From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

by Robert Earl Houston

OK – we’ve all seen them. Church flyers. Whether they are advertisement of an event or celebration or anniversary or a billboard in the sky, if you live long enough in your church, you will either receive or help pass them out. Nowadays with a greater emphasis on graphic artistry, people are creating eye-catching flyers with “bells and whistles.”  I want to review a few basics on church flyers, especially for pastors and graphic artists.

1.  Remember your audience. Putting information in 6 or 8 pt. type font is really difficult to read. Especially if the most important information is found in that section.  Remember that your flyer has the potential to be read or seen by children as young as five and adults as old at 100 plus.

2.  Too much information is too much. Remember that you only are going to get a casual glance at best at a flyer. It may be necessary to drop some superlatives (“This is going to be epic” or “This is your hour” or “Holy-Ghost Filled”). We already have that implied because it’s at your church and every program is not “epic.”

3.  Have your flyer spell-checked. If I see one more flyer that spells church “c-h-r-u-c-h” I’m going to scream! I frequently use a spell-checker and even a sermon proof reader (my wife) because what may be right to my eyeballs may be completely wrong. Make sure that everything looks perfect in spelling.

4.  Don’t forget the basics. On every church flyer the following information should be there: (a) The name and address of the Church; (b) The Pastor’s Name (who would want to accept a dinner invitation if you didn’t know who’s inviting you?); (c) The title of the event; (d) The date, location and time of the event (especially if it’s off-site).

5.  No picture is better than a horrible picture. Make sure to use photographs that look good. Also CROP THEM, especially of a speaker so that their head and just a little portion of the upper body shows. Take out distracting backgrounds as well. But if you don’t have a suitable picture get a graphic (more about that next) and use in it’s place.

6.  Someone asked me where do I get those fancy photos from?  Simple – go to http://images.google.com and there is a plethora of FREE graphics there. Just be judicious when it comes to size and (big no-no) never use a graphic that is watermarked. It means that you didn’t gain copyright of it but there are more than enough out there.

7.  For the internet (especially Facebook) I use (on Photoshop) a photo size of 4″ x 6″ which works great on Facebook. But after I have composed it, I save it using Photoshop’s “Save For Web” future and I cut the size down to 800 picas width and 533 picas tall (which should automatically set).

8.  I recommend (if you refer this project out to a graphic designer) never allowing the graphic designer to put their contact information on your flyer unless you are getting a substantial cut in the costs. I design 95% of everything that we have at our church and I never put “Designed By” on the flyer. It’s a waste of time and space.

9.  I want to say that Photoshop is the bomb. So is InDesign. If you don’t have the money for either of those programs, Photoshop Elements does just as well (minus some of the bells and whistles).

10.  Be careful of putting black or dark print on a dark or black background. If you do so, you want to make sure that you make the original fonts with a stroke (highlighter) that encompasses the entire word or phrase.

11.  Borrow ideas. Nothing is original. Go to http://www.google.com and place a search for “church flyers” or “event flyers” and see what’s out there.

12.  Always use your logo. It’s like the stamp of approval for your ministry. People will begin to identify the logo with the ministry. Don’t have a logo? Get someone to design one for you. I’ve used graphic artists to produce my first basic one and our newer logo.

13.  Less is more. I was in Georgia and saw a billboard for a ministry and they had at least 15 lines of text on the billboard. I was driving 80 and may have finished one line. Make it bold. Make it pop. Make it fast.

14.  Need flyers printed and in a hurry. Here’s my secret: Once you save your completed file, go to http://www.walgreens.com. Check on their photo section. You can upload the photo and have them print the copies on photo paper (glossy pop!) and they do it within 1-2 hours, no matter the size. And they often have sales. So your 4 x 6 photo can be done with 300 copies at a very minimal cost.

Those are just a few helpful hints. I want to share with you some of the flyers that I have designed in the past:

Page 1 of 10 3/1/2014 

SECOND MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 

KOKOMO, IN 

PASTORAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

POSITION OPEN 3/7/2014 UNTIL FILLED 

The Second Missionary Baptist Church was founded and organized in 1887 making it one of the oldest congregations in the city of Kokomo, IN. The membership consists of approximately 273 active members. With the retirement (after 32 years) of our recent Pastor, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Lee, the Pulpit Search Committee is seeking the mind and will of God as we continue our inheritance. Second Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in the Kokomo Community for 126 years. Our new pastor must be responsible for the biblical and spiritual obligations unto God as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Therefore, a candidate must be a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Second Missionary Baptist Church seeks a visionary with strong leadership skills who will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach sound Baptist doctrine, engage in pastoral care, direct Christian growth and development, and promote missions and the Great Commission for expanding the Kingdom of God. The pastor is also responsible for the overall leadership of the day-to-day operations of the church, services, membership and the wider community through evangelism and edification. Page 2 of 10 3/1/2014 

LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR PASTORAL CANDIDATES 

1. Candidate must have at least five years Baptist Church pastoral experience 

A. Licensed and Ordained Baptist Minister 

2. Earned accredited degree is required; a minimum Bachelors of Theology/Divinity Degree and secular preferred from an accredited institution 

3. Must have a clear understanding of Baptist Church Doctrine 

A. Provide a balanced overview of the whole counsel of God 

B. Deal with Doctrinal issues that may need particular attention 

C. Apply biblical principles to moral, ethical and political issues 

D. Ensure that encouragement, reproof and correction are in balance 

E. Conduct baptisms and oversee membership 

F. Give opportunity for people to respond to gospel message/accept Christ 

G. Administer/conduct the Lord’s Supper 

4. Love and Ability to Preach and Teach God’s Word 

A. The ability to prepare and deliver biblically sound, inspirational and spirit filled sermons 

B. The ability to provide biblical based teaching 

C. Preach Sunday Worship Services (8:00am and 11:00am) and Mid-Week Service 

D. Teach Bible study 

E. Strong supporter of the Ministry of Christian Education 

5. Strong in Evangelism 

A. Disciple, equip and teach the congregation to train believers in the basics of the Christian life so that they may be assimilated into the congregation, grow and reproduce in order to impact their homes, church and community 

B. Disciple new believers 

C. Provide leadership development opportunities 

D. Equip congregation to disciple others 

E. Train, organize and lead members to do visitation of and witnessing to unsaved persons 

F. Set example in cultivating unsaved persons 

G. Lead church in planning regular outreach/revival emphasis 

H. Provide advice and supportive resources to the wider community 

I. Minister and visitation to ill and bereaved members 

6. Love for God and People 

A. Must be a born again baptized believer in Jesus Christ 

B. Lead members to trust and love God so that they desire to serve Him 

C. Lead the members to love one another and their neighbors 

D. Encourage stewardship, missions support and tithing 

Page 3 of 10 3/1/2014 

7. Be Innovative to Move Forward 

A. Establish a vision and develop a strategic plan for the church 

B. Create an outreach vision that is both Local and Foreign Mission oriented 

C. Develop and implement a strategic plan for healthy church growth, membership growth, financial growth and facility growth 

8. Strong Knowledge of the Bible 

A. Skilled in biblical teaching 

9. Demonstrated Community Involvement 

A. Lead the congregation in planning, conducting and evaluating its local, national and worldwide missions 

B. Willing to support and participate in Local, State and National Conventions and Congresses 

C. Maintain contact with all church supported missions 

10. Diversity Minded 

A. Develop a long range plan for Pulpit Ministry, disciplining and equipping, and community outreach 

B. Have a vision for growing church membership that is both educated in the word of God and strong in relationship with Christ, particularly a vision, commitment and experience for increasing the numbers and spiritual development of youth, young adults and adults in the congregation 

11. Able to keep confidentiality 

A. Counseling troubled people and those in need 

B. Spiritual counseling of church members 

C. Moral integrity must be above reproach 

12. Conflict Resolution 

A. Ensure that prayer has a prominent place both in the church and personal lives 

B. Work with the Deacons in maintaining a spiritually healthy church 

C. Lead church to develop policies that would help members participate in an orderly and deliberate manner 

13. Demonstrated Spirit of Unity 

A. Oversee worship service in collaboration with the Music Ministry 

B. Consistently connect with deacons, minsters, colleagues and resource persons 

C. Provide leadership/workshop development opportunities 

14. Pastor selected must reside or be willing to relocate to Kokomo, Indiana 

15. Be Mission Minded 

A. Leading the congregation in planning, conducting and evaluating its Local, State, National and Worldwide Missions 

B. Actively support Domestic and Foreign Missions 

C. Offer advice on use of mission and benevolence funds 

Page 4 of 10 3/1/2014 

The successful candidate must possess at a minimum the following personal qualities and skills:

 Leadership skills

 Excellent speaker

 Teaching skills

 Humility

 Intelligent

 Dedicated and driven

 Visionary

 Preaching style that provides practical and clear application where the scriptural text provides the meaning

 Mission Minded

How to Apply:

All interested and qualified persons must submit an initial candidate package consisting of the following documentation:

 Completed Second Missionary Baptist Church job application (included)

 Current resume

 Cover letter

 Copy of ministerial license and ordination certificate

 Copy of degree(s)

 Four recommendation letters – clergy, professional, personal (at least 2 from clergy)

 Provide current photo of yourself

 Provide DVD/CD of recent sermon

All information submitted will be treated confidential. Additional information may be requested and/or required.

FINAL CANDIDATES MUST CONSENT TO: REFERENCE CHECKS, AND EDUCATION/CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION, A CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK, A DRUG TEST, AND A CREDIT AND FINANCIAL HISTORY REVIEW. 

Send application and documents to:

Second Missionary Baptist Church

Attn: Pastoral Search Committee

PO Box 739

Kokomo, IN 46903-0739

or email application and documents to:

smbcpulpit@yahoo.com Page 5 of 10 3/1/2014 

SECOND MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH PASTOR APPLICATION FORM 

PERSONAL INFORMATION DATE: _____________________________

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________

Present address: _________________________________________________________________________

How long: ____________________________ Birth Date: ___________________________________

Telephone: Home ( ) Business ( ) Cell ( ) _____

Email address: Personal website address (if available): __________________

lf hired, can you present proof of your legal right to live and work in this country? YES NO N/A

Number of years lived in the U.S. ____________

Marital Status: Married Separated Divorced Widowed Single

lf Married, Name of Spouse:_________________________________________________________________

ls this your first Spouse? YES NO

Names and Ages of Children:

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you ordained: YES NO Date and Place of Ordination: ___________________________________

Denomination: ___________________________________________________________________________

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

The Pulpit Search Committee, representing the membership of Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan

is seeking a new Pastor. Our former Pastor, the Reverend Mark J. Lyons, has been promoted by God to his next

ministerial assignment. The Pulpit Search Committee, along with the entire congregation, has been diligently

seeking the Lord and exercising spiritual discipline, as we position ourselves to call our next Pastor.

Second Baptist Church has been faithfully shepherded since our establishment in 1865. We have humbly

examined the scriptures for the attributes that God considers important in an overseer. The qualities that God

revealed the individual would embody are expressed in 1Tim 3:1-7, Acts 20:28, Titus 1:5-9 and Galatians

5:22-23a.

We are excited about this season of new blessings and look forward to welcoming the individual whom God has

predestinated to lead us to the next level of Kingdom life.

Yours In Christ,

Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor Pulpit Search Committee

Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor

850 Red Oak, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Phone: 734.663.9369 Fax: 734.663.9323

http://www.sbcannarbor.com

The Context 

From the beginning, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (www.fellowshipmb.org) has been dedicated and committed to fostering and experiencing a sense of fellowship, thus the name. This connectedness and relationality can be observed and experienced in many different settings.

FMBC has been in existence for 21 years and holds affiliation with both the American Baptist Church and National Baptist Church conferences, FMBC at its core is theologically Baptist. Yet, it has embraced a unique governance structure. The congregation is led and overseen by three leadership bodies: the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Christian Education. While sometimes cumbersome to navigate, this ‘tri-cameral’ structure creates wonderful opportunity for members to utilize their gifts in leadership and ensures that the congregation is represented in direction-setting and decision-making.

North Minneapolis, where FMBC is located, is a community growing in its diversity, yet predominately African-American it has a unique history, a strong sense of self, and a growing hope and optimism. Yet, within itself there exists a community marked by cultural transition, persistent poverty, ambiguous economic prospects, a devastated housing market, and a languishing educational system. As of late, the tide has begun to shift. New collaborations are emerging, public resources are better focused into the region and groups across sectors are working to revitalize this once strong neighborhood.

The Need 

With an annual budget of $1.2m, generous giving and significant participation in leadership and ministry by the members, ‘the engine’ that is FMBC, is well-built and ready to go. Because of a current lack of clarity, identity and direction, FMBC needs the ‘spark plugs tuned’ and ‘new fuel’ to reclaim its identity and fulfil the original mission with a new shared vision, strategic direction and call to action. FMBC is a church with a dream hidden in the hearts and minds of its people waiting to be awakened and sparked. The people are expectant and guardedly hopeful as they prepare for and await the next Senior Pastor. This will require a visionary shepherd/leader that is relationally savvy and able to work collaboratively. This shepherd/leader will capture the hearts and

minds of all ages and inspire the members into a deeper following of Christ and utilization of their talents, time and financial resources for more significant community impact.

The Opportunity 

The next Senior Pastor of FMBC will lead the church and its members from the current reality into regained momentum, a new era of deepened discipleship and missional outreach and anywhere else God might lead FMBC. This person will engender trust by walking the talk of the Gospel message, consistently demonstrating a deep relationship with Christ as first and foremost the spiritually strong leader of the congregation. He/She will be able to bring people together, building bridges relationally, listening well and seeking to deeply understand the perspectives and needs of those who call FMBC home. The Senior Pastor will work collegially with leaders, staff and lay ministers getting everyone on the same page and then empower others for mission and ministry.

The Senior Pastor at FMBC is the one who casts the vision, but this is not done in isolation from the input and wisdom of the boards and congregation. They will be able to thrive in a complex culture by being able to hold, sometimes competing priorities, and multiple forces, in balance while seeking to identify the consistent voice. Part of what this means is honoring the traditional elements of FMBC and transforming them into more progressive and fresh expressions.

Qualifications 

Meets and satisfies the Biblical mandates as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 (Women are not excluded)

Significant years of experience leading a congregation of 500 members or more

Masters degree required (preferably a Masters of Divinity from an accredited university or seminary)

Holding current ordination from a Baptist body

If you know someone who would be a good fit for this role, please reply to: 

Rick Heltne 

Senior Search Consultant-SIMA Minneapolis 

rheltne@simainternational.com

by Robert Earl Houston

This is not going to be pretty.

This afternoon me and a few members of my church went to see the movie Noah. I had heard about the box office success it was enjoying and the counterweight – that the film’s director was an atheist, etc. So I decided to give it a try and draw my own conclusions.

It was horrible.

First, most people have a scattering of a notion of the real story. God has pronounced judgement upon the earth, He selects Noah and his family to survive the flooding of the earth. The Lord sends animals into the Ark, both male and female, of all living creatures. Noah and his family (including their sons) survive. Upon landing on shore, Noah gets drunk and his nakedness is seen by his son Ham while his other sons walk backwards to cover their father’s nakedness.

This cinematic train wreck is flawed in many of the major details:

1.  Why are all the characters talking in King James english? Russell Crowe and the cast all talk in their native tongues, but it is distracting and it’s almost a ploy to make it seem more biblical if it were written in old english.

2.  Maybe I’m weak on my Bible knowledge, but I don’t recall God sending angels to the earth and they become rock creatures. The last time I saw a rock creature was in “Galaxy Quest” and they were more believable because they didn’t talk. These “creatures” talk gibberish and it doesn’t make sense that when they die they go back to heaven in a beam of light.

3.  I don’t remember Ham’s contempt for his father. Neither did Ham meet a women in one scene and then they were star-crossed lovers. Also, Noah cursed him after he discovered his father’s nakedness. This was like watching a bad father-son movie.

4.  Noah’s wife did a lot of talking especially in a culture that did not allowed that (early centuries).

5.  What really bugged me was the casting of Russell Crowe. He was more Maximus than Noah. His makeup and haircuts were distracting. He paces back and forth in the Ark (planning to kill his grandchildren – which made no sense whatsoever) like he’s about to enter the Gladiator ring and then at the end of the movie he’s mentally imbalanced. So let me get this right, according to the movie, Noah figured that God wanted to save the animals but not human beings? So, why didn’t the Lord use animals to build the ark instead of the rock creatures???

6.  There was a theme that somehow his grandfather and himself carried the Harry Potter gene and had superpowers, i.e. like the Heroes TV show from years ago. I don’t recall Methuselah was ever known for anything and that he had a berry fetish.

7. I’m surprised and maybe I wasn’t notified – but if this all occurred in the fertile crescent of the Middle East, it was a pretty pale cast. I don’t recall seeing one dark or darker face. It looked like the flood happened in Europe – but I do think that the after-flood scenes were partially filmed on the Oregon coast.

8.  The special effects were better than the film. The film director envisioned that the animals loaded up on the ark and went into some kind of instant hibernation, which was weird because they were in hibernation throughout the ship and Noah asks his son, “Did you wake them?”  Huh????

9.  A stowaway on the ark and it’s Tubal-cain? I was an active 32nd Degree Mason and when I heard him say he was a king, my memory reminded me that he was a mason who specialized in metalworks. He was never a king and didn’t have kingly aspirations or lead an army.

Bottom line – if you’re going, you need to have your theological stance straightened out before you walk in the door. You won’t hear the name “God” or “Jehovah” and it differs so much from the written text that you’ll wind up doing what several couples did around me – present a running critique of the movie as it was playing.

I hope Hollywood doesn’t think that just because we’re Christians that we’ll swallow whatever they present to us and support it. This is one movie I recommend NOT SEEING.

by Robert Earl Houston

You ever looked at your calendar, pastor? Looked at all of the events, the Revivals, the Annual Days, the Conventions, the Conferences, the Continuing Education events . . . only to discover you don’t have any time to live?

I’m in the process of deleting some events from my calendar for a very good reason – I need some time to enjoy life. I’m 53 years old, a husband, a father, a pastor of a thriving congregation, a State President, Chairman of a Publishing Board for our state General Association, a board member of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, member of the Frankfort/Franklin County Ministerial Association, and on and on and on.

I discovered three things:

# 1 – Things Will Go On Without You

At 53, I’m not trying to make a name. I think that’s already been done by history. I’ve pastored 4 churches, held positions, preached, played, sang, read scripture, counted money, and done whatever has been asked of me denominationally. I’m at the point now where notoriety is no longer sought out.

When I was at Dr. Timothy James Winters’ funeral, several of the pastors there asked me for my business card and I reached into my pocket, and there weren’t any there. I brought them with me, but it wasn’t a high priority item – I came there to mourn my friend’s death and celebrate his entrance into eternal life.

Life will show you that it goes on without you. Every group I’ve ever been a part of has continued to thrive. Every convention that I have worked for is still doing the work of the Kingdom. Even a break, brother pastor, will show you that.

#2 – There is a Generational Shift

At 53, me and many others in our 50s are hurriedly moving into the category of “sages.” Many years ago, Dr. Asa W. Sampson, Sr. of Houston, TX brought me to Houston to preach and he showed me the area of Houston where, then, many of the successful pastors in Houston lived at – It was on a street called “Sage Trail.”

The progression goes from young preacher, to pastor, to senior (whether it’s seniority or job title) to sage. The purpose of a sage is to be a resource to young pastors who are coming behind you in ministry. Of a truth, many of the preachers that I hang out with now are younger, who seek out my fellowship, advice, and sometimes ask for very blunt assessments – like many of us did 20 years ago.

Frankly, some of us who’ve been around for years and years need to move out of the way in conventions and let the younger guys give leadership. One thing that the early PNBC fathers did were to allow some brash 30 and 40 year olds give leadership to the group – men like J. Alfred Smith, Sr., Ralph W. Canty, and others. Fresh minds are not a threat to me at this age.

#3 – There’s No Place Like Home

As many of us know, being on the road can be burdensome and tiring. In my 20s and 30s – no a problem, but as I mature, I don’t want to spend 30-40 weeks on the road. It’s not healthy for any pastor to be gone so much that when he preaches on Sunday, his congregation treats him like a guest preacher instead of their pastor.

At this point, relationships with my members is more important than ever. Ministering to my wife and family, as they become older and start making the procession to the grave, is now more important than ever. A few weeks ago I went home to see my Mother and her caregiver dressed her “church style” and my family members took pictures together, thanks to a family friend.  I stepped out of the living room and into the kitchen where my aunt was and shed some tears – because I didn’t know if this was going to be the last time I would see mom alive or not.

Relationships with my wife, our extended family are now more important than ever. My church knows (I pray) that their pastor loves them very, very much. It’s been a great 5 years with this congregation and looking forward to many more – but I’m doing some things now to make myself available to them, because again, relationship are now more important than ever.

Suggestions:

1.  Travel. Not to places you’ve always gone to, but create a memory by going to new places.

2.  Try new food. I try to make a habit of checking out local restaurants. I don’t do breakfast at Denny’s in Los Angeles, because they’re everywhere – so I’ll try Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, because I can’t get that here.

3.  Try some new hobbies. In a few days, I’m going to take up two hobbies – one is playing a guitar. My father was a bass guitar player and one of the things I wanted to do in High School, but never followed through on, was playing a bass. I love acoustic jazz music and I can’t wait to learn how to play a guitar.

4.  Enjoy life. I’m on a second week of not eating processed sugar or adding it to my diet and so far it’s been great – face is “thinning out” (I’m almost back to one chin – LOL) and waist line is getting smaller. Food tastes differently, sleep is better (I try not to eat after sunset), and I have not more energy, but better energy.

Because, you only live (here) once.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

by Robert Earl Houston

The acknowledged “Godfather” of expository preaching among African-American preachers was called home to be with the Lord today, April 9, 2014 – the Reverend Dr. Albert Louis Patterson, Jr., pastor of the Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church of Houston, Texas.

I met Dr. Patterson when I was a much younger man when he would preach in Revival in Portland, Oregon. To say Dr. Patterson was one of a kind is a misnomer because generations of preachers have since imitated and emulated their preaching preaching after Dr. Patterson.

He wasn’t just an expository preacher. He was a preaching lyricist of the highest order. To hear Dr. Patterson was to hear gumbo-listic preaching – he hit you with the text, oratory, poetry, interrogative statements (“I ask myself each day, Al Patterson are you….”), engagement, tenacity for the truths of the text, humor and truth. You would leave a preaching moment with Dr. Patterson in awe.

Later in life, in my 20s, I had the privilege to be selected to be a facilitator for a class at the L.K. Williams Institute and the speaker was none other than Dr. Patterson. Those moments before and after the class were priceless. I was the only one there from Portland and I hadn’t been pastoring yet and Dr. Patterson’s syllabus was not the notes he passed out, but the words he spoke.

Years later, our paths crossed at least once a year at WHW Ministries’ Expository Preaching and Teaching Conference, the L.K. Williams Institute, the E.K. Bailey Expository International Expository Preaching Conference, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the Greater Trinity Baptist Church where one of his beloved sons in the faith, Dr. Clyde Elliott Gaines is the pastor.

At that time in San Diego, I was pastoring the New Hope Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Dr. Patterson came every year and as his time came to stand, he was always complimentary of yours truly. “Pastor Houston is what we would call a quadruple threat . . . he can sing, tickle the ivories of the piano and organ, pray, and can preach.” I always valued his complimentary nature and you could tell he was not being just polite and he never passed out complimentary comments that were not true.

“Dr. Pat” as many of us call him sent young preachers flocking to the front row. He was a living example that you didn’t need a whoop, didn’t need the accompaniment of musicians, didn’t need a soulful strut in your voice, and you didn’t need a fancy suit to preach. He didn’t just closed but it was celebratory. He didn’t try to whoop but it was like lion’s roar. And the favorite of many a preacher (including me) was when he began to gear into his close he had almost a “crying close” when he would drop to the bass of his range, “…. and I—- don’t know how long it will be . . .” That was the Patterson moment I waited for in the sermon.

He leaves a plethora of preachers whom he has influenced. From the way we wore our suits (always black suits, tie, and extra long shirt cuffs), to an attentive ear during the sermon and an infectious smile. He wasn’t just a preacher, he was THE TEMPLATE for preachers.

He was a preacher, pastor, theologian, husband and a father of preachers. His traveling companion was his beloved wife, Melba and he had three children – Anthony, Albert III, Alan, and Alette.

A few highlights from his storied career:

- Recognized three times by his peers as a “Living Legend.”
- Taught and preached at the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
- Lectured for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
- Lectured for the Promise Keepers.
- Lectured for the Preachers Division, National Baptist Congress.
- Named by Ebony as one of America’s Greatest Black Preachers.
- Inducted into the Morehouse College Hall of Preachers.
- Pastored congregations in California and Texas.
- Author of three books, “Joy For the Journey,” “Wisdom in Strange Places,” and “Prerequisites for a Good Journey.”
- Lecturer, The Urban Alternative.
- Lecturer, American Baptist College, Nashville, TN.
- Lecturer, Mid-American Theological Seminary.
- Presenter in all four National Baptist conventions.
- Guest preacher in 14 State Conventions.
- Conductor of 25 different cities’ City Wide Revival.
- Lecturer, Morehouse College of Religion.
- Writer for Judson Press.
- Writer for the African-American Pulpit.
- Preacher of over 100 sermons and lecturers in the National Baptist Convention.

There will never be another Albert Louis Patterson, Jr.  As he would close sometimes, “When I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies, I bid farewell to every fear, and wipe my weeping eyes . . .”

Well done, Dr. Patterson, well done.

YOUR COMMENTS WELCOMED

Good morning everyone. I spoke with the Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church staff and the services are as follows:

April 17, 2014

All services held at
Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church
4901 Providence Street
Houston, Texas 77020
(713) 674-5667 – Church Office
(713) 674-9914 – Church Fax

View begins at 8:30 a.m. CST
Seating begins at 10:00 a.m. CST
Services begin at 11:00 a.m. CST

This information may be subject to change by the discretion of the family.

Preachers . . . lend me your ears.

Let’s start a social media campaign to honor the life and legacy of the late Dr. Albert Louis Patterson, Jr., who went home to be with the Lord.

I’m hoping we can get at least 2,000 preachers and laypersons to honor Dr. Patterson, one of the greatest pulpiteer of this generation, by simply placing his photograph as your profile picture on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets, until his homegoing service on Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Below is a picture you can use or use any other photos of Dr. Patterson. We want the nation and world to know that a great (preaching) man of Israel (the Word of God) hath fallen.

+Pastor Robert Earl Houston
Frankfort, Kentucky

by Robert Earl Houston

Why aren’t I excited?

In the history of African-American baptists this is the closest thing to a Super Bowl – the changing of the guard in all four major conventions within a short period of time.

This year, there are contested elections in the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. International. Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. will be electing a new chieftain, apparently without any opposition. And the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America will soon begin their process of elections within the next few months.

I should be giddy; I should be interested and involved; I should be watching with great interest.

So, why aren’t I excited?

I’ve come to the conclusion that the paradigm of our National Conventions are in great need of prayerful examination. Little has changed since the historic NBC/NBCA split of 1915. Basically the same structures are in place: There are women missionary unions (which are dying all over the country in favor of “women ministries” or localized names for ministries for the women); Most churches have some type of men’s work, but on a national level, it’s dying. Oddly, the largest auxiliaries in most of our churches, music ministry, are largely ignored in most of the conventions.

In most of the conventions, the Presidency is held by, what I believe, are godly men who love the Lord. However, they are shepherding conventions that are not stuck because of the infusion of new leadership, they are stuck because the constituency is just not there.

Let’s look at it. In order to be a participating member, the average convention will ask for at least $1,000 of annual representation. However, to get to the convention, with airfare ridiculously high and hotels that are making major profits for a room that, if you go to the convention to be active as a delegate you won’t spend more than 8 hours in the room. If the room is $200 per night, that means you are paying $25 per hour to stay in that said room (8 hours) – or consider it like this – you are paying the hotelier $8.50 per hour NOT to stay in your room.

Airfares are ridiculously high. All of the national conventions are losing members in the Western United States because of the $500-$800 round trip airfare to fly from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Orange County, etc. to go to the Midwest and Southern United States where most of our national meetings are held.

Many pastors struggle with asking a congregation to send them to the convention under these uncertain financial times.  In this age of technology, is there really a need for a “Board Meeting?”  In these times, is it really necessary to conduct business like we’re stuck in 1915. Why do we need a board of over 50 people to decide the work of a convention? Why is it that when you come to a convention you’ll hear either preachers who are not affiliated with your convention (which means there is a loss of support) or it’s the same one or two preachers who preach every year?

I told a joke once about a Board Meeting where a national president was presiding to make out a program. He said, “XYZ, do you want to preach?” the minister responded: “Yes sir, brother president.” “ABC, do you want to preach?” the minister responded: “Yes sir, brother president.” “DEF, do you want to preach?” the minister responded: “Yes sir, brother president.” “All right, we have made out our program, the Lord is pleased.”

I’m not sure.

What has happened to our conventions? I think we need to look at a few things:

a.  Conferences are killing the conventions. Whether it’s a preaching conference or a family conference (i.e., MegaFest) – they are now being populated by the same folk that used to go to National Baptist Conventions. I went to the Pastors’ Conference sponsored by Bishop T.D. Jakes, and I ran into so many PNBC, NMBCA, NBCA, and NBCUSA pastors, that I’ve served with for years. The same is to be said of the preaching conferences that EQUIP pastors to do their most vital task – preach the word.

b.  Conventions are no longer THE PLACE to hear great, challenging preaching. Before the advent of YouTube, you HAD TO go to the Conventions to hear the best in black preaching. Very few ministers were on or could afford national TV exposure in that day – so if you wanted to hear Caeser A.W. Clark, E.K. Bailey, E. Edward Jones, Stephen Thurston, Melvin Wade, P.S. Wilkerson, John H. Jackson, Gardner Taylor, and others – you had to go to the Conventions. But now, I can hear Freddie Haynes in the privacy of my church office. I can hear Paul Sylvester Morton while I’m flying on an airplane. I can hear Charles Booth via CD or DVD. Our greatest preachers are not being heard when you come to the Convention. Why is that???

c.  Conventions are burning out those who support it. I’ve been in conventions since my pastor, the late Dr. A. Bernard Devers, MADE ME go to the Convention and I went to NBCA meetings in Denver and San Francisco. I’ve had the privilege of working on the staff of several national presidents and conventions. Even on a conference or two. But you begin to notice something: the workers aren’t coming back.  When I grew up in NBCA, the Secretaries served for 20, 30, 40 years. The staff rarely, if ever, changed. Younger pastors manned the Secretary tables or were brought along and mentored in areas of the convention that interested them. But now, there is such a change because new presidents supply new staffers – and the old staffers stay home.

d.  This is going to be painful – but we don’t need all of these Conventions and Congresses. We really don’t. We have, as of this writing, four major Black African-American Baptist Conventions, not counting those who are in Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, the Global United Fellowship, Free Will Baptists, etc. We are stretched way too thin. By the time you have a District Association and Congress/Institute, a State Convention and Congress/Institute, a Regional Convention and Congress/Institute, a National Convention and Congress/Institute – you have financially tapped out your resources by giving to EIGHT DIFFERENT GROUPS. Most churches are cutting back or eliminating their participation not because they don’t recognize the historical significance of the convention, but literally the toll financially is too high.

e.  The Presidential elections are depressing instead of exciting. I was from an era when Presidents rarely changed. It provided stability. However, there is, in my opinion, a spirit of rebellion that has permeated our elections. If Candidate A wins, Candidate B and all of his people stop supporting. It’s like winning a boxing match, but you lose some of your teeth and your eye. You can still function, but not look you could have. The personal attacks on leaders is so out of bounds. Run for the office, not trying to kill the person in office with slander and innuendo. This era of suggestion, innuendo . . . The Tea Party could be given a run for it’s money by how we conduct elections. Someone once said it takes about $100,000.00 to run for President of a convention. I don’t mind an election, as long as we remember that we’re brothers and sisters from the same cloth.

So what can be done to engender my enthusiasm or the enthusiasm of those like me? I’m not sure. But in economic times like these, some consolidation should be on the table. The world will not end if a Board Meeting were cancelled. The world would not end if two conventions could reunite (my personal plea for this would be the National Baptist Convention of America and National Missionary Baptist Convention). The world will not end if we pooled our resources for a named objective (i.e., Resurrection of Bishop College). The world will not end if we could look at the dias and see Vice Presidents or Presidents under 60 years old or General Secretaries in their 30s and 40s. The world will not end if we took advantage of the rapidly changing technologies and instead of going to the convention, let the convention come to you.

The world will not end if all of the conventions gave directly to Lott Carey and let that group manage our monies for missions. The world will not end if a Board of Directors were only 7 people strong instead of 100 people weak. The world will not end if the Pastor’s Conference went from preaching at me to teaching me techniques of how to preach when I get home. The world not end if we stop the parade of vendors who tell trinkets and bring in vendors who sell resources.

The world will not end if the Conventions went regionals and held group meetings every 2 or 4 years nationally. The world will not end if the Convention elected a Chief Operating Officer or some one well versed in Administration to run the conventions between meetings. The world will not end if a Convention made a bold move and held its annual session or board meeting on a cruise ship . The world would not end if it was completely electronic and we dispensed with the lanyards in favor of wrist bands. The world will not end if the President doesn’t speak every year. The world will not end if the Convention reached out to the West Coast and the Northeast Coast, instead of ignoring them. The world will not end if the Convention hired several psychologists and counselors and created a “safe space” for pastors and/or their wives to go for some type of private counseling.

Oh well, I could dream . . .

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

by Robert Earl Houston

WHITESTOWN, INDIANA – Ever had days that ran by so quickly that you didn’t have a chance to sit down and soak it all in? Well, I’m at a Starbuck’s Coffee, with my laptop and my Caffe Mocha Venti with an extra-shop and a small slice of Cinnamon swirl coffee cake . . . just to relax for a moment. Several events have occurred in the last few days, so allow me to respond:

First, I want to thank the Lord for the celebration of 5 years as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky. I still can’t believe I’ve been in Frankfort for such a period of time. It feels like that Jessica and I just moved to Frankfort recently and I hope I never lose that feeling of awe and wonder. The Anniversary Committee went over and beyond the call of duty and I want to thank them for all of their efforts. It was flawless and a sign that a good plan always works. To be honest, the most nervous feelings I encountered was during the Roast of the Pastor at the 5th Anniversary Gala. I’m not a big one on criticism, but the jokes – the loving jokes – were funny and brought me to tears on a few occasions. Some of the best lines: “Pastor is also a weatherman. By the time you get home from morning worship, he’s already cancelled worship for next week because of weather . . . I don’t know why he cancels during a tornado warning, the church has a basement, I don’t . . . Pastor was searching for somebody for a whole year – he searched and low, still couldn’t find no body. He sang that song for one year . . . I love and respect my pastor. He’s a great man of God and I could never say anything about my pastor, BUT —-.  It was great evening and the love and support of those in attendance was genuine and heartfelt. On Sunday my dear friend, Pastor Daniel Corrie Shull and my pastor, Pastor Barton Elliott Harris (coincidentally, both Fisk graduates) were our guest speakers for the day. To Go be the glory . . .

Second, I was appalled as most of the country about the revelations of the taped personal remarks of Donald Sterling, the now banned for life, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. The new NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, took a strong, pro-reason, ethical stance in his suspension of Mr. Sterling. What was interesting to me was to hear political pundits on the right try to equate Mr. Sterling’s behavior with some of the questionable behavior of star athletes. That is an apples and oranges discussion. The issue was never on employees – it was their employer/owner, who is held to a higher standards than the player. It seems that whenever “one of their own” (Republicans) are under scrutiny or attack, they run out to find a counterbalance. This issue was pretty straight forward and the team will certainly be sold/disbanded (if Mr. Sterling puts up a fight). Personally, I would like to see the league relocate the franchise to either San Diego/Orange County or Seattle, with a new name and new ownership.

Third, my Portland Trailblazers are looking incredible. Portland has not had a time this exciting in years. The franchise has been to the playoffs 30 times, but only in 1977 did the team go all the way and win the championship. (I remember the city-wide celebration and school being cancelled that day for the celebration). Coincidentally as we celebrate these Blazers, the coach of the championship season, Dr. Jack Ramsey, passed away of cancer. This group of athletes are amazing and I’m hoping that they go all the way to the championship game. Rip City!

Fourth, I just completed my participation in the 54th Annual Simultaneous Revival in Gary, Indiana. I’ve been the local guest of my friend, Pastor Marlon Mack and the Sweet Home Baptist Church the past few years, and serving with the evening lecturer, Pastor Todd Bankert. This year was unlike the previous ones, in my opinion, and it was a well run Simultaneous and the lineup of preachers had a feel of a National Convention, especially since two of the evangelists are also candidates for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. I had the privilege of preaching Tuesday morning for the mass Breakfast setting and the Lord was KIND.

Five, the weather has been something else of late. There is a severe drought in the West (go figure, right next to the ocean), the north (Chicago area) is cold (it was around 40 this morning), the southwest is under inches of water due to historic flooding, and the midwest is under the threat and has been hit by tornadoes. I have never seen weather like this in my lifetime – when May feels like October. Very strange indeed.

Well, that’s enough. Back to my Caffe Mocha. Be blessed!

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME!

by Robert Earl Houston

I am a Star Trek fan. Been one since the days of the original Star Trek – Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, Lt. Uhura, Dr. McCoy, Lt. Commander Scott, Ensign Chekov, and Lt. Sulu.  That show gave us a glimpse into the future. It was a hopeful and optimistic view of the future.

I noticed something in watching some recent episodes. The crew kept on their paraphernalia when they were on duty. Most of them had hand communicators but a couple of them, Lt. Uhura and Mr. Spock in particular wore wireless communicators that were placed on the ear and in the ear canal. 

Sounds a lot like today’s wireless bluetooth headphones. In many states, it is now illegal to operate a cell phone while driving an automobile. So many of our cars are now equipped with wireless bluetooth speakers and microphones built within the car. It’s an amazing technological marvel.

But I am wondering something – brother and sister in ministry – are we so connected that we can’t do without a cell phone connection for even a few minutes? I’ve been to churches, associations, conventions, conferences, and for some odd reason some of us sit in worship, sit in the pulpit, in some cases participate in the pulpit worship service, and now in some cases, preach while connected to a cell phone, with a “communicator” hanging out of the ear.

Are we really that busy? If we tell our people to do, as the song says, “Just forget about yourself and concentrate on Him, and worship Him . . .” Is it not reasonable to sing that song while you’re still connected by earpiece or worst yet, continually texting others not about the worship, but other things not related to worship.

The Presidents of the United States of America, to my memory, have never used, in public during events and speeches, ear pieces. And I know that we have a calling from on high – but I don’t believe any of us are connected to the Heavenlies via phone.

To me, it is disturbing to see the “worship leader” or “the minister in charge” with a bluetooth device clinched against their ear. It is disturbing to watch a minister’s voice get louder because he or she’s volume is diminished because of the bluetooth device covering one ear completely.  It almost looks like a later iteration of Star Trek – the Borg.  It says to me that either I don’t have your full attention or that God doesn’t have your full attention.

I think the time has come that we need to just step back, take a deep breath, and disconnect. Even if it’s just for an hour – from all that would remove our attention from the Lord. Can you imagine seeing your minister or yourself communicate the truths of the Word of God and then all of a sudden a telephone call comes in and he or she stops the sermon to talk with Cousin June-Bug? It sounds laughable but I’ve seen ministers with ear pieces inserted get a phone call and fumble with their cell phones to turn it off.

A few moments of silence and concentration may produce a view of something that we may be missing – the Glory of God.

A last comment: the night that First Baptist Church of Frankfort, KY called me, I was in a funeral service with my pastor in Nashville, Tennessee. The phone was on vibrate and my pastor looked at me and said “Don’t do it. It will wait until after service.” He was absolutely right. Although the phone message was important, my ministry to a family that was bereaved outweighed my personal desire to be “connected” via the phone.

In the words of the late Dr. T.L. Lewis – “A word to the wise is sufficient . . .”

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

by Robert Earl Houston

In just a few hours, Lord willing, I will be celebrating my 54th birthday. It seems like the time has just raced by so swiftly. I don’t feel 54, whatever it’s supposed to feel like, but I’m celebrating 54. Ironically, it will be one year from the day that I received the diagnosis that I had cancer (melanoma) or as my brother, Dr. Bernard J. Sutton rephrased it “an infirmity.”

Much has happened over the course of my life. Unfortunately very few people can look back over their life and say “I’ve never had a problem or trouble or heartaches or pain” – I number in the former and not the latter. Life has not been a “crystal stair,” it’s been like a mountain railroad. There are ten things that I’ve learned on this journey that I want to share with you:

1.  God will provide. I have gone through the “had it all” and “lost it all” stage. In the midst of that turbulent season of storms, when I talked to the Lord after crying, sitting in an empty apartment with no furniture what to speak of and only the clothes on my back, God said (and I heard Him audibly say) “trust me.” I did not realize that what I thought was a mine field, God was using it as basic training for me to prepare for the next season in my life. In this season, it has been the most loving, rewarding and fulfilling season in my life, thanks to The Provider.

2.  Loved Ones start transitioning. I cannot remember a period in my life where death has been invading the ranks of those I have loved, admired, celebrated and fellowshipped with. In this recent season, I’ve seen my father in the ministry, my father-in-law, two dear brothers of ministry, mentors, friends, church members and those who poured into my life leave from these shores to a home “over there.” In my middle 50s, I suspect I will see many of those who mean much to me leave from here. But thankfully most of those in that list are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. In the words of a friend, “people are dying now who have never died before.”

3.  Relationships mean much. As a pastor in my middle 50s, I’m not seeking fame or fortune. I think I’ve already been through that stage and found out that once you get on the star there is a plethora of preachers who want to take your place. In my distant future, I’m preparing to move out of the way for some emerging younger pastors and preachers to make their presence known. This year, I’m retiring (due to tenure) as President of the Kentucky State Convention of the PNBC. I’ve already laid down the mantle as Secretary of the Frankfort/Franklin County Ministerial Association. There will come a time when I will retire as Chairman of the Publishing Board of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky. I’ve retired as Webmaster of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (and I probably had just cause to do it much, much sooner). I intend to wear convention affiliation like a loose garment and spend more time with those who mean much to me through the avenue of relationships.

4.  Live life. I think one of the major points I learned from Dr. A. Louis Patterson before the Lord took him home was his joy in living. It was rare to see Dr. Pat with a sour demeanor or disposition (to my knowledge, I have never personally seen it). I was to live joyously. Yes, laugh. Yes, joke. Yes, travel with my bride. See things and places I’ve never seen before, take up a hobby (I still want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar). I’ve never had a formal piano lesson, and that’s on the bucket list as well. But most importantly, I want to go to bed with a smile on my face and wake up in the sam manner.

5.  Pass on a legacy. I want to take what God has given to me and put it in the hands of faithful believers who will pass it on accordingly. I think I have two more books in my spirit.  Before I die I want to share, build up and encourage someone else. I’m proud of my wife, my sisters, my mom, my aunt, my relatives, and those preachers who have adopted me as a pastoral father figure or mentor. I want to have a Paul, Timothy and Titus in my life – someone I can learn from, someone I can consider as a colleague, and someone I can mentor. I’ve been threatening to, many years from now, after I retire (many, many years from now), to join his church as a heckler (smile). But really, in older age, all I want to do is help someone else up the hill.

Looking forward to tomorrow, if the Lord wills, to see 54.

by Robert Earl Houston

Donald Sterling, ESQ and Dr. Joe B. Hardwick

By now most of us have seen the photograph of disgraced Los Angeles Clipper owner Donald J. Sterling from Sunday, June 1, 2014 visiting, at the pastor’s request, the historic Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in south Los Angeles, California, where Dr. Joe B. Hardwick, is their venerable pastor.

Almost immediately there was a backlash. Why was he there? Was he there for damage control? Shame on Dr. Hardwick and Praises of Zion. And one person even went as far to suggest that Sterling should have been banned from the worship service completely. Other pastors across the country came out against his presence. But I am not one of those persons.

I wrote this on Facebook:

“I’m a little saddened at the reaction, especially from believers, to Pastor Joe B. Hardwick’s invitation to Donald Sterling coming to Praises of Zion MBC in Los Angeles. Sterling didn’t make a speech and from what I understood, he sat there, reverently throughout the worship experience. Yes, he made a mistake – but he’s still a soul in need of a savior. I know Dr. Hardwick and I believe it has nothing to do with a motive of money, and every baptist church is autonomous and if he wanted to invite him, that’s his priority and right. No wonder the fallen can’t be restored – because we are barring them from coming into the House of Hope. Just my two cents.”

I’m afraid of what many churches have become and what many skeptics, especially Christian bloggers, who sometimes reside in ivory towers, away from the visibility of their own sins. Church is not the retirement home for the super holy. Church is not the place where we congratulate each other on our holiness and our immaculate wardrobes. Church is not the place where those who struggle in life flee from because their shame forces those who fall or fail to retreat.

No, the church (and the Body of Christ) should be mature even and ministerial enough to open it’s doors and not put up barricades to those who are going through life. Can you imagine any Christian leader saying to his crowd, “we hate the President and he’s not welcome here” (like some have) or “that brother is not worthy because he has made a mistake in his life” (like some have) or in this case, “because he used the n-word, he’s not welcome here” (but then in private offices, throw around the word like it’s a football behind closed doors).

For the record, I believe Donald Sterling should been banned from the NBA, lose his franchise and be satisfied as a spectator and celebrate a sizable profit he has made from an initial purchase of $12 million dollars to the sale at over $2 billion dollars. His remarks, conduct, vile statements, etc. demand that he should be withdrawn from the NBA.

But never from the house of the Lord. It is there that he will find others who have had their issues in this life.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

by Robert Earl Houston

Recently a nationally-known minister has been all over the internet for his quotation of a rap song uttered across the pulpit. It’s lyrics shall not be repeated here and portions of the video have been scattered all over the internet. For some, it was felt to be appropriate. For others, they are aghast at the use of the language especially of the descriptives given to females.

I’m not writing to enter into the controversy. I’m here rather to hope for this generation of pulpiteers and those to follow. Today, I had a Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber treatment (HBO) at a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. When I got on the elevator, one of the hospital volunteers was standing near to console and asked me “which floor sir?” To which I answered “The fifth floor, please.”  She answered, “Yes sir, I’ll take you to the top floor.”

I believe that those of us who preach are doing ourselves a disfavor when our sermons are polluted by guttural language. Many of the preaching icons of the past and present – T.D. Jakes, Melvin Wade, Ralph West, Paul Morton, Neil Ellis, R.A. Williams, Jr., Carl J. Anderson, Gardner Calvin Taylor, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frank E. Ray, Sandy Ray, Stephen Thurston, Noel Jones, Mack King Carter, O.B. Williams, E. Edward Jones, G.E. Patterson, William Augustus Jones, Cynthia Hale, Jasmin Sculark, Gina Stewart, Tony Evans, Ceaser A.W. Clark, Joseph Walker, III, Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Kevin W. Cosby, Marcus Cosby, Charles Adams, Calvin Butts, III, Otis Moss, Jr., Floyd Flakes, Fred K.C. Price, Timothy J. Clarke, Marvin Wiley, Raphael Warnock, Vashti McKenzie, Kirbyjon Caldwewll, E.V. Hill, Donald Hillard, E.K. Bailey, Jesse Jackson, Donald Parson, Jasper Williams, E. Dewey Smith, and many, many others have preached prolific, profound, and memorable messages that not only reached the soul, but also challenged the hearers to learn the truths of the word, but to elevate the hearing and mind of the listener.

I am probably one of most of us who have professionals, school teachers, and others sitting in the pews every Sunday, and while the gospel producers “low hanging fruit” where it can and should be relevant to all who here it, it should not have to be drugged through the mudslide of common language. Our children and teenagers need to be encouraged to develop in their understanding, linguistics and knowledge.

Not only that I have students who are either eyeing pursuing their education or needs a modeling of what education or reading or even self-education is achievable. And that burden falls upon the pastor, in my opinion, to lift the least, encourage the down trodden, and show them “a more excellent way.”

I take issue with those who say “Jesus would have done it” but when he dealt with common people and those who were caught in sexual situations, do you not find Jesus using derogatory language in order to make his point.  His language alone provides an argument that street language will not elevate the discourse of the gospel.

I know Jesus talked to fisherman about fishing, but he didn’t share in course language even when describing a bad day upon the sea.

It just appears to me, and I speak for myself, that the linguistics of the church should not be reduced to that of playground banter. I love preaching and the art of preaching, but I think all of us bear the responsibility of demonstrating and modeling language that builds not destroys, encourages instead of divides, and demonstrates and encourages others to upgrade their own linguistics.

Lest we fall into the words of Malcolm X – “A man only curses because he doesn’t know the words to express what is on his mind.” To reach this generation, I don’t know if it’s always appropriate or necessary to quote rappers in order to be relevant.

Preachers, don’t take us to the basement or the lower level . . . take us to the top floor.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME

From the American Baptist Newspaper:

The Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, 8 miles west of (downtown) Lexington, established in 1896, seeks a spirit-filled minister to pastor our flock. We are seeking someone whose preaching and teaching is solidly rooted and grounded in God’s Holy Word without compromise. The Pulpit Search Committee will not be responsible for travel or lodging expenses incurred by a candidate.  Please send all resumes and letters of intent to:

Pulpit Committee
Bethany Missionary Baptist Church
4710 Parkers Mill Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40513

by Robert Earl Houston

Please pardon this post, but I’m on a short vacation (I’m absolutely worn out) and I brought my briefcase with me, and it hasn’t been opened this week, because I just need a break. Doing the Senior Pastor and Musician thing every Sunday wears you out because not only does your heart have to be open to preach, but you also have to prepare a choir and church for praise. It’s a daunting task and last Sunday, it caught up to me.

Recently, I was in a restaurant in Georgia (last year) and some parishioners from a church in Atlanta were there and I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation (they were pretty loud – smile). And they talked about worship, which made my ears perk up. They talked about “getting our praise on” and how so-and-so ran down the aisle and how so-and-so really “killed the church” singing this morning.

Oddly, there was no mention of the sermon, the text, or even what the preacher preached about.

Now, a year or so later, I hear that conversation ringing in my spirit. What ever happened to Preaching?

Has preaching become passé?
Has preaching become secondary to an emotional experience in worship?
Has preaching become of the gospel become reduced to “oh, whatever?”
Has preaching become that something that occurs between the choir’s last song and the invitation?

I wrestle with this as a pastor, because I take seriously the preparation, prayer, dissection, application and assimilation of the sermons that are preached across the pulpit of First Baptist Church. I’m not really interested in making the word “watered down” or lacking any correct theological application. I prepare for the pulpit like a prize fighter prepares for a fight. I prepare for the preaching moment like a pilot checks his aircraft for takeoff. I prepare for the sermon in such a way that it’s not just edible like ice cream, but it’s filling like steak.

I am afraid that a “me-experience” in church is killing application of the word. I don’t want to be known as a singer who preaches or a musician who preaches or a shouter who preaches – I want to be known as a preacher FIRST AND FOREMOST.  I don’t show up “to get my shout on” – I show up to help communicate the truths of the gospel in a spiritual fashion that brings glory to God and not to the preacher.

I’m scared of churches that jump and shout and then walk out on the preached word.
I’m scared of churches that will bend sound doctrine to attract a crowd.
I’m scared of churches that poach those who are not doctrinally settled yet and present the “easy way” out.

Preaching will have some “uh-oh” moments and some “dang….” moments. Some sermons, if you ask most Biblical expositors, will hit the preacher long before the congregation hears it. It’s almost watching a football player after a long-hard fought battle explain to a television crowd what just happened.

Biblical preaching will produce a flock of well-nourished and Bible-based individuals. The goal is growth and not swelling. In the words of a nationally known preacher, “swelling is a sign of church infection.” It also means that the preacher missed the opportunity to preach, in some cases, because more time was devoted to everything else, but the Word.

I refuse to abdicate the responsibility of Biblically sound preaching.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME