Ciloa...Encouraging one another as long as it is called Today!
Some Frequently Asked Questions
About Chuck.....
Are you a reverend or a pastor?
What are you denominationally?
Are you related to Billy Graham?
Why don't you write blogs?
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
How did you get into this ministry?
How did you start writing the Notes?
Is this what you do for a living?
How long have you been writing and teaching?
Would you join my Internet groups?
About Ciloa.....
What is the purpose of Ciloa and why is it needed?
Do you have anything besides these Notes you can share with me?
How is Ciloa supported?
About the Notes of Encouragement.....
Do you read the replies to the Notes and do you ever answer them?
Why do you mix humor with serious stuff?
Do people ever complain about what you write?
Why do you think you have the right to write these Notes?
You write with authority. How do you do that?
How can you bring yourself to share so much of your life, problems, difficulties, pain, etc.?
How do you come up with these Notes each week?
Do you answer theological questions?
Can I print and share the Notes?
How did you get my email address?
About our seminar series, The Encourager's Walk,.....
Do you lead The Encourager's Walk seminars?
How can I attend a seminar?
Do these require audience participation?
Is it necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the Bible?
Can I take the seminar on confrontation and reconciliation first?
Will these seminars help me become a counselor?
About speaking engagements.....
Do you ever speak at churches or events?
Does anyone else in Ciloa ever speak at churches or other events?
What topics do you typically cover when you speak?
Have much would it cost for you to come speak to us?
About becoming a part of or partner with Ciloa.....
Could we add Ciloa as a link on our web site?
Do you provide links and what requirements do you have?
How could I become involved in Ciloa?
Do you accept contributions?
About our Founder and Executive Director, Chuck Graham.....
Are you a reverend or a pastor?
I am not a reverend, pastor, or minister of a church, though I was ordained in 1983 as what would best be described as an elder-deacon. People who reply to the Notes frequently call me Pastor, and I guess I am pastoring our readers and do appreciate it when people say that. But in the sense of ‘Do I lead a particular church?", no.
What are you denominationally?
Ciloa is strictly a non-denominational Christian ministry. We have had and continue to have men and women from many different congregations be a part of and support us. We do not see it as our calling to support one group over another, but to encourage everyone in knowing God more and following Him in this life. As for those who are or wish to be a part of Ciloa, we ask only that they agree with our Statement of Faith.
As for me personally, most of my life I have been a member of churches that belong to the Southern Baptist Convention. But SBC churches can be very different even among themselves. One of the things I have enjoyed about Southern Baptists is the tradition of encouraging independent study of the Bible and determining what you believe. Over the past few years I have attended a number of different congregations which has been good for me because I enjoy the different styles of worship.
Are you related to Billy Graham?
As far as I know, we are only Christian brothers, although it is possible there is some distant relation. Dr. Graham is originally from North Carolina (USA) and much of my family a few generations ago came from North Carolina. So it is possible. Some of us in my family playfully refer to him as Uncle Billy, but I'm not aware of any direct relation.
Hmmm. Now I'm curious. Has he ever wondered if he's related to me?
Why don't you write blogs?
There have been interest and suggestions for this from some of our Directors as well as a good number of our readers, but we currently have two problems: the web site and the time. As for the web site, it would take a couple of weeks to engineer it to handle blogging as well as develop a team to oversee it. So there's an administration issue. The larger problem concerns time. Currently Ciloa does not have a paid staff and we all have jobs outside of this ministry. I have more flexibility than most, but even I often cannot keep up with what we already have going. But I expect that in 2009 we will get into blogging, at least on a small scale.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm cute and cuddly. How's that? Not enough?
Well, as I remind our readers each year in a shameless attempt to get presents, I was born on July 15, 1954 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, USA. I have lived virtually my entire life in the State of Georgia, where I did all of my schooling, including studies at the University of Georgia where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, magna cum laude, and a Juris Doctorate in law, thank the Laude.
After passing the Bar in 1979, I began practicing law, then in 1983 formed my own firm, and finally went into solo practice in 1992. I have had cases from the smallest courts to the U.S. Supreme Court, but no longer do trial work. I have a varied practice, mainly in corporate law, but spend much of my time helping churches, ministries and other Christian organizations around the world.
I have taught and spoken at many churches, associational meetings and conferences, especially on Christian reconciliation, integrity, and encouragement. In 1996 my first book Take The Stand was published, which led to 138 radio appearances across the USA and Canada. I have since written A Year of Encouragement and Another Year of Encouragement as well as two novels, A Journey and The Lie.
More personally, I have been married to my high school sweetheart since 1978. In fact, she's the only girl I ever dated. We have 4 wonderful children: Chase and Jenna who were married in 2006, Mallory and Matt. We also have a dog and a cat.
How did you get into this ministry?
Excellent question. I've discovered over the years that every time "I" have a great idea for God, He seems to see things a bit differently.
After speaking at a lot of places for several years, I came to the conclusion that many if not most Christians had no idea how to truly love each other and I believed (and still do) that most often the missing element is encouragement. At that time I could not find a single church that taught its members how to encourage each other or even what Biblical encouragement was. Instead, they seemed to think that upon becoming a Christian, a person suddenly knows what to do and no training or instruction is ever needed. Even a cursory reading of the Bible proves that assumption is wrong.
So in 1987 while dining at a local Huddle House, I explained my idea of an encourager's ministry to my friend Dana Abernathy. We both were excited about it, but instead of trying to create something ourselves, we searched for other ministries teaching encouragement so we could join with them. But we couldn't find any.
Over the next several years we continued to talk about such a ministry but many things were happening in our lives. As for me, my dad had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) and helping him and my mother took a lot of time. After 7 brave years, he died in 1990. My law firm was growing, becoming recognized, and taking on high profile cases, but the time came for a new direction and with it, the difficult process of starting over. Then I wrote my first book, Take The Stand, which took much more attention and work than I had thought.
But my dad's death had a deeper effect on me than I realized at the time. For quite a while I was very bitter about some of his friends. As his condition grew worse, fewer would come by to see him. Men he had known and played golf with for years and years, suddenly stopped coming. One even told others he had kept up his visits. But at some point while thinking about their failure to be there and encourage my dad, God gently and simply said, "They don't know how."
It wasn't that they were bad people. They just didn't know what to do. So being aware of their own inability, they chose to stay away, never realizing that the main thing my dad wanted was simply to see them.
This new understanding renewed my interesting in a ministry that would encourage others, but now, also one that would teach them how to become encouragers. I developed and taught seminars, but that wasn't enough. Finally I put the burden on God and told Him that if He really wanted such a ministry, He needed to come up with a name because even that was beyond me.
In 1997 I was extremely busy. My solo law practice was getting back to a level where I could pay myself a salary and we were growing a bit, especially in my work with churches and ministries in other countries. I was speaking a good bit and doing a few seminars. And I was very busy promoting Take The Stand and speaking on Christian radio. In short, I had no time for anything else...I thought.
Then one day God said, "Christ Is Lord Of All ... call the ministry Ciloa." My response was basically, "You've got to be kidding. I've been waiting 10 years and now that I'm busy with everything else, you want me to start this? I don't think so." Of course, I was able to win Him over with my incredible debating skills...which actually means that Ciloa was immediately begun.
How did you start writing the Notes?
I would love to say they began as the result of my incredible wisdom and foresight, but that would not true. As with many things in my life, how the Notes came about is a bit embarrassing.
In 1999, the Board of Directors for Ciloa held one of its quarterly meetings and someone brought up something about the Internet, email and how we might be able to use that as a means of encouraging others. But I had more important projects on my mind and this seemed like a distraction. So my response was on the order of, "Sure, sure, sounds good. Now let's move on."
But they didn't move on and this became a frequent topic at later meetings, much to my irritation. In fact, the year 2000 was one long discussion from a growing number of Directors who really liked the idea, until it became everybody else against one. I was the one. In exasperation, I agreed to write one of these each week for 3 months and then we could evaluate it. That made everyone happy, but I was certain this would be over in 3 months and then they would see the wisdom of my ways.
The first Note of Encouragement was sent out on Sunday, January 1, 2001, to about 432 people, mainly in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. And much to my surprise, a Note has gone out each week since. Notes of Encouragement now reach into 163 countries (many of which I have to look on a map to figure out where they are). Through our own distribution as well as the republishing of the Notes by more than 50 organizations, churches, ministries, and individuals, the Notes are made available to about 30 million people each week.
God has used the Notes in absolutely incredible ways that none of us could ever have imagined. Ciloa has become truly international and much stronger as a ministry. And I, well, I have learned how important a wise Board of Directors can be.
Is this what you do for a living?
Not at the present time, though that is what we are hoping for. But I guess "what I do for a living" may be too broad. Ciloa is the work God has given me and the other wonderful people involved in this ministry. I spend a great amount of time each day in this, but presently Ciloa does not pay a salary to anyone. That's not because we don't want to. The Board, for example, has made it a goal to provide a salary for me so that I can retire completely from my law practice. But for the time, we do not have those resources or the expertise in how to raise them. I am terrible at anything like that, so I focus on the encouraging/teaching side of the ministry and leave the whole area of contributions for others to handle.
So, long answer to a short question, no. I continue to practice law which God has blessed so that we can pay the bills.
How long have you been writing and teaching?
I've been writing in general terms since I was in the tenth grade. That would be about 1969. Except for an occasional piece, my Christian writing did not come along until the 1990's. My first book, published in 1996 by Broadman Holman Publishers, was Take The Stand, giving my view on the state of Christianity in the world and why it has become so weak. The Notes of Encouragement began on January 1, 2001 and have continued each week since then. There are two published collections of the Notes, A Year of Encouragement (Xulon Press, 2004) and Another Year of Encouragement (Xulon Press, 2006). I have also written 2 novels, A Journey and The Lie, which we hope to publish in 2009.
I began teaching somewhere around 1983, mainly as a Sunday School teacher for youth and then later adult classes. But about that same year, I also began teaching and speaking on Christian integrity, reconciliation, and encouragement in churches, conferences and seminars, for both lay and clergy audiences.
Would you join my Internet groups?
I would love to but I can't. Every day someone sends me an email asking me to join a chat, conversation, friend, or interest. There are just too many requests, and if I did even a portion of those, I would never get all of my Ciloa work done. I'm very honored and humbled by it, but it just isn't possible for me right now.
About Ciloa.....
What is the purpose of Ciloa and why is it needed?
Ciloa has a two-fold purpose: To actively encourage the Body of Christ and to teach those within the Body how to encourage each other. Why do we feel that it's needed? Because few churches and ministries are really edifying people from a spiritual standpoint. So often the focus of what they do is on themselves and their own prosperity. Often when people are in the midst of tremendous difficulty, they are told it's their own fault. They receive condemnation instead of encouragement, blame instead of love. Ciloa is here to change that.
Do you have anything besides these Notes you can share with me?
Ciloa is always working to provide more in the way of encouragement. The seminar series The Encourager's Walk is an excellent way to learn about the Christian's call to encourage one another and discover how to carry out God's command. A Year of Encouragement and Another Year of Encouragement are collections of Notes that provide encouragement as well as thought provoking lessons for each week of the year.
In addition, we are working on material to post on our web site so that we can become a better resource for material that can encourage in specific areas. Two of these are Caring for the Caregiver and The Spiral of Depression. These resources will be available in 2008. And we are always looking for suggestions from our readers as well.
Also, we are hoping to be able to put the Notes on CDs so that we can reach even more people who will be able to hear the Notes. In the next year, the Notes should begin appearing in an audio format on our web site where they can be downloaded to our readers' computers and MP3s. And we are exploring the possibility of putting the first seminar of The Encourager's Walk on DVD for others to learn from as well as to use in teaching. All of this will require more funding, but we hope to get many of these projects done in 2008.
How is Ciloa supported?
Through the prayers, efforts and contributions of many people. Over the years, more than 130 people have participated in or worked with Ciloa in carrying out its work, whether that has been in encouraging others through the Notes, our seminars, our publications, or our efforts to bring encouragement to relief workers after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. People have given their time, talents and expertise in many areas, all voluntary and all out of their love for others. We have been very blessed that so many have trusted in what God has been doing through Ciloa.
We have also had many people make financial contributions to this ministry, without which we would not be able to carry on the work we do. Some have been large in amounts, others just a few dollars, but each one is greatly appreciated. And all of this has amazed me because to be honest, one thing we do very poorly is letting people know our financial needs, which tend to be significant great at times as we seek new avenues to encourage others.
About the Notes of Encouragement.....
Do you read the replies to the Notes and do you ever answer them?
Yes! I love getting them and I read every single one that comes in. Unfortunately we have grown to the point were I can no longer answer them all. I once did that as well, but now there are just too many. Also, we are receiving more and more replies from those who are seeking direction in their lives. So I tend to focus on those as much as possible and help provide them with hope and encouragement they may not be receiving.
Why do you mix humor with serious stuff?
I believe it is important to have some kind of relationship with the reader and the best way for me personally is to let people know who I am. This means writing about the dumb things I've done as well as the smarter ones. I can write in a deathly serious way, but that's not really me nor is it the best way for people to learn. In life there is much sorrow, grief, pain and hurt, but there is also much laughter, joy and happiness. Jesus used all of these in His teachings because He touches all of life, not just a portion of it. And all of life is what we want to present to our readers, regardless of what the specific topic may be.
One of the problems many writers have is they tend to teach from such an exalted position that the average reader feels disconnected, often thinking there's no way they can ever be like the writer. Well, I want people to know me and come to understand that if I can come through, deal with, understand, or do whatever it may be, then they can too. That's why I make no claim to having the gift of encouragement. I have to work at it. And I believe this is also God's message to so many people: "If Chuck can do this, you can, too."
Do people ever complain about what you write?
Sure. Usually they are very respectful and simply present a different argument which leads to a different conclusion. Those are great because when I can understand their position, then I'm able to study more and hopefully carry on a deeper discussion. I've had such contact with Muslims, Buddhists, Orthodox Jews, Hindus, and members of Wicca, as well as many Christians.
But occasionally we receive some very hateful email, too. They rarely present any argument or basis for their position, but just take it as an opportunity to attack. I also reply to those and ask for the basis of their position, and on a few occasions I've been able to change their minds about a few things. More often though, these people have no real belief but just want to argue.
Why do you think you have the right to write these Notes?
I don't think of it as asserting right, but following a direction. I write the Notes because God has told me to. That may sound simple, but that's pretty much it. The day He says to stop, I will. While I enjoy the writing and especially communicating with people around the world, it is very tiring work. The average Note takes about 6 hours to write, so it's not a small effort.
The authority does not rest in me. I write about what I know to be true as it concerns my life and experiences, but the only authority that matters is that expressed in the Bible. Whatever Note goes out is the one I'm convinced is the Note God has chosen for that week and I write what I believe He wants me to say. Hopefully I don't mess that up. But the authority is from His Word and each Christian has the responsibility of sharing God's Word with others.
At first, writing the Notes was a very difficult thing to do. Obviously I don't know the vast majority of people who read them, and there was always the thought, "What will they think of me?" That can be scary, especially when you're writing about your own failures. But along the way I've realized a few things.
The Apostle Paul said he wanted to share in Jesus' sufferings. I once thought that was a pretty dumb thing to want. But now I understand it a bit better. No one can comfort another like the one who has "been there, done that". Others can do our best, but it's never quite the same.
I write openly about the experiences of my life to let my readers know that I've been where they are, I've felt what they feel, and I understand what they are going through. Have I experienced everything? No, and don't really want to. But I have experienced a lot. Sometimes we look at a tragedy and can't find any reason or sense in it. Still, in time we can use it to help or comfort someone else.
The responses we receive from our readers confirm this. Each week we hear from people around the world who have been touched in some way by a Note. Often it's something that I did not think was important when I wrote it, but God did and He used it in reaching out to a particular person. And it has been absolutely amazing how He has helped so many people in this way. All I have to do is be willing to share my life.
How do you come up with these Notes each week?
I get asked that a lot. The simple answer is, It's all God. He's given me a different way of looking at...well, pretty much everything. People, places, events, a grain of sand, a mountain. For me, everything has a lesson to be discovered and I find that very exciting. I just have to be quiet, listen, and observe, then God uses whatever it may be to teach me. Sometimes it's something I've never considered before. At other times it's a better understanding of what He's already told me.
And it's not always something for me to write about. We've had a great group of writers for the Notes, each with his or her own special message. While often frustrating for them to have to wait for their Note to be published, it's been a lot of fun for me to be in the position of hearing God say, "Now's the time to send this one. Someone you'll never know needs to read this."
Listening, being patient and aware of what's going on around me, and following God's lead. That's it in a nutshell. And I have to admit, many times I'm just as amazed at what comes through in these Notes. I give God all the credit for that. I'll take credit for the typos.
Do you answer theological questions?
Yes and no. It is almost impossible to encourage someone without occasionally touching on theological issues. After all, the ultimate goal of Biblical encouragement is helping someone develop and deepen their walk with God. So theology is at the very foundation of what we do.
While we do get advice and direction at times from Bible experts, those who know Greek and Hebrew, and a considerable number of Bible commentaries, it is not the calling of this ministry to take the place of seminaries or Bible scholars. I never hesitate to offer my interpretations or explain why I may differ from a commentary or another Bible teacher, but there are many areas in which we simply do not have the training or knowledge. In those instances, we try to help our readers in locating the material or people they need in finding their answers.
Can I print and share the Notes?
Yes. In fact, we encourage that. Because there are copyrights involved, we have a few simple rules we ask everyone to follow. They are quite easy and no one has ever mentioned having a problem with them. These can be found on our web site under Notes of Encouragement.
How did you get my email address?
Good question. I honestly don't know, but this is probably what happened.
Ciloa is an international encourager's ministry and through our Notes of Encouragement, we reaches more than 26 million people in about 130 countries. Because the Notes go to so many people, we receive a lot of email, and many of these are from people asking us to send the Note to friends and family. Sometimes the requests come from prayer ministries as a way of giving encouragement either to the people they are praying for or to those who are doing the praying. So from time to time we may send a special Note or even an offer to be on our distribution list.
But we are committed to protecting our current and potential readers. Through more advanced subscription programs, no email address can be added without that owner's specific authorization. So whether it's a relative, friend or hacker, no one can sign other people up. And we never release email addresses to anyone for any reason.
About our seminar series, The Encourager's Walk,.....
Do you lead The Encourager's Walk seminars?
Usually. The seminar has general sections which I lead and then there are break-out sessions with facilitators. They may be members of Ciloa or people we have trained.
How can I attend a seminar?
Although we are considering doing a seminar strictly on our own, most are hosted by churches, ministries or other organizations. We will have the information for upcoming seminars posted on our web site, but if you would like to make sure we are going to be in your area, the best thing is to have a church, a ministry, etc. contact us about holding one. I say that because usually those have the facilities we need.
Do these require audience participation?
No. The seminars do not require participation, although those who attend frequently ask questions and make comments, especially in the break-out sessions. We do not make participation a requirement because there are many who, like me, are introverted and would prefer to listen and learn rather than speak up. As long as everyone can learn, we're happy.
Is it necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the Bible?
Thorough? No. Some? It would probably help, but it isn't necessary. That's mainly because while what we teach is Biblically based, much is a new way of thinking. So sometimes it helps to come in with an open mind.
Can I take the seminar on confrontation and reconciliation first?
No. We require the first one on edification and encouragement before participating in the second because everything is sequential. Like taking steps. Before correcting or rebuking, we must know how to encourage because that is an essential part of Christian confrontation and reconciliation. If we don't know how to encourage others, we won't be able to confront them properly when the need arises. Even in confrontation, we are called to build others up.
Will these seminars help me become a counselor?
No. The Encourager's Walk is for everyone in the Body of Christ. We are all called to be encouragers. This material is very important in bringing people together, making them stronger, and helping them through the struggles that life can throw our way. But counseling is a different matter altogether and involves more in the area of giving direction. While I would like to see all counselors learn and apply what we have here, not all are called to be counselors.
About speaking engagements.....
Do you ever speak at churches or other events?
I speak as often as I can and usually whenever anyone asks, although we always make it a matter of prayer before accepting. Over the years I've spoken at churches, associational meetings, conferences, and various events. I've even filled the pulpit on Sunday mornings from time to time. Usually the only problems we run into concern my schedule and the traveling that may be required.
Does anyone else in Ciloa ever speak at churches or other events?
Yes. We are blessed to have several who speak are various functions and also are gifted Bible teachers. It is almost impossible to encourage someone without from time to time touching on theological issues. After all, the ultimate goal of Biblical encouragement
What topics do you typically cover when you speak?
Usually when I speak it has to do with Ciloa, the ministry we have here, and the role of encouragement within the Church. Other topics that I frequently touch on are Christian integrity, reconciliation, and especially our calling to take a stand as Christians.
Have much would it cost for you to come speak to us?
It varies. We try to have our expenses covered, such as travel and lodging. Anything else is what the host may want to donate to Ciloa, whether that is a set amount or through a love offering. But we don't want anything concerning costs to keep people from asking. Sometimes a church or group has very little to offer. We have to be good stewards of what God has given us, so in those cases, we pray and see what God wants us to do. Sometimes we have the funds to help out. Sometimes we don't. But if God wants us there, He will get us there.
About becoming a part of or partner with Ciloa.....
Could we add Ciloa as a link on our web site?
Absolutely. Check us out, pray about it, and if God leads you to, by all means.
Do you provide links and what requirements do you have?
We are working on that. We can't link everyone because there would not be enough room on the web site. But we do want to begin doing that. Our requirements will be simple...the organization must be one that honors God in whatever it does and it be a part encouraging others.
How could I become involved in Ciloa?
Just let us know that you're interested and what you think you might like to do. Like all ministries, we have many needs and not enough helpers. If we're a match, we would love for you to become a part of this ministry.
Do you accept contributions?
Absolutely. Because of the contributions from God's people we are able to do what we do. The only thing we ask is that you pray about it and make sure that God is leading you to be a part of Ciloa ion this way. For us, His will is more important than anyone's money.
