Faith Based Journal 02

Faith Based Journal 2nd Edition

Inspire, Inform & Educate

february 2011

The Black Church: Our Heritage

INSIDE

Pain, Prayer and Power Struggle is ordained by Him to make manifest who we are. Trials purify us and give us an internal microscopic look at who we are beyond the fine suits and nice dresses.

PAGE 6

“Whooping” In the Pulpit – Is It Appropriate Today?

Whooping is a part of our own African American heritage that should not be put down, neither should it be made to be the PAGE 8 end-all of great preaching.

MR. DMARS and Pastor D.Z. Cofield

MR. takes D-MARS & ??????????

(Who the Helm of the Houston Branch NAACP).

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

-- Booker T. Washington

Walking in YOUR Purpose…

By Carla Lane I know that to make your goals a reality it most likely requires you to venture outside of your comfort zone.

PAGE 13

Cynthia A. Patterson

Lorenzo Ewing

Daughters of Virtue and Excellence Ministries

The Fellowship of Love Church

Dr. Michael P. Williams

Dr. Pamela Randolph

Andrew Watkins, Sr.

Rhonda Nwosu

New Directions Christian Fellowship Church

Sparkles of Life

Jesse Muhammad

Journalist

Faith Strong Enough to Stand

By Madeline “Carla” Kirksey Both faith and resilience has become the picture of the African American culture.

PAGE 18

Joy Tabernacle

Maximized Life Christian Center

Maceo Smeadley

The Promise Church

Timothy W. Sloan

St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church

John Murray

The Refreshing Church

february 2011

www.

2.

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christopher P. Kirksey OPERATIONS INTERN Ashriel Dunham EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

Each year our country dedicates the month of February to celebrate the many accomplishments of African Americans and recognizing their extensive contributions to a diverse American society. Black History Month is also a time for the Faith-Based community to reflect on the advancements African Americans have made in this country and show respect to heroes of the past while acknowledging the leaders of today who will guide our country to even greater heights.

D-mars.com honors the countless successes and sacrifices that African Americans have made and continue to make to help this country remain the greatest country in the world.

The Black Church tradition is deeply embedded in black culture in general, so much that the spheres of the lifestyles we share in our life derives from a broader religious background. So we gladly present our theme: The Black Church: Our Heritage.

Thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

CONTENTS D.Z. Cofield: Pastor, Teacher & Community Leader ……………………..... 5 2010 Silke Endress List Winner................................................................... 6 Pain, Prayer & Power…………………………….......................................... 6 “Whooping” In the Pulpit............................................................................ 8 Walking in Your Purpose............................…………………………….......... 13 Having a Ministry Lifestyle Part I:................................................................ 14 Faith: God’s Prescription for Life................................................................. 14 Black History Profile..........……………………………………………............ 15 The Mystery of Our History………….......................……………….............. 16

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jesse Muhammad Christopher P. Kirksey Carla Lane Charles E. Perry, Jr. Dr. Pamela Randolph Pastor Lorenzo Ewing Madeline”Carla” Kirksey

Asking for a Little Respect........................................................................... 16 Heritage of the Black Church....................................................................... 18 Faith Strong Enough to Stand..................................................................... 18

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

to STAY INFORMED in our community It’s Just That Simple!

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.”

-- Maya Angelou

february 2011

www.

D-MARS.com Business Journal 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com

3.

Pastor Reignites Houston Branch of the NAACP

ld

D.Z. Cofie

ston Branch

Hou President of

february 2011

www.

NAACP

4.

D.Z. Cofield:

Pastor, Teacher & Community Leader Leads the N.A.A.C.P. into a New Era

D. Z. Cofield D. Z. Cofield is a native New Yorker, who has traveled across the world serving in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After graduating from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, he earned a Master’s Degree in Theology at the Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry Degree at Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.

In 1994, Dr. Cofield was chosen to serve as the Senior Pastor for the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Since that time, Good Hope has grown from a congregation of approximately 150 members to an ac-

february 2011

tive membership of more than 3,000.

Dr. Cofield is a former instructor at Dallas Theological Seminary and a former adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies-Houston. He additionally teaches nationally and internationally in the areas of Christian Education, Expository Preaching, Pastoral Ministries, and Worship and Educational Leadership.

Dr. Cofield has received numerous honors and awards including the Presidential Scholarship Award at Dallas Theological Seminary, the H. A. Ironside Award for excellence in expository preaching, and was also listed in Who’s Who among Students in Colleges and Universities for three consecutive years.

He has written for several Christian publications, including Preaching Today, Leadership Journal and the African-American Pastors’ Journal on Great Eulogies.

As the nation and state braces themselves for the more conservative policies that will likely accompany the many Tea Party/Republican lawmakers who enjoyed overwhelming victories during the 2010 mid-term elections, one organization with a history of progressive action in the face of conservative opposition is preparing for a change of its own.

www.

Recently Dr. Cofield was elected president if the NAACP Houston. With his election in November, Dr. Cofield is now positioned to assume the presidency of NAACP Houston during a time when many are questioning the current and future relevancy of the 101-year-old organization. Dr.Cofield expresseshis vision for the NAACP Houston in 2011.

Dr, Cofield: I seek to build upon the history and work that’s already been done. So my commitment is to look at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and devise a strategic plan from those findings that will maximize our impact. That’s the first thing. There are also some specific issues we’re looking at, including voter apathy and inequities in the criminal justice system.

It will be a more dynamic than linear process. But we’ll start with a strategic planning session.

Dr. Cofield: It’s important for us to avoid being busy for the sake of being busy. We must be strategic in what we do. There’s the issue of mental health, the juvenile justice system, which needs to be revamped, voter apathy and lack of community involvement in civic engagement.

Dr. Cofield: There are three things we have to do. First, refocus the orga-

nization. I think beyond the Houston branch, the National NAACP and every organization has to go through a time of refocusing to make sure they’re being true to their mission and vision, and helping those they are called to serve.

Second, we must redefine the fight. I hear all the time the question of relevancy. Are we (the NAACP) making a difference? I think it’s because we haven’t redefined the fight to move beyond racism to include things like classism. The analogy I use is that the NAACP is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Civil Rights. But the problem is we’re living in the era of mixed martial artists. And a boxer will lose every time in that fight. Our challenge is “Are we willing to redefine the fight and change our techniques to win today?” Third, we must re-engage the community. The complaint I hear is that the NAACP is disconnected from the community; more concerned with seeking corporate sponsorships than connecting with grassroots people—the bus drivers and everyday workers that once saved their nickels to pay for their NAACP membership. We’ve gotten away from that foundation, and must get back to fighting for the least, the last, the lost and the locked up.

5.

2010 Silke Endress List Winner is Preparing Women for Purpose

Cynthia A. Patterson Author of the forthcoming book, It Had to Happen - Understanding that everything you go through in life is for God’s Purpose.” Cynthia A. Patterson is Founder and CEO of Daughters of Virtue and Excellence Ministries, Inc. (DOVE Ministries). A proud native of Houston, Texas - God has charged this energetic, animated and anointed teacher with an assignment to offer mentoring, Christian

counseling, and leadership development education to women of all walks of life.

We introduce to you…Cynthia Patterson.

Patterson is Founder and CEO of Daughters of Virtue and Excellence Ministries, Inc. (DOVE Ministries) a nonprofit organization that offers mentoring, Christian counseling, leadership and personal development education to women of all walks of life.

Patterson is a sought-after conference speaker, teacher, and powerful prayer warrior who have a genuine passion to inspire and encourage women. She is dedicated to the cause of teaching young women that their significant purpose and their worth are found in Christ alone. Her message of faith and wholeness is raising the awareness of God’s purpose and exposing each woman to the reality of His neverending, love, mercy, and grace.

Patterson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leadership Development, is an author, certified counselor, licensed and ordained elder, mentor, friend and spiritual mother to many all while serving un-

der the leadership of Pastor Terrance and Lady Torsha Johnson of Higher Dimension Church, Houston. Patterson also appears on the 2010 Silke Endress list of Influential Women.

At an early age Patterson began a downward spiral by living a double life of working in Corporate America by day and performing in an elaborate Gentlemen’s Club at night. Outwardly this lifestyle appeared to be gratifying; however, inwardly she knew it was only a mask to conceal the feelings of guilt, shame, abandonment and humiliation as a result of rape and sexual abuse. Consumed with looking the part on the outside and feeling the pain on the inside soon took a toll on the now well respected leader.

Recognition of the problem became more apparent after the drugs and alcohol no longer numbed the pain and she started to feel dead inside, her only option was to turn to Jesus for direction, help and strength. Now restored, her mission in life is committed to mentoring, equipping, and encouraging women throughout our

community and ultimately the world, thereby fulfilling the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Her ministry receives countless calls from young women who are depressed, emotionally abused, prostitutes, addicts, or those requesting help and guidance in identifying their significant purpose in life.

Affectionately known as Minister P, she shares with many young women her testimony of overcoming promiscuity and indulging in drugs and alcohol. Knowing first hand that everything you go through has a purpose for the use of God to allow it to become your strength not your demise, “God called me to utilize the wisdom acquired from my failure and restoration to help other women to overcome and succeed.”

Cynthia lives in Houston with her son who she calls her mighty man of valor, Michael Aaron Lopez, as he is her first ministry.

To contact Patterson visit www.doveministries.org. or you may reach her at 832-754-1568.

Prayer unleashes inner powers. Prayer places us in the right state of mind to rise above emotions. Prayer activates our Godgiven abilities to be great yet reroute all of the praise to Him. Prayer gives us that strength necessary to endure the trials that we face in our lives because we know that God will not place on us a burden beyond our scope.

This is why I ask daily on my Twitter account (@BrotherJesse), “Why pray for a lighter load, when you have an opportunity to develop a stronger back?”

As Believers in God, should we be on our knees pleading with Him to lighten our load? Should we be crying out to Him to not take us through difficulties?

I think not.

Struggle is ordained by Him to make manifest who we are. Trials purify us and give us an internal microscopic look at who we are beyond the fine suits and nice dresses.

The “good news” is that man was created to meet and overcome all obstacles in his path. God wants to help us develop a stronger back and stronger legs in the midst of seemingly hopeless moments.

We really don’t know who we are until we are tried.

One of the greatest examples of this can be found in the near death experience of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in 1999. He was three minutes from death at Howard University hospital. God blessed him and brought him back from that experience.

Interestingly when he returned to his farmland from the hospital, his daughter and nurse, Fatimah Farrakhan, shared with him words that he was uttering on his deathbed while in a state of unconsciousness.

According to Minister Farrakhan, “She said I was thanking God for the excruciating pain that I was under. I was thanking Him for whatever He brought into my life. I was thanking Him for allowing me that time that He gave me to behold the majesty of His creation. I never asked Him to allow me to live. I just thanked Him for giving me life; and if it was my time, I thanked Him for just allowing me the time that He gave me.”

That is a testament to the power of prayer and an intimate relationship with your God. There is quote that says “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”

Why do you pray?

(Jesse Muhammad is a journalist, an international motivational speaker and an award-winning blogger. Visit his site at: http://jessemuhammad.blogs.finalcall.com)

Pain, Prayer & Power

By Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer Where would we be without prayer?

Prayer is obligatory in Islam and the five daily prayers keep us focused on God and help us to maintain an attitude of gratitude for His unceasing blessings.

The words of the Holy Qur’an read “Surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil; and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest (force) and Allah knows what you do.” (Surah 29:45) When I first became a Muslim, many of my peers questioned why we had to pray five times a day when they firmly believed that one time in the morning was february 2011

good enough for the entire day.

My response was that we are all sinful and can be easily drawn into the gravitational pull of that which is ungodly, so continuous prayer helps to create a spiritual force field around us.

As often as we sin we must turn to Him in prayer to seek His mercy. Daily we’re being bombarded at work, home, and school with things that cause us to drift back into a state of unrighteousness, making us act other than our true selves.

Our flaws master us instead of us mastering them. Our true self is the essence of God Himself so we have the innate ability to reflect Him but this world is contrary to His Ways.

We need prayer for spiritual refreshment. Many eat more meals per day than they pray but God is He who created all of the good foods that we partake of daily.

Isn’t God worthy of worship? You and I did not create all that is in the universe-He did. We are not responsible for the Sun that shines or even the atmosphere for us to breathe. We owe our very lives to Him. What is so important that we’re doing throughout the day that we can’t stop and give praise to the Originator? Are we really that busy?

www.

6.

february 2011

www.

7.

“Whooping” In the Pulpit – Is It Appropriate Today?

By Christopher P. Kirksey Editor-In-Chief

I am by no means an expert on whooping, but I noticed that there is little information available on the web.

Actually I do know a little about it. Let’s reminisce: Back in the early 2000’s, I would attend a conference every year, hosted by Dr. R. A. Williams of Los Angeles, California on Expository Preaching Methods. I attended the conference yearly because I taught classes on Church Marketing. Much to my surprise, right across the hall from my class was a class on “Whooping.” Yes, whooping.

It is usually spelled either as “hooping” or “whooping.” Go into many African American Baptist or Pentecostal churches and you will hear it. Some churches don’t think you have preached unless you have “whooped.” Some look down on it as problematic. I have looked on the web and seen it referred to as “foolishness.” I have even heard some preaching instructors say that it is nothing more than an increase in intensity for your sermons. While there is often an increase in intensity, a “whoop” usually means more than just that.

Whooping is when the words of the preacher begins taking on a musical quality. The preaching blends into musicality. Famous preacher Jasper Williams, Jr.’s magnetic personality, blended with an explosive delivery style (whooping) has drawn audiences worldwide for more than three decades to hear his spirit-filled sermons. As Senior Pastor of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta, he believes that the “whoop” is always unique to an individual. He also suggests that all who wish to whoop should just practice it and listen to other whoopers for inspiration.

Whooping is a part of our own Afrifebruary 2011

can American heritage that should not be put down; neither should it be made to be the end-all of great preaching. Some of the greatest preachers do not whoop, but then again some great preachers of today and yesterday whoop. It is a part of our heritage that can be a tool for the effective preaching of the gospel.

John Blake of CNN featured The Rev. E. Dewey Smith Jr., Senior Pastor of Greater Travellers Rest Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, in a documentary that started with bangs on the pulpit with his fist. Dewey shuts his eyes and moans.

Then a high-pitched sound rises from his throat like the wail of a boiling tea-kettle.

“I wish you’d take the brakes off and let me preach,” he tells his congregation during his Sunday morning sermon.

Rows of parishioners stand to shout. One woman in a satiny blue dress jumps up and down like she’s on a pogo stick. A baby starts to cry.

Smith had already given his congregation the “meat” of his message: scriptural references, archaeological asides, modern application — all the fancy stuff he learned in seminary. Now he was about to give them the gravy.

It was the time to “whoop.”

“One Tuesday morning, I heard the voice of Jesus saying, ‘C’mon unto me and rest,” Smith shouts as he punctuates his delivery with a series of guttural gasps and shrieks backed up by an organist’s riffs. “But can I tell you what I did? I came to Jesus, just as I was. And I found in him joy in sorrow. Somebody shout yes. Yeessssss’

To whoop or not whoop?

Smith may have sounded like he was screaming. But those who grew up in the African-American church know better.

He was whooping. He was practicing an art form that’s divided the black church since slavery.

Whooping pastors use chanting, melody and call-and-response preaching to reach parishioners in a place where abstract preaching cannot penetrate, scholars say.

Whooping preachers aim “to wreck” congregations by making people feel the sermon, not just hear it, says the Rev. Henry Mitchell, a scholar who identified the link between whooping and African www.

oral traditions.

Yet the black church has long been ambivalent about whooping. Some scholars say contemporary black churches are abandoning whooping because they think it’s crass. If you think whooping is easy, most pastors will tell you -- try listening to a preacher who can’t whoop but tries to anyway. “It’s like listening to someone try to sing opera who is not an opera singer,” they say. “It’s a train wreck.”

Earning the right to whoop

gin of whooping. Most trace it back to West Africa griots, the dramatic storytellers who preserved a people’s oral tradition. Some trace it to the “tonal” nature of African languages, the drums of Africa; the need for the slave preacher to rouse the battered spirits of enslaved Africans.

If whooping is the soundtrack for the black church experience, some want to change the record.

More black mega-church pastors are classifying themselves as “teaching” or “word” ministers. Their sermons resemble lectures, complete with studious congregations taking notes.

Another debate in the whooping world revolves around race: Can white preachers whoop?

Some black preachers say yes, and point to white pastors such as the Rev. Paula White.

“Can I whoop? Yes,” White says. “It’s very natural for me. But I don’t try to be black. I don’t try to be white. All I know is to be me.”

Despite criticism, whopping is still popular. Many local pastors say preachers who don’t practice whooping will call whoopers when they want to pack their churches for special events.

Many believe that no matter how sophisticated we get, whooping still speaks to black folks. Some people may look down on it, but many black people still respect the power of the whoop.

Whooping isn’t confined to vocal gymnastics. The greatest whoopers combined “learning and burning.” They are theologically sound, well-read and excellent storytellers, scholars say.

Those whooping legends that blended theology with “whoopology” are people like the Rev. Caesar Arthur Walker Clark Sr., a diminutive man with a powerful voice that could sound like God’s trombone.

Contemporary whooping legends include the Rev. Charles Adams, dubbed the “Harvard Hooper” because of his Ivy League education, and the Rev. Jasper Williams, who teaches “whoopology” classes through a DVD series.

But the Rev. C.L. Franklin, the father of singer Aretha Franklin, is widely considered the greatest whooper. Many of Franklin’s sermons, like the classic, “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,” and “Dry How Do You Feel About Whooping?

Bones in the Valley,” were sold as popular records during his lifetime.

Is it effective? Drop me an email and let’s Many scholars quibble over the ori- talk about it: Christopher@d-mars.com.

8.

FAITH-BASED DIRECTORY

february 2011

www.

9.

FAITH-BASED DIRECTORY

february 2011

www.

10.

february 2011

www.

11.

february 2011

www.

12.

Walking in

YOUR Purpose…

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer One of my favorite bible stories is the story of Noah’s Ark. God tells Noah a flood is going to destroy the earth.

God then tells Noah to build an ark, so that he and his family will be spared.

God also told Noah to put two (male and female) of every animal on the ark.

Noah builds the ark, he puts the animals on the ark, his family boards the ark. It rains for 40 days and nights.

The world is destroyed. Noah sends out a dove a couple of times, finally a dove comes back with an olive branch.

They know it’s safe to get off the ark.

The world starts a new. Pretty simple huh?

Well there are a couple of things about this story we all learned in Sunday School that make it my favorite.

One, when God told Noah to build the ark, it was not raining outside, nor had it ever rained and historians say Noah didn’t live anywhere near a body of water large enough for an ark. The dimensions of the ark were about one and a half football fields long and four stories high (interesting fact, shipbuilders still use this ratio of the length to width today). To me this is significant because often times we have to have faith that things are going to be alright when we are doing what we are supposed to do, no matter how ridiculous everyone else may think the path we have chose is, we have to continue in spite of…. (Warning, before you do anything too outlandish, be sure that you are walking in your purpose).

Another thing, get this… Noah was about 400 years old when he started building the ark and was almost 500 when it was finished. So, he worked on february 2011

the ark for almost 100 years, with no evidence that what he was working on would ever be used. Lesson here, success is not an overnight thing, it comes after years and years of hard work, hard work that sometimes no one else sees.

So, you may think that, such and such had it easy or his or her road was or is not difficult as yours; but like the old folks say, it may be a case of “You see my glory, but don’t know my story”.

In my opinion, it is also important to note, that although we don’t know Noah’s “pre-flood” occupation, after the flood he owned a vineyard. So I guess we can assume he probably was not a ship builder when he was told by God to build an ark. Noah is remembered for building an ark not for his wonderful wine making abilities. From that I gather, that it’s not important that you always knew exactly what your purpose or gift to the world is. It’s just important that when the time comes for you to give that gift. You know and you give it.

Ok, last thing…Noah’s family (his wife, his three sons, their wives, a total of 8 people) were to be on this ark with ALL those animals the duration of the flood (40 days and 40 nights) and the period for the land to dry and become habitable. (Historians believe it was a total of one year after the floods stopped). I can’t even imagine being trapped on a boat with my extended family and a bunch of animals for over a year. I have to admit I would have immediately started asking questions like, “why me?”, “are you sure, this is what I am supposed to do?” But, Noah just goes about doing what he was told to do, having complete faith that he is walking in his purpose.

As entrepreneurs we are unique people, we make our way and create and build and try, there are people who tell us we can’t, we shouldn’t, it will never work, or that it hasn’t been done before.

But I challenge you, if you are doing what you have been” told” to do, if you are walking in your purpose, then like Noah, you have to continue to walk in YOUR purpose. Noah had faith that he would acquire the tools and the knowledge required to get that job done, despite his age, despite the time required, despite what others said, we must have this type of faith in our dreams if our www.

purpose is ever to be fulfilled.

But, when you hear all the negative talk, when your feelings are hurt, when things just don’t turn out how you planned, what do you do? How do you keep from giving up and having half an ark in your yard when the rain comes?

1.

An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it!

The one thing that you can do in pursuing your goal is to keep an open mind. You will be more aware of ideas and opportunities around you that could help you move you closer towards your goal. Once you say “I quit” you basically are closing off your mind from any more ways to getting closer to your end result and having any breakthroughs.

Thing to Remember- There are always more ways than one to do something!

2.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!

One thing for you to remember when you get discouraged is that you actually tried in the first place. You made an effort! If you got a result that you didn’t like, you will need to adjust your action based upon your result until you get a better outcome. Especially in the beginning of something, we feel overwhelmed at times and think that we will never get there. Yes, you may have temporary setbacks, but if you learn from those and change your actions you will get what you want.

The spirit of “stick-to-it-iveness” is the one that wins! Each time you try again, you WIN!

3.

Questions are the answer!

When you run out of ideas it’s time to start asking questions. Who do you ask the questions? YOU! That’s right, you have to start asking yourself the questions and you WILL come up with more answers. What do I mean by that?

Ask questions that are geared towards getting what you want, not what you don’t want. Keep the questions positive!

4.

Somebody HELP ME!

Is there somebody that has already achieved the same goal? Find them and ask them what they did to get there (people love to talk about themselves).

Asking doesn’t cost anything. If they won’t help you, find somebody else!

5.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

A sure way to keep you from starting or even continuing towards your goal is to come up with an excuse. Let’s face it; there is always an excuse ready for you to use if you so choose. It’s easy to come up with excuses. If you find yourself making excuses take a minute and you will see that you are really just cheating yourself!

6.

If you can Believe It You Can Achieve It

I know that to make your goals a reality it most likely requires you to venture outside of your comfort zone. That can be scary and very uncomfortable at first! Keep focusing on the benefit of your goal to push yourself further along.

Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t succumb to pressure. Remember when you are walking in your purpose, your gifts will make room for you.

Blessings, Carla 13.

Having a Ministry Lifestyle Part I: Actions and Reactions

Pastor Andrew Watkins, Sr., CBA, CPM As a pastor I am often asked the question: How can a person cope with living in a world that does not reflect my views, my morals, and my beliefs?

And also, is it ok to hide my feelings of who I am and who I believe in, just to get along?

Well, first I want you to remember who you are in the body of Christ and

for those of you that are not members in the body of Christ “if you confess the Lord Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead then you will be saved.” (Romans 10: 9 NKJV) Now back to those that are already saved, you have to remember that you are different, unique and chosen. Also, you have the ability by your actions and reactions to show who you are to others that are around you. It’s not about the world; it’s about Him that is inside of you. Know that darkness and light will be in conflict. The key is: am I living a telling ministry with my mouth or am I living a telling ministry by my actions? Also, are my reactions betraying me, my faith, my morals and my Christ that is inside of me?

As a Christian behaviorist, I believe that if your actions and reactions are based upon how you feel, then you’re focus is on yourself! But if your actions and reactions are based upon the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), then

your actions and reactions are of Him and not of you. So when you get mad, instead of throwing how you feel at a person, throw the fruits of the Spirit.

(Yes, I am saying have a food fight!)

It is important to remember that you must act in Christ and react in Christ at all times. (I know this is hard!)

Here are some other things that can help you. One, remember that your actions and your reactions are your testimony. So remember the word says in Romans 13: 13 -14 NKJV : • Verse 13:13: Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

• Verse 14: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Two, and this is the hard one, when you are getting mad, remember to listen more, speak less, and don’t get mad. You may want to refer to James 1: 19 NKJV: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow

FAITH: for Life

God’s Prescription

By Charles E. Perry, Jr. Contributing Writer

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3.

As Christians, we have been called to live by faith, and faith has been designed to bring about results in our lives. We have been given all things to live a life that is pleasing to God. According to the scripture above, God has dealt, allocated or distributed to us the measure of faith.

When someone becomes born again, it is at that moment that God makes the deposit of faith into their heart. Now God, Whose desire is that we please Him, knows that faith is required in doing so.

For without faith it is impossible to please Him. Hebrews 11:6.

Faith is what God has prescribed for Christians to live by. The Word of God says the just (those who have been february 2011

declared righteous through faith in the blood of Jesus) shall LIVE BY FAITH. So then faith is more than just a means of getting from God what we want, need or desire. Now, is it incorrect to use faith to receive from God? Absolutely not! But one is incomplete in their thinking to believe that’s all there is to faith. When a Christian has the proper understanding of faith, it is then that he or she can experience the fullness of life which God has promised and provided for them through Jesus Christ.

In order to become a partaker of this “God-Kind of Life” the one must understand and develop in the “God-Kind of Faith”. The abundant life is available for all of God’s children; however, it is accessed and live through our faith in Him. When you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, faith in the Word of God and knowledge of the covenant of God there is nothing that can keep you from living the abundant life.

Faith has everything to do with the Word of God. First, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

www.

Secondly, faith is acting on the Word of God. Thirdly, faith is released by speaking God’s Word out of your mouth. I submit that faith is important. As Christians, our victories in life are connected to our faith. According to I John 5:4, faith is the victory whereby we overcome the world. I believe the Word of God gives clarity on how significant, vital and imperative faith is for the Christian which is why it is referred to in the bible as being more costly than gold that perish.

What Is Faith?

• Faith is acting on what you believe.

For Christians, since we believe the Word of God, for us faith is acting on the Word of God. • Faith is confident trust that moves one beyond believing to acting.

Whenever you believe God has done something that belief must be backed up with your conduct in order for it to be faith.

• Faith is resting in what God says as truth.

• Faith is being confident of what you

to speak, slow to wrath;” Lastly, remember, this verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV: Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

Also, remember it is not your job to hide in the world -- as you walk around, your focus should not be on the world, and it should be on Jesus Christ. Your new life is based upon you accepting Gods direction and His focus in your life. So keep your head up, smile, keep your joy, pray without ceasing and don’t worry about whether everyone is accepting you. And remember Romans 12: 2 NKJV: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Pastor Andrew Watkins, Sr., CBA, CPM Senior Pastor, New Directions Christian Fellowship Church hope for and convinced of what you do not see.

• Faith is the title deed and proof that what’s not perceived with the senses does exist.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:1-2.

Many fail because they allow the Word of God to depart from before their eyes. Instead of seeing themselves as God’s Word says they are, they keep looking at the wrong things – at the conditions, at the symptoms, at themselves – and so they walk in unbelief and destroy the effects of their faith. Many even listen to others around them instead of listening to God’s Word, and they allow the Word to depart out of their heart.

You must determine to walk in the light of God’s Word. Once you’ve settled in your heart that you’re going to follow God’s Word rather than your senses, you must continue to feed upon it until you have a settled assurance of God’s will concerning your life and circumstances.

You must immerse yourself in the Word of God until it becomes a part of you and is more real than what you perceive with your senses. As a Christian who walks by faith, the Word of God must have first place and be the final authority in your life.

14.

B LA CK

H I S T O R Y

PR O F I L E

Israel S. Campbell:

“The Father of Black Texas Baptists”

G

alveston was one of the most important cities in the development of early Baptist life in Texas.

Because traveling across the Indian-inhabited regions that would eventually become the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma was dangerous, the safest means by which to get to Texas was to take a ship from New Orleans to Galveston.

The majority of the first Baptists headed for Texas opted to sail to Texas, and they landed at Galveston Island and often spent time in the city before making their way inland. James Huckins, William Tryon, George Washington Baines, and Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor were among these first Baptists to arrive.

Galveston has been significant in Texas Baptist life. The First Baptist

Rev. Jack-Yates february 2011

Church of Galveston, organized in 1840, was one of the earliest Baptist churches in Texas. Baptized at Galveston in the Gulf of Mexico, Gail Borden, of condensed milk fame, was one of the initial people to receive this ordinance in Texas. Galveston was also the first Texas home of Samuel Augustus Hayden. Hayden became the father of the first convention squabble following the birth of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1886. Because these important events and countless others occurred on Galveston Island, one event, the formation of the Avenue L Baptist Church, and one person, the church’s pastor, Israel S. Campbell, have often been overlooked.

Born a slave in Russellville, Kentucky, in 1815, Campbell and his family were sold to a Methodist couple from Ohio when he was four years old. During the next eighteen years, he was sold to several different families throughout the Ohio Valley. Campbell claimed that one consistency in his life was the regular religious services held for slaves on every plantation.

Whenever possible, he attended these services.

In 1867, Campbell became pastor of the African Baptist Church of Galveston.

This church was an outgrowth of the First Baptist Church of Galveston. In order for the slaves to have their own place to worship, First Baptist deacons Gail Borden, Jr., John S. Sydnor, and James Huckins in 1855 purchased land and a building for use by their black members. After the Civil War, the deacons deeded the property to Pastor Campbell, and the church reorganized and took the name First Regular Missionary Baptist Church of Galveston. With the acwww.

ceptance of the property, this church became the first independent black Baptist church in Texas. In 1903, the church changed its name to the Avenue L Baptist Church.

In the first year of his pastorate, Campbell demonstrated outstanding leadership and pastoral skills when two tragedies devastated Galveston. In the summer of 1867, yellow fever struck the city, killing many residents and leaving others very ill. Campbell remained in the city, caring for the needs of his members. In the fall of 1867, a devastating hurricane struck the city, resulting in many deaths and leaving several members of his congregation homeless. Campbell helped the victims find temporary housing and performed many funerals. Despite this difficult beginning of his Galveston pastorate, Campbell’s twenty-four-year tenure as pastor was successful. His congregation grew from a few dozen to more than five hundred members, and he became a recognized leader in the Galveston community.

In 1868, realizing the need for unification in black Baptist work, Campbell, along with fellow black pastors Peter Diggs and John Henry Yates, organized the first black Baptist association in Texas, the Regular Missionary Lincoln Association. Campbell’s previous service as the moderator of Baptist associations in Michigan and Louisiana

proved to be vital to this new work, and he was elected as the Lincoln Association’s first moderator. During the association’s early years, the majority of its churches lined the Brazos River as far north as Waco and as far south as the Gulf Coast region below Galveston. In its initial year, the Regular Missionary Lincoln Association registered twenty churches. By the close of the next year, twenty-seven churches had joined the association, and the combined membership of all its churches exceeded 2,700. Campbell participated in many ordinations of men who would become pastors in these new churches.

After the Civil War, many black Baptists in Texas formed their own congregations, separate from the churches of their former masters. Soon, black Baptist churches were established throughout Texas. Campbell, again, stood at the forefront of black Baptist life, attempting to gather support for a statewide convention. In 1872, the Baptist State Missionary and Education Convention (BSMEC) was organized. Financially supported by the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York, this convention was the first statewide black Baptist organization in Texas. (16) Campbell was the driving force behind the formation of the BSMEC, and he wrote its constitution and on two occasions delivered Continue pg. 16

15.

the convention sermon.

With Campbell as one of its primary leaders, the convention became a success. By 1890, the churches of the convention had a membership of more than 110,000.

Although Campbell had only six months of formal education, he knew that education was the key to socioeconomic advancement, and he vigorously campaigned for the establishment of a black vocational school to be located in the general vicinity of Galveston. This endeavor, however, failed due to the opening of Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, in 1881. Bishop College was not a vocational school but a traditional academic institution. Although Bishop College was not what Campbell believed Texas blacks needed, he became a strong advocate of the college.

After more than fifty years in the ministry, Campbell retired as pastor of the First Regular Missionary Baptist Church of Galveston in February 1891.

During his twenty-four-year tenure in Texas, Campbell was remembered

The Mystery of Our History

By Maceo Smeadley Contributing Writer

for his eloquent sermons, his support of missions and education for blacks and former slaves, and his role in the formation of the Lincoln Association and the Baptist State Missionary and Education Convention. He also helped organize Antioch Baptist Church in Houston and the historic First Regular Missionary Baptist Church of Galveston. By the time of his death in La Marque, Texas, on June 13, 1898, Israel Campbell was known as the “Father of Black Texas Baptists.”

There is no doubt that African Americans have a survivor’s history. In spite of overcrowded slave ships coupled with malnourishment and disease, we survived. In spite of the unexplainable animalistic treatment from slave masters in which death was a common wish for a slave, we survived. In spite of the thousands lynched by this countries racially motivated extremist groups, we survived.

However, there is a mystery about our history. That mystery is we are one of the only groups of people who subsequently oppress ourselves after surviving the unimaginable from an outside oppressor. How ironic it is that after surviving these atrocities we tighten the noose around our own necks, attach the chains to our own hands and feet, and disenfranchise ourselves.

Ironically we have allowed abortionist to kill more African American children in a few days than the Klan has during their entire existence. We have sold drugs

ership, the order of service, fellow Christians and mankind.

The House of God is taking on unconventional faces these days. No matter the architectural design or structure, buildings that are dedicated and assigned as places of worship must be considered “The House of God”. They are dedicated to the work of God and believed to be a place where the presence of God abides.

Apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers are the ministry gifts God gave the church. We see many men and women in these positions who dress more casually than ministers of the previous decades; but does this reduce the level of respect due the offices?

There was a time in church history when walking during prayer, the message, and the invitation appeal was taboo.

These events in the order of service were considered very sacred. In today’s church many hold a different view.

Love thy neighbor as thyself—is it still a rule to govern one’s life by? What about—Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you? Is respect for others a lost art in this society? It was the church that taught us to love and respect others and their property. The church instilled in us that being a good, caring

neighbor was the right thing to do.

Our current church leaders are asking for a little respect. Several pastors present their views on respect.

Apostle Kevin Barber of Baca Christian Center, Richmond, Texas says, “There is a diminishing respect for the very place we use to reverence in generations past. “ Apostle Barber feels that people, who fail to honor God, will ultimately dishonor his designated place for gathering.

Pastor Brian Christiani of House of Praise AG, Queenstown, Guyana believes that, “There are so many different standards set in different places; hence, it lends itself for confusion, as a result, the double standard. According to Pastor Brian, the source of the disrespect we see for mankind is a result of pride and lack of self-respect.

Pastor Karen Wyatt of Family of Faith, Beaumont, Texas gives us insight that says technology had contributed to the demonstration of disrespect for the house of God. She says cell phones ringing and people texting during services have become commonplace. Pastor Wyatt states that, “Leaders should be honored for the office they hold and Christians should be cautious of becoming too

in our own communities and caused ourselves to take part in a new form of slavery called drug addiction. We have allowed prisons to be our new overcrowded environments that house our sons and daughters like slave ships. We have aloud Black on Black crime to victimize our communities worse than blood hungry fugitive slave catchers.

Part of the answer to this mystery is that we must allow our survivors past to program our successful future. We must take time to teach our children to appreciate our history and not deface it by participating in self-destructive behaviors that will represent our culture as a whole.

Finally we must place our trust in the God who delivered our fore-fathers from their oppressor, and trust him to deliver us from ourselves. www.promisechurch.org|281-972-9015 Come and discover the HOPE of Jesus Christ at The Promise Church.

Now meeting at Worthing High School on Sundays from 11:00 - 12:00 at 9215 Scott, Houston.

Asking For a Little Respect

By Dr. Pamela Randolph Contributing Writer The church is a great influence in our heritage. It continues to provide stability to our communities. Many of our great African-American leaders were and are avid Christians and tremendous supporters of the church.

Times are changing and so is the church. Aren’t there some things that should remain the same? Reverence and respect for the things of God transcends time. Our religious heritage taught us and insisted that we show some respect for: the House of God, the church leadfebruary 2011

www.

familiar with their leaders.”

Dr. Patrick T. Randolph of Maximized Life Christian Center International, Channelview, Texas shares his observations. “Where there is respect, you will find honor. When people show respect, they say to God, ‘I value what you have established.’” Dr. Randolph credits the lack of respect for the Body of Christ missing out on opportunities for great moves of God. He is convinced that respect gives God a clear atmosphere to operate.

Our current leaders are asking for what our previous leaders asked for—A Little Respect for the House of God, the church leadership, the order of service, fellow Christians and mankind. They feel respect can be restored by: leaders setting the example and teaching biblical principles that support respect in these areas, believers receiving the principles taught, everyone making a commitment to serve faithfully in the local church, Christians resolving issues at may arise among themselves, regaining self-respect, showing love to mankind rather than being indifferent to their needs, and realizing that technology has its place.

Just “A Little Respect” for the Church, a great anchor in our heritage and our communities.

16.

february 2011

www.

17

Heritage of the Black Church

By Pastor Lorenzo Ewing Contributing Writer The “Black Church” or the African American church, has a strong heritage with deep roots from the 1800s. Across the diaspora, we proved that we could unite through church attendance and celebrations resulting in gained values and developing strong and lasting relationships that would outlast many generations to come. The effects of these roots continue to intertwine within our communities; nurturing, educating, and supporting. The church was

all we had at one point! Although slav- ‘relatable’ and ‘applicable’ and truthery and segregation played a major role ful traditions of today, we can eradicate in the heritage of the black church, it road blocks that exists in our African made the church unit stronger instead American churches. To become effecof destroying it. Church of old was a tive - we must become relevant! To place where become all backThe “Black Church” or the African ‘Sunday grounds t’ American church, has a strong heritage bis e snot c o u l d come to- with deep roots from the 1800s. about gether and merely find equal footing. Worship expressed putting our ‘Sunday go-to-meeting through the hymns and spirituals were clothes’ on – it’s the condition of the a large part of the foundations of the heart – Sunday mornings can be deblack church – it was through music scribed as the most segregated mothat the impoverished found freedom, ments in America – Should it not be its voice, and its liberty. a time when we analyze the deep roots Today, as we scan the canvas of the that has brought us this far? Have we African American church, what has spent the time and energy it takes to become of it? The traditions of man grow closer to God as a people and as and their religious rituals have caused a a nation? Hence the relevance of scripgreat breech in the fabric of the heritage turally sound worship that helps with of our church. Instead of a cohesive the growth and the revamping of the community framework, have we rel- black church. egated to an individualistic mindset of The face of our churches in Amerigreed, pride, and insensitivity? By com- ca is changing and we must find a place bining the positive traditions of our of relevance without compromising forefathers and church pioneers with righteousness. Often portrayed and

celebrated as a civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King was first and foremost a minister - a man of God, and a prophetic voice in the land. He heralded and sounded the alarm that even today resonates for the human spirit.

Jesus prays a prayer of unity in John 17:21 - … that they may all be one as You and I are one. It is now our responsibility to continue the dream that began with Jesus Christ himself and comparatively addressed through Dr. King’s speech entitled “I Have a Dream.”

I believe the future of, not only the black church in America but all churches, should be majoring on the things of Christ which recognizes the truth of the Kingdom of God. While our past hinges on challenges, segregation, humiliation, but determination, our future looks deep within the fibre of that history and catapults our heritage far beyond our deepest aspirations and hopes for generations to come.

The Fellowship of Love Church 15995 Westheimer Rd. | Houston, TX 77082 | 281.497.1971 | www.fellowshipoflove.org

Faith Strong Enough to Stand

By Madeline “Carla” Kirksey Contributing Writer

T

he concept of spirituality, religion, and church as a whole, could be traced back to the times of slavery for African Americans. African Americans sought comfort in their sacred connection with God as a liberator. Once allowed the freedom to worship and praise their God, faith was developed february 2011

in their time of weakness and bondage. The enslaved African American gravitated to spirituality because it gave them new found faith in a sovereign deliverer. This deliverer held true to His promise in Exodus thus setting the Israelites free from Egypt. The enslaved believed that this same God, who removed the Israelites from the horror of their circumstances, would indeed do the same by removing African Americans from their undeserved situations.

Whether working the cotton fields, cleaning in the big house, or working for scraps from their masters table; one could hear from afar the songs of praise that gave the enslaved hope. This hope transformed into something even greater, Faith. Through that Faith, the enslaved obtained their greatest strength, resilience. With resilience came unfound power and developed faith that made them strong enough to stand. It is safe to believe that those who held our ancestor’s captive did not realize www.

that they could find strength in an untouchable being. What harm would it be if the enslaved were allowed to worship? Today, one hundred and forty six years later, we are still standing on that same faith.

Faith, the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith, an uncompromising hope in circumstances that looks bleak to others. Faith, our supernatural visual that allow us to peek into our future.

This same faith has become African American’s badge of honor and we wear it well. Although human slavery has been abolished many people continue to be held captive. For some, they are enslaved to an overwhelming economy; for others, it maybe addiction, and then for others, it maybe the ghost of their past. Whatever it is that is controlling us, we continue to stand on our faith.

“Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round

Turn me ‘round, Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round I’m gonna wait until my change come.

I promised the Lord that I would hold out Hold out I promised the Lord that I would hold out Wait until my change come.”

These verses come from an old spiritual; “I ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn me ‘Round.” The first verse is a picture of resilience and the last is an expression of uncompromising faith.

Both verses are examples of struggle.

However, even in that struggle there is a strong belief that change is coming.

Both faith and resilience has become the picture of the African American culture. Faith began from the conditions of our struggle; however, that exact same struggle became enslaved to our Faith. We have forever obtained faith strong enough to stand.

18.

february 2011

www.

19.