From Pews to Purpose

By Michelle DeMarcia Davis

Pastor/Teacher Dwayne D. Flood humbly says “I’m a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about somebody, who saves anybody.” The move of the Holy Spirit called him to preach and whom he gives all control of his life. His heart’s desire is to please Him He truly believes that God sent him to Pastor the loving people of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (TMBC) – Madisonville, OH. He accepted his call to pastor TMBC on January 22, 2022, and he sincerely loves the great people of TMBC.

Pastor Flood has always had an admiration and love for the Word of God When it comes to biblical interpretation, he is very studious and careful to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15) He stands on the Bible as it is written, and he preaches and teaches with strong convictions concerning biblical theology. Pastor is the proud husband of twenty-eight years to Latoya Flood, and they share four beautiful children; Isaiah, Kaleb, Simeon, and Khira His favorite quote is by Les Brown, “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back Because if you can look up, you can get up.” His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you ”

TMBC is friendly, family-oriented and knows that Community Outreach is a critical aspect of the church. The church is composed of people, not the building. They are the church that God uses in order to bless others who are in need. The Bible says, "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38). TMB wants God to bless them in the same manner that they bless others

Pastor Flood states “Community Outreach is a direct reflection that Jesus has for us. Since Jesus loves us all, we should love as He loves. Jesus gave all that He had . . . Himself. The church has a responsibility to show forth the love of Jesus Christ. In return, those who experience His love may come to accept the precious gift of salvation.”

TMBC shares the love of Jesus Christ that transforms the heart through faith and develops spiritual growth through the teaching of the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20). To experience the love of Jesus Christ that leads to salvation (Romans 5:8) They believe in one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. TMB stands firmly on the Word of God and allows it to lead, guide, and provide instruction on how to live a Spirit-filled life

Pastor Flood shared his thoughts on some of the challenges that he faces. “The pace – at times your heart’s desire is to do and be everywhere at the same time. This leads to exhaustion and burnout. I have learned that I must keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Not behind Him, and certainly not in front of Him. I simply just need to hold His hand and keep in step with Him ”

Growth has been exactly what I think everyone needs to grow “Belief – when you read in the Bible that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), it goes to a whole new level when you see Him do it I have seen God do some amazing things in the past year. Our church went from barely surviving to thriving all due to the grace of Jesus Christ. God is great and greatly to be praised!”

W are a loving, God-inspired, focused on the Word of God, and thriving church who simply wants to do what God has called us to do We have classes for everyone who desires to experience God in a special way. We love the community and pour into it. We are not a perfect church, because we are filled with imperfect people. But just like people who are sick, go to the doctor to get well, we come to church to get better as we know that we need the Lord. We welcome all who desire to come to an imperfect place and experience a perfect God.”

Pastor Flood states Vision reflects the ultimate destination and goal. Purpose is the burning desire that bubbles inside of you to accomplish a goal. When you put those things together, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished or achieved. He loves to encourage members to move from their pew and into their purpose because when that happens, we get front-row seats to see God do a mighty work.

TMB is assisting those in need, donating money to Family and Individual Homeless Shelters, sponsoring children going to school, feeding those in need, and caring for families during the Christmas Holiday season. In 2023, they conducted two Mental Health Awareness days that help provide tools and resources to those who are struggling with mental health. On August 19, 2023, they will be blessing the community with a Back-To-School event giving away school supplies for teachers and students, providing money for school uniforms, and sponsoring students who can't afford to buy lunch so they are able to eat TMB is spreading forth God's blessings on others

As we bring this interview to a close, Pastor leaves us with this inspiring message. “Today is a good day to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This current life is not our home. We are at best visitors who are looking to put down that which is corruptible and one day put on that which is incorruptible. Today is a good day to be saved from what we deserve (death and hell) and receive an eternal heavenly reward with our Heavenly Father. Be blessed and my prayer is that God reigns down His tremendous blessing in your life ” Amen!