Jim Martin's Encouragement Note #129

Street level faith . . . The first and last hour of the day . . . In answer to a question . . . "Now I'm not perfect . . . An audience of one

The List of Five

Street Level Faith

I was once in conversation with a longtime high school football coach. We were getting acquainted and I mentioned the name of a mutual friend. Our friend was Jimmy Dorrell, founder of both Mission Waco and the Church Under the Bridge. My new acquaintance mentioned how much he admired him. “He’s got “street-level faith.’”

I’ve since thought about his words: “street-level faith.”

I have learned a lot from ordinary people who have some street-level wisdom. One question I have asked a number of people is: “What are some street smarts that you’ve learned over the years?” The following are some of the answers I have received:

• Pick your battles

• There is often another side to the story you just heard

• Listen well

• Don’t repeat what was told you in confidence

• You never know what someone is really going through

• When you need to have a difficult conversation with someone, don’t go alone

• So often, people were doing the best they could at the time

These are great answers! It is important not to underestimate those with street-level wisdom.

After all, not everything is what it might seem:

• Some people are intelligent, yet they don’t seem to have much wisdom.

• Some people are articulate, yet they use poor judgment in what they say.

• Some people are talented, yet they make some very unwise decisions.

• Some people are charming, yet they place themselves in some compromising situations.

• Some people see themselves as important due to a job title, yet they do little to esteem others.

What if you and I were to seek wisdom? What if you and I were to learn from those with street-level faith and wisdom?

The First and Last Hour of the Day

I was watching a short video clip of author Austin Kleon as he talked about his use of the phone. He encouraged viewers not to read the news during the first hour of the day or the last hour of the day. After all, the news is all about anxiety, uncertainty, and fear.

Charlotte and I were visiting with Doug and Dereece Kirkland at the Dinner Bell restaurant in Corinth, Mississippi. At one point, Doug spoke about the importance of beginning each day in prayer and reading the Bible. He is right.

This also has been my practice for many years. I can tell a difference when I begin my day like this and when I do not. There is something nourishing about starting the day thinking about the goodness, greatness, and majesty of God.

• Suppose you were intentional about how you begin your day. For example, what might you do for the first 30 minutes of your morning that might make a real difference in your focus and attitude for the day?

• Suppose you were intentional about how you end your day. What might you do at the end of the day instead of scrolling news stories or reading comments on social media?

In Answer to a Question

Question: How have you continued to grow? Some people seem to get stuck at a certain age and stop growing. What has been helpful to you?

Answer: There is probably not a “one size fits all” response to this question. However I can mention a few things that have really helped me continue to grow.

What I typically do:

1. I read Scripture and pray in the early hours of the day. At the moment, I am reading through I Kings.

2. I continue to read widely. Some of this is digital reading but I probably prefer paper books that I can physically touch and highlight. I attempt to keep up with some of my favorite authors and read some of their more recent works.

3. Sometimes, I listen to a person simply because I find this person stimulating or because the subject interests me. Most recently, I listened to four of the BBC’s Reith Lectures featuring Dr. Mark Carney (2020). Carney formerly served as governor of the Bank of England and now serves as Prime Minister of Canada. These lectures interest me as he is talking about the economy during a very difficult time (Covid).

4. Over coffee or lunch, I learn from others in person, asking questions which I have often thought about in advance.

Rick Warren says, “All leaders are learners. The moment you stop growing, you stop being the leader.”

As a husband, father, grandfather, and Christ-follower, it is critical that I continue to learn. Most of us have learned much at this point. However, most of us still have much to learn.

“Now I’m Not Perfect”

How many times have you heard someone talk their own life and then say, “Now I’m not perfect.” Ok, most of us are under no illusion that we are perfect. Yes, we all have flaws and imperfections. Yet, such a disclaimer may actually get in the way of progress.

Seth Godin wrote the following on June 22, 2025:

Nothing is perfect...

But everything can get better.

There's never enough time...

But there's time enough to make a difference.

Someone will always be opposed to the change we seek to make.

And there's always someone who wants to help.

Anything can happen...

But something will.

So no one is perfect? Absolutely. Yet, all of us can make progress.

An Audience of One (Especially for Ministers and Other Church Leaders)

I love these lines from Preventing Ministry Failure (Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffman), p. 20:

A humble understanding of ourselves will prevent us from performing for the crowd and instead encourage us to play to an audience of One.

Only when we play to an audience of One can we help church members see the our true role in their lives. Paul speaks of this in Galatians 1:10, “ Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (New Living Translation)

Is the one to whom I am called to please happy with my preaching? Is he happy with the way I spoke to others in a recent elders’ meeting? As I talk with other ministers and/or shepherds, is the audience of One pleased?

I formerly served as Vice President of Harding School of Theology, Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to this, I served as a minister in various congregations for 36 years.

Much of my time is spent in conversation with ministers and other church leaders. I do mentor/coaching each week. I continue to teach and preach in various congregations by request.

I am a husband, father, and grandfather. One of my favorite things to do is to come alongside another person and encourage her or him.

Every other Monday morning, I publish this “Encouragement Note.” You can subscribe at jimmartin.substack.com. You can also find me on Facebook - @jim.martin or Instagram - @jimmartin.jm. My e-mail address is: jmartin9669@gmail.com. Feel free to write. I would love to hear what is encouraging. — Jim Martin