Vacancy Announcement 

Bethesda Baptist Church 

District of Columbia 

Opening Date: June 10, 2013/Closing Date: August 5, 2013 

Bethesda Baptist Church is seeking a Pastor who meets the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, with training in spiritual leadership, pastoral counseling, and church administration. Interested persons should mail all requested information in this announcement to the address below, no later than August 5, 2013. 

The successful candidate will meet the following criteria: 

• Must be a born-again, spirit-filled, and divinely called man (minister) having strong family and community values who meets the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. 

• Must be a positive role model who exhibits moral and ethical conduct. 

• Must be able to preach and teach God’s Word. 

• Must be willing to follow the Constitution and By-Laws of Bethesda Baptist Church. 

• Must be a licensed and ordained Baptist minister. 

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of church pastoral experience. 

• Must have a clear understanding of Baptist doctrines, church policies and church procedures and be willing to abide by them. 

• Must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree; a Master’s degree in Religion, Theology, or Divinity is preferred. 

• Must be willing to work with all age groups and have a particular ability to minister to children, youth, and young adults. 

• Must be able to develop a vision for the spiritual growth and development of the church. 

• Must be willing to regularly visit and minister to the sick, shut-in, and bereaved members. 

• Must consent to a background check. 

All applicants should provide the following: 

• Letter of Interest in 200 words or less, explaining why you believe the Lord is leading you to pursue this position 

• License to preach & Certificate of Ordination 

• Resume 

• Copy of College Degree(s) or transcript(s) 

• Proof of completion of all accredited theological training 

• Name, address, and telephone numbers of three (3) references with no more than two (2) coming from ordained ministers. 

All credentials should be forwarded to: Sis. Tonia Brown, Chairperson 

Bethesda Baptist Church 

Pastoral Search Committee 

P.O. Box 90060 

Washington, D. C. 20090

by Robert Earl Houston

Recently I was made aware of a “movement” by some ministers following the tragic miscarriage of justice in the George Zimmerman case. Believe me, I am outraged, angered, shocked, as is most (not all) Americans. However, the stage and platform for the protest honestly has me scratching my head.

The “protest” that is planned is to replace the traditional bread and wine (or grape juice) implements of the Lord’s Supper with Skittles and Iced Tea (or Arizona watermelon juice cocktail, which is what Trayvon Martin actually purchased) and serve it to the congregants of the church on first Sunday (or whenever communion is served in that local congregation). There is a video online (which I will not post here) that shows a pastor leading his congregation in such a communion.

I have problems with this.

First, and I need to confess I am a Baptist minister – this goes against everything I’ve been taught since my first exposure as a child. The Lord’s supper is one of two ordinances of the church (the other being baptism). An ordinance is a law, or a specific command, which Jesus Himself instituted.

Mark 14:22-25 (on the evening before His betrayal):
22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it.

24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Jesus clearly instituted this as an ordinance (law) and he prescribed the manner of it. He symbolically references the wine/fruit of the vine as His blood. He symbolically references bread as His body. Therefore bread = body and wine = blood. It is a law that even Paul says was passed down to him.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26:
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

Again, the emphasis on bread and wine and the law – we are to replicate this law until He returns.

Secondly, the Lord’s Supper is not a protest. It’s a period of reflection and renewal of our relationship with the Lord.

The Lord’s Supper is no more salvific than Baptism. Neither of these laws or ordinances create or cause salvation. However, the law is not for the unsaved, it’s for the saved. And the purpose of it is that we might remember and celebrate the sacrifice that was made for us by Jesus Christ.

No one should misappropriate or diminish that sacrifice and The Lamb that was sacrificed for our salvation. I cannot celebrate at the Lord’s table, anyone else other than Jesus Christ. That’s why we don’t celebrate Paul, John, John Mark, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Eve, Adam – or any other past biblical character nor any past historical or present celebrity – because this is a sacrifice that only Jesus Christ Himself made on behalf of humanity.

The Lord’s Supper is THE LORD’s The Lord’s Supper. It has His blood-stained fingerprints upon it. It has His agony and sweat upon it. It has His pain upon it. It belongs to Him.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Ralph Abernathy, and other civil rights icons did their protesting in the streets, not at the Lord’s Table. They met in sanctuaries to plan and execute plans, but they never misappropriated the use of the Lord’s table in such a manner that would leave any doubt as to who’s legacy we are focused upon and celebrating.

The Lord’s Supper is not a protest piece nor is it speaking truth to power. It should be left alone. If you want to protest, do it at the ballot box. Do it in City Council meetings. Do it when it’s your turn to do jury duty and you accept it instead of weaseling out of it. Do it when it’s time to vote instead of not voting. But don’t create a manufactured protest out of that which is holy (set apart).

Finally, I believe in the three factor. I believe that every Pastor needs to surround him (or her) self with three other ministers – one older than him, one contemporary, and one younger – for wisdom, fellowship, and to dialogue.

I spoke with my younger factor and we’ve been dialoguing on this issue and his words struck me. He suggests that there is a missing link in how ministers are trained today, especially in the seminary setting. There’s a local pastor here in Frankfort that teaches in seminary and I will never forget him saying “many of the guys in seminary don’t even go to church anymore. They hang out in their dorms, they don’t want to preach.”

Maybe the reason why Paul’s explanation of the Lord’s Supper is not being implemented is that a generation of preachers/pastors exist out there now that have never submitted themselves to or have rejected mentoring. A term that was used in my younger days was “father in the ministry” and ministry, as my young factor suggested, was more of submission, instruction and of an apprenticeship. Now there are words used like “coverings” which suggest that if I can put on a cover, I can take it off as well.

There are some things in the faith (I’m not talking about whooping or sermonic presentation) – but the tenents of the faith, the “mysteries of the faith” that have to be not only passed down, but respected. Maybe I’ve become a dinosaur in this new age, but I still believe that on a hill, far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame. I still believe that He was laid on a cross and nails were hammered into his arms and feet. I still believe that He was lifted up between two thieves and that He was the sacrificial Lamb and that my sins were upon His shoulders. I still believe that He died for my sins. I still believe that He was buried in a borrowed tomb and early Sunday morning, He got up with all power in His hand. I still believe that the Word is true. I still believe that the Lord’s Supper is sacred and that Baptism is reserved for those who have expressed a hope in Christ Jesus.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

Reverend C.L. Buhl, pastor of the Zion Hill Baptist Church, Waco, TX and former pastor of the Greater Mt. Baker Baptist Church, Seattle, WA, has gone home to be with the Lord. He passed on July 14, 2013.

This is the obituary from the Wao Tribune newspaper:

Pastor Carl L. Buhl, Sr., 74, of Waco, entered his heavenly home on July 14, 2013, while in a Temple Hospital. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2625 S. 18th Street, in Waco, with Pastor H.D. Debose officiating. A visitation and wake will be held at 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Zion Hill Baptist Church on 2919 McKenzie, Waco.

Please keep Dr. Buhl’s family and the Zion Hill family in your prayers.

December 24, 1938- July 14, 2013 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wacotrib/obituary.aspx?n=carl-l-buhl&pid=165906347#fbLoggedOut

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Psalm 127:1

New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Highland Park, MI established in 1952, is seeking a spirit filled candidate, called of God, to fill the position of full-time Pastor and to serve as the spiritual leader of its congregation.

New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church is in need of a pastor who will be responsible to God and the church, will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the Bible, provide Christian leadership in all areas of the church, and engage in pastoral care of the congregation. Also, the pastor is to be responsible for the overall leadership of the day-to-day operations of the church, services, membership and promoting the spiritual interest and growth of the church.

You may download the application Here

The Minimum Qualifications for the new pastoral position is listed below:
• Bachelor’s Degree consisting of a strong concentration in Theology/Biblical Studies
• Must be ordained
• Five (5) years of Pastoral experience

We are asking that all interested and qualified persons must submit an initial candidate package consisting of copies of the following information:

• A New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Application which can be found on the Michigan Chronicle Praise Connect website____________________________________.
• A current resume which includes a summary of relevant ministry, professional, and educational experience.
• Copy of ministerial license and ordination certificate
• Copy of degree(s)
• Four recommendation letters (at least (2) clergy)

Please submit the initial candidate package by mail to:
New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Pastoral Search Team
13100 Woodward Avenue
Highland Park, MI 48203

The deadline for all information to be postmarked or submitted is: September 30, 2013.
Any candidate package postmarked after September 30, 2013, will not be considered.
For additional information/questions, please contact the church office at: (313) 869-0190 or via e-mail atwww.newmtmoriah@sbcglobal.net

(All information submitted will be treated as “confidential)”. Additional information may be requested and/or required. Final Candidates must consent to a reference check, criminal history background check, drug test and credit and financial History review.

From the Sun-Sentinel Newspaper:

Prominent Boynton pastor dies after battle with cancer

by Robert Earl Houston

It is very rare that you sit in a movie theater and hear people – both men and women – openly weep.  Tonight we went to see “Fruitvale Station” which struck an extraordinary chord on the heels of the George Zimmerman verdict.

This movie written and directed by Ryan Coogler, a first-time filmmaker, is the true story of Oscar Grant, III (“The Wire’s” Michael B. Jordan) a 22 year old young man who was murdered by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Police in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in 2009. Oscar was coming home from enjoying the New Year’s Eve celebration with his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), (who he was considering marrying). Oscar’s mother is powerfully played by Octavia Spencer, who carries the weight of the screenplay on her face.

As the movie opens, the actual cell phone filming of his murder opens the movie and the remainder of the movie takes us back to Oscar’s last 36 hours of life. As the movie showed his murder by BART Police, there literally was not a dry eye in the house – from audience members – black and white.

This movie won the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and should be required viewing for all young people. Oscar’s struggle with his past and his decision to make the new year a time for a new start.

I’ve read some of the reviews tonight, especially those from Geoff Berkshire of Variety and Scott Tobias of The Dissolve and it reinforces the fact that the so-called reviewing professionals may have been in too many dark theaters and miss what ordinary folk (such as myself) look for in a movie. This movie is not for entertainment alone – it’s for information, inspiration and it retells a story that many of us as African-Americans have heard too often – a loss of a young black man, with his whole life ahead of himself.  This young man was not in the position that should have resulted in his death – but a police officer snuffed out the life of this young man, young father, and potential husband.

Sadly, many of us who wept in the theater wept knowing that our young men are in an era where many of them won’t see full adulthood. They won’t see marriage and family and life . . . because they have a greater chance of being mowed down – whether it’s because of police action or community patrolman action or even by someone who looks like themselves. It’s a sad reminder that young black men who make it to 25 should be celebrated, make it to 30 should be applauded, and make it to 40 should be honored in these critical times.

I encourage you to see this movie. When I left the theater I told my wife, “I felt like I’m leaving a funeral.” Profound movie.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

by Robert Earl Houston

Where art thou? . . . (Genesis )

I’ve been “blogging” off and on for several years. Recently, I discovered a way to combine several of my enterprises, namely “Homegoing of the Saints” which puts a spotlight on those African-American pastors who go home to be with the Lord; the “Vacant Church List” which was the first listing for African-American Baptist pulpits online (and I’ve done it without charge or entry fee for years); and then I’ve put out several notices, etc. and developed a fairly strong following. Since being on WordPress since late last year, I’m approaching 250,000 visits. God be praised.

In recent years other pastors have been regularly blogging – H.B. Charles, Jr. has an excellent blog and leans heavily on preaching themes. Dwight McKissic has an excellent blog as well and he “gets after” Southern Baptist Convention issues and is one of the leading SBC bloggers.  Kip Banks, General Secretary of the Progressive National Baptist Convention recently started a blog and there are other brothers out there blogging – but to my knowledge, that number is less than 25. Shaun King’s Shaun in the City is one of those mind-stretching blogs and he is very transparent in his church planting saga.

Where are the Black Pastoral Bloggers?

The purpose of this blog today is to encourage African-American Pastors to blog. Blogging is to participate in a form of social media that is more probative than a 140 word tweet or a quick flash on Facebook. It’s not expensive – there are free sites available and many internet providers are available so you can personalize the site even more with your own name (which I recommend).

The diaspora of African-American pastors should be reflected in the blogosphere. Pastors who are in the rural parts of the nation, I believe, are just as significant in their struggles, triumphs, etc. as those who pastor mega-churches. Those pastors who came before us carried to the grave pieces of wit, wisdom and experience that I know would have been a blessing to this generation. You can participate.

I would love to post and re-post articles that I’ve discovered from those of African-American hue. I think that our experiences are just as real and profound as MacArthur, Stanley, Piper, Stetzer and others. Matter of fact, I ran a search for “best pastor blogs” and maybe 1 or 2 blogs of people of color were even mentioned.

It’s because we have a story to tell that we’re not telling. We have great minds, great talents, great experiences that should and need to be heard.

I’m not a mega pastor. My congregation (on roll) is around 700 members or so. We don’t have one church in multiple locations. We have our issues like everyone else. But blogging for the pastor gives you a discipline in word construction, sentence structure, and analytical thinking that enhances your pulpit presentation. Trust me on that.

Just a word of warning – blog but don’t vent. Never take to the national stage your local church issues. If “Sister Sally” is kicking your tail in business meeting, don’t make her a national issue. If “Brother John” just cussed you out last week, don’t make him a national celebrity. In other words, be careful what you blog about – if it’s murky to you – it may leave room for a church member to misinterpret what you were trying to say.

I will make this promise to you – if you have a blog or know of a blog that will be helpful – I will make a link to it from my site – and if you have one, I hope you will do the same.

One final word – this is not to demean other races – that’s not my purpose. My purpose in this fast-changing African-American led church, is to encourage pastors (not laypersons, not associates) but pastors to share their views.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

by Robert Earl Houston

LOUISVILLE, KY – This week I am a delegate representing First Baptist Church at the oldest and largest assembly of African-American Baptists in our state. Better known as the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky.

Kentucky has a unique system that may be one of a kind in the nation. It’s not a state convention, it’s a general association, composed of district associations and churches from throughout the Commonwealth. As an organization, it is not affiliated with any national convention. Therefore, you have churches that are from six different stripes – independent (no national affiliation), National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. International, and Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. Not to mention some churches are aligned with Southern Baptist and American Baptist.

This General Association has its own objectives. It has three main focuses – Simmons College of Kentucky, which is now led by Dr. Kevin Wayne Cosby; the American Baptist Newspaper, of which I serve as Chairman of the Board; and the State Home Mission Board, which is led by Dr. Bernard Crayton. All three of the objectives are based in Louisville and the General Association operates a headquarters building near downtown Louisville, which houses the American Baptist Newspaper and the State Mission Board. Simmons College is located nearby on its historic campus.

Our Moderator is Dr. A.E. Reid, who is completing his tenure of four years and he has presided in probably one of the stormiest periods in GABIK history. When he became Moderator, the Association had just suffered a schism over the issue of women and women in ministry, and frankly, operational issues. The issue of women in ministry has been a particularly thorny issue and it resulted in the formation of another, much-smaller group, which is mostly comprised of older pastors. Not only that, the Association was deep in debt, and many people wondered if Simmons, the American Baptist, and the State Home Mission Board would even survive.

But this moderator, Dr. Reid, has demonstrated a loving care of the Association as Moderator that is rarely on display. Each year he logs over 15,000 miles traveling the state by car, to show his concern for the Association – at funerals, local associations, meetings, planning sessions, etc. He has preached for me in the pulpit of First Baptist in Frankfort and when I was sick, he called to check on me – which is not unusual because every now and then, he gives me a call and says “Son, I’m just calling to check on you.”

Working with Dr. Cosby, Simmons College has made tremendous strides and now is becoming a viable entity due to partnerships with the business community and the University of Louisville. Today, students can not only attend college, but the entrance threshold is accessible to low and lower income families. It still remains the training ground for young ministers seeking a career in full-time ministry.

Dr. Reid’s love of our American Baptist Newspaper has kept it afloat. Under his leadership the last three years have been some of our best fundraising years and now we are preparing a transition to electronic media that will keep our paper cutting-edge.

He has presided over a revamp of the State Mission Board, which for years was led by the late Dr. Robert Childs, who was also editor of the American Baptist Newspaper. Now a new group of pastors and leaders are seeking to serve Kentucky churches.

Not forgetting that the State Youth Convention, the Youth Matter to Christ march, has its genesis under Dr. Reid’s tenure and the Youth convention pilot project is alive and well.

For many of us, his greatest achievement will be the fiscal achievements. We met one year shortly after we were told of our financial condition and he presided as the body came together and made pledges and paid off the indebtedness of the General Association. This is not to say we’re rich. This is to say that as of today, we have no outstanding debts, no liens, no foreclosures, and we can say we are out of debt.

Dr. Reid’s Georgia-Tennessee-Kentucky style is just what we needed at this time. No leader of any group has 100% support of everything – but he has been able to lead us across this chilly Jordan of a critical point in our history, brought us together, and has been an encourager, a father, and yes, challenged us to do better.

He assembled around himself a “Moderator’s Team” which is almost the “Dream Team” of leadership.  With the support of Dr. C.B. Akins, Dr. Crayton, Dr. Michael Rice, and Dr. Porter Bailey, he has covered the spectrum of age, experience, and successful pastoral leadership of these gentlemen that make us proud to be Kentucky baptists.

Last year, for the first time in 147 years, a female, now sits in the Executive Board of leadership in the General Association. This is a great accomplishment and signals a new day in Kentucky. He has brokered peace between pastors and last year we had an historic “rap session” that allowed pastors of all ages to come together in a casual-free wheeling forum.

Last night, a PACKED house of constituents filled the ballroom at the Hyatt Hotel to say “thank you.” I haven’t seen a denominational leader receive gifts from such a wide spectrum of supporters in my life. Dr. Reid, who has a larger-than-life personality mixed with the seasoning of time, has made him worthy and due of all of these gifts.

Now that we are across this stormy sea, a new day is about to dawn in the General Association. Dr. Cosby will be making announcements tonight relative to Simmons’ future. We’ll hear Dr. Reid’s final address on Wednesday evening. And then on Thursday evening I hope to make some announcements regarding our newspaper. All of our announcements are made possible by the past support and vision of Dr. Reid.

Thank you Dr. Reid and thank God for the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky.

by Robert Earl Houston

For the last few weeks and most noticeably in Frankfort and now at the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky session in Louisville, I have been walking with the assistance of a cane. It actually belongs to one of my deacons who was kind enough to allow me use of it during my cancer surgery recovery. It’s a beauty. A brass plated hame, “Bubba Stik” with the words “Made in Texas by Texans” on a plate at the tip.

Believe me, I’m not using it as a fashion statement. It serves a purpose to help steady me because even though it’s been over 2 months since my surgery, my foot still has an open wound, although 80% of it is now closed (thank God). It also helps me to get up and helps me sit down. I’ve learned how to walk with the cane and it helps me distribute my body weight evenly when I try to get from point A to point B.

Having this “Bubba Stik” has taught me three spiritual lessons (did you expect any less? – smile) that I want to share with you:

FIRST, THE CANE IS MY TESTIMONY 

This cane is symbolic to me as the testament of my testimony. It has been amazing this week that many of my fellow delegates were not even aware that I had been through a bout with cancer. I guess you assume that people talk, discuss and share – but there were many, many people who were surprised to see me not walking through the hallways fast and spry, and instead they see me walking cautiously with a cane.

But this cane represents that where I am today is not as bad as what I’ve been through. I’ve gone from those words of my physician “I’m sorry, but you have cancer” to prep, surgery, post-surgery, and now recovery. The cane was not present or needed for the first four items, but for the recovery, it’s helpful. And it’s actually the last milestone for my ordeal. When this cane is no longer needed, then it will signal that my recovery is completed, my healing is done, and I can look forward to moving about as usual.

SECONDLY, MY CANE IS MY DIPLOMA

I sat in awe of Dr. Thomas H. Peoples, Jr.’s sermon yesterday at the Association’s Men’s Convention and he was talking about the Completeness of Christ vs. the Incompleteness of humanity. One of the things that struck me, coming from a noted Christian theologian as Dr. Peoples, was this statement: “the more I know about Christ, the more I discover that I don’t anything.”

What Dr. Peoples was alluding to is that even as we discover more and more about God it puts a highlighter upon our lives and we find out that we still don’t know all about and nor will the Lord allow us to know as much as He does.

Here’s the application – the cane represents the information that I have picked up about several things during this process. I’ve learned more about cancer, melanoma, congregational care of their shepherd, gracious thanksgiving, humility, spousal care, doctors, operating rooms, and even more humility than I have in the first 53 years of my life. This cane is my diploma – not in an advanced degree, but in the practicum of life.

This ordeal has taught me empathy. This ordeal has taught me the power of prayer. This ordeal has taught me total dependence upon the Lord. This ordeal has taught me to release myself to the Lord and to prepare for that eventual day when this body and soul will have a permanent separation. Every time I look at the cane, it reminds me that “I’m stronger, I’m wiser, I’m better, so much better.”

THIRD, MY CANE IS NOT UNIQUE

My cane is “purdy.” I mean it stands out in a crowd. It’s been called “wow” and even by some friends as a “pimp stick” (only a friend would tell another friend that). And I will admit, when I see others with canes, I look at their cane to see what it looks like, etc. It has drawn my attention, because I too am on a cane.

I was really excited, in a strange way, that nobody else in Frankfort had the same “Bubba Stik” that I have.  I went to Cincinnati for the Gospel Music Workshop of America for a day and again, no one else had the cane that I have.

But then I came to Louisville and one of the men in the Laymen’s Department walked right up to me and yes, he had a “Bubba Stik” as well. Not only that he began to compare our two canes – mine was of a darker wood and his was lighter colored. He said “you have an older stick.” We laughed and walked away and then I thought about what this stick represents, what I’ve been through and the logical conclusion was there: “you’re not the only one who’s going through what you’re going through.”

Sometimes we have this feeling that “nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen” when in actuality, there are people all around us who have gone through or going through what we’re experiencing right now. I had an infirmity, a melanoma and I’ve had this week people walk up to me, especially those who read my article in The American Baptist Newspaper or on this blog, and tell me that they too have had skin cancer. One brother walked up to me and told me that he’s had it twice on the top of his head. Even a sister walked up to me and said “I just found out about it and I’m going to have the same surgery.”

It was like the Lord confirming in my spirit, you’re not unique because of what you’re going through, you’re unique because of the way God handled it.

Because there have been those who told me stories of those loved ones who did not make it or faced very serious amputations or treatments. I’ve heard the ghost stories of those who had the same cancer in other areas of their bodies and required removals and amputations of organs.

My disease was not unique, but my deliverance was. Thank you Lord. So when I look at this cane, made in Texas by Texans, I understand that it’s not the only cane they manufactured, not the only cane with a brass hame (handle), and not the only cane with the black tip. The cane is not unique, and I’m not the only one going through something.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

Trinity Baptist Church of Florence, South Carolina

Trinity Baptist Church, located in Florence, South Carolina is currently seeking a full-time experienced pastor who is an energetic visionary leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, who listens to the hearts of people and preaches the passionate gospel.

Trinity was established 145 years ago as a Bush Harbor and has grown and stood as a strong beacon of God’s light through the years.  We are seeking the one whom God has prepared to lead us as our Pastor.  Our Pastoral Search Committee is officially accepting letters of interest with resumes until August 15, 2013 for its congregation of 250-300 members.  The applicant must be a God led individual with characteristics as described in 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy 3:2-7; 4:11-16, and Titus 1:6-8 who abides by these characteristics in their ministry, personal life, family relationships, and who is ready to work diligently to teach the people of God as dictated by Ephesians 4:11-13.

The applicant must be an ordained minister, possess a minimum of a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary, college, or university, and have at least five years of progressive pastoral/leadership experience. The applicant must demonstrate a willingness to be dedicated to fulfilling the mission of Trinity Baptist Church in harmony with God’s Holy Word.

JOB DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

The pastor is responsible to the church to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach biblical revelation, to engage in pastoral care ministries, to provide administrative leadership in all areas of church life and to act as the chief administrator.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Planning and conducting the worship services, prepare and deliver sermons, lead in observance of ordinances.
• Conducting bible-centered teaching by way of weekly Bible studies and other related venues for teaching the Word of God.
• Leading in planning, executing and evaluating comprehensive church programs of worship, education, evangelism, missions and ministries for all ages.
• Guiding the ministry of the deacons by equipping them for effective spiritual leadership in the church.
• Providing leadership and working cooperatively with church officers, ministries, committees and members as they perform their assigned responsibilities.
• Enhancing and maintaining an organized Christian education program which results in spiritual growth of church leaders, members, and the community-at-large.
• Acting as moderator of church business meetings.
• Displaying a teachable spirit, seeking continuous acquisition of biblical knowledge and their application to today’s life.
• Conducting counseling sessions, wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
• Cooperating with associational, state and community denominational leaders in matters of mutual interest and concern.

For consideration, please forward letters of interest with resumes no later than August 15, 2013 to:

Trinity Baptist Church

ATTN: Deacon Alonzo Davis, Pastoral Search Committee Chairperson

124 West Darlington Street

Florence, South Carolina 29501

tbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com

ADDITONAL INFORMATION:

The committee will acknowledge receipt of all resumes and letters of interest.  All information presented will be treated as confidential.  Applicants must consent to credit and criminal background checks and drug screenings.

A father and pastor known for his community activism was shot and k!lled because he asked neighbors to keep the noise down, according to local affiliateWDIV in Detroit.

“It was devastating. I cried for a minute, and then it was like I couldn’t cry no more,” said his daughter, Tatiana Kirby. “He was a good father. He was always a caring person. Every Sunday we were always in church. He always made sure we had clothes, good clothes on our backs, food on the table.”

“I was laying on the couch and I heard gunshots around 11:30,” said a neighbor.

Witnesses say some of the neighbors were having a party outside with loud music and screaming when Kirby came outside and asked them to keep it down. That’s when some men at the party became angry at Kirby and one man opened fire on him.

One neighbor told WDIV that it never crossed her mind that the person who had been shot was Tim Kirby.

The Detroit minister was reportedly well known for his community work and sermons. He was looking to build a bigger congregation.

“I hope my daddy gets justice because he didn’t deserve this,” said Tatiana.

by Robert Earl Houston

DETROIT, MI – Today I am at the 52nd Annual Session of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., which has served as my denominational home since I began pastoring the Historic First Baptist Church of Frankfort, Kentucky. Our church is one of the congregations that united with those who were disaffected by the decisions made by the leadership of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. in 1960, and in 1961, by one vote, created this convention.

I’ve been received warmly in this convention. I’ve had the opportunity to play musical instruments (piano and organ), lead congregation/praise singing, lectured in South Carolina, preached for the Region just outside of Cincinnati, and serve as State President of the Kentucky State Convention.

However, since 2010, I’ve been serving as the Webmaster/Internet Ministry director and it’s been a grand enterprise to transform the web site. I’ve discovered that no matter what changes you make, when it comes to dealing with people – some folk are never completely satisfied and they have visions for the web site that are not congruent with the purposes of a web site. I had the privilege of authoring the first web site of the national baptist conventions – for the National Missionary Baptist Church, under the presidency of Dr. Willie T. Snead, Sr. Deadlines have been intense, re-writes are factored in, and it’s always satisfying to hear delegates say “thank you” for the web site.

Today, it will all change.

I’ve prayerfully made the decision that it’s time for me to step aside (not step down) from the day to day operations of the web site and it’s time to utilize some of the great, young minds. I met today with an outstanding graphic artist/web designer and will be making my transition out at web designer and focusing moreso on content, if it meets with the President’s approval.

Why?

First off, I’ve been doing this for national conventions since about 1993.  That’s 20 years of doing this type of ministry and it’s time for new ideas, new designs and a new approach.

Secondly, I think that conventions need to shuffle the personnel deck. When I started preaching 35 years ago, I remember seeing the secretaries being wheeled to the desk and taking minutes by trembling hands, because they had been serving in the same position for years and years. I don’t want to be the webmaster of a convention at the ripe old age of 75.

Lastly, this is a season that I want to focus on my local congregation and my health. We are preparing to march into our sanctuary for the first time in weeks after extensive renovation. I recently returned to the church after cancer surgery in May. Our church bus has even been in extended service and repair. And now a convergence of return – the building, the pastor, and the bus is about to take place.

Even though I’m “cancer free” I still have to carefully manage my health and my recovery. The flesh is starting to grow in the transplant area and yet, there are times when I have a stabbing, painful episode or even become so tired that I have to lay down. It’s not over yet.

I can’t begin to fully explain it but I feel the zeal for the work like I just walked in the door as pastor. God is sending new members, we are developing new ministries, we are developing (thanks to Rev. Anna Jones) a unique prayer ministry, and in this season, I hear the Holy Spirit saying even more, “feed the flock.”

Also, I want to spend time developing relationships with Kentucky pastors that have been kind to me as well. I’m also setting in motion a transition in our State Convention – it’s time to begin making that move too.

My greatest position and honor is not at a national convention, nor state convention, nor general association, nor district association. I received it again last Sunday when a young boy came up to me and said, “Pastor, when you leave, I want to be the next pastor.” This Sunday he came up, hugged me and said “I love you Pastor.”

My greatest position in the world is pastor. Thank you Lord.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

by Robert Earl Houston

DETROIT, MI –  I am a blessed pastor. For a multiplicity of reasons. I have the privilege of leading one of the oldest congregations in the nation, the First Baptist Church of Frankfort, Kentucky. It’s an exciting time in the life of this congregation of believers.

As I sit here in Detroit and after some observation over the past two days, I want to celebrate what my musicians have lacked.

In pastoral ministry in the past years, I have had a tremendous cadre of musicians – starting with my sister, Phyllis Houston Smith, Danny Osborne, LaShell Aldredge, Professor Anthony James King, Audrey Bell, Edd Sullivan, Melanie Lanier, Rico Ware, Christopher Stallings, and my current minister of music, MInister Elijah Griffin.

They’ve all lacked one quality.

Arrogance.

Unfortunately an arrogance – a diva-ness or king-ship – is cropping up in the ranks of those who give God praise via the instruments of worship. The Word of God declares that one thing that the Lord detests is a “proud look.”

When you are blessing with special gifts and talents, it behooves you to guard those gifts but it is also incumbent upon the musician to still be cooperative, loving, nurturing, and how about just being a friendly person? How about being cooperative? How about leading people into worship before the sermon instead of producing an “it’s all about me” moment?

Unfortunately some churches have become the hostages of gifted, talented musicians who believe that without them ministry cannot occur; they then play not with the Spirit of God, but with an arrogance and ownership that locks out the Holy Spirit. They don’t flow, they dam up.  They don’t worship, they work.  They don’t encourage, they terrorize.

Personally, I’d rather have a musician that doesn’t hit every note correctly than to have one that is so full of themselves that they literally become a distraction to the worship experience. 

I’m blessed with a tremendous Minister of Music, Minister Elijah Griffin, and he has a heart for ministry. He really does. He is probably one of the best musicians I’ve ever seen – he studies music, he learns the chords, he learns the music – and I’ve never had any problem with him. He moved away a few months ago and recently returned to our church – and me and my congregation welcomed him back. When he left, I told my church that I was not in a hurry to seek another Minister of Music, that this is in the Lord’s hands, not mine. And He blessed us with him.

This week, I was asked to help a dear friend with a devotional period. I walked on the stage, with a cane, and the “band” looked at me like I was crazy (I had never worked with these musicians before – guess they didn’t think I was “their caliber”). They barely spoke. They demonstrated, to me, that they weren’t there to lift up the name of Jesus, they were there as a clannish clique looking for a check. I played, walked off the stage and thought to myself, “Lord, I’m glad I was never like this.”

Mind you, I’m a musician myself. I’ve been playing since 1977, and I’ve had opportunity to minister in music at national conventions, GMWA, and other venues. I was taught at the very beginning and mentored by gifted musicians like Lorene V. Wilder, Gilber Gill, Ken Berry, Saul Kelley, Michael Stone, Rev. William Whittied, Jr.,  and others at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Yes, each one was tremendously gifted in their own way. Some could read music, some couldn’t. But they taught me to not focus on your weaknesses, but focus on your strengths and above all – to consider being used by God in worship as a privilege and not a right.

I had the opportunity to sit on a panel at GMWA years ago which discussed the Pastor-Musician relationship and on that panel was myself, Dr. Melvin Von Wade, Sr., and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. I never forgot something Donnie said – “the Lord is the one who gets the glory in worship.”  ’Nuff said.

by Robert Earl Houston

It is customary at the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. that when the Nominating Committee comes forth, they always present the prognosis of elections.  ”Next year, 55% of our elected officers will change.” It helps the convention to prepare for the turnover. I’ve come to say that within the next year, it is possible that all four of our traditional national baptist conventions AND the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship will change leadership.

NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA, INC. 
Dr. Julius Scruggs of Alabama was elected President in 2009 and several ministers have declared or exploring runs to challenge him in 2013, if he decides to seek re-election.  The election will be held at their annual session in New Orleans in 2014.

NATIONAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA
The NMBCA has actually been operating without a President since the death of Dr. C.C. Robertson of Dallas. In a controversial move, the Executive Board decided to postpone the election until the annual session next month in San Antonio. The current Vice President, Dr. Nehemiah Davis, is acting president and is being challenged for the post by Rev. Dale Jay Sanders, Sr. and Dr. Samuel H. Smith, Sr. of Louisiana and Texas, respectively.

PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION
Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, Sr. is the current, tenured President and will complete his two terms in 2014. As of this writing, the only declared candidate is Dr. James C. Perkins of Detroit. At least four men are running for the office of 2nd Vice President including a layman. Their election will be in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION OF AMERICA, INC. INTERNATIONAL
Dr. Stephen John Thurston of Chicago, IL has served since 2003 and will lead the convention into Memphis for the 2014 annual session. At present there is at least several declared candidates: Dr. Samuel Tolbert of Louisiana, which means that for the first time in NBCA history, a President will seek re-election against a Vice President; and Dr. George Brooks of Nashville, who has served as Congress President.

FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., who is now the leader with more tenure than all four of the traditional convention presidents combined, has lead FGBCF since 1994, meaning that he has 19 years of leadership. He recently announced the name of his successor – Bishop Joseph Warren Walker of Nashville, who will begin his tenure in 2015.

It will be interesting watching developments of this passing of the torches.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

From the Post-Trib.com:

GARY, INDIANA – Reverend Clarence E. Baity was born on May 10th 1934 to William Everett Baity and Roberta Munn Baity, in Poinsett, Arkansas. Pastor Baity traded his earthly clothes for his Heavenly robe on August 6th, 2013.

After High School graduation in Arkansas, Reverend Baity came to Gary, Indiana where he worked at Dumaska Poultry Factory, after which he was employed and retired from U.S. Steel Corp with over 30 years of service. Reverend Clarence Baity and Edna Evans were wed in holy matrimony on October 13, 1957 and were lovingly dedicated to each other for over 50 years.

Unto the union six children were born. Reverend Baity accepted Christ at an early age and joined Christian Valley Baptist Church (Rev. C.H. Taylor Pastor), where he sang in the choir and preached his first sermon. He was called to ministry in 1957, licensed in June 1962 and ordained at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church on November 30, 1965. In 1963 Reverend Baity joined Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church. In 1967 he became and served faithfully as Pastor until his transition on August 6th.

His open pulpit philosophy gave a platform to young and upcoming ministers throughout the United States. Pastor Baity had a multitude of accomplishments and achievements including but not limited to: A Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Indiana Christian Bible College and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree; Treasurer of the Indiana Northern Missionary Christian Educational District Association; Member of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Gary and Vicinity and of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.; Treasurer of The Original General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, Inc.; Award of Distinction from The Gary Common Council, Official Citation from Calumet Township Trustee; Exemplary Service and Outstanding Dedication 2006 Award; Proclamation that November 11th be named Pastor Clarence Baity Day by the Mayor of Gary, Indiana, The Honorable Karen Freeman Wilson.

One of Pastor Baity’s favorite biblical scriptures was “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me”, Philippians 4:13. His dedication to Peter’s Rock MB Church where he was pastor for over 46 years, was impeccable. Pastor Baity led by example with humility, integrity and the word of God.

Pastor Baity was preceded in death by both parents, William E. and Roberta Baity, and his loving wife, Edna M. Baity. Pastor Baity leaves to cherish his memory, his stepmother Equilla Baity; daughters Sharmaine (Michael) Cody, Patricia Baity, and Linda Baity; sons Clarence Baity, Jr., William Baity and Shawn (Darlene) Baity; grandchildren Tachea Corbett, Starkest Baity, Kortnee Baity, Joseph Taylor, Jr., LoKey Taylor, and Iadore Taylor; sister Wendy Baity; brothers William Everett Baity, Jr., Vernon (Shirley) Baity and Mark Baity; special cousin Elnora Hawkins, the entire Peter’s Rock MB Church Family and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Monday, August 12th 2013 from 12pm 8pm, with family hour 7pm 8pm at Peter’s Rock MB Church 1725 East 21st Avenue Gary, IN. Homegoing services will be held on Tuesday August 13th 2013 at 11am at Peter’s Rock MB Church 1725 East 21st Avenue Gary, IN. Pastor Isaiah Murry, Jr. officiating. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, Hobart, IN. -

See more at: http://legacy.post-trib.com/obituaries/posttribune/obituary.aspx?n=clarence-e-baity&pid=166326841#fbLoggedOut

by Robert Earl Houston

AUGUST 14, 2013 – Kentucky has suffered a tremendous loss in the homegoing of Dr. Joseph McDowell, pastor of the First Baptist Church Utteringtown in Lesington. Dr. McDowell passed away yesterday, August 13, 2013, following a brief hospitalization.

I met Dr. McDowell shortly after I moved to Kentucky in 2009 during the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky session in Bowling Green.  Matter of fact, I just dined with him at our annual session in Louisville.  I’ve had the privilege of preaching for him at his church and he preached for us in 2012.  My associate ministers were so impressed by his presentation that when they purchased a robe for me it was a duplicate of the robe he adorned in the pulpit (pictured on the left).

He was beloved in the General Association. He came from a generation that produced pastors that are now among the ranks of the senior sages of Kentucky. Dr. McDowell pastored several congregations before coming to FBC Utteringtown, which is the rural part of Lexington, and he was a no-nonsense pastor. He was a trainer of preachers, several of whom are either pastoring or on staff at other congregations.

He was called “Dad” or “Pops” by many of the pastors in the General Association. He was not the type to continually talk publicly. He would sit in a meeting and if he spoke, you had no doubt what was on his mind, and then he would recoil and sit there just as calmly as he had before he stood up. He was Kentucky’s “E.F. Hutton” – when he spoke, you listened.

He had every right after putting in the years that he has to send his money and rest in his hotel room, but Dr. McDowell was at every session. He never sat in the back. He strolled up to the front and took his place.  Perhaps that was born from his era – he took his place during the civil rights struggle and told us stories about his part in those marches, struggles and boycotts. He was attuned spiritually, but also socially and he was tireless when it came to the plight of African-Americans.

He was a churchman of the highest order. He loved worship. He loved church. He loved his district work, his state work, and even the national work. He was one of the people that you looked forward to hanging out with at the convention and preachers would crowd around him to hear what he had to say. He went to the Pastors’ Retreat in southern Kentucky and he attended the classes and you could see groups of preachers around him. He had a contagious spirit, a sly smile, and he could always wade through a conversation and get to the main point.

I don’t think there was a young or younger preacher that he didn’t try to help. Even if his assistance was rebuffed or rebuked, you could never say that Dr. McDowell didn’t try to help.  His mission was to pass on the legacy of preaching and pastoring to the next generation.

He was a family man and loved his wife, Sandra, and all of his family members. Jokingly, he stood Sandra up at FBC Frankfort and announced “I just wanted you all to know that this pretty woman belongs to me.”  We all knew that they loved each other deeply and we love them both.

When I preached for him, I was impressed with his hospitality. He was attentive to every detail and I remember remember walking into the basement for the meal and there were tables of food – enough to feed an army. “Rob, get all you want and if you need to take a plate home, we’ll take care of it.”  I remember how loving the church family was and how well my members were treated. It was worth the drive.

At the last session of the Association, Dr. McDowell told some preachers about his experience at FBC. “Man, it was unfair. Houston got up and had all of his young adults to stand, and called them up to the choir stand and they sung that place happy. Then he put me up. It was so unfair.” But what he didn’t tell was that he preached us CRAZY that day and we were so blessed just to be in his presence.

Last night, I called a few pastor friends and one in particular stood out.  He had known Rev. McDowell over 20 years and he broke down on the phone and for several moments just cried and cried and cried. That’s symbolic of how we all have reacted to Pops’ homegoing. This, in the words of “The Godfather” movie, is not business, it’s personal. We loved Dr. McDowell.

One of the pastors reminded me of something last night: “Houston, when you get our age (over 70) you realize that you could go home at any moment.”  It’s very true. It also means that those who loved you also understand that as much as we’d love to have someone around forever and ever – the Lord always has the final word, and we’re all on His timetable. So, as the old saints used to say, “we bow to the will of our Heavenly Father, who is too wise to make a mistake.”

I’m quite sure, without a doubt, that this will be one of the largest preacher funerals in recent memory in Kentucky. Dr. McDowell didn’t pastor a mega church, but he had a mega personality and presence. He did what most pastors do every week – preach, teach, counsel, and lead his people. FBC Utteringtown loved their pastor and he loved them as well.

Services are pending. When they are announced, I’ll update this blog.

by Robert Earl Houston

I spent the first and formative years of my ministry under the wise counsel of my father in the ministry, the late Dr. Arthur Bernard Devers, I at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon. I was called to the ministry in 1977 and preached my first sermon on April 30, 1978.  I was licensed to preach in September 1979 and ordained after serving as co-Interim Pastor in 1984 under the pastorate of Dr. Johnny Pack, IV. I served Pastor Pack and was a charter member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church from 1987 to my first pastoral call in January 1989. I spent my first 10 years of ministry as an Associate Minister.

During those years, I’ve seen gifted associates who went on to have great pastoral ministries. In my own circle, many of the guys of my generation – Pastor George Merriweather, Pastor Raymon H. Edwards, Sr., Pastor Walter M. Brown, Jr., Pastor Roy E. Clay, Sr., Pastor W. Gale Hardy, Jr., Pastor Victor Norris, Pastor Vernon Norris, Pastor C.T. Wells, Pastor Anthony B. Harris, Sr., and others are now pastoring congregations in the Northwest and beyond.

However, I have also seen promising associates, who too were gifted, anointed, and seemed to have the world at their doorstep, who are no longer heard, no longer wanted, and no longer considered for pastoral assignments or even staff positions. They are disgruntled disciples, frustrated prophets, nomadic messengers, and although a call has been placed upon their lives, they have fallen and it’s not that they can’t get up, many of them don’t want to.

I want to offer some suggestions for that angry associate minister before you completely self-destruct:

#1 – DON’T MAKE PASTORAL MINISTRY YOUR ZENITH

There are some 400,000 plus Christian churches in America. However, there are over one million ministers. Which means just by observation alone, that everyone who is called to preach (or decides to preach) is NOT going to pastor. Even those who spend thousands of dollars in seminary training and pastoral majors are not going to wind up pastoring.

I was a Pastoral Theology major at Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah Seminary) in Portland and my pastoral theology prof was the president of the school, the late Dr. Joseph C. Aldrich. And of that class of some 30 of us, I don’t think five of us are pastoring today.

If you make pastoral ministry your ultimate goal and don’t get called to or organize a church, it’s going to eat at your soul. You’ll start getting frustrated when friends get called to churches. You’ll start bubbling with anger when persons with less education or perceived less anointing get churches.  The call of ministry is not always a call to the center chair. That’s an elevation that only God affords. If you make serving your central focus instead of pastoring, you’ll save yourself some time and frustration.

#2 – DON’T BE A STRANGER AT YOUR HOME CHURCH

Admittedly, when I was younger, I was gone a lot. But it wasn’t because I was writing churches and pastors and asking for preaching opportunities. They came after me, by the grace of God. It didn’t happen instantly – about the third year of my ministry, I starting getting invites and opportunities – in Portland, in Seattle, in Tacoma, in Pasco, and then across the country. However, I knew the key – because I was faithful, visible, and supportive at home.

I not only was an associate minister, I was a tither (and still am to this day). Not just a tither, but a giver. Not just a giver, but a supporter. Not just a supporter, but I stuck close to my pastor, supported him as well as I could, and I learned pastoral lessons, just by watching him do his job. There were times when I accompanied him to the hospitals, the nursing homes, the homes of members who just lost loved ones – and then I would go to the office and watch him open the mail.

Also, I learned that a call to ministry means that I need to do some apprentice work.  I taught two classes a week. A sunday school class and a young adult mission class, both the largest in the city with over 125 on roll in both classes. Teaching Sunday School gave me great training for systematic theology.  Teaching that mission class and helping mold a generation of young people taught my pastoral skills that are in use today.

Staying home and boycotting your church with a petulant pout will not hurt your pastor nor your church. You become the loser and like the old saying goes: “out of sight, out of mind.”

# 3 – YOU HAVEN’T ARRIVED YET

I admit I made the mistake. I preached my first sermon in April 1978, and I had business cards made within 60 days. I thought I had “arrived” until I looked down and saw I had one foot still in the starting block.

I am careful to teach my associates (and I’ve done it at four different churches) that the first sermon is a “gimme.”  It’s like the birth of a new baby who then proceeds to cry, open it’s eye and then urinates on you. You don’t complain nor lament because it’s a newborn baby. It’s cute. It’s funny. And babies can make certain sounds and you don’t hold them up to scrutiny because it’s a baby.

An associate who preaches one sermon and then thinks they should, as a pastoral friend of mine says, be called “Doc” or “Bishop” or “Apostle” or tells older ministers, “don’t call me Brother, I’m Reverend or Doctor or Elder” or is seen cutting the lawn with a ministers collar on or wears the colors of a bishop or pastor – is heading for a season of frustration and rejection.

I’ll bet the other apostles called John, “John.”  I’ll bet after the fiery furnace, Shadrach called Abednego, “Abednego.”  The titles, the business cards, the Facebook page, doesn’t make you a preacher. Time, prayer, and an authentic calling makes you a preacher. You cannot duplicate or create that which the Lord alone can create. Ministry is not created at the jeweler, it’s created in the mine shaft where pressure produces uncut diamonds.

# 4 – DON’T DIE IN THE INCUBATOR

This is advice for this generation. My generation didn’t have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Like it or not, this is a digital generation.  25 years ago if you wanted to hear Jasper Williams, Jr. or Donald Parson or C.A.W. Clark or Melvin Von Wade or Gardner Taylor or E.V. Hill, you had to go the conventions, go to the late night service, or travel to their churches to hear them.  Now, they are all a mouse-click away or a swipe of a finger on an iPad. You can sit in Seattle and hear a service live in New York. You can be in England on holiday and hear a preacher in Kentucky.

Social media is wonderful – but learn this – social media kills. What you say, how you say it, and when you say it is not only monitored by your friends, but also church members, pastors, preachers – and pulpit committees and potential members.

I ran across an associate minister (of a church in the south) who decided that he was furious that the Pastor bumped him from preaching due to the appearance of a visiting pastor, to decide to take issue with the decision on Facebook. He reached out to fellow members to “keep me in your prayers as I confront the pastor.”  Needless to say, he was dead before he got started.

In Spike Lee’s Malcolm X movie, Elijah Muhammad is shown admonishing Malcolm about the media. He says “be careful.”  A tweet can change an opinion on a preacher instantly. For example, it’s asinine to tweet in the pulpit: “Damn . . . when will I ever get up to preach? #toodamnlong” when you’re in someone else’s pulpit waiting to preach. It’s suicide to write “I’m so glad I’m not the pastor of this church #cantwaittogetbackhome” when some of the people in the audience may have their twitter account open and read your analysis.

I would suggest to anyone who writes about another congregation or pastor to write positive, uplifting words.  The late Dr. E.K. Bailey told a story about the late Dr. Manuel Scott, who was known for positive words about preachers. You couldn’t get Dr. Scott to say anything negative. One day at the L.K. Williams Institute, a preacher really got off-track in his message and literally preached incorrectly. Bailey and some other preachers ran to Dr. Scott to see what he had to say. Dr. Scott said “he chose a nice text.”

Social media has made faux reporters out of associate preachers. DO NOT TAKE TO SOCIAL MEDIA to complain about your pastor, belittle your church, nor complain about a pastoral decision. If you’re ever in that center chair, you may discover that a decision made was absolutely the right one.

A FINAL WORD

Enjoy being an associate minister. Relish the time. Savor it. Rejoice in it. Because when you become a pastor, and you have the responsibility of a church, and budgets are not just theory but reality, and you discover that popularity is fleeting, and that some people will hate you just because you are the pastor. Enjoy the time now.

Be thankful for your pastor. No pastor is perfect, God knows I’m four vowels short of perfect. However, when he or she has gone away to sleep in the couch of nature’s night, summonsed to leave death into life eternal – you will find out that your pastor, if you have submitted yourself as a son or daughter to him or her – that death will affect you like the death of a parent.  Celebrate your pastor while they have breath in their body. Learn as much as you can. Be content preacher on where the Lord has you in this season. Remember, you’re not validated by your title, you’re validated by your submission to the Lord and your pastor.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME

New Mission Missionary Baptist Church Pastoral Search

New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a biblically educated candidate with a vision for spiritual and membership growth. Experiences in organizational, ministerial and pastoral leadership are needed. Candidate must be a good communicator, teacher and preacher with connections to community members and/or community organizations.  The deadline for resume submissions is October 1, 2013.

Make all inquiries to:

Pastoral Search Committee

New Mission Missionary Baptist Church

2581 N. Baltimore, Indianapolis, In. 46218

NewMissionMBC@gmail.com

Sis. N. M. Hayes – Assistant Church Secretary