It is officially summertime!

It is officially summertime! Summer, Summer, Summertime, time to sit back and unwind – sorry lyrics from one of my favorite D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) song. Sunday afternoons are great when we’re not scheduled to be in service. After working so hard to make sure everything is done with a spirit of excellence and after a week long of studying and cramming for the message. Praying that you’re able to deliver the in the fashion that it was received from the original author. Just wanting to do a good job in your exposition of the text and allow the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do with the message. I try not to but it’s hard not to rehearse everything but most Sunday evening until movie time…I’m asking myself what could I’ve done better in my presentation of God’s Word. There are so many challenges that most member who sit in the pews will never know. First, the pastor is always the pastor but he has to separate himself enough to worship God in church [I’m praying that I can get better at that. Not allowing everything to hinder my worship.] Second, no matter how long you’ve been preaching there is always a sense of nerves. Early in ministry you’re nerves because of crowds and always the Word because of a lack of confidence. After you’ve been in the ministry a while the nerves don’t leave they just moves from worry about the crowd to worry about am in line with God’s Word and am I pleasing Him.

We’ll the “Sugababies” are here but I want to share one more thing. Last night I attended my 25th High School Class Reunion and I actually enjoyed myself. Janice and I attended it started out really uncomfortable because there is one thing I’m really not good at and that remembering people. If I’m forced to I will get it repetition but it had been 25 year and people were expecting me to know them and it just wasn’t happening. Now everyone that was apart of the Waltz Way family [all the kids that grew up and played together], it was easy to spot them. What I was really impressed with was that being a 98% white all through school I probably didn’t give them a chance to get to know me because of my preconceived ideas or my predisposition to think all white people was prejudiced. I’m not really sure what happened maybe we’ve all grew especially me. I had friends who would date some of the white girls but I never did. I was simple the athlete and I had few white male friends but I normally just stuck to my own. I was talking to a classmate of my name “Nancy” who said she never cherished any of the thinks from high school because the time was so bad for her. I really felt what she was sharing because has it not been for Janice I’m not really sure how things would have ended up. She has always been there for me and I owe here so, so much.

I know it’s a lot of rambling and when I do that I simple don’t post it. I spend more time fixing it but I’m too tired this evening. I’ve been working ever since I got hope and I’m about to spend sometime relaxing and loving on my some “Sugababbies!”

I'M STILL STANDING

Today, we celebrated another year on leading the Greater Bethel Church. My prayer for today was simply that with all of the excitement surrounding the celebration that we would not lose sight of God. Well as always God answered came through. We were blessed by Grammy nominated psalmist Pastor Beverly Crawford (Simply Bad). One of my favorite singers of all time. Second, my childhood pastor Dr. J A Reed Jr came through and wrecked the house (that's preacher talk for doing a great job). I thank God for him and all that he has meant to my life, family and ministry. Accompanied by his wife Dr. Patricia Reed, who has been a great supporter of everything we've ever attempted as well as a consistent intercessor for Janice and I.

There is much work to be done. God has so much that He wants to do for us, in us and through us. I know that God will see us through and I can't wait to see the beginning of the vision. I say the beginning because I know that this is God's plan and purpose this bigger than just me. Right now God is preparing his next leader who will continue his work. I'm privilege to lead His people and in spite of the most difficult times and days of pastoring. God could have chosen any one but I thank God He has smiled on me.

What a grand opportunity to declare God's Word! To speak in to the lives of people week after week. To declare God's power, purpose and pleasure.

God is surrounding us with some spiritual people who understand leadership. This makes pastoring a pleasure and a challenge. Eyes have not seen nor ears heard the great things God have prepared for us.

Away For A Few Days

Some days I wake-up with what feels like the weight of the world on my chest. Not knowing why I feel what I feel, just nervous and uneasy I have to fight my way through what I know is an attack of the enemy. I have to constantly remind myself that nothing will happen today that God cannot handle. I often wonder how people who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make it through life without the bless assurance that those of us who are save have. My heart goes out to those individuals and fuels my passion to see people come into the saving knowledge of how Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day morning. This along with the fact that the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for me gives me the strength and the determination to keep moving on

Today, I have a break in schedule during the EK Bailey Expository Preaching Conference hosted by EK Bailey Ministries here in Dallas, TX. This is my 12th year attending and let me quickly say “God is awesome!” He has used this conference to solidify the importance of prayer [not that I didn’t know that prayer was important] but God has been revealing a lack of genuine spiritual growth in our church family. As the spiritual leader I have questioned what could I do differently but I realize that it is not about sermons or lessons it about moving people into to a deep relationship with God through intimate communion in prayer. It has been for a lack of better term ‘enlightening’. I have my work cut out for me when I get home trying to assimilate everything and began this never ending journey of teaching people to live life, to live more abundantly and live on purpose.

My ‘Good Thang’ is with me and that make all the difference in the world in traveling. We’ve been so very busy that it’s been really hard to try to spend some quality time together. This has been a great two days with all the sessions, we’ve found time to share some special moments. In my maturing in ministry my goal is to learn how to relax and be more of a husband, father and grandfather. Entering into ministry as a boy plus being a bit of a workaholic doesn’t make for a good thing. I thank God for my wife and family who have continued to love me but there is a thin line between love and hate.

I was very proud of my ‘Jan’ she hates when I call her that this past Sunday as she stood to speak at the Tabernacle Baptist Church during thier Women's Annual Day. She was awesome as my childhood pastor would say. She is becoming more and more conformable doing what I feel but she denies is her destiny. God has his hand on her life but she’s fight him all the way but I think that what God desires most those who don’t want to go. Some people desire the lime light or the spot light and all God wants is those who desire The LIGHT! Continue to pray for her obedience to God.

This weekend will be the close of our 15th Anniversary Celebration of Pastoral Ministry. I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the fuss [the good or the bad] that come along with this. I know that it is God’s Will but it’s tough because the enemy is always busy. I’m always humble that the church would take out the time but I’m always glad when it is over. I do always enjoy having one of my bestest friends Rev. Raclius Douglas and my pastor Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. to come through the Bethel Church.

Looking forward to the rest of the conference we’ll worship this evening at the Concord Church where my friend Pastor Bryan Carter serves as Senior Pastor. We had a chance to go out lunch and I appreciate him and his wife Stephanie taking the time out of their busy schedules to be kind to Janice and me. Oh, yea I most forgot Rev. Vance Roland and his wife Bev are here with us, we’ve been good for each other.

The maids knocking on the door so I better get going. Later

Today Was A Good Day!

Let me quickly say because I’m a few days late. Happy Birthday to Janell! Janell is my oldest granddaughter and she turned 3 the other day. She is truly a blessing. She has been attending summer camp with the other children because her Sugar-mama is the teacher. She has master most of the camp memory requirements while being one the youngest attending. I’m a very proud Papa!

Today was a good day [to borrow a line for the hip hop generation]. First, got a chance to get to some very needed honey do’s around the house. We made it a sort of family affair everybody pitched in. Second, Janice and I cook, she handled the kitchen and I did a pretty good job holding down the grill, If I have to say so myself. Third, we had some extended family over and watch a great movie “Pride” a must see.

Well, better rap things up. Got a busy day tomorrow, funny thing is after a day off you work harder the next. Janice took the opportunity to head south for the evening, she just call made it save, thank God. So, I’m turning it in, really tired. Looking forward to getting some must needed rest!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It is raining like crazy! I’m not sure but it should be going on week two of rain. My yard may never dry out, we have our own little river. Water has been running from the back yard down the driveway all week long [Thank God He’s paying the bill for this time.] This weather is taking its toll on my body my knees and my back have been aching. I use to think that the older people was just making that stuff up but the older I get the more aches and pain I feel.

Since the convention it’s been non-stop. Got back in on Thursday taught ‘Girlfriends’ our church’s Women’s Ministry on Saturday, Sunday morning continued teaching our small groups in a joint Bible Study [please be in prayer for that transition] then preached twice Sunday. Normally, I try to save some when I know I have to do an afternoon service but between Bible Study and that first message I almost didn’t make it. But the St. John Church of Brooksville, OK has always been kind to me. I’ve been preaching there a long time and the strange thing is I always look forward to going. Most time if I’m invited more than two or three time it becomes like a chore. This year was Pastor Lee Oliver and First Lady Katharine Oliver’s 30th Anniversary. We took off Wednesday and Thursday we traveled to Chandler, OK about an hour in the other direction to the Central Baptist Church for the 30th Anniversary of Pastor James Reed and First Lady Linda Reed an outstanding couple as well. Pastor James Reed is my big brother in the ministry he has known me for most of my life. I’m honored each year to stand in his pulpit. I pray that God would bless Janice and I to serve long.

I thank God for the church. They will never know how it makes me feel when I walk in a church and make my way to the pulpit and see the faces of faithful followers. It means the world to me. It’s encouraging, strengthen and inspiring. We’re growing! I see that, God has done some refocusing of my eyes I’m not look numerically as much as spiritually now! I really believe that God promised me numbers but now he’s counting on me to equip them. I’m committed to do my part in the development of people who desire to grow. For along time I was preaching and waiting, preaching and waiting but now I see some movement. People are beginning to see God’s vision and we’re going to become a healthy body of believers.

Bethel CommUnity is making some huge step to becoming reality. I was sharing with someone that you can be praying for something and when God does it [when it’s a God thing]. It forces you to have to pray even harder. We’ve been praying for God to move the project, now that all the professionals we’ve hired are on the job, now we need money. Bills are coming in seemly everyday. Now our prayer is Lord provide rather than Lord push. This is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to unveiling everything to the church. It’s going to be awesome!

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is always like a family reunion in the Gaddis family. Well, most holidays are because for the most part [with the exception of Christmas] we all gather at dad’s house. Father’s Day is special because Dana, Brent, Mike, Dad and I are under the same roof, we share a bond that isn’t shared in a many families we’re tight. We’ve always been! We were taught that family is important and we should have each others back. Even as boys we could fight like dogs [as my mother would say] but by the end of the day we were brother. Now that we have families of our own and have been blessed to be pretty successful in our respective occupations, we don’t get the chance to see each others as much as we should but one thing is certain when we get together stories will flow and it always seems like all the years disappear and we’re all kids again.

Oh, yea don’t want to forget to tell you that after we said our good-byes and I made it home [sounds like a long way but it’s really only four houses down the street] my children brought gifts. Every year about a week before Father’s day I get the same question “Daddy, what do you want for father’s day?” To which I give the same answers “I want you to fall in love with God and His Church!” They think always think I’m playing around but that is my prayer for my children, grandchildren and when I’m blessed my great, great grandchildren. Now I’m not in any hurry for the great, greats but you get the point. Anyhow they share thoughtful gifts with me and I’m still praying about the one gift that I really want 365 days a year.

I’m writing this from my hotel room in St. Louis, while attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. This will be a very important trip for two reason first I will try my best to get in as much preaching and teaching as I can by some of this nation’s greatest communicators. Reason two when I walk through the exhibits hall this year I will not only be looking for that fabulous dress to surprise the First Lady with but I will be shopping for our new church building. For years now I’ve walked through and window-shopped but this year I’m buying or at least seriously talking to vendor.

On the flight down I began to write down our vision for building to share with the architect so that the team would not see this project as just another building but the most important space our church has here-to ever considered constructing. A place where spiritual connections will be made, where souls will be nourished, and a place where the saving message of Jesus Christ will be spoken, it’s not just a church it’s a community. I may have just written our construction commercial blitz piece.

My head is spinning and my emotions are simply out of control. One moment I’m extremely excited about the future and the next I’m deadly scared of failure. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and I’m privileged to pastor one of the greatest churches in the world [In Jesus’ Name]! Pray that I will continue to look up to God and not look around at people. Pray that my faith will grow strong. Good Night!

Sure Isn't Like Riding A Bike

It's Monday and rather than resting and taking a day off. I'm at summer camp teaching. You never stop growing or learning. I've become accustom to teaching adults but teaching children sure isn't like riding a bike. See, I use too be the children pastor many, many moons ago at the Fairview Church. But after nearly 20 years I've certainly changed and the children today certainly have. I studied and prepared to share a study on "Trust In God," in chapel that would go along with our Bible course that is taught on Thursdays. Afterwards, I really didn't feel that I did a very good job but I'm trusting that God will continue to work. I think my problem was the level of my lesson more than anything else. We have really bright group of children this year that God has bless us to have an awesome opportunity and we really want to be a good steward over the young lives that he's placed in our hands this summer.

Join me in prayer for what God wants to do in and through this summer camp experience for the children. Prayer for our staff as well as our volunteers that they're service will be as unto the Lord. Two very important things: first in every child in that camp regardless of the home they come from need someone to speak and impart godly encouragement. Second love makes all the difference in the world, we get a chance to love them with the love of God.

Now Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is LOVE! Please join me in prayer.

Busy Time and It’s Just Getting Started

We just finished our first week of BethelKIDZ Summer Camp. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. This is our first year to do five days a week for 9 weeks [1 down and 8 to go.] We had a great group of volunteers and the staff handled things wonderfully. Glenda is a God-sent. She’s retired and could be sitting at home but she has been a jewel in as our campus coordinator. The children are very excited and are soaking up things really, really fast.

Attended the State Congress of Christian Education Monday – Wednesday, was encouraged by the meeting. The Pastoral class was very different than normal; it was open dialog, which allowed for a more helpful discussion. In the past we’ve only sat and listen to one point of view and all types of ministry style were simply not touched. Not sure who to give the credit to but well done congress staff.

Didn’t stay for the entire week for several reason but one was getting back to work on a few project that still need personal attention. After driving back I decided not to preach Wednesday evening which is my custom on the first Wednesday after the first Sunday then celebrate Holy Communion. I’m going to blame Janice for pushing me into preaching by saying that people were going to drive our over $3.25 gas and they needed to hear the Word. Well, anybody who knows me understands that I didn’t need much persuading. The Lord blessed His Word and sustained my tired body and birthed a series of sermon from Ephesians 4.

Tonight I was given the privilege to speak at a community forum. It was exciting and encouraging to see so many of our elected official, pastor and other civil organization present. I love my community and am willing to help where ever I’m needed. Some how I’ve been secretly appoint to lead this [not really secretly they just didn’t ask me I was just told that I would give the closing statement and the next day I’m the Chair], I know my Pastor had something to do with that. Only thing that is troubling is that God hasn’t really been clear on what He has plan with this community piece. So pray for me that I might know God will for this.

In a few hours Janice and I will have to both teach, she will teach Girlfriends while share with the Antioch Full Gospel Church and minister in a men’s luncheon. Janice is developing into a great teacher and will do a wonderful job of teaching. I’m really not sure what I’ll minister in the morning but I’m trusting God to lead and guide me.

Continue to pray for my health, haven’t felt this good in several months. My breathing has caused me to not be able to work out like I need to but I’ve been back for the last three weeks. Pray for my patience I’m struggling not to stress about how the Building funds, plans and other last minute things are dragging. I know God is in control and I know I’m probably the biggest hold up because He’s trying to teach me a lesson.

Last bit of new we’ve just finalized Beverly Crawford my all time favorite singing to come and minister during our 15th Anniversary Celebration. Now that’s doing church beyond the box! I’m most looking forward to the new idea that the committee came up with for a First Lady Luncheon. That makes me Happy! Nobody knows how much she put and pushes for the ministry. I don’t know personally another First Lady who is sold out for ministry like Janice. I often tell her I’m glad she’s on my team. She’s my girl.

Happy Birthday Saniyah

As usually I had a very busy weekend. After about 3 ½ hour of sleep, my day started with a 2 hour ride to a funeral service for the brother of one of the deacons in the church, they are a great family and have been tremendous supporters to the ministry. I was glad that Janice and I were able to be there for them. On my way back realized that I still had two more services to attend before the evening was over along with a very special birthday.

By the time we made it back it was time for our granddaughter Saniyah Raye’s first birthday [she is growing up fast and is beautiful]. Saniyah turned one on the 14th of April and with all my grandchildren [three in total] I always splurge for the party, that’s the least I can do. I’m blessed to see them everyday and they spend a great part of the day at the office with me. As I thought about how fast this year has gone by, a lot has happen…
· We purchased 25 acres of land to build a new church
· Zack [youngest son] is a senior in high school about to graduate
· Zack won state in basketball and choir
· Dee [youngest daughter] broke her collar bone in a basketball game
· Tiff [oldest daughter] moved out on her own
· Hornets [NBA basketball team on loan from New Orleans] have come and gone
· Bond program getting ready to hit the market for over two million dollars
· Celebrated the Home-going of two faithful women of God Erma Jean Hill & Delia Perry
· Saniyah crawled, walked and is now running, saying words and laughing

After the party I got a chance to spend some time with Saniyah [Sharonda brought her new pictures] before having to rush off to church. As the evening began to close as my custom is I began to turn my attention toward Sunday morning. As Ed Young Jr. says “it’s all about Sunday Morning, dummy!” The last thing I do on Saturday is to begin to visualize everything, and then I pray and ask God to have His way.

Sunday, we met for prayer as we do each Sunday praying for each other, our study, our service and soul. We’ve continued our study on ‘discovering our ministry’ in our small group experience. During our morning experience we began a new series called “Extreme, Home Makeover!” I felt real good about service after the Easter and Revival hang-over. At the end of the service a young man came to give his life to Christ, I took the opportunity to lead him to Christ personally.

Janice and I grabbed some lunch in the office and changed for another service, the close of the 63rd Simultaneous Revival at 3:00. By the end of this service we are completely exhausted. We had planned to spend the evening watching some new movies but the wrappers didn’t even get broke. We ended up just finding a comfortable place and just relaxed. Our grandchildren came by and as usual we found some energy to play and spoil them.

The plan is for us to work this week to wrap up Easter, the Revival and evaluate everything for next year’s planning. I’ll have to devote a lot of my week trying to get the CPA done, so that we can get our bond program off the ground and finalize our summer program. So I’m signing-off for now – to prepare to spend some time with the First-Lady!

It's Been Too Long!

I didn't know how long it has been. I had promised and promised myself that I was going to get back to my blog but like most things I just kept putting things off. Well, I was about to say tonight but I guess it is early morning. My mind is spinning with all the messages I've hear this week during the City-Wide revival. It has been one of the best Oklahoma City has had and I've had fun hanging with my friends and making some new ones as well.

Our revival was attended very well, we're growing and coming along in our spiritual growth as a church. I'm very pleased with how we handled really only our second revival under my watch. Pastor Bryan L. Carter was our guest for the second year and He was simply awesome and that's just not preacher talk. Pastor Carter allowed the Lord to use him mightily, through him God shared some strong messages. Pastor Carter and I have become great friends over the years and I'm blessed to have him as a personal as well as a ministry friend.

Apart from the messages, one of the highlight is our evening meal that has become a regular thing. About three or four years ago Janice and I felt lead to open our home to some of our friends who come and share with our City during the revival. Janice along with some of the wonderful cooks at our church would put together a menu and we would open our home for a meal between night service and late night service. Now that we are actively involved in the revival we simple host it at the church. We have a great time of fellowship [nothing is mover comical than preacher telling their stories]. The ladies at the church did an outstanding job with a spirit of excellence that would make any pastor proud.

While most churches run their revival week Monday-Friday, I've concentrated on just three nights Tuesday-Thursday for two reason, number one with our time of Prayer, Fasting and Meditation, then Holy Week, Easter prep and Easter Celebration to do five night would be pushing it. Number two one of my dearest friends Pastor H B Charles Jr. who is one of God's best preachers runs the meeting at my home church and it give an opportunity to hear him and spend some special time with him. He is a gift to the body of Christ as well as to my ministry. His dad will forever hold a special place in my heart and memory because God used him unbeknown to him to answer in this same revival some question and remove some hurdles that I had some 24 years ago. It's strange that in all the conversations HB and I've had I don't think I've ever shared that with him. Ironically, HB's brother Pastor Kevin Willis is the spitting image of their father, was giving the late night sermon and my mind ran back to 1983 and what God had done. Kevin runs the meeting for the Tabitha Church where my friend Pastor Jeffery Mitchell is the pastor.

I've been blessed, the church has been blessed and I'm looking forward to those things that God will do with all that He has said.

Peace!

Celebration Time

Today, we began the celebration of our 8th year as Senior Pastor of the GBC. WOW! What a ride its been. I've had the privilege to serve this church for over 17 years as part of the pastoral team. I've literally grew up right before a small group of our present members eyes.

Today we had one of my closest friends Pastor Racilus Douglas in as the guest preacher. Pastor Douglas is one of the greatest communicator that I know, we grew up together, so its hard for him to take my comments serious but he simply bad.

This week I will be attending the EK Bailey Conference on expository preaching in Dallas, Texas with my wife. I'm excited about the time away alone with Jan and to get a time of revival and refreshing. We'll travel back for a special service for Jan that they are calling "The First Lady Night," this is about the third year for this service and I'm very proud of the work our church does not to miss how valuable she is to our ministry.

Next Sunday my father-in-the-ministry Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. will come to bless our congregation. There are many in our church that look forward to hearing Pop [There's not to many preach that love preaching as much as he does.] He's been such a blessing to me and my ministry that words could not even begin to express my gratitude. I still remember the phone call he made to the Late Pastor C.C. Cooper as he talked about releasing me of my duties as youth pastor of the Fairview Church become the assistant-to-the-pastor of GBC. Now 17 years later I'm celebration 8 years as Sr. Pastor. Glory to God!

Marriage Conference

Tonight we began another marriage conference! I believe this is our tenth (10) or eleventh (11) year hosting Partners for Life. It has been challenging as well as rewarding. We are honored each year because it has continued to grow, with new couples as well as returning couples. It is a pleasure and a blessing to be able to be transparent during these times. It is both helpful and healing to both the attendee and to Janice and I. I can’t help but thank God each and every year for the privilege to do what we do. Looking back on the turbulent years, only God knew what would become of us. But here we are nearly 20 years later, high school sweethearts serving in ministry together and God has chosen to use us to build stronger marriages.

God always has a plan and a purpose for everything. He has taken all the ugly and nasty details of our marriage and turning them into a ministry. So in the morning we’ll begin this year’s journey to encourage, strengthen and bring hope to each and every couple. Father, thank You for being so wise and patience, You had every right and reason to give up on me. You have guided my life in ways I never thought possible. Help me to stay focus. Protect me from my enemies. I will always praise You for the gift You have given me in Janice. Help me to be as good to her as she is to me. Amen!

CONGRATULATIONS SON

There was another first in the Gaddis household, our oldest Son graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. We’re proud of him! I know that it was tough for him with basketball and a wife and children, he did a remarkable thing. He’s my son and that more than he can handle at times. I’m pushy and very strong willed and he’s tough as well which doesn’t always make for a happy relationship. He almost never agrees with me and is determined to do thing his way. I’ve never really told him but he’s just like his daddy. I think that’s why he irritates me so much. I want what’s best for him and his idea as to what’s best is a lot different that what daddy wants.

I remember taking him to work with me many Saturday afternoons, he wanted to be just like me. I would pick my briefcase up and he would get his and jump in the car and head to the office. He would say “when I grow up I want be a preacher just like you.” Nothing does a father’s heart prouder than to hear a son utter those words. Well, my prayer is that one day God will grant that prayer but the prayer has become my prayer rather than his. I’m not saying I would want him to become a preacher [that’s God’s call] but it would be a blessing to have him working along side his mother and me in ministry. What an awesome thought!

He’s a good kid and I’m believing God to help him to grow and mature into a great man of God. He’s married and he and his lovely wife Shay and together they have blessed us with two adorable little girls who has stolen Big Poppa’s Heart. I couldn’t have picked a better daughter – she’s a beautiful woman and a gift from God. The other day was one of the proudest days for us as we saw our first son walk across that stage, wearing that black robe and hear the announcer call his name as a graduate of the UCO Class of 2006.

Congratulations Son – I Love You!

23 Years of Ministry

On Thursday, May 4th I quietly celebrated 23 years in ministry. It was an unusual day because I reminisced by thumbing through the memories that have been stuck back in the recesses of my mind all these years. Isn’t it strange how the human mind works, there are times when you can’t even remember where you put the car keys and then there are time you can remember things you didn’t even know you even took in mentally.

It was a Wednesday evening at the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, we where gather in what we called at the time the “fellowship hall” a small gathering room. The regular prayer warriors are being pressed by those who have only come to see what this boy is going to do “will he pass or will he fail,” that the question on every ones heart. What they didn’t know was that was also the question on the boy’s heart as well. Barely 18 years old, shy and timid [wearing a lavender sport coat, white shirt, pants, shoes and a “juicy curl”] he stands behind the pulpit reads Proverbs 3:5-6 and asked the question “Where is your faith.”

NOBODY BUT GOD ! I could not tell you what I said in that message that night but one thing has always stayed with me…I didn’t understand it then but now it is an all too familiar feeling. It is the Spirit of God working through this frail vessel. God has given me the privilege and honor to preach in many places and there have been times when I’ve only been a spectator. I wish I could profess that this happen every time but if I did I would be lying – not because the Spirit is not willing but there have been time over the life of my ministry “frankly” that the flesh has been weak.

I’ve grown so much during the 23 year of ministry and would like to just rehearse some of the names of people that I thought about during my quiet refection on my years of ministry. My childhood pastor Dr. J.A. Reed Jr. who took a chance on me and has been with me all the way and I affectionately call “Pop.” My uncle Elder James Booker who has always been one of the most spiritually men I know. The late Dr. H. B. Charles Sr. who God used to answer every question I had as I ended the four year struggle with accepting my call to the ministry. My friend the late Dr. C. C. Cooper who saw in me, sowed into me, and pulled out things that I didn’t know was there [I miss my friend]. He took me under his wing in the twilight years of his life and taught me about ministry and marriage. My long time friend Pastor Jeff Mitchell, who for many years struggled together with me as we both tried to figure this thing out. I can’t forget my counselor Dr. A. G. Woodberry, who is a wealth of knowledge in both life and ministry. The Fairview Church family who I owe [literally I should pay them], there are some names I could call that would consistently attend during the evening services that we had the opportunity to practice. The Greater Bethel Church family that allowed me to grow first as a preacher, then a teacher and then a pastor – God worked together for the good. The BEST for last, my wife Janice who have endured every sermon, lesson, lecture, country church, long drive, long hours and always being the last to leave…she is the wind beneath my wings.

Father, thank you for just using me, I am honored to participate in your work and realize that for many of those 23 years it was in spite of me. But today I say “All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Make me Savior wholly Thine, Lord I give myself to Thee. All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

MY ADDICTTION

Today is Monday and for the second Monday in a row – I'm not scheduled for any meetings and so my day off is really a day off. I know that sounds strange but I realized that even my day off isn’t really a day off. I’ve conditioned myself to think of Monday as my one day off a week but even my Mondays have been working days but today I’ve just decided to simply do very little in the area of work. I promise my very understanding wife that I would take her on a date today and we chose a movie, this should be a great time. Watching movies is one of my favorite things next to taking my grandbabies to “Chuck E. Cheese's.”

Over the last few weeks I’ve had to fight off this very familiar mood that if I’m not careful leads to a big bad attitude. I have this “addiction!” I’m totally addicted to churches, over the last seven or eight years I’ve studied churches. Not necessarily the preaching of the pastor but the structure, operations, ministry, beliefs and strategy of particular churches nationally and locally. I’m seeing a trend that I struggle with. Why are many of the newly started ministries apparently moving ahead of the churches that have been around?

As a pastor that is dedicated to his assignment and people, I sometime “admitting so” am guilty of desiring and sometime maybe even on the verge of coveting. Not in a sense that I’m hating on anyone – matter fact as part of my research I pray for the Pastor, the leadership and members of those church. I admire the work I know that it takes for churches to do what they do. I understand the dedication and commitment that leadership must have to move and grow a church and most importantly I am aware of the ministering heart of a congregation that grows through evangelism. So you might be asking so what is your problem? My issue is why can’t we get there. Why can’t we step up become passionate about ministry and ministering? Why do we always have to settle? Our children deserve a safe, wonderful and exciting place to learn to love God and His church. Our teenagers deserve a place of acceptance, care and love; and a place to discover themselves and God, an alternative place to hang-out and be themselves. Our people should be introduced to the latest tool that can and will enhance our worship but more importantly help reach those who we bring to our worship experiences.

Now, let me be clear on this none of the above mentioned is the end-all, they are simply tools that would help in reaching the lost. The message of Jesus is the only thing the church ever needs. It is not about completing with the world but it is about equipping the church to reach the community.

We’ve made progress don’t get me wrong. I’m just a bit impatience [and that’s the understatement of the year]. God is working on me and I praise Him for the work He has done and the progress I see in myself. I simply want the BEST for our congregation.

I know that this is not a complete thought but I really don’t know if I have the complete answer. I’m working my way through this it’s been a very long time and I don’t know if I’ll ever have the entire answer. I’m trusting God!

Revival Time

It’s Saturday and for the most part I’m trying my best to take a day to rest. Janice is exhausted; she has been a jewel this week, arranging meals for many of my friends who are visiting the city, gather volunteer to serve them in the spirit of excellence that we strive to do everything. As well as hosting our evangelist wife Stephanie Carter and our special guest Dr. Sheila Bailey (the wife of the late Dr. E.K. Bailey who had a great impact on my ministry) along with all of her normal responsibilities at home and at church. I’m blessed to have such a special lady by my side, she is my Queen. God did something special for her by giving her some very unsuspected one on one time with Dr. Bailey, there are some pastor’s wives who would have given anything for that, but God did it for Janice. Father, thank you for unsuspected blessing!

Our Easter Celebration was just that it was a celebration. There always seems to be an extra air of anticipation during our Easter services. I was thinking about it and think that it may be due to the amount of people who are working during our Easter’s services and our normal weekend experiences; the number almost triples to put off Easter. People volunteer they are excited and they invite their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. My assignment was to share a message of hope for a better life. I was happy with the message for the most part but would have like to nail the invitation a little better. It’s tough because the crowd is so large and there are so many distractions during such an important time, but many gave their lives to Jesus Christ and many stepped forward to unite with the church.

We had Easter Monday off as a congregation but I had to pick up our evangelist Rev. Bryan L. Carter, Senior Pastor of the Concord Church of Dallas TX (who succeeded Dr. E.K. Bailey). Pastor Carter is a homeboy for OKC, funny thing is that I didn’t know him when he was here. God took him all the way to Dallas before we became friends over the last 4 or 5 years I’ve seen him grow and mature as a preacher and now as a pastor over one of this nation’s most influential ministries. Pastor Carter is a special person, blessed with a special wife in Stephanie – this couple is destined for great things in ministry. They are simply good people and I’m always excited by young couple working together as a team in ministry. Pastor Carter opened up our City-Wide Simultaneous Revival Tuesday morning and set the tone for the week. It was our first-time participating in the Revival and it was an honor to have our evangelist be asked to speak in a joint service. He preached all week, our congregation responded great. They connected with him from the first service, he’s a great preacher with a big heart and a humble spirit. God spoke through him and deposited some heavy stuff. Corporately we need to hear from God, it was my prayer for this revival that God would show us what we need to do for His vision to come to past in our church. God used this young man speak to us. Then our one on one time was encouraging, it’s hard to find the time with so much to accomplish in a day to carve out time but the revival afforded us a great excuse to hang out. We both seem to have needed that.

Last year during the revival the Lord placed on our hearts to be a blessing to many of my friends who come to town during the revival and my friends who bring them. So Janice and I opened our home two evening to serve dinner and have some good fellowship. This year since we participated in the revival we just served dinner at the church, the dinners were fantastic (Special thanks to Lo, Teresa, Angela & Mendel). This is a special time because many of my friends in town our schedules are so full that we only see each other in passing and the dinners give us some uninterrupted time together. My friend, Pastor Jeff Mitchell of the Tabitha Church, we started preaching together and have been friends forever, brings Pastor Kevin Willis of Riverside Church in Memphis TN and my Pastor Dr. J. A. Reed bring Pastor H B Charles of Mt. Sinai in Los Angles CA. Pastor Willis is a great preacher, I admire his preaching ability and he preaches with as much energy and anointing than anybody I’ve ever seen. Pastor Charles is a special person, in my option he is one of the greatest preacher I’ve ever heard but what makes him that is that he is one of the greatest people I know. Every year we manage to carve out a few hours in between his preaching and it’s like we talk everyday – I appreciate his friendship and every time I’m around him I want to be a better preacher and person.

Well, I’m going to try to kidnap my wife for a few hours this evening to spend some special time together and show her how much if love and cherish her.

Father, I Thank You!

WOW! I knew it had been a long time but I didn’t know that its been over two weeks since my last BLOG. Busy, Busy, Busy – is the theme of my life. I’ll start with the most important news, our third grandbaby came Friday morning. Saniyah Raye what a sweet name. Sharonda did good! Just looking at that little gift from God makes me love Him even more. Simply because He has spared me, loved me and forgiven me. I don’t deserve His grace and mercy but I thank Him for being so loving and kind to me. I’m thankful for my family: my unbelievable, talented wife, my children who I experimented on my sons are handsome and my daughters are queens and then my three babies (grandbabies) each one has stolen my heart. Father, Thank you for your gift to us Saniyah and what a gift she is!

In the morning we will have the biggest celebration of the year Resurrection Sunday! I’m learning much about leadership and one of the most important lessons is sometime you have to let go. I’ve always been afraid but I promised the Lord that when He brought people around who would care for His work as much as I do I would walk away. Well, I think He has spoken big time. It’s time for me to move to the next level of leadership. It’s going to hard but God has done His part now I’m going to do my part. Father, Thank you for what You’ve done and what You shall do in and through our church. Help me to recognize your voice and be willing to move to the next level of leadership. Spoil the plan and the tricks of the enemy, that your name may be glorified.

Earlier today we did our annual Easter outreach and I was greatly encouraged by the attendance. Not only by the number of those attending but the fact that there was more on the corner that I pastured eight years ago. With the exception of just a few – all of them are people that I’m the only Pastor they have ever had. What an exciting time we had 1,000 contacts in just over one hour. We’ve set a goal next year for 2,000 or 2,500. We prayed for Kingdom growth not just necessary our local church but that those who we contacted would come to the Kingdom.

This is day six of our spiritual journey of 40 days of fasting and prayer. God is going to do something special through this. I’m hearing stories and testimonies already. Father, bless your children as we concentrate ourselves before You; through fasting and prayer. We want more of you and less of us. Show us your way that we may please you. Amen!

The Power of Memories

I know that this seem a bit odd but I'm just getting the hang of this blogging thing by haven't gotten as fancy as other by accessing my blog through my smart phone. So tonight I'm posting two different thought but they where about two days apart.

Have you ever thought about the power of memories? How sounds, music, smells, conversations and situations instantly bring back a flood of memories. Have you ever had one of those butter cookie and it reminded you of elementary school? Memories are powerful. Have you ever been walking around and a very familiar smell captures your attention and you’ve spent the rest of the day trying to figure out why? Memories are powerful. Have you ever been surfing radio station in your car and a particular song hit your ears and the year just faded away. Memories are powerful. There are some conversations that will leave you breathless about past situations. You will began to feel the same emotion, remember everyone involved and even sometime remember things that even surprising to you. Memories are powerful.

For many their memories seem to be stuck on the bad episode of their lives. Memories of past failures, mistakes, decisions and friendship can haunt you. Memories are powerful. Bad memories will stalk you down. No matter how much you don’t want to deal with them – just like “Freddy Krugger” (Movie: Nightmare of Elm Street) during the night and during the day. How you handle memories are crucial, two scriptures come to mind Ephesians 2:10 and John 13:7: “For we are God’s masterpiece.” (Eph. 2:10a); “Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later” (John 13:7) How are we to correctly deal with our bad memories 1. Embrace the Master’s big picture; 2. Cooperate with the Master; 3. Accept the Master’s unique process and 4. Appreciate the Master’s work.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been going through the files of my life, take an inventory of sorts. Taking a look at the turns and the detours that my life has taken and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m thanks for so many people that knowingly and unknowingly have greatly influence my life.

The Sweet Spot

Where is the sweet spot? I believe that it is somewhere in between Sweet and Sour, Hot and Cold, Pain and Peace. It’s sorter like that moment right before daybreak as you lay beneath the covers of your bed and there is a gentle rain falling outside, there is a little chill in your room (you know that because you’ve been there so many times before) but beneath the covers you are comfortable. Right then you realize that there isn’t another place you would rather be than in sweet spot of comfort in your bed.

The more I grow in my walk with my God the more I realize that praying for everything to be perfect in my life isn’t what God wants for me. I believe that what is more honoring to Him is for me to have faith enough to trust Him and desire more of Him than anything else. Romans 8: 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is the sweet spot that I long for. During my most chaotic, frustrating and sometime depressing days, I’m not looking for God to fix everything because I know that some things are good for me. I just want to find the sweet spot of God’s peace.

Transitions Are Tough

It’s Sunday evening, I’m exhausted from a very long week, trying my best to put my brain in neutral. That’s real tough for me because I’m always working, even when I’m not I am. So I thought I would just write down a few things that are spinning out of control in my mind as a way to possible relax.

This was a huge weekend for our church. We gathered over 60 or so leaders in a rented auditorium to unveil and cast the vision for leadership for our church. I was very pleased with the way the lecture went, I have the tendency to preach but this time I didn't. I really just shared what God placed on my heart as His leader. I feel that I established what it is that God is leading us to do, but because it was so radically different from what we’ve done for so long, I’m not really sure whether or not those who have been in leadership the longest received it. I’ve often described myself as the Joshua that has taken over the leadership from Moses. Of course Moses and Joshua had totally difference leadership styles and missions but what do you do when you’re Joshua and you still have some of Moses’ folk. I’m stuck between honoring Moses’ folk and leading the new Joshua generation. I know it is imperative that we move forward into the promise land there is not a doubt in my mind. The vision is clear, the need is apparent and the provision is near. My prayer is that God will open up their hearts in order that they might simply hear His heart and collectively without any casualties that we can cross over together.

Our worship experience was just simply awesome! The children lead out in worship by providing a jubilant and energetic ministry through the choir and the dancers. The fourth Sunday is one of my favorite Sundays mainly because of the children’s ministry. Just watching the young people leading out reminds me of how as a child my childhood pastor Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. gave us an opportunity. Many childhood memories are tied to the children’s and youth ministries at Fairview Baptist Church. Watching our young musicians grow and develop is a beautiful thing to see and today they really looked like they enjoyed singing. I love seeing children worship without any ambitions. As adults we sometime think too much, children just move, clap and dance holding nothing back from God. As adults we sometime think it doesn’t take all of that but we ought to worship God the way He dictates, demands and deserves because we know how good He is.

The sermon was a God-sent. Just seems like this whole year I’ve been being help more through the preparation and the presentation of my own messages than any other time. I’m growing, I know because it painful. I’m sticking with it and I’m not going to give up. We have some wonderful people, caring people and praying people. It seems to me that even their embraces are ministry too me. It is almost as if some of them see through the pastor, teacher, and leader and sees me. There is times when I want them to talk to me not the pastor, not the teacher, not the leader but just me. Sometime I’m the most broken person in the building and nobody knows it. The word today was “There is hope for your hurts” Romans 15: 13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I pointed out that we each can have hope because 1. His presence is watching over me, 2. His purpose is working in me and 3. His place is waiting for me.

That’s enough for now. I’m going to grab me a bowl of ice cream, watch a movie and relax.