When I was a pastor I would write every week highlights of our Sunday morning worship. I got this idea from fellow bloggers. But when I stopped pastoring I stopped blogging about my Sunday morning worship life. But I've discovered a valuable lesson in recent days, my worship doesn't stop just because my pastorate stopped. No my worship continues despite my ministerial position and/or function in the church.
So like David, I too, will blessed the Lord at all times and His praises shall continually be in my mouth.
This weekend has been a blessing on so many levels.....
First, I participated in a leadership conference for Bishop Ervin and Church One where I shared a portion of material I wrote for the church last year entitled "The Soul Health of Leadership - Leading when It Hurts To Lead". The point of conference material is to inform leaders that hurt, stress, frustration, and pain is inevitable in leadership. However, how we respond to the hurt will dictate our effectiveness in our leadership roles.
It is my prayer that God used me to be a blessing to that leadership team and I thank Bishop Ervin for the opportunity and friendship we're starting to cultivate.
Other topics of the conference were...
Being Resourceful With Limited Resources - Bishop David Cooper
How To Deal With Conflict With Other Leaders and the Congregation - Co-Pastor Kimberly Ervin
Kingdom Stewardship: Order In the House - Bishop W T Ervin
Moving from Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary - Evang Pamela Edwards
I am praying for Bishop Ervin as his dad transitioned this Sunday.
Sunday was a good day of worship starting with Lift-Off which is Mt Pilgrim's 21st Century pattern for Sunday School. I am the Director of Christian Education at Mt Pilgrim and we're in the process of restructuring starting with a mass journey on Sun, Feb 5th with Bishop sharing the plan, purpose, and profit of Lift-Off for our grand re-opening in March.
This past Sunday I taught a lesson on understanding the Godhead (Trinity). Wonderful time! I enjoy teaching theology of this type because I believe it's essential in understanding God and how He operates in our lives to reconcile the world unto Himself.
Sunday morning was off the chain from start to finish.
After church, I went home to rest before Tracy and I went to Mission Viejo, Ca for a MLK multi-Cultural service where Bishop preached.
The service was filled with all nationalities. A Presbyterian church choir killed us and they were so excited about being there. My close friend, Shervonne Wells is minister of music at Mission Viejo Christian Church and it was good hearing her sing. I was also presently surprised to see my big bro, her husband, Bishop Kenneth Wells. Reunion! Love those guys for sure.
Bishop preached us crazy and then brought everybody together the O'Jays song "Get on the love Train".
I was reminded that there is diversity in worship services and no one worship is either right or wrong but diverse of which we can all feel the presence of our creator, God.
On the way home, Tracy and I stopped at Marie Callendars for pie to eat while watching our Sunday evening show.
We both were tired.
This coming weekend will be just as busy with leadership meeting on Sat and preaching twice on Sunday morning. I'm wrestling with a few different messages to preach this weekend to preach and praying God will lead me in the right direction.
I really do thank God for people who appreciate my ministry and what I have to offer. I used to think people thought my ministry was a joke and it would bother me to no end. But now God is showing me my ministry is not a joke and as long as keep Him first by disciplining myself in all areas of life He will make up the difference. I'm not a Paul but God has given me voice with His Word and I am so grateful to be used.
My devotional song this week is ...
"I Give Myself Away". It's ministering to me on so many levels.
I will publish my "Ministry On The Move" schedule for this weekend later this week.
Until then have God blessing week!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My Thoughts On Christian Education
For the past few months I've been watching my favorite television show Good Times while getting ready for work each morning.
One episode I've watched (on more than one occasion) is relating to education. The morning starts with Florida waking JJ and Michael up so they can get ready for school. It's report card day and everyone is anxious to see grades (well, almost everyone).
Michael and Thelma are straight A students and JJ is on the verge of being held back in the 11th grade. Due to their love hate relationship, Thelma and JJ make a bet that if he passes the 11th grade he gets the bathroom first for a month and if he doesn't he has to wash dishes for a month. The bet is sealed with a twisting of pinky fingers.
Later that day, Thelma and Michael enter the house waving report cards...Michael has all As and Thelma has all As and one B. Then enters in JJ with a long face and his report card. He hands it over to Florida while Thelma pulls out the apron as she feels she has won the bet. Florida opens the report card and to her surprise JJ passed with Cs and an A in Art. Everyone is so excited about JJ passing until Florida opens his notebook to see that his test don't match his report card. So Florida and James gives him a pop quiz with one condition if he doesn't answer correctly they're going down to the school to see what's really going on. Needless to say, he answered none of them correctly so they go down to the school to have a conversation with the school principle.
To their dismay they found out that the school was pushing JJ through so that they could continue receiving government financial aide which is based on the number of students that graduate each year. James nor Florida is happy about this discovery so they leave it up to JJ to make the decision to go with the school's policy or stay back in the 11th grade. JJ choices to move into his 12th grade year knowing that he should have stayed back to get the education he needs to make in life.
I know Good Times is only a TV show but it does have some real life implications that many people in our families and in some cases (but not all) in the Church.
Biblical illiteracy is a growing trend now among our Christian community. People don't study the bible and many preachers don't study/preach the bible for accurate interpretation and understanding. This makes for an unhealthy Body of Christ.
We have to get back to making the pulpit and pew bible students. The pulpit must preach the word of God and members must study the word of God.
Ultimately, Christian education is a personal discipline for every believer.
Study to show yourself approved to God a worker who is not ashamed rightly handling the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
One episode I've watched (on more than one occasion) is relating to education. The morning starts with Florida waking JJ and Michael up so they can get ready for school. It's report card day and everyone is anxious to see grades (well, almost everyone).
Michael and Thelma are straight A students and JJ is on the verge of being held back in the 11th grade. Due to their love hate relationship, Thelma and JJ make a bet that if he passes the 11th grade he gets the bathroom first for a month and if he doesn't he has to wash dishes for a month. The bet is sealed with a twisting of pinky fingers.
Later that day, Thelma and Michael enter the house waving report cards...Michael has all As and Thelma has all As and one B. Then enters in JJ with a long face and his report card. He hands it over to Florida while Thelma pulls out the apron as she feels she has won the bet. Florida opens the report card and to her surprise JJ passed with Cs and an A in Art. Everyone is so excited about JJ passing until Florida opens his notebook to see that his test don't match his report card. So Florida and James gives him a pop quiz with one condition if he doesn't answer correctly they're going down to the school to see what's really going on. Needless to say, he answered none of them correctly so they go down to the school to have a conversation with the school principle.
To their dismay they found out that the school was pushing JJ through so that they could continue receiving government financial aide which is based on the number of students that graduate each year. James nor Florida is happy about this discovery so they leave it up to JJ to make the decision to go with the school's policy or stay back in the 11th grade. JJ choices to move into his 12th grade year knowing that he should have stayed back to get the education he needs to make in life.
I know Good Times is only a TV show but it does have some real life implications that many people in our families and in some cases (but not all) in the Church.
Biblical illiteracy is a growing trend now among our Christian community. People don't study the bible and many preachers don't study/preach the bible for accurate interpretation and understanding. This makes for an unhealthy Body of Christ.
We have to get back to making the pulpit and pew bible students. The pulpit must preach the word of God and members must study the word of God.
Ultimately, Christian education is a personal discipline for every believer.
Study to show yourself approved to God a worker who is not ashamed rightly handling the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 Reading Goal/Plan
Allow me to start this article by sharing my feelings regarding reading: "I hate it!"
I am not a big fan of reading books. But I heard a preacher say once that preachers should make friends with books. If that's true then my friend base is very minimal.
However, no matter my dislike for reading I understand the necessity to read regularly. Reading keeps my thinking juices flowing. It provides me with the ability to learn and see things differently. Reading helps me grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
And during this season of my life and ministry I want to re-charge my sermon pistol with fresh information. Therefore, I've developed a reading plan for 2012 that I'm going to do my best to maintain and follow.
Bible Reading Plan - When I pastored First Goodwill we journeyed on a bible reading plan that I developed by reading the shortest books of the bible first. It worked pretty well for me because I didn't feel overwhelmed while reading. I accomplished my goal of reading the bible in a year and now I'm doing it again this year.
The Book of Revelation - I'm currently reading through the book of Revelation during my devotional time in preparation of teaching through it at Mt Pilgrim. The lesson series is entitled "Relevant Lessons From Revelation". It will be a 10-12 week course study that I'm looking forward to teaching.
Planned book reading:
- A Hunger for God - John Piper
- How much Does God Control by RBC Ministries
- Keeping Your Focus When Your Dreams Are Shattered - A Look At the Life of Joseph by Precept Austin
- How Can A Parent Find Peace - RBC Ministries
- Marriage Under Fire by Dr James Dobson
- Why Would Anyone Want To Be Holy by RBC Ministries
- Men of the Bible by D L Moody
- Surviving Storms of Stress by RBC Ministries
- Contending For the Faith by John Piper
- Most Of All God Loves You by John Piper
You will notice some of the writers repeated. There is a method to my madness. I pick 1 to 2 authors a year to read with hopes of following and understanding they're thought process when writing. Last year I read books by David Jeremiah and Tony Evans.
I like RBC Ministries because they're 30-50 page pamphlets packed with good material on handling life situations with heaven in view. Very practical how-to lessons.
It is also my goal this year to share highlights of book I've read as an article on my blog. This should be fun and helpful to those reading my blog regularly.
In addition, I started an online book on healing some years ago. I want to finish that book not online but as a published book. So I will began writing again soon with hopes of finishing by the end of 2012.
Have God blessing day!
I am not a big fan of reading books. But I heard a preacher say once that preachers should make friends with books. If that's true then my friend base is very minimal.
However, no matter my dislike for reading I understand the necessity to read regularly. Reading keeps my thinking juices flowing. It provides me with the ability to learn and see things differently. Reading helps me grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
And during this season of my life and ministry I want to re-charge my sermon pistol with fresh information. Therefore, I've developed a reading plan for 2012 that I'm going to do my best to maintain and follow.
Bible Reading Plan - When I pastored First Goodwill we journeyed on a bible reading plan that I developed by reading the shortest books of the bible first. It worked pretty well for me because I didn't feel overwhelmed while reading. I accomplished my goal of reading the bible in a year and now I'm doing it again this year.
The Book of Revelation - I'm currently reading through the book of Revelation during my devotional time in preparation of teaching through it at Mt Pilgrim. The lesson series is entitled "Relevant Lessons From Revelation". It will be a 10-12 week course study that I'm looking forward to teaching.
Planned book reading:
- A Hunger for God - John Piper
- How much Does God Control by RBC Ministries
- Keeping Your Focus When Your Dreams Are Shattered - A Look At the Life of Joseph by Precept Austin
- How Can A Parent Find Peace - RBC Ministries
- Marriage Under Fire by Dr James Dobson
- Why Would Anyone Want To Be Holy by RBC Ministries
- Men of the Bible by D L Moody
- Surviving Storms of Stress by RBC Ministries
- Contending For the Faith by John Piper
- Most Of All God Loves You by John Piper
You will notice some of the writers repeated. There is a method to my madness. I pick 1 to 2 authors a year to read with hopes of following and understanding they're thought process when writing. Last year I read books by David Jeremiah and Tony Evans.
I like RBC Ministries because they're 30-50 page pamphlets packed with good material on handling life situations with heaven in view. Very practical how-to lessons.
It is also my goal this year to share highlights of book I've read as an article on my blog. This should be fun and helpful to those reading my blog regularly.
In addition, I started an online book on healing some years ago. I want to finish that book not online but as a published book. So I will began writing again soon with hopes of finishing by the end of 2012.
Have God blessing day!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Ministry on The Move
This coming year looks to be pretty busy with ministry opportunities for which I am so grateful. I'm excited about what God is doing in my personal ministry as well as Him using me at Mt Pilgrim to assist Bishop Sanders. Here's a few highlights for the year that I'm looking forward to:
January 13th and 14 - Teaching a leadership conference for One Church Bishop WT Ervin entitled: The Soul Health Of Leadership - Leading When It Hurts To Lead
January 22 - Preaching at a Renewal Service with New Harvest Christian Church - Pastor F Demond Harris at 8:30 am. Preaching for Divine Direction Church - Pastor A E Johnson @ 11:30 am.
January 29th - Scholarship Prayer Bowl - First Missionary Baptist church @ 3 pm.
July 9th - 13th: Citywide Revival in San Angelo, Texas
Writing curriculum for the church - Theme: Shifting from Doctrine to Duty - James 1:22
Planning for True Word Conference late summer/early fall
Study/writing series in book of Revelation entitled Relevant Lessons from Revelation.
Thanking God for ministry opportunities.
January 13th and 14 - Teaching a leadership conference for One Church Bishop WT Ervin entitled: The Soul Health Of Leadership - Leading When It Hurts To Lead
January 22 - Preaching at a Renewal Service with New Harvest Christian Church - Pastor F Demond Harris at 8:30 am. Preaching for Divine Direction Church - Pastor A E Johnson @ 11:30 am.
January 29th - Scholarship Prayer Bowl - First Missionary Baptist church @ 3 pm.
July 9th - 13th: Citywide Revival in San Angelo, Texas
Writing curriculum for the church - Theme: Shifting from Doctrine to Duty - James 1:22
Planning for True Word Conference late summer/early fall
Study/writing series in book of Revelation entitled Relevant Lessons from Revelation.
Thanking God for ministry opportunities.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Looking Ahead - 2012 Here I Come
I can't believe that we're just about done with 2011. Wow! Each year this is a time when I reflect over the year personally to see what plans I accomplished, where have I grown, what do I still need to work on, who have I wronged, who do I need to forgive, and who do I need to ask for forgiveness.
Needless to say, nothing went as I hoped for, planned for, wished for... well you get the picture. And I mean nothing!
It is true when the bible says "Only God knows the plans for a person's life."
There is so much I can complain about as it relates to what didn't go right. But unfortunately to complain would be the direct opposite of trusting God no matter what cards life deals to me.
Therefore, I don't want to focus on what didn't go right, instead I want to focus on what I've learned and what I need to do become the man, husband, father, and preacher/pastor God desires me to be.
I will write this in sections because there is a lot for me to say as I look back over 2011.
Life's Adjustments -
There has been so many adjustments this year beginning with walking away from what I love to do the most...pastoring, to getting a new job, to changing churches, to developing new friendships, and praying for old relationships that have become distant for so many reasons. What I've learned is that adjustments are inevitable in life! I (we) will always experience adjustments whether we like them or not. How we handle adjustments is key to our spiritual development. How we respond to adjustments will dictate and determine how effective we are in our ministry service for God. Paul explained to the church at Corinth that he had plans to come visit but kept getting detoured. He also explains to the church at Philippi while in prison that his life adjustment turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1). When reflecting on Paul's statement of what happened to him turned out for the furtherance of gospel, I ask myself, has my life's adjustments furthered the gospel in any way, shape, or form? I answer honestly.... I don't know! Personally, I say know because I don't see any fruit. On the other hand, I don't know because what I see is not what I really see. God works out the details which we don't always see physically with our eyes.
Staying focused in life's adjustments is staying focused on furthering the gospel. Detours will happen but it can't stop the gospel from moving forward and drawing someone to Christ. The best sharing of the gospel is not preached but lived through each of our lives.
These adjustments are teaching me to be patient with myself, others, and circumstances. I have a tendency to want to move things quickly ahead before its tome if i can. So much for that now. I have no choice but to wait on God.
I hear all the cliches...
"Waited time on God is never wasted time on God".
"Time heals all wounds!" "Recovery/forgiveness is a process!"
"It just takes time!"
Yea, ok!
Let's just be true to ourselves, it's hard waiting on God when you want/need immediate deliverance.
However...
Here's what I have learned so far, waited time is necessary and needed time!
We need waited time....
- To grow
- To forgive others
- To regain trust
- To discover and/or re-discover God's will for your life
- To re-adjust priorities
- To seek God for direction
- To correct a wrong
- To establish boundaries
- To re-focus
- To spend time with family (children, husband, wife, mother, father, brothers, sisters, etc).
- To prepare yourself for the next assignment. I know my calling in ministry as being a pastor. Why because after all I've been through, I still have a desire and burden to shepherd God's people.
- To develop a financial plan.
Needless to say, nothing went as I hoped for, planned for, wished for... well you get the picture. And I mean nothing!
It is true when the bible says "Only God knows the plans for a person's life."
There is so much I can complain about as it relates to what didn't go right. But unfortunately to complain would be the direct opposite of trusting God no matter what cards life deals to me.
Therefore, I don't want to focus on what didn't go right, instead I want to focus on what I've learned and what I need to do become the man, husband, father, and preacher/pastor God desires me to be.
I will write this in sections because there is a lot for me to say as I look back over 2011.
Life's Adjustments -
There has been so many adjustments this year beginning with walking away from what I love to do the most...pastoring, to getting a new job, to changing churches, to developing new friendships, and praying for old relationships that have become distant for so many reasons. What I've learned is that adjustments are inevitable in life! I (we) will always experience adjustments whether we like them or not. How we handle adjustments is key to our spiritual development. How we respond to adjustments will dictate and determine how effective we are in our ministry service for God. Paul explained to the church at Corinth that he had plans to come visit but kept getting detoured. He also explains to the church at Philippi while in prison that his life adjustment turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1). When reflecting on Paul's statement of what happened to him turned out for the furtherance of gospel, I ask myself, has my life's adjustments furthered the gospel in any way, shape, or form? I answer honestly.... I don't know! Personally, I say know because I don't see any fruit. On the other hand, I don't know because what I see is not what I really see. God works out the details which we don't always see physically with our eyes.
Staying focused in life's adjustments is staying focused on furthering the gospel. Detours will happen but it can't stop the gospel from moving forward and drawing someone to Christ. The best sharing of the gospel is not preached but lived through each of our lives.
These adjustments are teaching me to be patient with myself, others, and circumstances. I have a tendency to want to move things quickly ahead before its tome if i can. So much for that now. I have no choice but to wait on God.
I hear all the cliches...
"Waited time on God is never wasted time on God".
"Time heals all wounds!" "Recovery/forgiveness is a process!"
"It just takes time!"
Yea, ok!
Let's just be true to ourselves, it's hard waiting on God when you want/need immediate deliverance.
However...
Here's what I have learned so far, waited time is necessary and needed time!
We need waited time....
- To grow
- To forgive others
- To regain trust
- To discover and/or re-discover God's will for your life
- To re-adjust priorities
- To seek God for direction
- To correct a wrong
- To establish boundaries
- To re-focus
- To spend time with family (children, husband, wife, mother, father, brothers, sisters, etc).
- To prepare yourself for the next assignment. I know my calling in ministry as being a pastor. Why because after all I've been through, I still have a desire and burden to shepherd God's people.
- To develop a financial plan.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Will To Live
Recently I've been intrigued with the stories on TvOne's documentary show entitled: "Will To Live". It is true stories of survival against all odds. The only way I can describe each story is by using one word...AMAZING!
As I watched an episode this weekend sitting on the couch my sermon brain began to kick in because their were a number of people with a Will To Live against (and in the midst) of impossible situations. It led me to a preaching/teaching outline that I pray to share some day soon (hopefully in my next pastorate).
- Will To Live With Determination - Mark 5:24-34
- Will To Live With Dependency - Proverbs 3:5-6
- Will To Live With Dedication - Romans 8:35-39
- Will To Live With Direction - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
- Will To Live With Decision-Making- Joel 3:14
Pray God blesses my study time and presentation!
As I watched an episode this weekend sitting on the couch my sermon brain began to kick in because their were a number of people with a Will To Live against (and in the midst) of impossible situations. It led me to a preaching/teaching outline that I pray to share some day soon (hopefully in my next pastorate).
- Will To Live With Determination - Mark 5:24-34
- Will To Live With Dependency - Proverbs 3:5-6
- Will To Live With Dedication - Romans 8:35-39
- Will To Live With Direction - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
- Will To Live With Decision-Making- Joel 3:14
Pray God blesses my study time and presentation!
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