Pastors Journal Magazine 2009

GOD vs. Hollywood: Where does Tyler Perry Stand? - Page 14

The Persecuted Church Community Pacesetters’

Word of God Church & Ministries

Taking It Back

Pastor Eric Davis

Ed nn iti ive on rs 20 ary 09

Partners In Compassion Institute

A

United Way

Part II with Bishop Eddie Long

Word of God- page 42

Nutrition- page 6 Anniversay Edition - Volume 3 - 2009

CONTENTS

Features 4

Lead The Way Phaneros Consulting

Features

8

My Sister’s Closet

24

Bedside Religion

13

Community Outreach Hookers For Jesus

26

King David, the 1st Rap Star

14

God vs. Hollywood: Where Does Tyler Perry Stand?

28

Taking It Back- Part II with Bishop Eddie Long

30

Community Pacesetters’

16

G&M Talent Showcase

34

Youth Leaders: On The Frontline

18

The Persecuted Church

36

Color Karma

39

PJM Book Club

52

Prosperity

Preferred Partners- page 54

Page 20

Lead The Way Phaneros Consulting

PJM IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE ONE OF OUR NEWEST PARTNERS IN MINISTRY!

Phaneros Consulting

MARVITA FRANKLIN, CONSULTANT/ COACH Phaneros (pronounced FAN-er-OS) is a greek word that means apparent, manifest, evident, or known. It refers to being plainly recognized or known. That is our goal--to come alongside leaders to reveal the talent they already possess. We draw our inspiration from the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to young Pastor Timothy in leading the church at Ephesus: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” (1 Tim 4:12-15) We believe leader influence exists in everyone. For some, the internal challenge is “Am I a leader?” For others, the question is “How do I develop the leadership potential that exists within me?” Part of our role as agents of change within the global community is to help leaders answer those questions and develop exceptional “influence” skills.

dence in conducting personal needs analyses to identify milestones and gaps on the current journey. Finally, we believe attending to these areas will encourage increased levels of commitment to communities, the market place, churches, and homes.

Phaneros Leader Development isn’t a program designed to bombard people with more teaching and leadership information. Instead, our process relies on the willingness and ability of leaders to devote quality time to increasing self-awareness, identifying opportunities for improvement, reflecting on life events and feeding information forward for maximized leader potential. We expose emerging and seasoned leaders to processes for continuous development. When that happens, we won’t have to teach—they will pursue growth themselves. We facilitate the process by having tools readily available to effectively reveal the talent they already possess. In every “season of life,” we encourage leaders to always be in pursuit of the next level of growth.

For more information, visit us on the web at www.phanerosconsulting.com or give us a call at 803-315-5899.

We equip emerging and seasoned leaders with tools that help them consistently sharpen their own edge.

We help adjust and transform patterns of thinking that contribute to leader effectiveness. We help build confi-

“Developing next generation leaders who are relevant, self-aware, self-feeding, transparent, and authentic.”

4 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Fit For Life Nutrition For Full Engagement

Nutrition For Full Engagement

written by Paul Lomas and Rosanna Winters uch has been written about managing time to maximize the greatest output and productivity; yet, when I hear a gathering of people discuss why they can’t get things done, nothing is more resounding than the fact that they don’t have enough time. Let us then talk about how to provide the best energy we can with the time we have. We can do this with proper nutrition.

M

To be fully engaged we need to consider four aspects of our being. They are physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. If we are emotionally deprived, we become moody and irritable. If we don’t provide for mental release, we become tired, unfocused and even irrational. The body needs good food to maintain focus and be engaged throughout the day.

When eating, we need to consider the fact that the foods we like are not necessarily the foods we need. Foods we need are considered to be those that provide the body with a significant amount of nutrients with the fewest amounts of calories. These would be whole foods such as fruits, grains, and lean protein. The doughnut and coffee in the morning would fall into the category of foods we want, but don’t need. They provide the body with a negligible amount of nutrients with a large amount of calories. Think of applying the 80/20 rule when balancing your want foods with your need foods. If you eat eight handfuls of nutritious foods in your day, then you should eat no more than two handfuls of want foods.

In order to implement this rule and gain optimal energy, performance and health, you need to be strategic about your eating. You often hear, “Eat light and eat often”. The reason why this is true is that it provides you with consistent energy throughout the day. Think of energy in your body as glucose. This fuels the engagement process. In order to keep your blood glucose level steady you must eat throughout the day. By keeping the level steady, you will not feel tired, and you will impact your metabolism in a positive way.

6 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Metabolism is how much energy or food your body uses within a period of time. It comes in all speeds, from very slow to very fast, and how you eat can impact this speed.

The body is amazing. It relies on signals to determine how it should react from moment to moment depending on what it has to go on. If you go for a period of time without food, you are signaling to your body that food is scarce at this time. So the body will do what it takes to get through this period, including slowing down how it will burn the food or calories. If you eat often, it sends a message to your body that there is plenty of food available so it should burn it at a fast rate.

Eating light is just as important as eating often. Too much food at one time will have a negative impact on your metabolism. Since your body will not be able to use all of the food given to it at one time, it will have no choice but to store it as fat. This is when you feel tired, disengaged, sluggish, unfocused and unproductive. Eating too little or too much will rob you of energy so you will not be able to display your greatest level of productivity and focus.

Reading the whole of God’s word is just as important as eating whole foods. Those that study consistently and head the dept of His word will be spiritually sound and empowered with the forces needed to defeat the tempter.

For this we go to: Romans 8:5 – 8, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God”.

Isaiah 7:15 – “He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right”.

Ephesians 4:22 – 24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of like, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reference: The Human Performance Institute

Tomorrow May be too Late In April 2009, I began training a guy who was over 400 pounds. He was a former high school athlete who made a few bad decisions. To cope with his sadness, he turned to food. He got to the point where his health began to quickly decline; shortness of breath, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood clots, pneumonia, etc. I reached out to this brother and offered to train him, and he accepted. I gave him a copy of my book, and we began our 40-day journey. He began losing weight and his health started improving. Life was good.

After two months of training with this brother, I had to leave the state for military reasons. But I was confident in the fact that he now had the motivation to continue on his own. I received an email message from him shortly after I arrived in Afghanistan. The message stated that he had been negligent in his workouts and started gaining weight again, but he was planning to start over next week. Well, next week never came for this brother, as I received word that he passed away last week. He was 35 years old.

How many more people have to die before the seriousness of health sinks in? I’m sick and tired of losing good people to bad decisions. I’m sick and tired of people running after “cure-all” drugs when they already have a “save-all” Jesus.

I’m sick and tired of people searching for a good doctor when they should be searching for the Great Physician. I’m just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I’m more motivated than ever about spreading God’s message. I don’t care if I have to knock on doors, knock over pews, or knock down pastors, to get God’s message heard by those in need. I must save Christians from obesity by bringing them to Christ because that’s what I’ve been called to do.

Then I will watch Christ save them all, because that’s what He was called to do. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repent (Luke 5:32). Please start getting serious about your health today. Let my friend’s example serve as your gentle reminder that “Tomorrow May Be Too Late.”

Thomas Hundley is the author of Fit For The King: God’s Plan for Weight Loss and Total Health. He is a certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Sports Nutritionist. He is also an active duty Major in the U.S. Army currently serving in Afghanistan. Visit his ministry at www.thundley.com

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 7

Community Outreach My Sisters’ Closet

MY Sister’s

Closet

My Sister’s Closet is a place where no one is judged by their past, but welcomed with a heart of unconditional love and acceptance. Established by Dr. Marcia Bailey, Co-Pastor of Right Direction Christian Center in 2008, it’s a place where women can come and be uplifted through individualized assistance distinctively designed to position them on the God-ordained path for their life, which involves prosperity in every area. This is not your average closet where doors remain closed; the doors of My Sister’s Closet are wide-open, ready to demonstrate what sisterhood is all about.

interviews, resume’ assistance and interviewing skills, thereby aiding them in securing a better life for themselves and their children.

The mission of My Sister’s Closet is to assist women who have experienced economic hardship due to divorce, domestic violence, and/or natural disasters by providing them with professional clothing for job

Designed in excellence, MSC makes it a priority to present excellent service and items. With such a refined boutique look and feel, MSC overflows with beautiful clothes, shoes and handbags considered to meet each woman’s body type, shoe size and style. However it does not stop at just clothing. The staff at My Sister’s Closet also believe that change comes from within and change is not possible unless the women are introduced to something new. Not only does MSC provide career development and clothing, but it also offers each woman the precious opportunity of having a relationship with God. Each woman is invited to church services as well as various women’s events and fellowships with the hope that they will see how much they are loved and more importantly, how much God loves them.

“It is almost understood that when you are needing assistance you should expect to be judged, so I walked into My Sister’s Closet with my defenses up and my head low waiting on the judgment.... It never happened.”

My Sister’s Closet provides women with proper business attire in addition to workshops designed to enhance personal growth and career development. This purposed vision offers up a hand by providing love, support and empowerment to women to help them accomplish all they set their minds to do with self-confidence and assurance.

8 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Community Outreach My Sister’s Closet The impact of My Sister’s Closet is life changing. One client states, “It is almost understood that when you are needing assistance you should expect to be judged, so I walked into My Sister’s Closet with my defenses up and my head low waiting on the judgment.

It never happened. Those ladies were so positive, patient, encouraging and loving.

This was the total opposite of what I expected and to be honest, the clothes were really beautiful. The place I walked in looked like a department store. The boutique was organized so well, AND they even place your clothes in nice bags with colored tissue paper. The ladies taught me how to walk and gave me great tips to utilize on my interview. Needless to say, after all of that, I went into that interview and received the job!!! I am now employed at a better job, and I am enrolled in school. I could not have done it without the help I received from Dr. Marcia and My Sister’s Closet. Thank you so much for putting something like this in place for women like me who felt like a failure and had no hope. Now I can accept me for me, and I feel empowered to tackle each obstacle as it comes.”

My Sister’s Closet is located at 1234 St. Andrews Road in Columbia. For more information please call 803-451-2158.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 17

Highlight Explorer post 601 Explorer Post 601 is our Junior Deputy Program. It is fundamentally a Scout group for young adults, male or female, who are between 14 and 20 years of age and have completed the eighth grade. Chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, Explorer Post 601 is a function of the Sheriff’s Department that puts young people who are interested in law enforcement in direct contact with deputies.

Sheriff Leon Lott

RCSD

Youth Programs

For the past 13 years, Sheriff Leon Lott has been committed to serving all citizens of Richland County. One of his main focuses has been on empowering our youth to be productive citizens as they become our new generation of leaders. He has dedicated countless hours and personnel to initiating and revising programs geared towards instilling quality values and developing a comprehensive road map to success in our young people.

As the world changes, so do the needs and wants of our youth.

Oftentimes, the need to belong and feel accepted overshadows their better judgment and they lose sight of the values they were taught at home. Through guidance, dedication, and some occasional tough love, we can almost guarantee that our future generation of leaders will be able to meet our expectations of greatness.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has pledged its commitment to our youth by creating various programs that are geared towards preventing, rehabilitating, and providing second chances for bad decisions. We have four primary components to serving our youth, which include our Crossroads Program, our Youth Arbitration Program, our READY Program, and our Explorer Post 601.

The mission of the Explorers Post 601 is to develop and shape our young people into becoming responsible adults and exposing them to the law enforcement field by teaching them discipline, leadership and accountability. This mission is accomplished by teaching our Explorers how to make ethical decisions, maintain physical and mental fitness as well as apply policing strategies and problem solving techniques to serve and protect their communities.

Explorer Post 601 meets at least twice a week at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. They are trained on different topics related to the law enforcement field, such as conducting traffic stops, investigating traffic collisions, serving warrants, legal knowledge, physical fitness, and several other law enforcement activities. Explorers get hands-on experience through a variety of scenarios acted out by other Explorers and Sheriff’s Department personnel.

This program affords our young people the opportunity to see the day-to-day activities of real law enforcement professionals. They are equipped with the same uniform Deputies wear, and they are held by the same standards as all Richland County Sheriff’s Department personnel. This program has given many of our Explorers the push they needed to excel in other areas in their life. Through the Post we build character, confidence, and leaders. The bonus behind this program is that Sheriff Leon Lot has guaranteed a job to every Explorer that stays consistent in the program and earns a college degree.

He has already stood by his word. As of today, we have three former Explorers employed as Deputies here at the Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Leon Lott is committed to the success of our community and our future leaders. We have specialized programs for the entire family and citizens of all walks of life. For more information on our various programs and crime prevention information, please visit our website at www.rcsd.net or call (803) 576-3491.

10 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

in g n r u Columbia T

by Christine Palmer

A

s I walked into Three Fountains Skating Rink, I couldn’t believe how many young people were there! The place was packed! It was obvious that Upside Down had done a lot of work to get the word out about their event. On a regular weekend night, you could expect about 250 people. This was a Thursday night, and there were over 800 people, almost all teenagers!

The driving force behind this outreach event is a man named Brent Brooks. He is the founder and leader of Upside Down, a ministry birthed in his heart many years ago but that has come to life this past year under the covering of The Harvest, a contemporary-style church in Lexington. Brooks is a living testimony of what the power of God can do in a person’s life. He, like many others, came from a broken home and, as a teenager, became involved in doing/selling drugs and the lifestyle that accompanies that. In 1998, his life took a terrible turn. While he was involved in robbing a drug dealer’s house, his girlfriend was shot and killed in the car. He was arrested and sentenced for his crime. It was in the county jail, two weeks in, that God got his attention, and he turned his life over to Christ. It was also in prison while serving his sentence that he received the vision for his ministry, Upside Down. Inspired by the youth movement in Alabama called “The Ramp,” Brooks desired to have the same radical, lifechanging effect on teenagers here in Columbia, SC. After his release from prison, Brooks focused on his involvement with church and his family. He placed himself under his pastor and desired to learn all that he could about being a man of God. He hosted a house group in his home and planned outings for their fellowship. One of these outings was at the local skating rink. As he looked around, his heart went out to the teens that were there, and he began talking about having an outreach event there. His pastor offered to rent the rink for one evening. He didn’t even have an official outreach team yet, but he began to “cast the net” for any youth that might be interested. At the first meeting in his home, 40 teenagers showed up! In the first few weeks of their meetings, Brooks simply imparted the vision and built a foundation for their ministry, really getting to know their team. Then, for about a month and a half, they practiced their songs and dramas, preparing for the big night!

That night was amazing! They allowed the youth to skate for the first hour or two and then pulled their band onto

the rink to sing praise and worship. They performed dramas and dances, and Brent shared his testimony. Many young people’s lives were impacted and were saved that evening!

Brent continues to visit the skating rink most Friday nights, building relationships with the youth that came to the event and others that he meets there.

Not only has Upside Down had an evangelical effect on the community, but their greatest impact may be in the teens that participate in the ministry. Many have become more dedicated to their relationship with God and to being discipled. Some of them work jobs or participate in school athletics and make sacrifices to make it to practices and meetings. “Our kids in SC are dealing with anything from drug/ alcohol addictions, anorexia, homosexuality, self-mutilation, you name it” says Brooks. “Praise God that many of these addictions have been broken!” These teens have found something to be a part of and are experiencing spiritual warfare firsthand.

For Brooks, the sky is the limit! In addition to these outreach events, his future plans involve a monthly gathering for youth in a local church building that was recently purchased. It will be a place where Christian teens can fellowship and be encouraged in their faith and non-Christian teens can be impacted by the radical love and grace of Jesus Christ.

In addition, they will continue to have evangelistic outreach events at popular local venues in the area and community service outreaches feeding meals and reaching out to children’s shelters.

Brooks’s main support in his ministry is his wife Mary. Embracing the vision, she is a great support and has jumped right in, helping to choreograph and teach many of the dramas and dances. Together, they are having a great impact in their church and their community. As Brooks says it, “Youth are getting opportunities to develop their talents; they’re learning to get into the presence of God through worship; and ultimately, kids are going to free each other through their testimonies.”

For more information, check out www.facebook.com/upsidedown, www.upsidedownonline.net, or email Brent at bloray@hotmail.com.

Mr. & Mrs. Brent Brooks

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 11

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Community Outreach, cont’d Community Outreach

Homeless for the Homeless 2009 Homeless for the Homeless 2009 began on Friday November 6,

2009 with a sleep out at Hope Plaza on the corner of Main and Calhoun in Columbia, South Carolina as a demonstration of our support for the homeless community. On Saturday, we invited area service providers, community leaders, churches, the homeless, and the community at large to join us for a community wide event to educate and challenge our city to “Shut Down the Streets” by bringing an end to homelessness in Columbia.

Homeless for the Homeless raises community awareness and highlights the love of Jesus and His heart for the oppressed and those who are excluded. This outreach program brings the community together in one vast, multidisciplinary event to bring about knowledge and promote change for the homeless. Homeless for the Homeless provides spiritual, educational, and recreational service for the community and homeless alike.

Since their inception in Columbia over 3 years ago, Midtown Fellowship has felt a powerful, continuous call to serve the homeless within our community. According to the homeless count of 2005, there were 1,753 homeless men and women living in Columbia, SC on any given day. In their efforts to change and impact this statistic, on November 2007, over 700 people “became homeless” for one night and slept outside without the comforts of shelter to represent one of the 1,753. In November 2008, they continued in the fight with the second Homeless for the Homeless. 500 people slept outside in record, below-freezing weather raising over $15,000 to further serve our community. In conjunction with the City of Columbia’s Project Homeless Connect, over 300 homeless received the benefits of clothing donations, haircuts, foot care and job training. Our goal for this year’s Homeless for the Homeless was to challenge our community to Shut Down the Streets that house our homeless. We again called our community to become “homeless” for one night to continue to raise awareness on a serious issue facing our city.

Hookers for Jesus was founded in 2005 by Annie Lobért, a former

teen prostitute. Annie Lobért is an internationally known expert and advocate of ministry to men and women in the sex industry. She is recognized worldwide for her expertise and knowledge of domestic human sex trafficking. She survived over 11 years working as a prostitute and high-class escort in Hawaii, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas, which included catering exclusively to award winning actors, famous musicians and rock stars, national and local politicians, and professional athletes. Yet, Annie knows first-hand the harmful effects that a life in the adult entertainment industry can have on a person. She speaks effectively with both secular and religious communities on these issues.

In 2005, Annie started reaching out to women on the strip and in the casinos that were prostitutes. Then, in 2006, she came up with a name that brought controversy on many levels -- “Hookers for Jesus.” In January 2007, Annie was presented the opportunity to move ahead into full time ministry. This was, and still is, her heart’s desire -- to help people that are trapped in any way that she can. She has never looked back.

Although based in Las Vegas, the ministry of Hookers for Jesus reaches out to men and women in the sex industry nationwide and around the world. It is Annie’s heart’s desire to let these men and women know that God absolutely LOVES them, no matter what their current situation may be. To that end, Annie is devoted to going wherever her heart leads her to share the love of Christ with men and women. She is uniquely qualified and equipped with the strategic tools of intercession, spiritual warfare, and cross-cultural evangelism. In addition, she is trained, called, and set apart to recruit, equip, and mobilize Christians from every local church to take the message of hope, love and grace to the streets. Annie eagerly represents Christ in the casinos, on the street, in the escort services, in the strip clubs, and in the nightclubs. She is willing to go where no church or other Christians have generally gone before to invite sex workers to church and into a relationship with God.

The vision of Hookers for Jesus is multifaceted and includes promoting spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness in the lives of those who have been affected by sexual trauma. Hookers for Jesus’ mission is to see those working in the sex industry be released from their past and restored through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 13

God vs

Hollywood Where does Tyler Perry stand?

Many African-Americans within the Christian community support Perry and his accomplishments, but there are some who struggle with Perry’s content.

by Kiosha Gregg

I

n “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself,” which opened on Friday, September 11, 2009, Perry presents a film that deals with issues of foster care, rape, incest, alcoholism, love, and severed relationships with

God. The movie begins with Jennifer (Olaidé Wilson), a gloomy, angry 16-year-old who, with her two younger brothers (Freddy Siglar and Kwesi Boakye) break into the home of Perry’s eccentric character, Madea.

After a stern word of correction and some food to eat, Madea drops them on the doorstep of their Aunt April (Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson), a “hard-drinking, cynical nightclub singer with wretched taste in men,” when she finds out the kids have no place to live.

The movie surrounds the redemption of April, who is able to see the error of her ways and revitalize her relationship with God through her Hispanic handyman (Adam Rodriguez) and a sympathetic acquaintance named Wilma, played by Gladys Knight.

Throughout the movie, the gospel of Jesus Christ was prevalent -- a right Perry has fought hard to obtain. When Tyler Perry first sought to develop a TVcomedy series, the TV network said they could not say “Jesus” on the show.

14 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

God vs. Hollywood “If [they] don’t want my God here, [they] don’t want me here either. God has been too good to me to go and try to sell out to get some money. That’s O.K. I will sit in a corner and be broke with the Lord before I will sit there and have them give me millions and sell my soul. It ain’t gonna happen,” said Perry after one of his plays.

Here we see Perry’s line of compromise seemingly drawn. Many African-Americans within the Christian community support Perry and his accomplishments, but there are some who struggle with Perry’s content.

Yes, gospel music is sung and a sermon-or-two preached, but are these elements overruled by the other content in the movie? In a Tyler Perry film or play, you can expect to see women in “low-cut, skintight” clothes and “extravagantly muscular” young men who “frequently take their shirts off, to the oohs of the audience.” Does Tyler Perry dressed as a woman interfere with Perry’s aim of promoting Christ?

Or is Tyler Perry being “all things to all people,” 1 Corinthians 9:19? Is this approach valid for the audience that he is trying to reach?

“Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned), with an attempted sexual assault the main offender.

TYLER PERRY’S I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF Written and directed by Tyler Perry; director of photography, Alexander Gruszynski; edited by Maysie Hoy; music by Aaron Zigman; production designer, Ina Mayhew; produced by Mr. Perry and Reuben Cannon; released by Lionsgate. Running time: 1 hour 53 minutes.

WITH: Tyler Perry (Madea/ Joe), Taraji P. Henson (April), Adam Rodriguez (Sandino), Hope Olaidé Wilson (Jennifer), Mary J. Blige (Tanya), Gladys Knight (Wilma), Marvin L. Winans (Pastor Brian), Freddy Siglar (Byron) and Kwesi Boakye (Manny).

PJM goes out to the community for their thoughts: “I believe that when he [Tyler Perry] first started [producing plays and films] his message of hope and faith was clear. There was no profanity. Now, his message is watered-down. There’s more comedy than an actual message.

People don’t go to see the message; they just come to get a good laugh. When I go to a Tyler Perry movie, do I feel like I saw a Christian film? No, I feel like I saw a comedy with Christian themes thrown in,” -Alexander Scott, 21 “I think his primary goal is not to promote God, but morality. He’s promoting wisdom, not so much God. His movies promote Christian values and feeling good. He brings in Christian values, like salvation, indirectly but I do not feel that this is main purpose when he produces films. He seems to like the churchy and religious aspects of Christianity, like songs and church services, but salvation is secondary. This is not talking about him as a person, but his movies don’t say that this is his purpose,” -Tempestt Gavins, 19, an avid viewer of Tyler Perry films “I feel like his message promotes part-time salvation, promoting the go-to-church-on-Sunday Christian who lives their life any kind of way Monday through Saturday. He will show a church scene and then a man with no shirt on making a joke of lusting. On the other hand, I do feel that Tyler Perry is sending a message of hope, not in a real biblical way, but in his own way through his comedy.” –Darryl Boyles, 24, a fan of Perry’s plays and films “I like Tyler Perry’s movies. I think his primary goal is to entertain. His movies are realistic, and depict what people are actually going through. Tyler Perry reaches a broader audience -- people who would not normally go to a Christian film. I may not be able to get my friend, who is agnostic, to come to church but I have been able to get her to go a Tyler Perry movie which introduces her to Christian values.” -LaTisha Mitchell, 19, her favorite Tyler Perry film is “A Family that Preys”

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 15

Yolanda Taylor, Broker-In-Charge

Talent Spotlight G&M Showcase Group

G&M Showcase Group Young Adult Praise Showcase

by Christine Palmer

It was a night of energy, praise, worship and excitement. The Young Adult Praise Showcase brought the community together for one purpose – to lift up the name of Jesus Christ in a way that appealed to its youth. The showcase was organized by G & M (Grace and Mercy) Showcase Group, an organization founded by Darryl Boyles. This first showcase for G & M took place at the Spirit of Truth Christian Church and featured four local artists and groups. It opened with upbeat praise and worship led by the Spirit of Truth Young Adult Choir. The showcase continued as Gfam took the stage to perform some selections from their incredible debut album, “Love Jams.” Anthony Gibbs wowed the audience, miming the songs “I Need You Now” by Smokie Norful and “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams. Gibbs is a member of “Mimers of Christ,” a miming group from Trinity Baptist Church. The showcase ended with some harmonic selections from the group “Rejoice.”

G & M Showcase Group’s main priority is to provide exceptional entertainment while building the body of Christ. Its desire is to host and promote positive peer pressure events for young people that collaborate and bring local and national talent together on the same stage.

The last Young Adult Praise Showcase was November 14, 2009. For more information about G & M Showcase Group, contact Darryl Boyles: gmshowcasegroup@gmail.com or check out its Facebook page: G & M Showcase Group

Spirit of Truth Young Adult Choir

Organized and directed by Kiosha Gregg, a student at Columbia College, the SOT Young Adult Choir began in January of this year with three goals in mind: to create an atmosphere of breakthrough praise, to live lives that are reflective of the lyrics they sing, and to bring themselves and others to a place of true salvation. Their choir consists of young adults whose ages range from 13 to 29. They lead worship at least once a month at the Spirit of Truth and are continually learning new songs and building their talents as unto the Lord.

Gfam

Gfam is short for “God’s Family”. As members of God’s family, they strive to represent Him the best they know how – simply being who He created them to be. Jonathan and Marilyn Gonzalez, a young couple in Columbia, SC, began writing songs to God in their own style, and God has taken it much further than their living room. “Gfam was totally a God thing. It started out with an idea to do a song that we could love God to, a song that would have some bass to it along with a rap hook. That song ended up being, “All I Need”, our very first song. It was received well and from that one song, we felt led and inspired to record an album,” Jonathan explains.

Gfam’s desire is to inspire and encourage others to dream the dreams that God has placed in them, live the life that He has called them to, and love the way God loves them.

Right now, Gfam is in the process of recording their second album, “Round 2.”

They hope to release it by March. For more information or to hear selections from their first album, check them out at myspace.com/gfamusic.

Anthony Gibbs

Anthony Gibbs is one of four members that make up the “Mimers of Christ” group at Trinity Baptist Church. Mimers of Christ is dedicated to showing believers that there are many different ways to praise God. Miming, although more common on the West Coast, is becoming more and more popular here in the Southeast as a method of worshipping God and demonstrating His awesome power and presence.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 16

The

Persecuted

Church

J

by Eliane Cotsford

esus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” and in verse 20, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”

In Matthew 10:16, He said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.”

However, He also said in Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you...”

Millions of Christians around the world are being persecuted for their faith today. Why? Because Satan is the prince of this world and he is the enemy of God and His church.

Persecution of Christians comes from different sources: governments, religious authorities, economic establishments, families, and mobs. Many Christians have been driven from their homes, and their homes and churches have been burned. They suffer from economic persecution (not able to find work), rejection from their families, starvation, imprisonment, torture, and having their children abducted. Some are even murdered because of their faith. Yes, this is still going on today.

When Jesus revealed himself to Saul in Acts 9:4, He said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul was persecuting Christians, but Jesus said that he was persecuting Him. We are the body of Christ that the enemy seeks to kill and destroy.

In countries where we have religious freedom, the enemy attacks Christians with pride, guilt, doubt, fear, materialism, etc. In countries where religious freedom is limited or nonexistent, Christians face the same battles but in different circumstances.

Our brothers and sisters in North Korea know that their faith can cost them their life. They can be tortured for owning a Bible. North Korea is rated the world’s worst persecutor of Christians. Between 50,000 and 70,000 believers are in labor camps where many of them die of malnutrition and mistreatment. Many try to flee the country. In the midst of all this, however, the un-

In Romans 12:14, we read, “Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.” derground church there is committed to spreading the gospel.

In Eritrea, a country in the northwestern part of Africa, many believers have been arrested and jailed, often in metal shipping containers.

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The Persecuted Church

In Orissa, India, 315 Christian villages were destroyed by mobs in August 2008. More than 200 churches were demolished and 54,000 people were forced to flee.

Why should we know these facts? These are our brothers and sisters in Christ and there is something we can do for them – we can pray. Listen to what a North Korean pastor says, “We thank God that there are so many people who are praying for our country. Your prayers strengthen the Christians in North Korea.” A woman in Iran whose husband was arrested and sent to prison because he became a Christian says, “We are so encouraged by prayer and to know that many people are praying for us.”

There are several organizations that support and encourage the persecuted Christians. You can find more information on their websites: www.opendoorsusa.org and www.persecution.com.

We can help them distribute Bibles and other literature, train leaders, broadcast the gospel, etc. Another good source for updated news about the persecuted church is www.compassdirect. org.

In Romans 12:14, we read, “Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.”

Jesus loved and prayed for those who persecuted Him. Many persecutors of the church have become believers, starting with Saul. God’s love and grace is for all. Our brothers and sisters who stand firm under persecution are not heroes; they are not being punished for sin; and they are not defeated! Some leave their country and others choose to stay. God’s will is different for each one of us (Stephen and James were killed; Peter was delivered from prison). Some have church buildings, some meet in houses. For some the only fellowship they have is with family members. Some are isolated. They all count on our prayers, and they are praying for us.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 19

Un i t e d Way

Partners

I N Compassion

Institute

by Shemeka McCammon ith economic downturns continuing to rob citizens of their cars, jobs, and homes, the services of nonprofit organizations in the community are in higher demand. Partners in Compassion (PIC), a nonprofit organization in Columbia, South Carolina, provides grants and training to other nonprofits serving at-risk youth, senior citizens, the homeless, or those at risk of being homeless.

W

In response to the communities’ need for nonprofit services and President Bush’s Office on Faith-Based Initiative, Anita Floyd, the vice president for Community Impact at United Way, along with a funding partner, developed the grant that made PIC possible.

PIC’s vision, or mission, is to provide “capacity building” to faith and community-based organizations through staff and volunteer training, technical assistance, and financial assistance to strengthen an organization’s ability to lead, market, operate and raise money in Lexington, Richland, Fairfield, Newberry, Calhoun or Orangeburg counties.

Through funding provided by United Way of the Midlands and community partners, PIC’s head staff members: Bunnie Lempesis, Kimberly House and Jeff Moorehead, are able to distribute funds and provide individualized training to existing faith and communitybased organizations through United Ways four-part process:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Determine community needs Prioritize community needs Develop community resources Distribute community resources

This allows PIC to allocate its funds to nonprofits that will have the best effect on the community, especially in rural areas.

PIC has collaborated with other organizations, such as Claflin University (information technology assistance), Women in Philanthropy (financial assistance), SCANPO (training in best practice), Edisto Council and Central Carolina Community Foundation (‘nonprofit 101’ training), to ensure that they are providing the best services and training to potential partners.

A misconception is that PIC just provides funding.

PIC not only provides funding through grants but also first-class training for organizations so they can serve the community effectively. Training occurs over the course of the year. “Training is ongoing and intense. Organizations must take the time to build but the return is 10fold,” says Lempesis, Director of Capacity Building.

Extraordinary improvements have been seen by many organizations that have been granted funds and received training by Partners in Compassion Institute; which have enabled nonprofits to serve the community more effectively. Training occurs over the course of the year.

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Extraordinary improvements have been seen by many organizations that have been granted funds and received training by Partners in Compassion Institute; which have enabled nonprofits to serve the community more effectively in our country’s rough economic conditions.

Interested in taking your nonprofit organization to the next level?

1. Your organization must provide services to at-risk youth, the homeless, or senior citizens.

• Your organization must have actively provided those services for at least 1 year.

• The organization’s board members and senior staff should be committed to the process and susceptible to change .

2. PIC holds an introductory workshop twice a year.

• Upcoming workshops will be held January 7 and 8, 2010 3. Interested organizations must attend at least one of the four orientation workshops for the grant.

• These will be held the last weeks of January and the first week of February 2010

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 21

Un i t e d Way Central Carolina Community Foundation Community Partner

2711 Middleburg Drive Suite 213 Columbia, SC 29204 803. 254.5601 ext. 323 JoAnn Turnquist, President, CEO Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and community leaders to areas of need.

Central Carolina Community Foundation, a founding community partner, has provided $20,000 annually to the Partners in Compassion Institute program. Mrs. Turnquist, President, CEO of Central Carolina Foundation, shared that their organization is proud to be a partner in the PIC Institute. The results from the first year have been outstanding. Our goal, “to promote, facilitate, and expand philanthropy and to create a sustainable impact within our community through responsible giving” is only possible if the nonprofit organizations we serve are strong and viable.

The training provided by the institute builds capacity and helps each participating organization increase its ability to serve their constituents. We encourage organizations to apply as a strong network of service organizations have and will continue to make a difference.”

For more information, please contact: Bonnie Lempesis

Director Community Capacity Building

(803)758-6982 blempesis@uway.org

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2008 PIC Fellows Alpha Psi Lambda P.O. Box 1269 Columbia, SC 29202 803.622.0197 Contact: K. Allen Campbell Alpha Psi Lambda provides mentoring and character development education to at-risk young men in the Columbia area through the E.E. Taylor Youth Leadership Institute.

City Year 807 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201 803.254.3349 Contact: Elliott Epps Corps members serve Richland 1 schools as teacher assistants, mentors and tutors.

Columbia Bethlehem Community Center P.O. Box 4186 Columbia, SC 29204 803.931.8023 Contact: Mattie Haynes Serves the Waverly-Edgewood community of Richland County by providing after school programs to at-risk children ages five to twelve.

The Cooperative Ministry 3821 W. Beltline Blvd.

Columbia, SC 29204 803.799.3853 Contact: David Kunz Supports several Midlandsarea religious congregations by coordinating their provision of direct services for people who are homeless and the working poor.

Empowered Women of Service 1701 Windover Road Columbia, SC 29204 803.786.1171 Contact: Lue Gunter

Provides after-school program and summer enrichment programs to at-risk youth.

Family Connection of South Carolina 2712 Middleburg Drive, Ste 103 Columbia, SC 29204 803.252.0914 Contact: Jackie Richards Strengthens families who have children with disabilities, developmental delays, or chronic illnesses through a parent-to-parent network.

Family Shelter P.O. Box 7781 Columbia, SC 29202 803.771.7040 Contact: Jonathan Artz Provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless families in Columbia with children, empowering them to be financially viable and stabilized.

Healing Species, Inc. PO Box 1202 Orangeburg, SC 29116 228.327.0588 Contact: Sue O’Connell A character education program for youth that partners facilitators with rescued dogs to teach lessons on violence prevention through empathy and compassion.

Homeworks of America P.O. Box 102 Irmo, SC 29063 803.781.4536 Contact: Hank Chardos Provides home repairs to Midlands homeowners in need and empowers communities to meet the needs of its members.

Midlands Community Development Corporation 2430 Atlas Road Columbia, SC 29209 803.647.0863 Contact: William “Bill” Lloyd Newberry County Literacy Council P.O. Box 566 Newberry, SC 29108 803.276.8086 Contact: Barbara Chapman Provides a literacy program that enables adults to improve their literacy and computation skills so they are at a proficiency level necessary to function in the workplace and in society.

Orangeburg County Adult Literacy Council 3250 St. Matthews Road Phone: 803.268.2531 Contact: Barbara Hilliard, ED Offers one-on-one and group tutoring in reading, writing, mathematics, technology skills, and English as a Second Language to adult residents of Orangeburg County.

Restoration Outreach and Community Development P.O. Box 203 Whitmire, SC 29178 803.694.9999 Contact: Willie Scott, Jr. Provides after-school services to at-risk youth in rural Newberry County.

The Good Samaritan House 205 South Congress Street Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.635.6986 Contact: Jimmy Burroughs Located in Fairfield County, provides food and shelter for individuals who are home-

less due to domestic violence, natural disaster or loss of employment.

The Samaritan House of Orangeburg 1580 Middleton Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803.516.0088 Contact: Vertelle Jamison Provides housing and access to health and vocational services for homeless individuals and families in Orangeburg County.

Trinity Housing Corporation 1100 Sumter Street Columbia, SC 29201 803.779.9067 Contact: Lila Ann Sauls Work in Progress 1413 Calhoun Street Columbia, SC 29201 803.758.0066 Contact: Rosemary Hedden An employment agency that coordinates job placement for persons with diagnosable mental illnesses.

Youth Voices of Lower Richland 2615 Lower Richland Blvd.

Hopkins, SC 29061 803.695.3041 Contact: Karen Dukes Reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancy and promote healthy youth in the Lower Richland community through education, public awareness, and community collaboration.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 23

Bedside Religion

by: Pastor Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D

S

ome comedians have made a living joking about the “Bedside Baptists” who attend church with Deacon “Pillowcase” and Sister ”Sheets” on Sunday mornings. However, my grandmother Area Johnson, often said, “The truth is told in a joke.”

It would seem multitudes of people are “allergic” to church and avoid any church like the plague. Some claim that they can get more out of a walk in the woods than from the typical sermon.

Others say, “I don’t have to go to church, to be a Christian God knows my heart.”

This leads us to examine the question: Can a Christian survive apart from a church? Some Christians have no choice.

They are trapped in a hospital bed or working in an isolated area where no church exists. God is certainly sufficient to care for their needs. The answer is “Yes, you can still get to heaven if you can’t go to church.” Yet, for the Christian, heaven is not the only goal; relationship is key to our growth in Christ. I have often said, “You can still be married and never go home, but your relationship won’t be worth anything.” It’s technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation; but it is certainly not the norm.

When we become Christians, we are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). I John 1:3 makes it clear we enter a two way fellowship -- one with God and another with other Christians. The New Testament never divides Christians into church members and non-church members. It gives no samples of Christians who belong to the “universal church” but have no link with a local church. One scholar has said, “any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings” (Alan Stibbs, God’s Church, p. 92). Wherever Christians are within range of each other in the New Testament, they meet.

Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them.” For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.

It’s illogical to say that you are merely part of the worldwide, universal church, yet refuse to gather with the segment of the universal church existing in your geographical area. It would be like claiming you have house when the roof is in Orangeburg, the foundation is in Charleston, and the windows are in Charlotte!

You don’t have a house -- just a bunch of disjoined pieces. It won’t function as a home until the pieces are put together. The church must be together to carry out many of its purposes.

If you ask 21st-century churchgoers why they go to church, you’ll get a variety of answers. Some people remain silent.

They have no answer at all because they really don’t know why they go. Some people will say, “Because I grew up in the church,

so I have gone all my life.” And then the more spiritually inclined will say, “Because God tells me in His word I should go, so I do.”

Many people attend church because it is “the right thing to do.”

They are just going through the motions, punching their ticket in efforts to avoid eternal damnation in hell. From the case of Ananias and Sapphira, we know that we can be in the church and be regular attendees but possess no profession of faith in our hearts. Some go to be seen. Some go for positions and self satisfaction, so as to avoid guilt or shame for not appearing to being religious. Some go because church is just another networking station. They can grow their businesses and access large groups of people willing to try whatever they are selling because the victimizer is a member of their church. For many, attending church has become a ritualistic routine such as brushing our teeth and washing our faces every morning.

Contrarily, there are Christians who believe church is something God commands, and, on the basis of this command, they must attend. The church is a part of their heart and has won more than affection; it has become a lifestyle. They have not said “What can the church do for me?” but “What can I do for my church!?”

They don’t just attend church; their faith is active. They are working not to attain their faith but because of their faith. They know why Christians go to church.

Here are just a few of the reasons why Christians go to church and why I personally attend: It is an Expression of our Love for God Going to church is a visible, tangible expression of our love and worship toward God. It is where we can gather with other believers to publicly bear witness of our faith and trust in God, something required of all Christians (Matt. 10:32-33), and it is where we can bring Him offerings of praise, thanks, and honor, which are pleasing to Him. People are often motivated toward church attendance for how it will bless themselves; however, we should remember that the primary purpose of the corporate gathering is to bring “service” to the Lord as a blessing to Him. (Psa. 134:2) Indeed, the Lord is deserving of our time and energy to honor Him with our service of devotion. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11) It builds up our Spiritual Strength Receiving the preaching and teaching of the Word of God increases our faith and builds us up spiritually. Every believer knows what it is to face spiritual conflicts to their faith and must realize the importance of being fed spiritually so that they can overcome the challenges. Paul states that Christians face a wrestling match with the Devil and his evil spiritual forces, and warns that the church must

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Bedside Religion put on spiritual armor for protection, as it will take everything at our disposal to stand. (Eph. 6:10-18) How important that we take every opportunity available to receive ministry and strength from God’s Word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) It brings a special visitation of the Lord’s Presence There is the promise of a special visitation of the Lord’s presence whenever two or more gather specifically in the name of Jesus. By implication, this means whenever “Jesus” is the object of gathered prayer, worship, praise, preaching, etc. Even though Jesus resides within the heart of every believer, He honors a gathering in His name by coming in the “midst,” with his power, awareness, and anointing. In such a gathering, Christ is able to do things in hearts that he may not at any other time. The scripture says that God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3), and in such an atmosphere, the Holy Spirit will often manifest spiritual gifts that minister to the body of Christ.

It provides fellowship with other Christians Gathering together also has compounded importance to the relationships of the Christian brethren. The Bible makes it clear that a right relationship with God requires “vertical” and “horizontal” alignment — that is, we must have a vertical fellowship with God and a horizontal fellowship with other believers. It is not possible to love God and refuse to love the brethren. Scripture warns us that unforgiveness toward others will void God’s forgiveness of our own sins. (Matt. 6:15) John wrote, “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” (1 John 2:9-10)

One of the most important reasons that we go to church is to practice love toward the brethren in the form of fellowship. The Bible clearly shows that if we have a right relationship with God, we have fellowship with others believers. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Keeping ourselves in love and harmony with other believers keeps us humble before God so that Christ’s blood can continue to cleanse us from our sins.

It is an act of obedience to God Not to be forgotten, going to church is also a matter of obeying God’s Word. The writer of the Hebrew epistle tells us not to forsake assembling together, implying continued absence can lead to willful sin. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” (Heb. 10:24-26) Once again, we are reminded that a great part of the purpose of the gathering is for the consideration of our brethren, coming together to help motivate and encourage one another. This is a responsibility charged to every believer. To reject church attendance is a rejection of one of the sacred duties of the believer. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) It provides accountability to spiritual leadership More strong evidence proving that we are to be a part of a church fellowship is that we’re told to submit to the authority of spiritual leaders (within the boundaries of God’s Word). “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Heb. 13:17)

God designed this system of accountability for the progress and protection of His flock. Obviously, this really isn’t possible unless we are a part of an organized fellowship which has identified elders, pastors, or leaders. It is easy to see that one cannot genuinely be under submission to a TV pastor who has never met you. Nor is it possible to be under submission by visiting a different church each week. The Bible tells us to know them that are over us in the Lord.

(1 Thess. 5:12) Submission necessitates a commitment and relationship to a local body of believers and to their spiritual leaders.

It combines our spiritual strength in prayer The Bible indicates that agreement in prayer with other believers has special favor with God. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them

by My Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:19) There is multiplied strength in the combined faith of God’s people, and it is clear that greater spiritual gains can be realized through corporate prayer and worship.

This agrees with how God has historically blessed the union of His people in battle against their enemies. “Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.” (Lev. 26:8) It honors the Lord’s Day The fourth commandment of the law that God gave Moses was to set aside the seventh day of the week, Saturday, as a holy day to the Lord. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” (Ex. 20:8) This was, and will always remain, the official Sabbath. However, after Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, Sunday, the early Christians began meeting together on this day as well as with the Jewish community in the synagogues on the Sabbath. History indicates that due to the enmity of the orthodox Jews toward the Christian Jews in their midst, the Jewish Christians were eventually ostracized. And although they were no longer bound to a rigid code of laws (Gal. 3:10-11, Col. 2:16), it is believed that they came to view Sunday as a combined observance of the Sabbath and the resurrection day of Jesus (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). This day of Christian worship came to be called the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10), a day to fellowship in celebration of the resurrection and to worship, pray and study the Word together.

Today, the Christian is free from the bondage of the old law. The indwelling of God’s Spirit has brought a new way for Christians to fulfill the desires of God through His love (Gal. 5:18, Rom. 13:8-10). However, the new covenant does not invalidate the relevance of the ten commandments as they pertained to God’s wishes for His people. As much as it remains God’s desire for man not to kill, steal or commit adultery, God is still very much pleased for believers to honor Him on a day reserved for Him, out of their love for Him and His people.

As Christians, we need to be absolutely sure why we go to church. Maybe I have given you a satisfactory answer on why you go. Maybe you are agreeing with what was stated above and have said to yourself, “Yes! That is why I go.”

God commands it; Jesus came to die for it; and He’s coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. Therefore, since God thinks church is important, who am I to think otherwise!

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 25

by Minister Ricardo Palmer

I

f there was any genre of music that would relate to the life of King David, it would have to be Hip Hop. David was a bigger-than-life superhero whose story gives an honest account in epic proportions of victory and defeat. Had David been born today, he would, without a doubt, be a hip hop artist. First of all, David was a fighter, a warrior by nature. In his humble beginnings as a shepherd, he fought lions and bears.

This was before he started his legacy as a warrior, which began with him killing the giant, Goliath. David literally stole the hearts of King Saul’s men as a valiant soldier on the battlefield, refusing to go down in defeat. Women lined the streets, singing that Saul had killed 1,000 but David had killed 10,000. David, the warrior king, unified Israel through intimidation and military conquest.

What music cultivates this warrior-like ambition like Hip Hop? It is raw, aggressive, and in-your-face by nature. Hip Hop is so war-like that two of its brightest young superstars (Tupac and Biggie) were literally murdered in the streets because of their own lyrics! It was a battle that was so intense that it split an entire nation in half, east coast versus west coast. Even in the early days, rappers waged wars of words against each other, dating back to Roxanne Shante vs.

UTFO, to L.L. Cool J. vs.

Kool Moe Dee, to Cypress Hill vs. Ice Cube. Rap battles have actually been a part of the fabric that has helped stitch the hip hop audience to the rappers themselves.

In other genres of music, it is about performing your best; in rap music, your best

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is beating the rapper standing across from you. Unlike other genres of music, rappers don’t have the luxury to be peers; they are opponents.

Secondly, David was a poet/songwriter. Let’s examine the context of some of his music which so closely relates to Hip Hop. Many of David’s problems concerned an actual enemy who was trying to destroy him, so he expounded on thoughts of hopelessness, uncertainty concerning God, distrust, and revenge, hoping that God would ultimately deliver him from such terrible circumstances. This sounds exactly like the theme of many hip hop CD’s. What does a man say when he’s at war? What does he think when his life is on the line and the enemy is closing in? Examining David’s psalms, you almost want to erase them for God, to protect His reputation for allowing David to feel this way.

The type of prayer that I am speaking of is called an “imprecatory psalm,” coming from the word “imprecate” which means “to invoke evil upon or to curse.”

Listen to David speak of his enemy in Psalms 109: “…May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the Lord, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth…”

What would this song sound like if it was equipped with a beat from Doctor Dre (a prominent hip-hop producer who helped birth gangster rap)? Would David be considered just as gangster as Tupac? I realize that these scriptures are in the Old Testament, and that we are now under a different dispensation of God – that God no longer allows us to handle or even think of our “enemies” in the same manner. However, these psalms represent the harsh reality of what David, a man of God, felt concerning his enemies. When the enemy catches us off guard, do we sound like 50 Cent or Donnie McClurkin? I’m not saying that God merits the fact that rappers curse and scream towards each other; I only want to offer a different perspective.

King David: The 1st Rap Star

Let’s take a look at some of the men that David was affiliated with. While David was on the run from King Saul, 1 Samuel 22:2 says, “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader…”

“Distress,” “in debt,” and “discontented,” – these are the words used to describe David’s first loyal followers. These are the unlikely characters, the outcast, the least likely to succeed. David recruited the boys from the hood who had nothing to lose and were definitely not the cream of the crop. Sounds to me like David was affiliated with a gang that he later turned into glory. Again, Hip Hop can definitely relate to that. Although David was gifted and called by God, he dealt with what would now be considered thugs or low-lifes.

Let’s consider how David danced and worshipped. Scripture says that David danced until his clothing came off. His wife Michal was even embarrassed by the way he worshipped and danced. (2 Samuel 6) Whatever he was doing, it was definitely high energy, and for a king to do so seemed uncivilized. Scripture says that he “… danced with all of his might before the Lord…” (vs.

14) Sounds to me like he was doing what we in the hip hop community would call “getting crunk.” Crunk originated out of down south, hip hop music that festers high energy, wild, and seemingly out-of-control movements. It’s similar to what you might find at a heavy metal concert – pushing, shoving, and screaming, with almost total disregard to whoever may be with or around you.

Looks like David was getting crunk all by himself!

David also had issues with women. Being a womanizer and a man of great authority seem to go hand in hand. There was Abigail, who actually interceded for her husband whom David was on his way to kill. Later, after her husband died, David took her in as his own. Then there was Michal who was promised to David by her father, King Saul. When King Saul wanted to kill David, he left, and the two were separated. Once David became King, he literally took her from her new husband. Of course, there’s Bathsheba. David took her, had sex with her, impregnated her, and later killed her husband on the battlefield. David’s life depicts a king who had a strong position of authority but was often defeated by his own insatiable lust for women. I’m sure hip hop can relate.

There you have it – he was a warrior by nature; he had a crew of misfits and outlaws; his songs carried a vindictive spirit about revenge and hate concerning his enemies; his worship and dance was wild and out-of-control; his women and power went hand-in-hand. Think about what has been described. Would David be a jazz musician, a gospel quartet member, a blues performer, or an opera, country, or pop singer? Taking all into consideration, David would be a rapper! (Although I do believe heavy metal would run a close second.) Some of these points may even seem a bit comical, but this example of David allows the church to understand that neither we, nor our greatest example, are as far away from street culture as some of us would like to believe.

Keeping all of this in mind will ultimately help us to relate.

Why is this so important? Relating David to hip hop culture bridges the enormous gap between the church and the streets.

Both sides are more apt to see their differences and keep their distance. However, it is imperative that the church find ways to communicate more effectively as it interacts with those in hip hop culture.

GOD IS VISITING THE CHURCH OF DISORDER

I’m tired of church, and so is God. I’m not tired of worshipping the Lord; I’m not tired of hearing and reading God’s Word; I’m not tired of God’s people; and I’m not tired of witnessing and ministering to the lost and hurting. What I’m tired of is the man-made; man-dominated, man-centered façade that is posing as the true church.

Jesus Himself defined the true church in the local sense when He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt.

18:20, italics added). However, I’ve been in many church services where there just wasn’t room or time allotted on the agenda for Jesus to be there or have His say.

I have a burning passion to see God right her- in the middle of us- when we gather in His name. Unfortunately, we face a big problem that we haven’t whipped yet. A lot of people have said over the centuries that the devil keeps us from seeing God. Others claim that the atmosphere of our age

keeps us separated from God’s tangible presence. The real truth is that the greatest problem hindering us from seeing God isn’t the devil or any other outside element. Our biggest problem is us! We have made the gospel so complicated with man-made rules, regulations, and hypocrisy that we have hindered a habitation from God.

The best we have seen at this point in church history is just a visitation. I thank God for that, but we need an overwhelming habitation of God. The church has been her own worst enemy. Our problem has been perpetuated by ignorance, disobedience, and selfishness has only multiplied from generation to generation. Although we are children of God, we are perishing because of our lack of wisdom.

There are a lot of hungry folk out there. I often go to Christian conventions and conferences and find myself preaching something from God’s Word that is totally opposite from what everyone else is saying. I believe the church should have graduated long ago from the “bless me” kind of gospel. In the words of the apostle Paul:

28 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Taking It Back, Part II

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

-Hebrews 5:12-14 TICKLING THE EARS OF THE NURSERY SAINTS

We should be pounding Satan’s doors and mending broken bodies and hearts, but we’re too busy tickling the ears of the nursery saints. Yet everywhere I go, people are so receptive that I know they are hungry. These people have been hungering for meat for a long time, and for reasons unknown to me, their spiritual fathers and mothers aren’t feeding them

grown-up food.

The odd thing is that I find almost as many pastors and preachers showing the same hunger. It seems they have been laboring to serve God and His people for years, but they have been pressured to do things “the way they have always been done” or else, when deep down inside them they will tell you, “I hear a different sound.” How do I know this? Isn’t hard to figure out. It doesn’t even talk much spiritual discernment. These people give themselves away, because when they hear the truth, their mouths hang open and their eyes become bright with excitement or wet with tears. All they really want is truth.

This nation- and the whole world- is crying out for truth, but they are not finding it in the place we like to call “the church” (sometimes I wonder what God calls it since it bears so little resemblance to anything in His Word). As a result, the non-Christian world and many of the people attending our churches follow an ever-changing batch of non-truth and lies. Yet there is a call, a voice, an unspoken word that God is whispering into the innermost parts of people around the world. They can’t tell you where it comes from or repeat it word for word, but whenever they hear somebody stand up and proclaim it, they lift their heads and feel their hearts beat faster.

---From Taking Over: Seizing Your City for God in the New Millennium

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 7

Community Pacesetters

Making an Impact Community Pacesetters are individuals who have made a significant contribution to their communities.

David Kunz

THE COOPERATIVE MINISTRY Main Office 3821 West Beltline Boulevard Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 799-3853 Kunz has served as the executive director of The Cooperative Ministry since February 2008. Kunz served as a Senior Pastor for three different congregations for about 15 years and then worked in real estate for several years prior to his appointment in February 2008 as Executive Director of The Cooperative Ministry.

Chief Terrance Green

Lexington Police Department Lexington, sc 29071

Green was appointed Chief of Police of the Lexington Police Department on October 2, 2006. Chief Green and the Lexington Police Department embrace the community policing concept and strive to solve problems by building a partnership with the community they serve.

Anita M. Garrett

The Weathers Group, LLC Improving Nonprofit Performance 1225 Laurel Street, Suite 118 Columbia, SC 29201

Garrett serves as a partner with The Weathers Group.

The Weathers Group (TWG) is an innovative consulting firm. Serving as a catalyst of “transformation through information,” their mission is to improve the performance of nonprofit and faith-based organizations. As a leader in developing strategies of empowerment for diverse communities, The Weathers Group has emerged as one of the most innovative and effective firms in the Southeastern region and provides a framework of success for clients based on proven methodologies and principles.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 31

Community Pacesetters Linda Salane

The Cooperative Ministry Main Office 3821 West Beltline Boulevard Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 799-3853 Dr. Linda B. Salane is the Board of Directors Chairperson for The Cooperative Ministry. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Institute and Special Assistant to the President at Columbia College. She has served at Columbia College as the chief academic officer, the chief business officer, and the chief planning officer. She directs the Leadership Institute, designing community leadership programs. Salane has a passion for leadership and is intensely interested in the factors that enhance and those that inhibit leadership development. Dr. Salane is active in the local community and is nationally recognized for expertise in leadership studies, strategic planning, current women’s workplace issues, and assessment of learning outcomes.

Kiosha Gregg

Pacesetters’ Leadership Institute Columbia, SC 29201 803.255.0835 Gregg has been named the Planning Director for the Pacesetters’ Leadership institute. The Pacesetters’ Leadership Institute serves as a youth development program whose mission is to provide youth with the encouragement, peer networks, and leadership skills necessary for them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and begin a life-long journey of leadership and service.

Youth Leaders

On The Frontline

Our Youth. The pacesetters of tomorrow are being developed by the dynamic leaders of today.

All across the body of Christ, through the word of God, youth leaders are strengthening this new, fresh generation for greatness.

Below are quotes from youth in various ministries telling how their youth leader has impacted their life.

Pastor Dwayne White Youth Pastor Right Direction Christian Center Columbia, S.C. Pastor D has influenced my life in more ways than one. He has helped me get involved in the youth program at my church which has turned my life around tremendously. I can always count on Pastor D for advice, or anything really, because he is a great listener, and he always knows what to say. Whenever I see him, he is always happy to see me, and he’s just an all-around fun person to be with. He always breaks things down in Bible study on Wednesdays so that people can understand the point he’s trying to get across from many different angles. Pastor D is always thinking of fun ways to interact with people and change their lives, which is why I’m so lucky to have him as my youth pastor.

-Lauren Morris Pastor D has put a stamp on my life that helps me to be an on-fire Christian. He has taught me principles that I use as a teenager and that will also be valuable in my adult life.

-Reginald McCrimmon

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“I have known Pastor Josh for eight years through middle and high school. I have always allowed Josh in my personal life, and I look up to him for guidance in my walk with Christ. He is a great role model who has inspired me to look past my own being and into God’s perfect, awesome love.”

-Matt Wright, 17, member of Groundswell Youth Ministry at Seacoast Church

Josh Ray High School Minister Seacoast Church Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Sean Dreher Youth Leader Ridgewood Baptist Church Columbia, S.C. “Min. Sean is a multi-layered individual who is serious about his spiritual walk and his calling. He has a specific passion for the youth in the Ridgewood community, and his story is similar to many of the people that he ministers to. In that respect, he is able to come to the youth from a personal angle. Sean is not about gimmicks and that draws a lot of people to him. His word is pure, and he could care less about the hype. His only desire is for people to be saved.”

-Racquel Gill, 19, St. Luke in Winnsboro, S.C “Ms. Joy is very fashionable, real, exciting. You never get bored around her. She’s very fun and loving. Ms. Joy really connects with the youth and has a lot of insight. I was going through some things a while back, and I didn’t know who to talk to. So I called her because she said that I could talk to her anytime. After we talked, she started calling me and looking out for me. She gave me scriptures, took me underneath her wings and mentored me. I love her.”

-Tiffani Thompson, 17, Blythewood High School, member of the Spirit of Truth Christian Church

Joy McLaughlin A Beacon of Light in Youth Ministry Spirit of Truth Christian Church Columbia, S.C.

Hanford “Alex” Scott Youth Leader/ Music Ministry Leader Spirit of Truth Christian Church Columbia, S.C.

“Alex is outgoing, courageous, and a great leader. He’s down to earth and really understands the difficulties of a teenager. In Sunday classes, he brings stories to accommodate to our lives. He has given lessons that have helped me in several areas of my life. He is a great role model.”

-David Robinson, 17, Keenan High School in Columbia, SC “She is a very understanding person and listens to everything we have to say. When I’m down, I can call her, and she’s always there. I got in trouble at one point in time, and I always felt comfortable talking to her. Falon teaches our Sunday class, and her teaching is always new. She talks about whatever we want to talk about and wants to know about us. She puts us before herself and that’s what I like most about her.”

-Java Smith, 17, Union County High School Falon Thomas Youth Leader Faith 2 Faith Glory 2 Glory Ministries Spartanburg, S.C.

* Falon has a two-fold teaching anointing: teaching in her church’s youth ministry and in the high school classroom

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 35

COLORKarma

H

is name was Corey.

And this guy was the guy.

We went to the same middle school. We were friends. As time passed, he got cuter. I began to notice the dimples in his cheeks, his hazel eyes, and the way he made me laugh.

I thought maybe I should tell him I liked him.

“Friends Day” at our summer program would be the perfect time. Our friend Jordan was coming along. She would be the best person to let him know.

That Saturday seemed the most beautiful day of the year. The sun was shining.

Everyone at the park was smiling. It looked like a scene from a Disney channel movie.

Fifteen minutes before it was time to go, I still hadn’t let Jordan go tell Corey my secret.

“Kiosha, you know you like him. Why you actin’ like a chicken? What’s the worse he could say?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I don’t really like him yet. It’s only been a week.”

“You’re a punk. Let me go and tell him.”

I relented. “Go ahead.”

As she began to talk to him, I scurried to another group of friends. After talking about teachers, school, sports, and family, I was getting a little worried. What’s taking Jordan so long?

Finally, she darted toward the gym and gestured for me to follow.

I had waited for this all day.

As we walked inside, she turned to me.

“I can’t take it. What did he say, Jordan?!”

“Umm, well. He said you’re cute, but he don’t talk to dark girls. He said he only like light girls. I’m sorry.”

“I knew I shouldn’t of said nothin’. I told you, Jordan!”

“I didn’t know that he would say that, Ki.” “Whatever. Drop it!”

“It’s not my fault. Don’t blame me. I didn’t make you black.”

At that, I walked away. I didn’t look back.

She continued to call after me. “Kiosha. Kiosha! I’m

by Kiosha Gregg

sorry! I didn’t mean that!”

I didn’t have anything to say to anybody. I wasn’t going to talk to anybody for the rest of my life. I made up my mind; I was done with Jordan forever, forgetting that we had to ride home together.

My mom came to pick us up, and she noticed instantly that something was wrong.

“Kiosha, what’s wrong? Why do you look so angry...Are you crying? Did someone do something to you?”

“This boy said that he didn’t like me because I was black, and Jordan threw it back in my face!”

“No, I didn’t. I said that because you were blaming me for what he said!”

“Girls stop fussing! Kiosha, explain what happened.”

So I told her.

“How could he not like me just because I’m black? We are the same complexion!”

At this, my mom got out of the car, came to my door, opened it, and crouched down. I turned to face her.

“Kiosha, you are beautiful, and don’t you ever let anyone tell you any different. You are made in God’s image, and if anyone has a problem with that, they need to take it up with HIM.” My mom said a lot of things to me that day. She told me she loved me. She told me I was beautiful.

36 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Color Karma But what I’ve thought most about since that day was what Corey said. Why did he say that?

So, I researched the issue. It dates back to slavery.

In times of slavery, some blacks believed lighter skin and “good hair” made you better because you could “pass” for white.

There were organizations specifically for people with lighter skin, such as Blue Vein societies. Some sororities, fraternities, and even churches conducted a “paper bag test.”

If you were darker than the paper bag, you were not admitted. Today, lighter skin is still associated with beauty, intelligence, and privilege.

The word for this: colorism.

Colorism is discrimination in which people receive differing social treatment based on skin color within the same race. This social hierarchy is not limited to the AfricanAmerican community. The caste system in India is also based on skin color. In Africa, the war between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes attest to the gravity of the matter.

That day, I told my mom that it hurt.

She hugged me. Jordan slid over and hugged me too. At that moment, I felt safe.

Besides, three years later when I was 16, he asked me out. I said no.

It took years for me to feel safe outside of my mother’s arms. It took years for me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I never felt as pretty as lighter girls. I assumed guys would think they were more attractive.

I was hesitant to believe anyone when they said I was pretty. I always thought there was some underlying meaning, like “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl.”

One day, during my senior year of high school -- for what reason I cannot explain -- I looked in the mirror and I smiled. I suppose I was tired of allowing people to dictate my life. I was tired of hating myself because one boy in the 8th grade said that he didn’t like me.

I looked at my eyes, my nose, my lips, and my skin, and I smiled. I smiled at the woman before me. I looked at the mirror and, for the first time, I loved the person staring back at me.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 39

PJM Book & Authors’ Showcase Fatherless

S

Fatherless

tatistics tell us that, in America, more than 24 million children are currently growing up without their fathers. This number has been increasing for decades. But what does that mean?

What effect is it having on us as individuals, and what effect is it having on society at large?

This book addresses not only the scope of this great pandemic, but also how we can begin to tackle the problem. Using his extraordinary testimony and surprising candor, Renaldo speaks to fathers and sons about the true nature of a father.

by Pastor Renaldo Turner

He discusses the treasures of the father-son connection and urges men to improve and restore their relationship.

We must enter into dialogue about this social ill called “fatherlessness.” The time is now. We as the church must go beyond our Sunday worship services which are leaving fathers and children unchanged, crying for help.

Let the dialogue begin so that healing can take place in the lives of sons and fathers, and we will see lives change in our communities, cities, and nation.

38 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

PJM Book Club

PJM Book Club Drying Silent Tears

by Garry James

“This book addresses the issue of child abuse and neglect in a scholarly, theological, but readable manner and provides the best way forward I can think of to deal with what I can only call an epidemic.”

-Dr. R.T. Kendall, former Minister, Westminster Chapel, London, England

Fit For The King

by Thomas Hundley

The Body of Christ has a “Giant” problem, and it’s name is Obesity. God has chosen Thomas Hundley to serve as His modern-day “Giant Killer.” The weapon God has armed Thomas with in his battle against obesity is called Fit For The King.

Visit www.thundley.com for more information.

The Joy of Repentance

by Kerry Skinner

Confession of sin is common, but the repentance of sin is rare. This is a dynamic book that will challenge you to recognize the most positive word in the Bible -- repentance.

For more information, please visit www.kerryskinner.com.

Broken, Just to be Made New

by Hugh J. Harmon

Broken, Just to be Made New is a thesis on the often avoided topic of brokenness. It addresses the issues that lead to it and the questions that arise concerning whether it is a method used by God to mature us or a tool of the devil to defeat us.

Available on www.lulu.com and www.kingdombookandgift.com

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 39

by Garry James , D.Min. An Unearthly Healing

A

n integral part of Christ’s earthly ministry was that of healing those who were sick, afflicted, and troubled. It was through these acts of healing that the power of Christ and the supernatural dynamics of the kingdom were visibly demonstrated. Those who were healed became living testimonies of the greatness of the Savior and His loving compassion. Though Christ’s ministry was multifaceted, His healing ministry impacted everything else He did. Healing the afflicted caused many to believe in His name. Nothing showed the supernatural power of the Lord any more than when he restored a person’s physical health.

In the ninth chapter of Luke’s gospel the Lord empowered His disciples with authority over all demons and gave them the ability to heal diseases. Coupled with this empowerment, Christ commanded the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God. Scripture discloses in Luke 9:6 that the disciples were obedient to the Lord’s commands: “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” Although Christ empowered the disciples to minister the gift of healing, He continued to heal those that were in need whenever and wherever the Heavenly Father guided Him—“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:17).

Christ and his disciples were compassionate and genuinely concerned with healing those in need of care. The disciples understood that they had no power of their own to heal others but were chosen vessels used by Christ to administer healing through prayer. With approximately 800,000 indicated cases of child abuse and neglect being proven in a court of law annually in the United States and millions of cases going unreported or unfounded because of a lack of evidence in our global community, the body of Christ must assume an aggressive posture in the fight against child maltreatment. Christ is calling each of us to be vessels of mercy that will not only seek to prevent and identify abuse and neglect; His desire is that each Christian be a conduit of healing for those that have been wounded.

There are biblical principles that are essential in the healing process. There are also vast amounts of Scriptural insight that can assist in preventing and identifying child maltreatment. Drying Silent Tears provides a biblical approach to each of these areas as it gives a comprehensive overview of combating the social pariah known as child abuse & neglect. The accompanying Drying Silent Tears Workbook is essential for both individual and group study along with the daily devotional specifically written to assist believers in interceding on behalf of children and those adults that have been wounded during their formative years and are still carrying painful baggage from their past.

When Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven He took His rightful position at the right hand of the Father, reaffirmed His identity as the King of kings, and allowed the Holy Spirit to provide comfort for all on earth who embrace His Word. Drying Silent Tears will help usher in a new move of God as we introduce the wounded to the King who is not only able to save their souls, but also heal their wounds in a mighty way!

For More Information , Please contact us at :

(803)530-0969 or visit us online www.dryingsilenttears.org jamesoctob@bellsouth.net

Limestone College Extended Campus for Adults

The Program Columbia Site: Fontaine Business Center 400 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 800

1.803.691.3016

www.limestone.edu/co

• Sessions Begin Each Month • Accelerated Program • 4 & 5 - Week Evening Classes • Flexible Schedule • Financial Aid • Transfer Credit • Internet Classes Available • Military Students Pay Half Tuition

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by Kiosha Gregg

Pastor Eric Davis pictured with wife, First Lady Vanessa Davis

As I turned off Garners Ferry Road into the parking lot of Word of God Church & Ministries, it was as if I were entering a miniature community. Lining the church plaza’s perimeter was a physical fitness center, nursery, two banquet halls, computer lab, after-school facility, thrift store, member-owned Kingdom Kuts barbershop and Talk of the Town beauty salon, café, youth center with gym, game room, a 200-seat teen church, classrooms, a 1,000-seat sanctuary, and six buses. I drove through the church’s campus, pulled into a parking spot, got out of the car and headed toward the administration building where I was to meet Eric Davis, the pastor of Word of God.

I was buzzed-in by Ms. Shine, the church secretary. At her instruction, I waited in the lobby for Pastor Davis’ arrival. The hum of drills and the bustling of construction workers signaled Word of God’s end-of-the-year renovations. In the lobby and around the church campus, signs in English and Spanish reinforce the church’s efforts to accommodate the community’s growing Hispanic population. In walked Pastor Davis, talking to a church member. He wore a floral print, collared shirt, creased jeans, and boots.

Upon entering the lobby, he greeted me and gestured for me to follow him into the church’s conference room.

We sat down. Before I could begin the interview, lists of questions were given to me, from my name and schools I’ve attended to my family information and future goals. After my interview was complete, it was time to focus all the attention on Pastor Eric Davis:

1742| Pastors’ | Pastors’ Journal Journal Magazine Magazine| Anniversary | AnniversaryEdition Edition2009 2009

Street Evangelism

The Word of God encing single parenthood. So you have to have a holistic approach for every individual. And that’s the approach of Word of God Ministries.

Pastors’ Journal Magazine: When did your ministry first begin? Tell me about your journey to where you are today.

Pastor Davis: I started preaching in 1995 in Florida. I was a corporate engineer, moving around the country, when I was called into ministry. I had no aspirations to preach, certainly not to pastor. I was more than content with being a well-paid corporate engineer, single, and all that other stuff. But the Lord had different plans.

So, when I returned home in 1995, that’s when I began my preaching ministry. [I was] serving with my father as an associate minister at Little Zion Baptist for 5 years. And in November 2000, I began to pastor what was then known as Mount Calvary Baptist Church. At that time, the church had about 30 members. We were at Bluff Road Park gymnasium, in a room at the park, setting up and tearing down every Sunday. By 2003, the distinctions between the ministries were being established by the new and old members, and God took me to a particular scripture that showed me whenever he changed character, he changes names. He showed the promise of this ministry [Word of God Church & Ministries], which is evident now, 9 years later.

So the church wholeheartedly agreed that that was the direction the Lord was taking the ministry, although there was a small fraction that didn’t. But I evidently changed the name, and that’s when the ministry exploded. I believe it was because we did what the Lord told us to do.

PJM: How did you receive the name Word of God Church & Ministries?

Pastor Davis: The name of our church was given to me in a vision and in prayer. I was to name it Word of God Church and Word of God Ministries because, ultimately, the foundation of this church is the word of God; it’s the authority. And also, every ministry should derive out of the word of God.

PJM: You mentioned a lot of information about families, let’s talk about that. Does your church and ministry place a particular emphasis on families?

PD: Definitely. Our emphasis is to the individual. We’re trying to minister to the needs of every individual that walks through that door. You cannot effectively minister to an individual, who is an adult, without ministering to their families.

So if you have a married man or married woman, then inevitably you have a child, so the objective is to minister to the holistic needs of every member of that entire family. [However,] I don’t want to say it’s only about families because we also minister to the needs of college students, single parents, and other demographics within the church, as well.

PJM: Well that is definitely a great approach. Didn’t you recently have a fall festival on the church grounds for families?

PD: We do an annual fall festival and, typically, in the spring.

Our church is big on fellowship. The bible talks about, “Not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as the matter of some is.” (Hebrew 10:25) We don’t believe the only time we should assemble is in worship. Fellowship is about, me really pouring into you and you pouring into me. The bible says, “If we walk in the light, as he’s in the light, then we have fellowship one to another.” (1John 1:7) Worship should create the bridge to fellowship. So we look at opportunities to fellowship outside of the church.

I think that the big problem in the church and the reasons we have seen so much attrition is because we don’t know how to take Christianity into our social components. We know how to do church, but we have a hard time being the church. Being the church is wherever we are: a football game or whether we’re in the sanctuary.

PJM: You’re event with Tye Tribbett on September 6, 2009 was spectacular; hundreds of young people gave their life to Christ and were ministered to. How did this event come about?

PJM: What approach do you take with you into ministry?

PD: We have an in-reach and out-reach approach. A lot of times, as churches, we’ll focus on outreach. We’ll meet the needs in prison and in homeless shelters. We’ll meet the needs for all these individuals who are outside who may never set foot in the door of your church. But then there is no in-reach for the individuals who are having domestic violence, who have molestation issues, who might have been raped, experi-

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 43

The Word of God Pastor Davis: It was an initiative to motivate our youth who were going back to school, to keep their minds focused on the Lord and their relationship. The first Sunday of every month is our Family Sunday. Because we have youth church, our kids are out three Sundays out of the month, so on [the first] Sunday [of the month] they come back, and we try to develop the service around them. That Sunday we decided to amp it up a little bit more and make it all about the youth. We think it came out pretty well.

PJM: It definitely was. I believe this event was a service to your church as well as the community. What do you feel is the church’s role in the community?

PD: We are the ‘light of the world.’ We’re the ‘city that sits on a hill. We must direct our ministry to the communities that directly surround us. I don’t believe that we are to minister to the entire city when we have not effectively ministered to the community that surrounds us. I believe in regional principalities. There may be a distinction of spirits in different regions.

Demographics are different. Mindsets are different. So to assume that a church in the southeast can effectively minister to the northeast community when there are churches in the northeast [is absurd].

It’s the same principle behind police stations and fire stations. They have zones and specific regions they are assigned to. There are certain lines that they don’t cross. I think that what’s happening [to the church]. We’re crisscrossing over other regions when we’re not effectively ministering to the regions that we’re in. Everybody is focusing on “the city,” but, if everyone was focusing on their region, then the city would be taken care of.

PJM: You have an excellent point. With that, how is your ministry able to serve your community effectively?

PD: We, [Word of God Church & Ministries], specifically look to the needs of the southeast first. So our ministries are geared to the needs of the Southeast community and its demographics, such as our Rape Abuse Molestation Ministry, Single Parents Ministry, summer programs, Addition Ministry (more than drugs), and GED program. We are also a host site for Harvest Hope and the Angel Food Ministries. Our youth outreach for the Southeast area partners with Lower Richland High School. Also, we have an elderly program called Project H.O.P.E (Helping out Precious Elderly), among others.

We are very big on our thrift store, because the proceeds go into benevolence and outreach. We have had several homeless people since the doors have been open, and we have put them to work in the thrift store and placed them in a hotel to help them transition.

We don’t promote [or advertise] what we do because we don’t want to ‘prostitute’ the people that we help, by bringing cameras and news stations. I wouldn’t want anyone to help me like that.

PJM: With your heavy work load, how are you able to manage?

PD: My wife, Vanessa Davis. She is a jewel. Were it not for my wife, I couldn’t have balance. She really is the component of our family that keeps us from tipping over the edge. Ministry so consumes your life, there is no way that we could co-pastor. We could not do that. We would lose our family. My wife has two of the greatest ministries a person can have in being a wife and a mother, and she is exceptional at it. There are times when I don’t need to think about church at all, and she helps me become grounded as a husband and a father. I learn from her.

I “safely trust” my wife.

One of the things I definitely didn’t want to do was help the entire community and the world and lose my own sons. And because of the call, you have these Lazarus-like experiences where the ones you love are at home saying, ‘something’s sick.’ You’re not doing any wrong. You’re doing exactly what the Father told you to do. But you can’t be at two places at the same time. So if she [my wife] is telling me, ‘Baby, the boys need your attention,” then I realize my boys need my attention. I trust her to be my helpmate.

PJM: If you are at home and trying to get a break, what do you like to do? I know there’s probably not much time, but if so, what do you do?

PD: For the past 9 years, I’ve had 12-16 hour days. Not all at the church, but in prayer, meditation, studying, vision planning. If you’re not doing those things, you are giving your wife and children their attention. Recreation for me is a thing called sleep. If I get some time to sleep, that’s enough recreation for me.

PJM: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment?

PD: No one’s ever asked me that question before. Let me think. I can’t point to one single thing. As a servant, my responsibilities and duties to perform are governed by God. I believe it would be presumptuous of me to say what’s better.

Personally, I don’t look at my ministry or anything God has given me as a trophy. A trophy suggests the game is over and you’ve already placed. Trophies just draw dust.

They are remnants of a former glory. Personally, I choose to look at the things that God has placed in my hand as a tool, which means there is [still] work to be done.

------

Pastor Eric Davis, 41, has been the pastor of Word of God for 9 years. The Lower Richland High School and South Carolina State University grad is a self-proclaimed “family man.” He is a husband of 11 years and the father of three: Ezra, 8; Elias, 6; Emmanuel, 2.

44 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

The W.O.G. Resurrection Play

The Word of God

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 45

Ministries The Word of God

Angel Food Ministry

Adullams Place (HIV– AIDS Care Ministry) Adullams Place is designed to minister hope in the lives people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. By sharing the love of God, Adullams Place encourages people to focus on victory in Christ instead of the disease.

Altar Counselors Altar counselors pray with those who come forward seeking salvation or those who need prayer.

Care Leaders Ministry Each month Word of God hosts the Angel Food Ministries distribution for the Southeast area of Columbia. Angel Food Ministries is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to the community. The ministry offers pounds of food for the low price of $30 per month. Anyone can purchase Angel Food and there is no application process.

This ministry was developed by Pastor Davis as a way to manage the growth of the church. The Lord prompted him to set in place a ministry to ensure that members would not be left alone to find their own way and that each member would feel cared for, loved and a sense of belonging. The Care Leaders Ministry helps the church to fulfill this need by interacting with the members.

They are the first line of communication for members of the church. As new members join the church, they are assigned to a care leader.

Couples Ministry The Bible teaches that marriage is an honorable estate. But the trials that may come with this blessed union can sometimes leave couples feeling overwhelmed. The Couples Ministry is designed to strengthen marriages by helping couples to build Christ-centered marriages.

Daughters of God Women’s Ministry

Hispanic Ministry

This ministry was designed to promote sisterhood among the women in the church. During the monthly fellowship, Pastor Davis relates different women of the Bible to our lives and makes it relevant to women of today. The teachings help women realize they are not only daughters of God, but believers who understand they are sisters as well.

Frontliners Men’s Ministry

Our Hispanic Service ministers the gospel to the members of our Hispanic community. Service is conducted in Spanish and held on Sundays at 5PM.

The men are challenged to increase their faith in God and to come to the forefront and fulfill the ministry to which they are called in their homes, church, work and community. The men are taught how to be Frontliners in their relationships with God, their families and the community.

Intercessory Prayer Our Prayer Ministry consists of those who have a desire to serve through prayer. Intercessors are sentinels who use the power of prayer to safeguard their families, communities, churches and nation. Intercessors meet every Wednesday at 5:30pm.

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Ministries The Word of God

Mother’s Day Inc. The Mother’s Day Inc. helps mothers of all ages with the challenges and pressures of just being a mother, embracing one another and addressing their needs as women of God.

The Thrift Center

Nursery Ministry The WOG Nursery cares for our little ones, ages 1-5, so parents can have a productive worship experience. We are located near the adult sanctuary. A child must be walking to attend.

RAMS (Rape and Molestation Sustenance) R.A.M.S. was developed to heal and deliver God’s people of every stronghold associated with being raped, abused, or molested. It is held on Tuesdays at 7PM.

Single Parents Ministry The Single Parents Ministry was developed to help single parents follow God’s will for their lives, fellowship with one another, and learn from each other’s experiences. Open to all single parents.

Singles Ministry The Singles Ministry provides support and opportunities for Christian Singles to pray, study and fellowship together in a Christian format. The min-istry promotes spiritual growth, fellowship and opportunities to serve.

The Thrift Center has something for everyone and for every occasion and contains a large variety of new and used items at bargain prices. We gladly accept donations of no-longer-needed, gently-used shoes, clothing, toys, small appliances, etc. You can drop off donations or we can pick them up.

Please call our Thrift Center at (803) 776-0360.

The Thrift Center is open on: Mon-Tues 10am-8pm Wednesdays 10am-6pm Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm All funds from items you buy help us to help others!

P.E.P. (Prayer,

Exercise & Praise)

Youth Ministry (S.P.A.R.C.S.) The Youth Ministry is designed to develop sold-out youth for Christ. The ministry consists of a youth sanctuary, recreation room and gymnasium. Their 250-seat sanctuary is where the youth gather for Worship Services. The recreation room houses televisions, video games, various table games, and a sitting area for the children to fellowship with one another.

Other Ministries includes:

Audio/Visual Bookstore CD Ministry Church Maintenance College Ministry Food/Kitchen Ministry Health Care Ministry Health & Fitness

Magazine Parking Lot Ministry Praise Team Prison Ministry Transportation Ministry Usher Ministry Victory (Addiction Overcomers Ministry) Street Evangelism Ministry

P.E.P. is an hour of Prayer, Exercise and Praise for the women of WOG. It is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00PM in the WOG Fitness Room.

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 47

The Kingdom of God Advancing The Word of God

Word of God Bethune Campus Word of God Bethune Campus is located in the heart of the small town of Bethune in Kershaw County. The campus includes 22 acres of land and 20,000 square feet of building space.

The campus will be used for multiple purposes as set forth by Pastor Eric Davis, who credits the purchase of the site to their obedience to God. “The Lord led us (WOG), to purchase this site,” said Pastor Davis. The site will be used to house various ministries, including a thrift and distribution center, Hispanic ministry, and an afterschool and adult literacy training.

Word Of God Camp David Word of God Church and Ministries has also acquired its third location, a Bible camp. Just 30 minutes from Word of God’s main campus, the Bible camp, formerly known as the “The Camp in the Pines,” is located east of Columbia off exit 108 of Interstate 20. Nestled in the countryside of Bishopville, SC, the camp, now renamed as “Word of God Camp David,” is a 74-acre, heavenly retreat of rolling hills, tall beautiful pines and open land full of promise.

The camp features an eat-in cafeteria, dormitories, manager’s quarters, and a classroom building. A large sanctuary is on site for worship services and includes a large foyer and an upper level with additional classrooms. The sanctuary building also has several suites attached, each equipped with personal bathrooms. For additional fellowship and recreation, members enjoy volleyball, basketball, tetherball, baseball, or flag football that can all be played on courts or areas equipped for such. Meanwhile, members who are looking for water play will enjoy a dip in the pool while others can recline in the shade and enjoy a cool glass of lemonade from the canteen.

Regarding how Camp David will be utilized, Pastor Davis added that the camp would be used for retreats, outreach ministry, events and annual conferences. As the ministry grows globally and stays in line with the vision of expanding the ministry internationally, missions training will also take place at Camp David and at the Bethune location to prepare members for missionary work in South America, Africa, and India. With 74 acres, Pastor Davis has already started writing the vision for 10 or 15 years from now. “This is something we are setting in place to leave for our children,” stated Pastor Davis.

48 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Ministry Leaders The Word of God

Vanessa Davis 1st Lady

Eric W. Davis

Senior Pastor

Dane Harris

Benjamin Aiken

Pastor of Staff & Operations

Pastor of Administration

Denetra Shine

Tito Hill

The Deacons Ministry

John Lakin

Head of Music Deptartment

Margo Williams

Tracy Hugie

Pastor of Word of God Espanol

Shepherd Drayton, Jr. Thrift Store Manager & Evangelism

Missions & Outreach Coordinator

Church Administrator

Pastor of Youth Ministries

Anniversary Edition 2009 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | 49

Anniversary Celebration New Covenant Assembly Christian Ministry

New Covenant Assembly Christian Ministry

Celebrating Our Silver Founders Week & Church Anniversary 602 Piney Grove Road, Columbia, S.C. Pastor: Dr. C.L. Hardy Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We celebrated our Silver Founders Week and Church Anniversary with services on August 30, 2009 through September 6, 2009, along with a notable Founders Banquet on September 5th. Twenty-five years ago, it was very challenging to imagine that we would, at this time, be celebrating our Silver Founders Week and Church Anniversary. New Covenant Assembly was established in 1984 by a call, burden and vision from the Lord. The church started with just our family of four. Now in 2009, the Lord has added to the church and saved a multitude of souls. God has brought us from worshipping and praying in our homes to the present edifice.

Our Theme for this momentous occasion is “Touching Hearts…Changing Lives,” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” This lets us know that if we continue to be faithful to Him and worship Him, the Lord will reveal His divine purpose and destiny for our lives as we are changed more and more by His Word. Moreover, no circumstance, situation, or adversary can hinder God’s Will in our lives. Let’s continue to allow the Word of God to touch hearts and change lives.

We thank all who have been loyal and faithful to this ministry. None of the twenty-five years would be possible without faithful and steadfast church members. With God on our side, our future looks bright and promising. Romans 8:28 (KJV) says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

50 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Written by Suffragan Bishop C.L. Hardy

Prosperity

L

uke 16:13, No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(KJV) This Scripture is placed by Jesus at the end of His Parable of the unjust steward, which concerns man’s stewardship. Jesus saw the need for this parable because he knew two dangers that face Christians. First, man’s heart, Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (KJV).

Second, the love of money, the sin that exemplifies man’s weakness, which is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The bible does not say that money is evil, but the “love of money” is the root of all evil. St. Luke 16:1-12 must be understood before Jesus statement in verse 13 can be understood. Verses 1-12 concerns stewardship, which necessitates a rearranging of one’s priorities after salvation. A steward is one who manages a house or dispenses what belongs to a house. In this case, a house can represent property, such as land or anything that requires constant attention. Christians are called stewards, because they have been entrusted with the gospel message and the souls that are saved through the gospel message. It is a responsibility for which believers will be held accountable. A steward is related to an occupation or profession. Jesus is coming back. For some, this means changing spiritual and natural priorities. For others, it means using time, talents and treasures more wisely in order to serve God with a total commitment in this present world.

Jesus made a profound statement that mystifies many who read Luke 16:8, And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (KJV). This verse is one of the keys to understanding His concern about the Christian and his relationship to prosperity and riches*. The statement that Jesus made reveals to the reader that the unsaved man is more diligent about his pursuit of worldliness than the saved man is about his pursuit of godliness. Collectively, the unsaved man’s pursuit of prosperity is greater than the saved man’s pursuit of spiritual blessings. When the saved man’s priorities are in accordance with the Word, his efforts can be as effective as the unsaved man’s efforts..

Mark 8:36, for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (KJV).

One of the main reasons for this parable is to encourage Christians to reevaluate, and reorganize their priorities concerning the riches of this world. You can not serve two masters and be loyal to both. The problem is not necessarily riches. The real problem is mastership. If the Christian does not rearrange his priorities to put Christ first in his life, then it is possible that the riches of this world will cause him to fall from grace. Notice Matthew 6:21, For

where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV). The devil, which is the god of this world, desires to be the Christian’s master. See Matthew 4:8-10. Again, notice that the real problem is not riches, but mastership of the Christian’s life. Riches are only a threat for which one must beware. Jesus said, “the love of money is the root of all evil”. It is the evil produced by the love of money that enslaves mankind to the mastership of the devil. Everyone has chosen a master. It is either God or the devil. It cannot be both or nothing. The choice is mankind’s but God predetermines the consequences. The person who has God as his master or Lord has therefore, eternal life, John 10:10, and peace of heart in spite of tribulations and trials. John 14:27. But, the person whose god is the devil will live in constant anxiety, fear, and is destined to Hell.

No one can serve two masters. There cannot be two heads on one body; that would be an abnormality. A man cannot divide his life into spiritual and material components. The soul, the spirit, and the body combine to make one person; therefore we can only serve one master at a time with total commitment. You can not serve God with your spirit, the devil with your body, and your soul is uncommitted to either. You can only serve one master with total commitment at one time. Modern Christianity has elevated concern about the body and material things so high that spiritual concerns have become secondary on many Christians’ priority list. When problems arise, church obligations are often the first to be sacrificed. Remember, there is no godly spirituality in the flesh, the world, or the devil.

Note the problem of priority in Luke 16:13, the two verbs, love and hate, stand in contrast. The one he will love, the other he will hate. The reason these two entirely opposite words are used, love and hate, is to indicate how tremendously greater our love for God should be in our hearts, lives, and exemplified in our service.

Love for God should come first. Nothing should take the place of God in any individual’s life. Jesus, when He is the sole master of our lives, gives us a balanced view of all else: relatives, material things, work, sufferings, sickness, health, and abundance. Relatives and friends should not have the same priority in our lives as Christ.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus told us that unless we hate our relatives we are not worthy of being Christ’s followers. What did He mean by this? Jesus is saying that anyone who loves father or mother, son or daughter more than Him is not worthy of Him. This does not mean that love for our relatives should not exist; rather, our love for Christ should greatly exceed that of our families. The Christian’s first priority should be Christ. The Christian’s second priority should be his spouse. The Christian’s third priority should be his children. The Christian’s fourth priority should be his family.

The word translated “other” in Luke 16:24 is the transliterated Greek word heteros, which means strange not allos meaning another, or other. Heteros means another of a different quality whereas allos would have meant another of equal quality. Jesus declares that mammon or riches cannot be given the same importance, or priority as God. The two are different with very different meanings. God deserves first place because He is the reason for our existence. When a Christian doesn’t put God first in his life, he becomes so confused

52 | Pastors’ Journal Magazine | Anniversary Edition 2009

Prosperity

in his thinking that he loses perspective and lives in constant worry, discontentment, anxiety, and disarray.

The threat of riches and its effects are very real in the Church. It can affect even the preaching of the gospel. The Church must always remember, 1 Timothy 6:5-6, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (KJV). Such teaching as “if you are saved, then you should not be poor” is non-scriptural and erroneous. Remember the words of Jesus, Matthew 26:11, For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. (KJV). The Church must not reduce this great gospel message to just materialism and physical blessings. Yet this is what has happened in many cases. A closer look at The New Testament blessings will reveal that the focus is really on spiritual blessings and not material blessings.

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul named seven spiritual blessings. First, the Church has been blessed to be holy and blameless.

Eph. 1:4. Second, the Christian has been adopted. Eph.1:5. Third, the Christian has been blessed with redemption and forgiveness of sins. Eph.1:7. Fourth, Paul declares that the Church has been blessed with wisdom and prudence. Eph.1: 8. Fifth, God has made known unto us the mystery of His will. Eph.1: 9. Sixth, the Church has been blessed with a spiritual inheritance. Eph.1: 11. Seventh, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Eph.1: 13.

Therefore, it appears biblically that the Christian’s priority should be on spiritual blessings rather than on material blessings.

Jesus, who knows the heart of man, told his followers the parable of the unjust steward. The rich owner decided to fire the unjust steward because of poor stewardship. The Church must understand that God has entrusted His goods to each individual Christian in the Church, and everyone must give account of his stewardship.

Goods can entail time, money, and talents. The unjust steward, knowing what would happen once he is no longer a steward, sought favor from the people by reducing or eradicating their debt. Once God has revealed to an individual that he is wrong, he should move quickly to repent before judgment is carried out by God. The unjust steward’s master commended him for making restitution and setting his house in order. True repentance, which should include restitution, will get God’s attention and approval.

Jesus said that the disciples should learn from the unjust steward’s shrewdness in preparing for the future. The Church must understand that this earth is not its home. We must prepare to live for eternity with the same diligence as the unsaved man prepares to live in this world. Jesus said that if the disciples could not be trusted with the things of this world they could not be trusted with true riches. If a Christian can not be entrusted to manage his time, money, and talents on the Earth, then he can not be trusted to do so in Heaven. Then, Jesus makes the profound statement that no man can serve two masters. The Christian must make a choice. The love of prosperity will cause the Christian to serve the god of this world.

The Love of God will lead you to eternal life. Riches are temporal; godliness is eternal. Jesus sums this parable by making the absolute statement that no man can serve two masters. There is very little or no room in this statement for misinterpretation. Either you are serving God or you are serving the devil. The indicating factor is one’s priorities. The devil uses riches as bait to sidetrack a Christian’s mind. Riches are not evil. It’s the love, pursuit of riches, and where they appear on one’s priority list that make them counter-productive.

If the Christian chooses God as his master, as indicated in the parable of the unjust steward, He will supply his every need.

Some Christians feel that after giving tithes, the remaining ninety percent is theirs and they are free to do as they will. This is

not true. Giving the tenth of one’s income does not free that person to do as he will with the remaining ninety percent. Giving ten percent of one’s income only makes the remaining ninety percent holy.

David said in Psalm 24:1, The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (KJV). Christians are still responsible to God for how they manage their monies after giving their tithes. Many Christians have mismanaged their monies, and failed to be good stewards. Some Christians are self-indulgent and lack the discipline to stay on track with their priorities. Also, for this reason, some Christians feel they are not blessed as the scripture has promised. It’s not a matter of not being blessed, but a matter of misplaced priorities, mismanagement of funds, and the problem of trying to serve two masters.

Material prosperity represents a real threat to the Christian’s spiritual and even his physical stability. The effect of the love of money which indicates who one is really serving has worked its way into the minds and hearts of Christians. The Kingdom of God is not about meat and drink. Note what the Apostle Paul said, Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (KJV). Jesus has taken all the speculation out of who one is serving. When a ministry, or individual Christian’s principle theme entails the principles of gaining wealth, there would be no doubt who that ministry has chosen to be its master. Wealth should only be one of the means of winning souls, not the principle reason to win souls.

In these last days of increased mobility, access to the internet, increased education, and more accessibility to financial gain, the Christian must beware not to augment riches above his love and dedication to the local church. Remember, riches are being used as a tool by the devil to gain mastership of the Church and the individual Christian

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Contributing Writers: PJM Anniversary Edition 2009

Ms. Eliane Cotsford Ms. Kiosha Gregg Bishop C.L. Hardy Mr. Thomas Hundley Garry James, D. Min. Mrs. Thelma Lane Bishop Eddie Long Shemeka McCammon Pastor Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D Mrs. Christine Palmer Minister Ricardo Palmer

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• sub aWards or small granTs ranging between $5,000 and $20,000 to purchase goods or services that improve organizational performance.

The PIC Institute is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Community Services and is conducted in partnership with the Central Carolina Community Foundation, Women In Philanthropy, Claflin University and the S.C. Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

2009 PIC Fellows Bluff Road Shalom Zone CDC • Boy’s Farm • Brookland West Community & Housing • Chapin We Care Center • Community Mediation Center • CORE (Community Organization for Rights and Empowerment) • Fairfield Behavioral Health Centers • Federation of Families of SC • Friends of Juvenile Justice • Girls Inc. • Good Samaritan Clinic • Interfaith Community Services • Lexington Interfaith Community Services • Light of the World • Newberry First Steps • Palmetto Place Children’s Emergency Shelter • Richland County CASA • SC Hispanic Outreach • SC Business Initiative • Sexual Trauma Services

For more information, please contact: Bunnie Lempesis, Director, Community Capacity Building, at (803) 758-6982 or blempesis@uway.org.

(Sample Order Catalog) PJM Community Service Directory is an index of organizations who offers community services to the general public.

Churches, non-profit organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate in the directory. Each participant will be featured in the directory and listed in each issue of Pastors’ Journal Magazine.

The Directory will be published February 1, 2010!

If you would like to list your community service in the directory, please contact: PJM at 803.255.0835

or email us at info@pastorsjournalonline.com. **Rates vary per directory entry.

Telephone Number: 803.255.0835 Beacon of Light Foundation Marcus R. Shiver President, CEO

Community Service Directory Beacon of Light Foundation

(Profiles 1-4)

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr.

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program

Beacon of Light Foundation

Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

BLF serves as a facilitator and catalyst for positive change in the city of Columbia and its surrounding communities. We believe positive change in any environment is a matter of product. Therefore, the Foundation constantly assesses the needs of the communities and seeks to establish program systems that can rectify the problems—starting with the product itself, the citizens of Columbia. BLF believes that all people require and deserve the personal and professional assistance that can prepare them to perform their fiscal and civic responsibilities and live satisfying and meaningful lives.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Other Affiliates Organizations: Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service com-

Community Service Network Pacesetters Leadership Institute Christian Ministerial Institute Pastors’ Journal Magazine

(Profiles 1-4)

Community Service Directory

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Beacon of Light Foundation

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission:

The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services:

GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

(Profiles 1-4)

Community Service Directory

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Beacon of Light Foundation

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission:

The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services:

GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Community Service Directory Beacon of Light Foundation

(Profiles 1-4)

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr.

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program

Beacon of Light Foundation

Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

BLF serves as a facilitator and catalyst for positive change in the city of Columbia and its surrounding communities. We believe positive change in any environment is a matter of product. Therefore, the Foundation constantly assesses the needs of the communities and seeks to establish program systems that can rectify the problems—starting with the product itself, the citizens of Columbia. BLF believes that all people require and deserve the personal and professional assistance that can prepare them to perform their fiscal and civic responsibilities and live satisfying and meaningful lives.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Other Affiliates Organizations: Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service com-

Community Service Network Pacesetters Leadership Institute Christian Ministerial Institute Pastors’ Journal Magazine

(Profiles 1-4)

Community Service Directory

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Beacon of Light Foundation

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835

Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission: The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services: GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank

Beacon of Light Foundation 301 Sunset Drive Columbia SC, 29201 803.255.0835 Principal Leader: Marcus R. Shiver Sr. Mission:

The mission of the Beacon of Light Foundation (BLF) is to serve as a viable and engaging, multi-service community development center in order to empower the citizens of Columbia through an array of programs and services.

Available Community Services:

GED Program Computer Development Program Church Administration Program Thrift Store Food Bank