from religion to reality

“Wake up! Mom and dad want us to hurry up and jump in the car so we won't be late for church!" Those were some familiar words. As a child, Kurt along with his dear family members, were somewhat religious folk trying to somehow to earn points with “the Man upstairs.” They were also hard-working, hard-partying, hard-fighting and hard-playing Californians, but in spite of all their wildness in the world, they hardly ever missed one service at their boring, long-deceased traditional church. There was quite a dichotomy of interests there – for the world and for holiness. According to Kurt regarding his own experience, their church was, with all due respect, twice plucked-up and sub-lifeless and basically it was a typical church for its denomination …you know, with the hardwood pews, the marble floors, the long monotone, partially-biblical sermons, the dripping candles that cost a dime to light but faithfully stood in proxy intercessory-wise …so the congregant did have to pray much. And of course there were also those stone cold, wrinkle-faced stares from some of the devoted. But honestly, everyone was doing their best to do a good job for God. If they knew better, many would do better. Some of the parishioners and ministers were pretty sincere and cordial people.

Now Kim was the conscientious dad and he was in charge of family piety for his clan at home. It must have been hard for him to deal with so often. Rather than showing restraint in listening to an ultra-dry-homily so one could increase in moral bearing, his three boys would deservingly get their tails belted almost on a weekly basis upon their arrival home after the services, because they always opted to entertain themselves at the expense of others. It was just plain selfishness! And all that horseplay would come into competition with the minister and his discourse. The boys seemed very determined to do better each week after their father’s pep-talks-plus, but the value of kid-entertainment under the pews—instigated by Kurt most of the time—always won out. It always outweighed the risks that were involved with dad. Kurt simply couldn’t resist himself, his fleshly nature …or maybe it was some unseen devils that would tempt him that he couldn’t resist. The urge to converge in play and jabs was overwhelming and it also seemed better than what many were doing there—snoring out loud.

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On Sundays, Kurt really did enjoy some aspects such as the family togetherness: Kim, Betty, Kevin, Kyle and Kathy – it was fabulous because there was a lot of love and understanding among them. Sometimes Kurt would have to go to work at church, ringing the bells with precise timing and all, in his black gown and white blouse up front. His heart, along with the hearts of the other alter boys there, was growing harder than those cruel kneelers ...as he continued to hear the Scriptures month after month without putting them into action ...or even knowing how to get right with God as a basis for acting right.

It was fun at times though, because the other altar boys were creative with pranks and they all doubled as his buds on the Glendale Bears football team off hours. together, they could always talk about their past games while in church with hushed tones and "inside-voices." Together, they got in as much trouble behind the altar as Kurt’s brothers did in front of it. And listen, you really don’t want an Irish priest mad at you! They could thwack you hard on the back of the ear, grab your neck or make you stand long in the corner of the sacristy for hours where all tender-hearted nuns and sympathizing saints could never witness.

These boys all stuck together and like angels they wouldn’t even rat on each other that often. And if it wasn’t for his buds there with him, Kurt would have bailed on the service of the Lord long ago. Talk about in-it for the wrong motives. They and fear of hell were the only reasons why he faithfully served year after year. And because the whole family also had the fear of the Lord (the tormenting kind at this point, rather than the good kind) they all continued to attend services just like clockwork …yes, in hopes that their good works would eventually outweigh all their bad deeds as they approached the dreadful judgment bar of the Lord at the end. What was the rest of the family after in this? They wanted to find favor with the Savior somehow.

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it's been said…

“With such diverse missions and soul-winning exposure, Kurt von Schleicher is acutely aware of the spiritual challenges facing the Church internationally. And God has shown him what works in resolving them in fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. There's only one correct interpretation, but many applications. Methods change, church growth principles that are biblical never do—they work in any culture as God works through His people. Now is the time that God has called Kurt to lovingly build His church in this culture."  –Dale Witt, Executive Director of Global Advance

“Kurt exemplifies the character qualities for a pastor as stated in the Pastoral Epistles and most specifically those in 1 Timothy 3:1 and following: ‘This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless...’ I was impressed with his strong desire to make his youth group at Calvary Chapel Dallas the best fed, most loved sheep in the world. His positive attitude, humility, and faith in God is infecting!”  –Pastor Jeff Christianson, Calvary Chapel Bible College Murrieta Hot Springs

“Until Kurt and I became acquainted, I had never met anyone with such a passion for the Lord, evangelism, prayer, people and life. I know that Kurt has maintained and nurtured those passions over the years. I know Kurt as a caring, transparent, dependable, patient and hard working brother in Christ. He is a trustworthy man of integrity, a faithful co-laborer in the Gospel and a beloved friend.”    –Pastor Mike McKinney, Calvary Assembly of God

“It’s been rare to meet someone with a greater visible zeal and passion for the Lord. In the area of youth ministry, Kurt has a heart for shepherding teenagers into a mature relationship with Christ. When he speaks in the pulpit, Kurt preaches with energy and conviction. My personal interaction with Kurt has been a joy.”  –Pastor Tim Burns, Calvary Chapel Tyler

“I have been a witness to a man that has a very godly character, full of love for his fellow man and always the humble servant. I consider his primary assets to be a willing and positive attitude, excellent writing skills and a strong artistic skill set. You can not define such a great person with only one sentence! He is very kind, trustworthy, sincere and always encouraging. He is a true walking witness for the Lord!”  – Calvary Board Member, Dave Firth, Cadence Design System

“He is not only spiritually gifted in teaching God’s Word to adults to challenge them, but Kurt is adept in connecting with the young people and with the children. He really holds their attention well as he boldly holds forth God’s Message. More importantly, Kurt’s life exemplifies what he teaches. He genuinely models what it means to be a humble servant.”  –Pastor Dave Martin, Calvary Chapel

“Pastor Kurt and Liney von Schleicher have served fulltime with us here at the 11,000 member Covenant Church in Dallas for five years. They have done a great job—yes, they have done and fulfilled all we required of them according to their assignment and then some. They follow instructions well, and they anticipate many of the needs of our constituents before others do. The new converts, first time visitors and new members have been well taken care of under their capable oversight. We’ve been pleased with the results. Kurt has not only raised up and overseen our follow-team, street witnessing team and new member counseling, he has written much of the curriculum we use. He faithfully taught our people the foundations, discipleship disciplines, personal evangelism principles, and expositionally through books of the Bible on a church-wide basis. They both are exceptional communicators and have really motivated God’s people towards positive action.”  –Pastor Gerald Parsons, Covenant Church

“Since he was a teenager, Kurt has always demonstrated faithfulness to the Lord and His Scriptures. He has endured as a faithful steward through many times of testing and personal hardships. We have seen much fruitfulness with His ministry and gift mix. Kurt is a gifted preacher-teacher. He is born of the cross of Jesus and has learned temperance and patience. He is a friend and fellow pastor. He is an evangelist and hard-worker, an administrator and leader. He takes God’s Word for what it is, and does not compromise by declaring a watered down Gospel. Kurt has fulfilled Paul’s requirements to Timothy for a life that is above reproach as an Elder.”  –Pastor Brian Burnette, Calvary Chapel of San Clemente

"Kurt is a great friend; very faithful—a person you can count on. And he’s great fun to be with, always thinking the best of you and inspiring you to be the best person you can be and are meant to be.” —European Conference Translator, Elke Sabine Mölle

"Kurt is great fun to be around, but also great to talk 'Bible' with. He always has some new insight, or a new book, or something to share!" —School Teacher in the Dallas Area, Andrea Clark

“Kurt is confident in who he is in Christ. He is humble about his position, knowledge, ability, and future. I’ve observed how he interacts with students, youth, staff, and parents. He is personable, relatable, and approachable—characteristics that I have observed to be prevalent in the best of teachers and pastors. Truly, Kurt has a rare blend of godly characteristics. There are not very many young men in the ministry who are confident and bold, yet humble and teachable; but, that’s Kurt.”     –Pastor Craig Rose PHD, Calvary Chapel Texarkana

“I have known Kurt von Schleicher for four years. We served as Calvary Chapel Board Members, and I have interacted with him on a personal as well as a professional level. I have grown to respect Kurt very much. He has exemplified a strong passion to serve the Lord, is very level headed and thoughtful. He strives to achieve fairness in all matters and he is not afraid to confront issues as he applies God’s Word in his life.”  –Board Member Matt Ahle, Calvary Chapel Dallas

“I have known Kurt and Liney for over fifteen years, and can attest to their total passion for the Lord and His Kingdom. He has a love for souls and an evangelistic fervor. Kurt has had a consistent prayer and devotional life that impresses me. His consistency and passion for the lost has remained to this day, so that any church he leads will be well led, well fed, and challenged by his personal example to be a light to their community.” –Missionary Pastor John Dorrough, New Day Christian Fellowship

“Kurt von Schleicher lives according to the Word of God and is an effective, on-fire Bible teacher. He loves the Lord, loves people and is a good example of the leadership qualities seen in First Timothy. We have had him speak multiple times and our people are better off because of it. We’d definitely have him back again!”  –Pastor Mack Roller, First Baptist Fairfield Texas

“Thank you for expressing interest in the ministry of Kurt and Liney von Schleicher. Kurt has handled many details for our Frontline Shepherd Conferences and kept our prayer partners informed. We sent him to train pastors and key leaders in Honduras and Nicaragua. He and his family served as missionaries in Germany for four years and did a great job. They are exceptionally well qualified as ministers.”  –David Shibley, Founder/President of Global Advance

  fish four souls' core values

Kurt von Schleicher believes that how we (each individually or corporately as a local church or a para-church ministry) accomplish our purpose is as important as the purpose itself. And having a right spirit in this is imperative just like having right doctrine is.

Therefore, we seek to consistently glorify God through core values that honor the Lord and show respect to His people …as well as to unbelievers everywhere.  

• Character in ourselves — a result of a growing, balanced, personal relationship with Jesus Christ …lives characterized by integrity …solid, stable, and secure.
• Honor to others — wherever we meet and fellowship, providing an atmosphere of proper esteem where each person can contribute and thrive.
• Horizontal Grace in our Relationships — As we (born again) Christians continue to receive grace and forgiveness from God, we seek to express it towards others. Daily, we choose to practice thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, courtesy, freedom, forgiveness, encouragement, and genuine appreciation of others' differences as we trust the Lord to use us to inspire greatness in those around us.
• Excellence in our pursuits — reflecting the infinite excellence of the God we serve …producing the highest quality of ministry implementation, personal evangelism and discipleship resource materials, and personal service possible.
• Glory to our God — living by faith in praise to the Lord Jesus Christ …entrusting our time, talents, treasure and plans to God's control, not by constraint (never due to some so called preacher’s pressure), but as the Holy Spirit leads in building up Christ’s Kingdom.
• Accountability to one another — a willingness that comes from living in the Light (rather than hiding in the darkness), to answer for one's life, characterized by vulnerability, teachablity, honesty, and availability. 

fish for souls' ministry values

Acts 2:42-47

The essential priorities of the ministry of Fish for Souls are:

• Worshipping

Responding to God  ..."lost in wonder, love, and praise."

• Learning

Solid theology made practical in every facet of our ministry. Daily Bible study is vital!

• Praying

Connecting with the Lord throughout the day and night in prayer and praise.

• Loving  (koinonia and outreach) 

Reaching out ...meeting needs ...sharing the truth in the right time and way ...embracing each other, differences and all.

Kurt von Schleicher - Fish For Souls
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