Christian Leaders Magazine by TBDesigns

Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 3

October/November Issue 2015 Founder & Publisher

Bernard S. Harrison, Jr. Art Director

Tara Billups Haynes Sales Director

Roderick Chappell Inspiration Nation Corporation Distribution

John Blassingame Editorial Board

Brady Boyd Tee Coker Donna Kinum Glen Mason Bill Meacham Anita Palmer Tasha Taylor Dr. Peggy Turner Printing Company

Minuteman Press Norfolk, VA

Christian Leaders Magazine Hampton Roads is Published by

Please send all letters and media request: Christian Leaders Magazine HR 259 Granby Street, Suite 250 Norfolk VA 23510

www.christianleaders-online.com

Contents

Departments

Christian Business Spotlight

8 Features

Cover Story 8

Doc Christian, Fame meets humility

Dr. Harrison E. Benton, Jr. Artist, Haberdasher and “Quintessential” Christian Leader

The Barter Authority & Your Business A Win/Win Partnership

Your Words 22

Rise Up Mighty Warrior

Pastor’s Corner 24

A Man After God, Bishop Jerome Williams

Three Things I Wished I’d Known About Leadership

Publisher’s Pen

Ministry at Work

A Personal Message from the Publisher

A Place to Belong: Signs of Grace Deaf Church

The Last Word 30

I Can Fly with One Wing Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 5

ahab the prostitute. She carries that designation. She can’t seem to shake it. Rahab the prostitute. In Joshua 2:1 she is introduced. Joshua 6:22 says the spies enter the house of the prostitute, verse 23, whose name is Rahab. Verse 25, Rahab the prostitute. James 2:25, Rahab the prostitute was justified by her works because she hid the spies and sent them another way. Hebrew11:31, one would think that if she is in the hall of the fame of faith that somehow or another this dubious title would be dropped. But she’s introduced by faith, “Rahab the prostitute. Welcomed the spies and did not die with the disobedient of the city.” It’s a dubious title. Even after she has been inducted, if you will, into the family of Jesus. There she is, right there in Matthew1:5. She is in Jesus’ family because Rahab married a man by the name of Salmon, and Rahab and Salmon

The Publisher’s Pen A Personal message from the Publisher

had a son by the name of Boaz, and Boaz married Ruth, and Boaz and Ruth had a son by the name of Obed, and Obed had a son by the name of Jesse, and Jesse had a son by the name of David, and David had a son by the name of Jesus. She becomes one of the great great great great great great grandmothers of Jesus, and yet she still has residing in her resume Rahab the prostitute. It’s almost like referring to Jacob all the time as Jacob, not as Israel. God changed his name from Jacob—swindler, trickster, supplanter, wrestler, and deceiver—to Israel, “God who fights.” But we always refer to him as Jacob. It’s Naaman who was a leper, but even after he has been cleansed of his leprosy and has 6 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

dipped seven times in the Jordan River and comes up clean, we still call him Naaman the leper. We still refer to Ruth as Ruth the Moabite. Moabites, a country that was cursed. We still refer to Mary Magdalene as the woman out of whom Jesus has cast seven devils even though she is the first human being to ever see the resurrected Lord on resurrection Sunday morning. We still refer to Zacchaeus as the tax collector, even after Jesus sees him up in the tree and calls him to come down from the tree, and Jesus takes and renegotiates his life and calls him a son of Abraham, and we still call him Zacchaeus the tax collector. We still call Thomas the doubting one even though in John 11:16, he says, “Let us also go and die with him.” Matthew 1:21 says” “for he shall save his people from their sin.” If you’ve been abused and accused, God can use you. If you’ve been baffled and befuddled, God can use you. If you’ve been criticized and castigated, God can use you. If you’ve been defeated and depleted, God can use you! All of us have mess in our lives, but God will make your mess your message. Stop lamenting, spending all your time on what you have lost. Save some time to thank God for what you’ve got left because it’s not just what you’ve lost, it’s what you’ve got left that counts. I can celebrate that even though there have been major losses in my life, it’s what I have left that counts. Because it’s what I have left that counts I can still go on in the name of the Lord. Rahab’s life is a mess, but God makes her mess her message and she becomes a testimony to all of

us of what God can do to redeem our situation. Not only from sin, but redeem our lives from destruction and embarrassment.

off the assembly line, and Ford was very happy. But a couple of days later Charlie sent a bill. It wasn’t itemized, it just said, “Charge $10,000.” which was a whole lot of money back then. Ford wrote him a little note on that same bill. He said, “Charlie, $10,000 is a lot of money for a couple hours of tinkering.” Charlie got the bill and gave him an itemized explanation. He said, Mr. Ford, “$10 for tinkering. $9,990 for knowing where to tinker.” Then he wrote at the bottom, “Total $10,000.”

Last month I suffered though a stroke, although later it was found out to be a “little” stroke, I found myself laying in the bed on the Stroke Ward thinking about all the things i hadn’t done. I thought my book was not finished. The things I thought God placed me here to achieve were gone, my true redemption. My testimony is “God is so good”! Today, I give you another installment of the I want you to know that God knows where to tinker, God knows how Publisher’s Pen. to tinker, and God knows when I’m reminded of a story I heard to tinker. Since he made you and as a college student at NSU. It was made me, whenever he gets ready about Henry Ford, the automobile he can pull the switch and begin mogul and Charlie Stienmezt. the life process over and over Charlie had one of the greatest again. Well, I’m glad that I serve a minds in the field of electricity tinkering God for goodwill. God that the world had ever known. In tinkers with me daily. God will fact, Henry Ford hired him when tinker in your soul. In fact, I know he built his first plant in Dearborn, he knows how to tinker, because Michigan. He hired him to one day on Friday the generator of build the generators. Charlie salvation got started on the Cross Steinmetz built the generators. and put in the grave. There was The cars started coming off the no production on Friday and no assembly line, making Henry production on Saturday and no Ford richer and richer. But one production on Saturday night. day the generators stopped and Then Sunday morning God threw they failed. Being the cheapskate the switch and Jesus rose from the and the miser that Ford was, Ford dead with all power in his hand. hired some ordinary mechanics to One of these days he’s going to fix the generator. But they could tinker one more time. The dead not fix the generators, and Ford in Christ shall rise, and those who was losing business. He finally are alive shall be caught up to had to go back to Charlie who meet him in the rapture. So if we had built the generators. He said, are ever to be with the Lord. We “Charlie, I want you to restart are all Rated R... for redemption. the generators.” He went back, and Charlie walked around the generators for an hour or two just puttering and tinkering. Finally Bernard S. Harrison, Jr. after a couple hours, he threw the Bernard S. Harrison, Jr. switch and the generators started again, and the cars started coming Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 7

“I felt God speak to me, but I didn’t want to do it at first, I didn’t feel qualified.”

8 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

APastor Man After God, Anderson Foreman Bishop Jerome Williams to Celebrate

Changing hearts while keeping it real.

by Tasha Taylor

By came Angelaover Fuentes one day and God-fearing, humble and bring him back. “She honest man from Virginia; said she wasn’t there to change my mind, just to everend Anderson Foreman, Jr. grew up on the Virginia coast do the dishes. She added she prayed Bishop JeromeAnn Williams in Princess County,is which later became Virginia Beachover me. I the club that nighthe as usual, but couldn’t faithfully serving God,been as he raised has went in 1963. Having in a to Christian home, became been forwith 15 years, overage.enjoy it. It felt wrong.” Bishop Williams said. He acquainted Godasatpastor a young New Testament Ministries. Bishop Williams added, that God spoke to him, and he knew what neededwhich to do.was evident to has overseen church grow from a smallGod 75, and Histhis heart was tender towards his he church, to a large number of over and 2,000great-aunt, members under his neighbor Mrs. Lucy Eason-Whitehurst. Foreman his leadership. Bishop Williams over for remembers being took eight-years-old Bishop Charles Bowens in 2000, told and afthim er histhat whenHhis great-aunt passing heshe wasbelieved covered by W. Brown. heBishop wouldK.grow up to be He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Elder a preacher someday. This resonated Shajuan, whom he with has been the deeply himclose andwith at since age twelve young agehe of 9. Their incredible dedication and was baptized. Not being exempt, faithfulness lead to the from birth of the their son. Bishop of however, struggles Williams was born up intoinathis God-fearing family, growing world and finding where church wasn’tinoptional. However,away at 17, he a place it, he stepped from theofchurch for some his early became tired the church, and alltime thatin pertains twenties. to it and left . He was away from the church for 4 years, and during that time was a party goer, Years and later, he never forgot about a drug dealer, whoremonger. This was his most difficult struggle, he mentioned, and explained his mother was who God’s vessel to

“I felt God speak to me, but I didn’t want to listen to it at first, I didn’t feel qualified.” Bishop Williams explained when asked about how he realized his calling. God however, does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Bishop Williams added that Jonah didn’t feel qualified either, and ran from God, but quickly realized this was not possible after spending 3 days inside a whale’s belly. Thankfully, God didn’t have to go as far with Bishop Williams. Today, Williams proves he was more than qualified, as God works in him, he has received multiple awards, including ‘Pastor of the year’ and has been named Bishop over the entire state of Virginia under GUF. Despite these accomplishments, the Bishop remains humble and he gives most of the credit for that to his wife. “At church I am the Bishop and when I am home, I’m a husband and I have responsibilities that humble me, like taking out the trash. My wife reminds me that I am just her husband at home anytime I take my title home with me.” The Bishop stated. He also has a team, that continually prays for him to stay humble and remember that God is who deserves the praise. When asked about his favorite verse one that encouraged him, Bishop Williams brought up Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV version) The Bishop sees this verse referring to us needing to push on when we hit a tough spot, to keep going, and never give up. When asked about additional verses that he would recommend for encouragement, he mentioned Psalms 34 and Psalms 150, both of which focus on praising God in every situation. New Testament Ministries has a motto and mission which are both easy to see are benefitting the church community just by speaking with Bishop Williams. The church motto is ‘Changing hearts while keeping it real.’ This powerful message described by the Bishop was to mean that he was tangible to his members. That he was real, not some star that can do no wrong, he laid himself bare, faults and all for his members to see, so they would worship God and 10 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

not the vessel he was using. His vision is to equip Saints, pursue a ministry of reconciliation, be a light to our city, to take the gospel to the world, to express compassion and to love a hurting, sick, dying, and lost generation. This is something he is more than just passionate about, and is a much needed work in our world today. The church has over 40 ministries including a jail, missionary, homeless, youth, and choir ministries. The bishop sees big things for his church in the future, including shops and a possible shopping mall type building to bring the community together. To end our interview, the Bishop and I discussed the world today and what needed to change for the better. The Bishop believes if we get back to the basics, follow the word of God the things going on now wouldn’t even be an issue. The Bible predicts itself, it’s unfolding right before our eyes today. We need to stop worrying about offending others, and worry about offending God.

Bishop J. L. Williams & Elder Shajuan E. Willams New Testament Church Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 11

A New Millenium of Style! World Classic Head Wear The Finest in Designer Apparel and Wardrobe Basics! 739 GRANBY STREET NORFOLK, VA 23510

15 % Off With This Ad

12 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

(757) 627-1018 www.starkandlegum.net

Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 13

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

Doc Christian,

Fame meets humility

by Tasha Taylor

s I approached this silver bearded man with a huge persona (in my mind), I was a bit taken back by the many accolades and achievements I heard he had amassed. To my surprise he was not what I envisioned from a local celebrity. He is a warm person with a kind spirit that has an effervescence that oozed confidence and humility. A man you would gladly call a friend or mentor. This is also what I learned that day.

by Tee Coker

“I am not perfect, but I strive to be better.”

Doc Christian is a busy, combat boot wearing, humble man, who loves his job. He is a man of many talents including: being a radio host since 1973, a voiceover artist and musician. In his off time, Doc plays on the road with Larry Bland, Promise & The Volunteer Choir of Richmond, VA. He is the owner of SunShineDCproductions, a company that provides professional audio and lighting for small to large events. He is a MC host for many concerts, banquets, and events. He is married to “Inez” his incredible and multi-talented wife of 9 years. They were together for 2 years before marrying; as he wanted her to be sure she wanted to be with him. Inez brought him out of a dark time in his life and she grounds him despite his many successes, along with his faith. “I am not perfect, but I strive to be better.” he says. Doc Christian has always been in front of an audience on stage, radio and TV since 17; therefore, he never experienced much of a private life. He has worked in many

Doc is a member of New Calvary Baptist Church, where he was a musician, and mentioned his pastor “William Marcus Small” is on fire for God, and fuels his desire to be God’s servant. He has been a mentor for a lot of people, the two he is particularly proud of would be Asia Symoné, his co-host on WHOV 88.1 FM and Teresa Brown who has hosted a radio show with Doc. His advice to those interested in any of his talents he said. “You need to be prepared for sacrifices. Work will be a priority. Give back and be kind, you never know when you will need help because you will make mistakes. It’s not for everyone, but if you love it, then work hard for it.

Doc Christian and Inez Cox genres of music and radio including the gospel format he is best known. He says they all have a downside with jealousy, dishonesty and false promises. “When you see a successful person, remember they have struggles too.” Doc Christian experienced his share of hardships. He stated that foolishly trying to do it all by himself coupled with life problems, led to a suicide attempt. He lived in his car for more than a year, sleeping in parking lots and with friends. When asked what kept him going, he told me that knowing there are people out there he would let down, and the better he becomes, the more that he can help and inspire others. When giving credit to who brought him to where he is today, he named a few people, and got emotional remembering what they represent to him. He first mentioned his mother, who is his rock and reared him strict, but the right way. Rev Billy Lee, who mentored and introduced him to the radio industry. Jay Wright, who helped land one of his highest moments, doing a voiceover for a game with Sony. Steve Crumbley, who taught Doc the business side of radio. Jay Lang, an incredible mentor, and Station Manager at WHOV 88.1 FM which is currently one of the radio stations where Doc’s voice can be heard. Mike Chandler who encouraged Doc to own a radio station. Lastly Rodney Williams, his best friend and musical partner of 30 plus years.

Doc Christian has big plans for his future, hoping to continue his career as a radio host and broaden his audience, to write a book, he feels called to share his knowledge with youth interested in media, and lastly to host a television show for young people. After sharing his philosophy and outlook, I hope this inspires our readers as a Christian community to move forward with a renewed sense of importance to give back and share our mission to others. Doc Christian is without a doubt doing well.

To find out more about Doc Christian and SunShineDCproductions visit http://www.docchristian.com/

Doc Christian and Asia Symoné The Gospel Express on 88.1 WHOV Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 15

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

Dr. Harrison E. Benton, Jr.

Artist, Haberdasher and “Quintessential”

Christian Leader

By Glen Mason

About eight years ago, Charles “Sonny” Legum shared his thoughts with Michael J. Benton about purchasing Stark and Legum Menswear.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime. Presented with that opportunity to purchase a popular men’s clothing store in Norfolk, VA and help re-brand it as a “real” men’s haberdashery,” Benton knew it would take the help of family just as it did when it was founded over 92 years ago. Truly, it would entail a leap of faith.

Dr. Harrison E. Benton by (award winning photographer) Troy Cooper

But Benton didn’t have to look very far for spiritual guidance when he embarked upon this challenging business endeavor. He looked homeward.

... he has always been humbled by the fact that he could “earn a living and raise a family doing something he was passionate about.”

16 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

Michael’s “big” brother, the Reverend Doctor Harrison E. Benton, Jr., was the proverbial answer to his prayers. One should be so fortunate. So blessed to have an older brother who is truly a man of God, a gifted artist, an administrator, a renaissance man and a quintessential Christian leader.

“During the acquisition process we collaborated on 100 percent of the decisions. It wasn’t an easy transition because of all the details of such an investment,” said Benton. “I knew God had stepped in through prayer. “There were a lot of people we talked to who didn’t think we could get it done,” he continued -- Even some family members didn’t believe we could do it. Hopefully, we’ll expand soon.” The Benton brothers will be remembered as a tableau of leadership. Dr. Benton in fine arts and ministry, Chester in event promotion and mass media and youngest brother Michael in clothing and music. The scions of the Benton family were attentive students of their grandfather, an entrepreneur in his own right.

Mike Benton by Glen Mason

To Mike Benton, Christian leadership and business consultant was his big brother “June” rolled into one. “My mother always had it in her vision that, one day, I would own my own store,” said the dapper Benton, interviewed in his haberdashery’s office in Norfolk’s burgeoning arts district. “She always knew menswear and style have always been my passion along with music, “said Mike Benton, a musician who plays the bass guitar now president and CEO of Stark and Legum. “They always kind out went hand in hand to me. Being a performer and around a lot of entertainers and bands, creative fashion and style was always around. “Sonny came along with his proposal about the same time Harrison was thinking about retiring which was perfect timing to help me out. My father spoke to Harrison about it then we talked.” Asked when he realized that his brother was going to become a man of the cloth, the proverbial Christian leader, he remarked that Harrison was going to “go in because our father was a minister as well.” “Harrison has always had that (a leader’s) carriage and, God has always been in his life.

“The first leader, real positive role model was my grandfather, Joseph H. Smith (Papa). Our (“Papa”) was an entrepreneur back in the day. I don’t remember him working for anyone but himself,” Dr. Benton remembered, harkening back to his childhood and formative years in the close-knit Truxton neighborhood of Portsmouth. “He had his own businesses. He had three wood trucks he owned and a little store that prepared food and lunches he sold to people who worked at the lumber yard where he got his wood. “All of the males in our family had to go to work for him that was our rights of passage,” Benton said, who resides with his wife Beverly in southern Maryland. “He was loving and giving but meticulous about his businesses and cared for the people who worked for him. “He was the person that showed me how to manage money. Showed me the importance of taking care of family. He never went to some one’s house and didn’t work out what they needed because they didn’t have enough money. “If they were in crisis he made sure they had whatever they needed. He took good care of his employees: truck drivers and laborers. He had a heart for people who others would never give a job. “There were guys who couldn’t read or right, people would recommend against him hiring them, but Papa would give them a chance to earn a living. Captain Joe, as he was called in the community, was always there to Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 17

give them a job or teach them how to work. Even the girls of the family worked in the store. They handled the accounting, cooking, the serving of the lunches and plates. We worked on the wood trucks and they worked in the store. Our mother gave Mike (Michael Joseph) Papa’s name and he has lived up to it” Even now, family is heavily involved in Benton business ventures. Besides Mike and Chester, a niece, Selecia Brown, handles some of the haberdashery’s books and accounting, a nephew Johnny Lundy and cousins Dr. Luke Benton are very supportive. Stark and Legum is an iconic brand of men’s fashion in Hampton Road with customers from blue-collar workers to entertainers. It originated in 1924 as a second-hand clothing and pawnshop by Mark Stark and Harry Legum on Church Street in Norfolk, VA. The store moved across the street in 1955 into what is now the Attucks Theatre. It remained in that location for 35 years, its façade preserving the historic theatre. When the Attucks, developed by African-American businessmen in 1911, was restored and declared a state historic landmark, Stark and Legum moved to its current location at 739 Granby Street in downtown Norfolk in 1990. As the clothier moves to serve the next generation looking for fine men’s apparel, customers have the assurance of knowing that the new “Top Hat” Mike Benton received mentoring from a sibling who, incidentally, is a minister and faith based leader. Dr. Benton says they are building on the haberdashery’s foundation of 90 years of professional service. There is a thin line, if not precarious one, between Fine Arts and service to others for the reverend Doctor Benton, Jr. One can easily see why when you look back at his family’s love and pursuit of professional skills, their individual talents and the love of God. “My brother and I worked together, prayed together. There were times I felt it (the purchase) wasn’t going to happen,” Michael said. “With my brother’s leadership, his prayers, and his spirituality here we are.” (It took seven years and eight months.) So far as being a leader, Mike was asked when he realized his brother was in his element. 18 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

“Harrison has always carried himself in a professional manner in everything he does,” said Benton. “He was always quote, the successful, unquote, one in the family. He was always willing to help us with everything.” Dr. Benton’s interest in art began with encouragement from his Uncle Robert, who was an outstanding artist, in the Truxton community). His love of fine art remained with him through his years in the military, and his ensuing career in government services. Since his talent was able to net him such fine assignments, Dr. Benton said at the time he’d feel more comfortable traveling in the circles of military and government hierarchy with a degree so he completed his undergraduate specialist under Dr. Benton at Programs and Evaluation, USAF/PR. Before he retired they worked together for 13 years in the federal government’s work, which was interrupted by a stint in the army, at night at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1977. He says he has always been humbled by the fact that he could “earn a living and raise a family doing something he was passionate about.” As a painter, illustrator, photographer and portrait artist, Dr. Benton’s “team building,” work ethic, professionalism and leadership qualities led to coveted assignments at the National Security Agency (NASA), Fort Meade with the Intelligence Research Division, Air Force Intelligence Service. At Intelligence Research Division, USAF, Harrison was the sole illustrator integrating complex intelligence data and determining the most appropriate means of communicating that data visually. In November1974, he was assigned to the Visual Display Branch (AFIS/NOZD), Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on a six-month special assignment. Shortly after that assignment, he was promoted to a GS-12 position as Assistant Branch Chief. He continued to work for Air Force Intelligence for 15 years and in 1982 he was promoted to a GS-13 position as Chief, Programs and Evaluation Graphic Branch. O.C. Olivia Carlisle started as a visual information top graphics shop at the Pentagon. Dr. Benton recommended her to be the assistant chief of graphics, a gesture she considers a “real honor” to this day. “As a leader, Dr. Benton recognizes the value of people who work with him. He recognized the value of their

services for the common good,” says Olivia Carlisle, a science illustrator, and artist in Augusta, GA.

he learned his leadership from his grandfather similar to the manner Dr. Benton did.

“Whenever he would ask me to work on anything I was there.”

“He taught me about leadership not by setting me down and lecturing me about the qualities of leadership, but just by me observing him. He is a man of great integrity,” said Emanuel. “In my years watching him I saw how he dealt with people and different situations with class, integrity and a quiet dignity.

Carlisle, also former editor of the Sports Car of America Magazine, added that Dr. Benton was good leader because he was the “quintessential gentleman.” “Sometimes we had to work all night on various projects. To work with someone who really believes in the mission of headquarters was gratifying. One of the things he liked to say was that, ‘you work with me, not for me.’ It was an honor to proof his Masters and Doctorial thesis from Howard University’s School of Theology,” she expressed veneer of unwavering loyalty. “To work with such a renowned artist of the Air Force Art Collection is humbling. It was a genuine pleasure to work with this gentleman.” Emanuel Benton, a sports writer for Pro Players Insiders. Com, the official media outlet for the NFL Players Association and Dr. Benton’s grandson said, ironically,

“Another thing he taught me is how to love people no matter what’s going on with them. “Most importantly he taught me how to be humble. He’s one of those strong leadership types who show you how to lead by example instead of just talking. A lot of people have learned a lot just by watching him,” the younger Benton added. “I met Dr. Benton when he was affiliated with the Church of Great Commission,” recalls Bruce Martin, a faith based commercial real estate consultant and retired banker. “He oversaw their Christian Education Academy. That’s when I recognized him in the area of leadership with the various projects there and dealing with so many personalities. “They (the Benton brothers) tried to purchase Stark and Legum about a year and a half before I got in involved. Initially, there were a few issues with different banks they were having trouble with getting funding for the acquisition, but they never lacked faith. I thought it was an ideal purchase. “I’m a strong supporter of black entrepreneurship. When I was in commercial banking it was the same thing. I really wanted to put those years of experience to use for the faith-based community. We’ve handled commercial loans from $1.5 to$20 million in some cases,” said Martin. “The key element was the owner and his support of the owner for Mike (Benton). When he came with us for support I said oh boy! “I said let’s go for it. I knew where to take it to find the funding they needed. Now, we’re preparing to expand to a second store soon in southern Maryland. Seeing them go for it was all the motivation I needed.”

Title: Artist: Photo:

Maj Shawna R Kimbrell Harrison Benton U.S. Air Force Art Collection

The Christian leadership provided by Dr. Benton, Mike’s big brother, was all that was needed as well. Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 19

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS

The Barter Authority & Your Business A Win/Win Partnership

CALL TO GET STARTED (804.285.2554) TBA’s Purchasing Advantage

Bill Meacham, President/Owner of Bancmarc By Bill Meacham and Donna Kinum

ad� t� ��i� st��

ince 1980, we’ve been helping businesses increase sales and save cash. BancMarc and The Barter Authority have done over $70 million in deals, 250,000 transactions and still growing. The Barter Authority (TBA) is a network of businesses that realize the importance of generating new sales and saving hard earned cash. The Barter Authority feels so strongly that it can help new members achieve this goal that it guarantees you 5 times the membership fee back in trade business if you become a member. What other company has ever guaranteed you new business? Working with The Barter Authority is truly a partnership in helping your business be successful. Our future depends on your continued success. We have been helping businesses for over 34 years. Isn’t it time The Barter Authority helps your business?

20 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

14 | Richmond

Most likely, when you hear the word “barter”, you think about an exchange where Person A trades something of mutually agreed, equal value with Person B, and both are pleased with the transaction. Perhaps the most readily understood benefit using The Barter Authority exchange is the Purchasing Advantage. As members sell their goods and services through the exchange, Trade dollars are credited to their account for the fair market value of the sale. The seller now has credit to spend in the network – without using cash. As an example, member A sells product for $1,000 Trade dollars. Member A’s true costs are $400. Now, Member A can purchase through the network $1,000 trade dollars that only cost him $400. He saves $600 cash that he would normally have had to spend

TBA’s Financial Advantage In today’s environment, all businesses are looking for more volume. The smart owner understands that once expenses are covered, the cost of additional business is very low. What’s Up Magazine™

Fall 2014

When business potential goes unused – empty hotel rooms, empty tables at restaurants, open radio advertising and other similar services, this can be viewed as “lost income.” In these cases, the use of The Barter Authority makes good sense to capture this “lost income” resulting in a higher profit. Very seldom do businesses forecast sales with complete accuracy. Changes in demand, business cycles, and seasonal changes can create obsolete or excess inventory. Let TBA go to work to release dollars that are tied up in inventory and save on costly excess space.

TBA’s Marketing Advantage When you are in The Barter Authority network, you’re guaranteed new business and effectively add hundreds of promoters to your sales staff. Your business will be marketed to a rapidly expanding network of top business owners. The typical Barter Authority Associate understands the value of “word-of-mouth” advertising and networking. This alone will help your

The Barter Authority and Banc Marc Advantage Bring new business owners to your door. Help save you cash when purchasing. Regular contact and networking with hundreds of other Richmond to Williamsburg / Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach business owners. Experienced trade brokers to market your products and services consistently. Monthly accounting statements and 1099-B reporting to the IRS at year end. Interactive website for trading with thousands of national traders and growing. Expand your customer base guranteed. We have made Richmond to Hampton Roads businesses over $70 million in new sales and growing.

When you trade with one, you get to trade with all!

To learn more, order my book at www. SmarterCompaniesBarter.com, or contact our office in Richmond, 804.285.2554; in Virginia Beach, 757.622.4242; or visit www. TheBarterAuthority.com. company grow by referring new cash customers. Often times, the amount of new cash business referred far exceed the volume in Barter Authority trade dollars. www.WhatsUpOnline.us

BancMarc, dba The Barter Authority. Marketing or the “Marc” in BancMarc and How to turn your Barter Dollars into Cash.

Richmond | 15

Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 21

YOUR WORDS

by Tee Coker

ver and over again the Word coming forth to me has been exhortative in the sense of calling my spirit to rise up. First, this was confirmed by the man of God during revival last Friday, then through Graham Cook’s, “Rise Up Warrior” the following day and now three days later, Pastor Lorraine’s Facebook status update. I love Graham Cooke’s soaking prophecy, “Rise Up Warrior”. Even more, I love the way it came to me. The HS had been saying to me that He was promoting me in His army. He said having started out much as a pawn and survived, He is promoting me beyond foot soldier. Did you say pawn you might ask…Yes, I said pawn. People of God…please do not underestimate the power of the pawn. Being the smallest pieces on the board, their significance is often overlooked due to its’ limited power. You see after its’ initial coming out, it is only allowed to move forward on space at a time. In order to capture an opposing piece it must do it using a diagonal move, call En Passant. Because of the pawns lack of power, these troops are often painfully mistreated and sacrificed early in the game.

22 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

Sometimes when new converts first come into the fold as babes in Christ, they enter in as pawns often mistreated, misguided, misunderstood, and because they lack the wisdom of God, sacrificed early. But I come to say that if the pawn hangs in there and doesn’t give up, if it continues to press forward even though it is hurt and wounded, it will obtain the prize, which is the manifestation of promotion. You see what the average person doesn’t know about the pawn, is that it has one very special move unlike any other piece on the board. A move which is extremely difficult to achieve but that leads to the prize, promotion. Promotion for a pawn happens when it reaches its’ eighth rank, which is the other side of the board on the opponents back row. From here it is now able to be swapped out for any piece of its’ choosing, even another queen. Make no mistake about the tenacity it takes to get the pawn into proper position where promotion takes place. On its’ way to promotion it must come up against impending attacks, overcome enemy fortresses, and not to mention self-inflicted or generational strongholds; all of which threaten its’ very existence. But all praises to God, if the pawn makes it, it can be a last ditch effort to getting its’ opponent into checkmate. Isn’t that something? That sometimes it takes the lowliest ranking soldier of the war party to save the day. The story of David and Goliath is a perfect example of this. The bible says that the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. It tells us that we win the prize by pressing forward through adversity with a steadfastness in Christ. So you may be asking what the point is. The point is that the Holy Spirit was telling me that I had made it to the other side. That

it didn’t matter what it looked like in the physical realm because in the spiritual realm, I was no longer “just” a pawn in the army of armies, but a warrior. I was so humbled by this revelation that all I could do was praise Him. It was later on that evening while relaxing in my favorite place, listening to a soaking prayer music channel on Apple TV, that I heard Graham Cooke’s “Rise Up O Warrior” for the first time. I could not believe what I was hearing. I could not have gotten clearer more profound confirmation of what the Holy Spirit was saying to me had I tried. It was so powerful and right on time, that I you-tubed it so I could easily access it whenever I needed a reminder. Check it out. So today, I want to exhort all who have eyes to see and ears to hear...to RISE . Be the mighty WARRIORS that you are!!! The Kingdom of God needs you...

PASTOR’S CORNER

1. Rest is Opposed I’ve been a pastor for nearly two decades now, and for nearly two decades I’ve been the product of on-the-job training. Maybe every job is this way. Do you know any good doctors or lawyers or teachers or artists who quit learning years ago? I don’t either. Nor do I know any good pastors who aren’t continually refining their craft. So, while I’m not opposed to having to learn as I go, having to fight to stay a half-step ahead of the congregation I’ve been tasked with leading, having to study and read and re-study and re-read so that I can provide something worthwhile come Sunday morning, there are a handful of things I wish somebody had told me before I got started, things I didn’t have to learn the hard way. If you’re a less-stubborn person (or even a stubborn one who happens to be in a teachable mood), then this is for you. The three things I wish I’d known long ago but didn’t might help you avoid a pitfall or two, along the path to living a rhythmic life.

24 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

The first rhythmic-life lesson I learned the hard way is this: our rest is opposed. During the early days of my marriage, when I was running too fast and pushing too hard, I found it incredibly difficult to “come down.” I feared rest. I feared the loneliness and boredom I knew rest would usher in. And so I kept the pedal to the metal, upping my RPMs higher and higher, while praying each and every moment that I’d somehow avoid a crash. But the reality is that we always have to come down. We can’t stay up forever. And because I refused to learn how to slow myself in a healthy manner, I was forced to walk an unhealthy path, a path paved with Internet porn. From a place of deep humility, I have shared with my congregation how challenging it was to untangle myself from the grip of pornography across the span of several years in my twenties, but by God’s grace, I did get free. For quite a while, I looked back on that stretch of sinfulness with disbelief; how could I stoop to that level? I was in ministry. I was supposedly living for God. I adored and admired my wife. And yet, still, I’d find myself sitting

in front of a computer screen, long after Pam had gone to bed, staring at stuff I had no business staring at, regretting the minutes even as they ticked by. Things make more sense to me now. When you and I don’t say yes to God’s form of rest, we will say yes to a fraudulent form of rest, cooked up by the enemy of our souls. We will say yes to porn, or to booze, or to drugs, or to gambling, or to idle chatter, or to extravagant spending—all in the name of “unwinding.” This is what we’ll declare, anyway, when pressed to justify our sinful ways. It’s all proof that real rest is opposed, that rest without God is not “rest” at all. My friend John Eldredge likes to say, “Caring for your heart is the first blow against the Enemy’s schemes,” and he’s absolutely right. Satan hates it when we truly “come down”—in a good and godly way—because that’s when spiritual transformation happens. That’s when soulish growth takes place. That’s when we become like God.

2. Ruthlessness is Required A second lesson I wish I hadn’t had to learn the hard way is that when it comes to rest, ruthlessness is required. Living rhythmically may sound like a breezy proposition, but to execute it well, we have to stand our ground. About eighteen months ago, I called together the senior-most leaders of New Life Church. These are the men and women who report directly to me, the ones who oversee every ministry within our church. It’s a great group of people—visionary minds, expansive hearts, hands ever ready to serve. But due to a string of crises and personnel changes—not to mention the nation’s economic downturn that affected every church across this land—our shared working relationship had fallen off-track. As a leader, I’m a big fan of delegation, of trusting the team, of giving away all the control I don’t actually need—all things my senior staff is well aware of. But situations beyond our control had forced us to up the ante on our communications for more than three years’ time. I asked to be part of decisions I normally wouldn’t need to weigh in on, because our circumstances demanded that I did. A founding-pastor scandal, a fatal shooting on your campus, and a fast and furious financial downturn can do that to a group. But then that three-year period came to a close, and the stress level let up a bit. This would have been terrific news, except that I completely missed the cue that we had clawed our way out of the woods, and so my senior staff kept bringing me what I know instinctively believed were juniorlevel questions, and my frustration level only went up. Unwittingly, I’d neglected to inform them that we had shifted from “crisis mode” to “normal, everyday mode,” and all of us were suffering mightily as a result. They were trying to include me in their minutia, and I was expending precious energy fending off their incessant requests. They were the woodpeckers, and I was the tree. A guy could die from being needed this much! I called the meeting for the purpose of informing them that if they preferred a pastor who was alive, then they would resume handling their own affairs. To which they said, “Um, all due respect, Pastor Brady, but you created this madness you now despise.”

They were right, and all of us knew it. We had the discussion about how we’d come through the various crises and now could resume normal operations but not before applauding Pastor Brady for not needing to be needed anymore. not every day, anyway. In hindsight, I recognize that living by healthy rhythms requires a ruthlessness many people aren’t willing to let play out. We’re worried about what others will think. We’re afraid we’ll come across as unfeeling and cold. We’re concerned that if we don’t keep needing to be needed, someday we really won’t be needed—at all! But really, these fears don’t prove warranted in the end. In reality, when we are ruthless about protecting our rest, we free up ourselves to be healthy and free up those around us live rhythmically too.

3. The Reward is the Presence of God There’s a third lesson I’ve learned along the way, which is that the reward I’m constantly seeking is the persistent presence of God. In Matthew chapter six, Jesus tells his disciples that when they give to the poor, or when they pray, or when they fast, they should not do these things to be seen by other people, but only to be seen by God. He says that if those who love God announce their giving with trumpets or shout their prayers from the street corners or wear a somber look on their faces while fasting, then they “have received their reward in full” (vv. 2, 5, 16). Their reward, in other words, is the fleeting praise of man. What he does suggest is doing all these things in secret, thereby trusting God to dole out the rewards (see Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). But what does all this have to do with rest? I think of the words of Matthew 5: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (v. 8). And I wonder if Jesus’ exhortations in Matthew 6 were intended to form an exhaustive list, or whether—I happen to think this is the case—they were simply examples of righteous acts. I wonder if what Jesus was really saying was, “Whenever you practice any discipline of obscurity, let my Father’s praise be enough.” We observe the sacrament of communion most every weekend at New Life Church. It hasn’t always been this way, but for the past year or so, we have made it a priority to remind ourselves of God’s presence and power in this way every time we gather to worship. I’ve noticed something during the past twelve months, which is that it’s hard to hustle through the wine and the bread. It’s nearly impossible to still the soul when the body is still rushing around. And that’s a very good thing. We need to stop. We need to savor. We need to consider his presence enough.

Brady Boyd is the Senior Pastor of New Life Church (10,000 members) in

Colorado Springs, Colorado. He’s married to his college sweetheart, Pam, and is dad to two teenagers: Abram and Callie. Brady has penned four books, and his latest is Addicted to Busy: Recovery for the Rushed Soul. Reprinted with permission from Leadership.com Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 25

26 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

much to SEA & do!

All NEW! Returning Summer 2015. Get blown away in our hurricane simulator! Operate a robotic submersible. Handle live exotic ocean creatures. Tour the teak deck of the iconic Battleship Wisconsin. Gaze upon the Earth from 22,000 feet above. Enjoy an exciting 3-D movie.

On the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront nauticus.org | (757)664-1000

Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 27

MINISTRY AT WORK

A Place to Belong:

Signs of Grace Deaf Church by Anita Palmer

Joe Dixon has been called to a vast mission field. But he’s not updating his passport and packing his bags.

An Ohio Church Offers the Deaf a Place to Worship, Lead and Belong

Instead, he’s targeting the estimated 25,000 folks in the Cleveland region who are deaf or hard of hearing. “I view the deaf and hard of hearing just like any other country overseas—except they are right in our backyard,” says Dixon. “There are less than 100 of these people who are plugged into a church somewhere in the city.” Dixon, who was born deaf and can read lips and speak, aims to remedy that. He is the founding pastor of Sign Of Grace Deaf Church, which launched on Easter Sunday, 2015, with about 20 members. The congregation is a partner of Grace Church, a Christian and Missionary

28 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

Alliance megachurch in the suburb of Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Estimates for the deaf population in the United States vary. Approximately 15 percent of American adults age 18 and over report some trouble hearing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. People who were born deaf or became deaf early in life—as opposed to those who lose their hearing later—are more likely to identify as part of a distinct cultural-linguistic group. The deaf, as they prefer to be called, have

direct communication. Lack of communication is one of the reasons that the deaf are such an unreached population,” says Marton. The hearing are welcome at Signs of Grace, but creating a church focused on deaf culture also opens the door to leadership opportunities that are limited in hearing settings unless someone can interpret. Dixon, a Columbia, Tenn., native whose wife, Amanda, and two children can hear, says a goal is to disciple church members “to reach other

Photos courtesy of www.signsofgrace.org

their own customs and thought patterns as well as language. They also view themselves not as handicapped but as part of a minority group.

deaf for the first time for Christ.” Only 2 percent of the deaf community worldwide has heard the gospel, according to www.deafmission.org

Even so, why a separate deaf church rather than sign language interpretation at the main worship service? One reason is that things get lost in translation.

Signs Of Grace Deaf Church hosts weekly Bible studies online in ASL and regular community events throughout the year, drawing in the unchurched.

Signs of Grace member Raquel Marton, who is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), notes English is not a deaf person’s first language. “As an interpreter myself for the past 10 years, even the best interpretations cannot match

“A pastor who’s like us can understand our needs,” says regular attendee Pam Schillace. “It’s a pure joy to see what was weak [in understanding] is now strong, growing with new understanding and desire for God.” Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 29

I Can Fly With One Wing

Visions of new beginnings tend to evoke confidence that all things are possible. There are thoughts of conquering the impossible while deferred dreams manifest. Suddenly endless opportunities become achievable. Starting over does not seem as intimidating when you are standing on the word of God; you can fly with one wing. You may have suffered unbearable loss of a loved one, financial collapse, unforeseen health situations, out of control family issues, in other words catastrophic losses; however, the word of God tells us to rise above our storm by immersing ourselves in His word. In the book of Isaiah 40:31 the word tells us that they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles, but can you fly with just one wing? Some of us have been so deeply wounded that all we have left is one wing.

right wing of his F15. He was flying blind to his actual situation. He later commented that he opened the afterburner on the plane by instinct, which is totally opposite the action you take for a plane spinning toward the ground. This caused a huge spray of fluid to gush out of the side of the plane camouflaging what was really going on. This action caused the plane to stabilize and, unbelievably, the captain landed the plane. When he reached, back to congratulate his crew, he realized that his right wing was gone. After an exhaustive investigation the, initial thought was that the wing came off while the plane was taxiing in. Upon further investigation, they deduced that the F15 has a very wide body, and if it flew fast enough it would be like a rocket that did not need wings.

Aerodynamically it is impossible to fly with one wing; however, in 1983 during a training exercise an Israeli Captain flying an F15 found himself in a situation where he did exactly that.

Captain Nedivi said that in his landing approach he was flying at 250 to 260 knots, which is twice the normal landing speed of 140 knots. The conclusion was that if you only have one wing you need to fly twice as fast to make it. If Captain Nedivi had known that his right wing was gone, he and his men would have ejected from the plane risking their lives to the unknown while abandoning the plane to crash.

During the exercise, another plane crashed into him tearing off the

You may have gone through or still walking out the most devastating

30 - Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015

season of your life, just know that if a plane can fly with one wing so can you. If God is for you, it is more than anything or anyone who could be against you, whatever you do, do not give up! As long as Christ Jesus is on the throne, the battle is not yours it is the Lords. There are times when God will blind your view so that you can only see through His eyes. You may not know the outcome of a diagnosis, or the decision of a legal battle, but His word is fearless, powerful, active, operative, and will not return to Him void, but it will do what He said it would do.

Remember the results of the investigation of the F15 were to double the speed and you will make it to a safe landing; our Father is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. He will be waiting to do the necessary repairs to get you up and running again. In other words, pray more, study more, and spend more time with the Father. If Jesus watches over the sparrow that cannot glorify Him or confess Him as Savior, then I know He is watching over me and I can fly with one wing. Come let us go up to that high place, and tear the devils kingdom down. Stay Focused, Stay Connected, and Remain Faithful to the one who first loved you.

Body language can tell you all sorts of things. Like someone is having a stroke.

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

FACE DROOPING

ARM WEAKNESS

strokeassociation.org

TIME TO CALL 911

Know the sudden signs.

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

Christian Leaders Magazine | October/November 2015 - 31

Bishop Jerome L Williams

Elder Shajuan Williams

403 Rapidan Street | Portsmouth, VA 23701| 757-487-1070

Tune in every Saturday @ 530AM on WGNT Join us for worship every Sunday 8AM & 10AM Experience Wednesday Bible Study at The Ment, 7pm Prayer Call: Every Morning @ 7AM PH: 530-881-1400 access code 179736#

Follow me on Twitter: @jeromelwilliams Watch us on Vimeo!

Follow me on Twitter: @ladyshajuan Like us on Facebook!

Check us out online @ www.ntcministries.com