what you are saying and certainly if we turn those passions into something that we think is going to earn us salvation, then they would be wrong. Thanks for the comment! dt]

33. Karen on October 29th, 2010 6:56 am

    I learned as much from reading your responses to these thoughtful and varied comments as I did from the points you made in your blog entry. You reinforced your primary point in a loving and encouraging way. May God continue to expand the ways in which you are building up and encouraging the body of Christ, so that we all may seek to be doing His work, not our personal projects.
    Blessings,
    Karen
    [Thanks, Karen. I'm enjoying the interaction with folks...you can pray that the Lord will stretch the normal 24-hours in a day so that I can continue to do so. May the Lord bless you for your kind words! dt]

34. Melissa on October 30th, 2010 8:09 am

    Dr Tackett,

    Thank you so much for the Truth Project. The manner in which you present the material is so eye-opening. At lunch yesterday with four girls, two of us were explaining the blurring of the spheres to the other two girls. Whenever there are 2 or more girls together, the talk always seems to turn to Del.haha! But seriously, I think it was the first tour where you mentioned that you didn’t want this course to just be a course for completion, but a course of transformation..It has truly been that for me..Most of my days I am thinking about the course and how it relates to my day. I wish EVERYONE could experience this course. And it truly is an experience. I have been researching the New Spirituality (New Age) for the past year now, and want to start some type of ministry regarding informing people, mainly Christians, of this very threatening philosophy. I do believe it is so dangerous, and what once was thought to be crazy stuff is now mainstream in our healthcare organizations, our corporations, and even in our government. And is creeping silently into our Churches. Some our Evangelical leaders are even saying that Christianity can benefit from some of these New Age teachings. How scary is that? Too many so called Christians are not well grounded in their Biblical faith to discern some of these false teachings. My mission is to get out there and speak out against them. Your teaching has greatly encouraged me and given me more confidence in doing so. I am in the process of putting together my own research paper on the topic and hopefully in the new year will start doing classes out of my home. I talk with Christians all the time who have NO idea about any of the New Age philosophy. It actually amazes me and saddens me that so many people are so oblivious to it. But thanks to you and your God-given wisdom, I have been more bold, both on Facebook, which I really do use as a ministry, and in my day to day interaction with people. I even witnessed,by way of email, to a girl with a New Age website, after reading one of her articles. I plan on doing that a lot more. Your ministry keeps me going. I admire and appreciate your dedication. And Cross Examine is great too..Melissa

    [Melissa...thanks for your kind words and thanks for the work you are doing to "tear down the lies in the land". As we slip deeper in to relativism, New Age thinking becomes more and more attractive to our culture because it adds the spirituality that we inherently have a desire for, but package it in self-centered terms. As you interact with people, make sure you are doing it in an attractive, winsome way...let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt so that you might know how to respond to each person (Col 4:5-6). Soli Deo Gloria! dt]

35. Martha on November 1st, 2010 7:24 pm

    Del,
    I too have fought with myself about not being in “full time ministry”. Recently with God’s help and TP, I realize I am in ministry everywhere I am. I just returned from a short mission trip to Russia. Meeting Christians there was wonderful. I hated the language barrier and wanted so much to be able to talk and share our life stories more easily. Our interpreter was good, but it was very tiring for her. Keeping that in mind was hard. Our trip kept changing daily, but I believe God was orchestrating it completely. I work as a secretary in Juvenile Affairs and often pray for the workers and the juvenile deliquents who come through our doors. Who knows….I may be the only person praying for some of those kids. I am so happy to not feel guilty any more about being full time-I truly am. God moved me here about 2 years ago and I’ve wondered why many times. I have a job, I pray for workers and kids, go on short term mission projects and meet wonderful brothers and sisters around the world and serve in my church where I can. Heaven will be even better-then I won’t need an interpreter. Thank you so much for all your had work in helping fellow believers understand God’s plan for life on this earth!!! Keep up the good work!!! In His hands, Martha

    [Thanks, Martha! We need to understand that God is pleased with us when we work "as unto Him" in whatever area He has called us. YOU keep up the good work! dt]

36. Connie on November 5th, 2010 2:03 pm

    Well said Del……..ministry IS what we do when we aren’t sleeping. I know Christians who go to church, even Sunday School and that’s it. I guess they missed the Chapter about putting in the effort. (Matt. 28: 16-20) My husband and I belong to the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) and minister to bikers on the highways and byways of this great nation. Through that, I have learned many things and the most important is to meet people where they are and minister to them. I am so thankful we have people like Mark that are willing to step up and give a message, to minister to people in a way that he may not even know.

    God Bless

    [Thanks, Connie. Keep up the great work! Gal 6:9. dt]

37. Richard on November 6th, 2010 5:33 pm

    Dear Del,
    Thank you for your positive comments on the ministry of Mark Koch. My company is producing the First Annual San Diego Christian Film Festival and I wanted to bring our event to your attention. It is our goal to uplift and encourage Christian filmmakers and bring the best works to the public. There are many Christians in influential positions in Hollywood and they work selflessly to minister and support those working in the Los Angeles based film industry. I would invite your readers to visit our website at http://www.sdcff2010.com where they will be able to learn more about our festival and our mission and through our alliances learn more about some of these excellent ministries.

    God bless,
    Richard Bagdazian
    Exec. Dir.
    San Diego Christian Film Festival
    877.457.7732

38. Angie on November 21st, 2010 5:31 pm

    Hi Doctor-
    I hit your page while I was googling “scared to serve God in Hollywood”
    See, I am a 29 year old Christian female…from Egypt…I am still single-with no prospects…
    I feel God has called me to serve in Hollywood as a filmmaker/producer…
    I know your first impression: she is after the fame and fortune…
    I can’t argue about that…I am not sure about my motives either…
    Do I have what it takes?
    May be
    I am an amateur playwright/director with a 10 year experience in our local church’s theatre [we did major production musicals...not just skits]
    I have a business degree and I currently co-running my fmaily business…
    I have so much to offer: energy…ideas…talents…etc…and my life here is at a dead-end on many sides…
    I am scared to follow that “call” because I know that if I don’t have God’s blessing, I will lose myself…however, if I decided to stay here and go with my life, I fear I might be missing out on God’s call…
    I need prayers…may be an advice?
    Anything Mark said during the interview that could shed some light unto my fears?
    thanks )

    [Angie, thanks for being so open and honest about your situation. BTW, I love Egypt! We have many dear friends there. Regarding your "call", I would offer this: He has made you with unique gifts and talents for a particular purpose. He has plans for you. If God has done all of this, would He then hide it so you cannot find it? No. But, He won't send you an email (which you want! ) but we are to walk by faith. That means we trust Him to guide us, but that guidance will normally be the still small voice of God. So 1) your will must be on the alter; 2) search His word for guidance; 3) seek wisdom from godly counsel and prayer; and 4) watch for the providential hand of God as He opens doors. At some point you will have to make a decision. Do so from faith. "Lord, I have put my will on the alter, I have searched your Word, I have sought godly counsel through prayer and others, and I have watched for you providential Hand...and it appears this is the door that you have opened to me. I am going to go through that door and I trust that you will shut it if I have somehow missed your call." Then, Angie, go through the door and don't look back. If you get through it, you are exactly where God wants you. Now, the Christian life isn't a straight line. He may take you West, then South, then East and then North. But, it is an adventure! Make sure you have close Christian fellowship to walk this with you. I pray you will be at peace even though you may not be able to see out the windshield. This is God's design...that we trust Him for our tomorrows. Blessings! (We need you in Hollywood if God calls you there!) dt]

39. Angie on November 24th, 2010 7:07 pm

    Thanks, Doctor…this is better than the answer that I wanted, actually…very comforting )…

    although I am curious about why you mentioned that I am needed in Hollywood if God wants me to…it would be lovely to jot in a couple of lines elaborating

    I forgot to mention that I’ve been a Sunday school teacher for the past 8 years for teens…God gifted me with one-on-one consultation skills…that is why I feel I can serve the people on the studio set in a very personal way…I feel people need a listening ear, acceptance, and practical advice more than “Christian talk”…they need a patient servant…one who considers them a work-in-progress…

    Please let me know if you are ever in Egypt…I can give you a tour in our church if you’ll have the time )

    Happy Thanksgiving

    [Angie, if God has made you to make films, then that is your high calling. And if He wants you to do that in Hollywood, then that is where you should be. The beauty of the film industry, however, with the rise of technology and cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II, is that making films is no longer the privilege of the big motion picture conglomerates. Christians can now begin to make wholesome films on a much lower budget. So, who knows where the Lord may lead you.
    I don't know when I will be in Egypt again, but I hope soon. I miss it and miss our dear friends there.
    Blessings to you! dt]

40. Marilyn on December 28th, 2010 12:30 pm

    Dear Angie: Its my feeling that Hollywood needs all the Christian influence it can get. Sounds to me you have a lot to offer. Im a 65 year old mom and housewife, never worked in public while my children were at home. Today I drive a school bus to supplement SS. Recently while on my route I was telling the Lord that if the Rapture occurred and I was driving this bus there would be a terrible wreck, however company policy won’t allow me to share the Gospel openly, a very frustrating position. Immediately the Lord said to begin praying for the children on the bus and their familys, which I was doing but as I began to pray more fervently on a daily basis for them after awhile I began to notice something happening in me. I began to sense a real love for these kids that I hadn’t felt before. Now the Lord has dropped an idea into my heart that will allow me to be able to share Jesus with these children. As believers we must pray for those God has put on our hearts to minister to and He will open doors no man can shut because faith worketh by love. Be blessed

    [Marilyn, thank you for this testimony to Angie. May your bus driving only get better! (LOL! That sounds like a comment on your driving ability! ) dt]

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