From the desk of Pastor Ronnie D. Joyner, D.Min. To: My Pastoral Colleagues and Ministerial Friends Grace from our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mercies be upon You, Your Family and the Families Over which The Lord has made you Overseer! November 04, 2014 Acts 2:43 says, "Then fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles" NKJV. It is out of this post resurrection reality that I address you at this time. When I read Acts 2:41-47 as well as Acts 4:32-35 I get a bit inquisitive when I see two areas that are not operating in most of our congregations. Acts 2:45 says, "and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need". I see two groups here, those who had possessions and goods and the clientele who purchased these items and met needs. Both groups were in the congregation, under apostolic authority - Acts 2:42. Now, read Acts 4:34 this Covenant Community practice continues, "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold and laid them at the apostles' feet and they distributed to each as anyone had need". In these instances, I not only see manifestation from God, but congregational cooperation which made the vision productive. This Covenant Community Economic System is a model many of us in New Testament churches have failed to emulate. On one side I ask myself was it just for then or is it a continuing standard that should be for NOW? In my 40th year of ministry, I pastor my third church and will lead the congregation in building our House of Worship/Ministry Center. I want to thank God for His wisdom and guidance in this post 2007(8) Great Recession. While we celebrate the 2008 Election of the first African American President, we also celebrate a relearning process in borrowing money because of the subsequent economic downturn, it is quite obvious, banks and lending institutions cannot be our financial source when we need funds during building campaigns! However, there is 'Biblical Promise' for the next 7 Years for the Lord's Church and His People~Gen. 41; Lev. 25; Deut. 15:1-18 and Rev. 3:10. Would you agree? Like each of you, I have led my two previous congregations in building ministries with a Luke 14:28 mindset, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it" NKJV, only to have a debt I could not write a check and liquidate at a moment's notice, Proverbs 22:7. The Process: Qualify for the loan and trust God to 'move monthly' through the congregation to make a payment until we pay it off. In my second church we utilized a church bond issue along with a Capital
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Stewardship Firm out of Texas to raise the $1.3 million dollars needed with a $12,000 sinking fund or bond liquidation payment per month. I would have failed my present congregation if we had begun to build and did not have enough in reserves to finish it. I told God I did not want a mortgage for this 3rd house! I must also include my residence and the residences of my congregation in this declaration! Huffington Post published an article referencing church foreclosures and lost revenues from affected congregants during the last 7 year economic downturn. In my 14 years as pastor of the Philadelphia Fellowship (Baptist) we moved to 13 different locations. It has taken research, re-learning and re-teaching to walk and work with God's debt free deliverance and setting forth the praxis for it! 14 years later, the praxis is here, it is The Year of Jubilee Family Legacy Ministry. God has given me a biblically based/Rites of Passage ministry that I wish to share with you. This ministry provides A 12 Month Family Legacy Educational Institute (John 1:29-51; Acts 2:4142; Acts 4:32 & other supportive scriptures) for every age group of our congregation, A 12 Month Family Legacy Evangelism/Discipleship Ministry (John 1:29-51; Acts 2:46-47; Acts 4:33 & other supportive scriptures) as the core of ministry and mission of the church and A 12 Month Jubilee Economic Empowerment Ministry (Leviticus 25 1-55; Deuteronomy 15:1-18; Isaiah 61:1,2/Luke 4:16-19; Acts 2: 43-45; Acts4:32b, 34-37) to assist the church in meeting its needs and the individual members to have the opportunity to be the expositors of the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. The Year of Jubilee is a biblical reference which highlight provisions in maintaining proper God Commanded work ethics, life enhancing social tenets, civil rights & economic justice. This sociological bridge was built for the future of our families from the beneficent and hallowed will of God. I call it A Return to Eden. The Year of Jubilee Family Legacy Ministry is an adaptable ministry. We will come alongside of you and enhance what God has entrusted to us both. This ministry is conducive in building ministry, soul winning, liquidation of existing debt, payoff funds for your and congregant's personal home or tuition for your children and many more Educational, Evangelistic and Economic Empowering means. I believe The Year of Jubilee Family Legacy Ministry can add an increased level of productivity to the practice of ministry because of the Power of His Word. The Return to Eden link above will enable you to view our booklet for more information. I hope we can also set up a phone or personal meeting time as well. Here is my e-mail RonnieD. Joyner@gmail.com and phone numbers (757) 424-6557 or (757) 235-2504. In His Name and Through His Power, Pastor Ronnie D. Joyner, D.Min.
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