This blog is part 2 of pastoral reflections leading up to the celebration of my 36th year in ministry and my 4th year as Senior Pastor of the historic Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
Most of you reading this probably don't recognize the name Bennie Hicks. Bennie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on an August afternoon during our annual evangelism cookout in E.M. Moore parking lot. He was presented to the Canaan Congregation, completed his new disciples training, was baptized (after several delays due to repairs on our baptistery) missed receiving the right hand of fellowship but attended Church soon thereafter to receive his fellowship and baptismal certificate. Some of you will recall that I invited Bennie to the pulpit to receive this acknowledgement.
In 36 years of ministry, I have never witnessed an individual who pursued their membership in the Body of Christ with such passion. He was relentless. After several postponements he even admonished me about when his baptism would occur. When I eventually baptized Bennie, he remained in the pool for several minutes before ascending the stairway to celebrate his new found faith. I will never forget the Sunday I presented Bennie his baptismal certificate. Not many hours after the benediction that day, Bennie died after being hit by a car on Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City. That day we lost a special person in our congregation and our personal lives; but he went to God with ticket in hand. He met in Savior at the Evangelism cookout, and saw his savior on the Lord’s Day, the day he received the right hand of fellowship into the local church.
Evangelism doesn't get much press in the modern Church. That's okay because Evangelism was never intended to be the public relations department of the Church. It is the means by which the Church honors The Great Commission; going into the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature. Evangelism is not something we choose to do; it is something we must do.
While I look forward to eventually assigning a minister of Evangelism, the Canaan Evangelism Commission works tirelessly to reach out to those in the world with a message from the Lord. As part of our church wide vision, the Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Gloria Evans, conducted a sidewalk ministry in front of Canaan in connection with the Spring Revival. They sang hymns, passed out tracts and witnessed to walkers bye about God and invited many to attend our services. I am so proud of this dedicated group of Christians and I look forward to seeing what God will do through our Evangelism Commission next.
I dedicate this blog in loving memory of Brother Bennie Hicks!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Reflections of a Pastor
April 2010 is a special time in my life as a Christian minister. In a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my 36th year as clergy and my 4th year as Senior Pastor of this historic Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. Leading up to our congregational celebration of my pastorate, I will be writing several blogs highlighting, from a pastoral perspective, what God has helped Canaan and Pastor to accomplish during the past year. I will be most appreciative to Canaan Disciples and persons who visit our website around the world if you would take time to read my reflections.
This week I took a little time of to rest and reflect on what God continues to do in my life, the lives of my family members and those whom the Lord has sent me to serve. This is something I encourage each of you to do from time to time. It is only when we step away for a moment that we can fully appreciate what is amazing about God’s grace. The Apostle Paul was right; His grace is sufficient to keep us.
For 36 years I have tried to honor the calling on my life to shepherd the People of God wherever the Lord sent me. I lost count many years ago of how many sermons I have preached, Bible studies conducted, marriages performed, babies dedicated and funerals preached and so much else ministers all called upon to do in the parish and beyond. During the last few days I have tried to look back and capsulate my collective experiences as a Pastor. Needless to say, they have far exceeded my imagination and the expectations of others. I can truly say God has been faithful! My colleagues in this vocation will surely agree that ministry by any standard is extremely challenging. And yet, most of us who are called to this work continue to press toward the mark to receive the approval of God. Not every preacher reaches the 36-year mark of service. I have and I am grateful to God. I was 17 years old when I preached my first sermon in April 1974. The Lord has been with me every step of the way. Praise the Lord!
I will continue these thoughts via my blog from now up to the anniversary celebration. Thank you for visit our website and for sharing these reflections with me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dear Lord,
Today, through your servant Barack Obama, millions of Americans will be lifted into the circle of affordable healthcare, allowing them to enjoy a quality of living heretofore reserved for the "haves." We thank you! And, we pray that you will protect our president and all those who took a stand for what is right. Today, oh Lord, our eyes have seen Thy glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Today, through your servant Barack Obama, millions of Americans will be lifted into the circle of affordable healthcare, allowing them to enjoy a quality of living heretofore reserved for the "haves." We thank you! And, we pray that you will protect our president and all those who took a stand for what is right. Today, oh Lord, our eyes have seen Thy glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Be Counted: 2010 Census
BE COUNTED: THE 2010 CENSUS
This issue of the Canaan Voice comes at a very important time in the life of our community and nation. This month, more than 103 million addresses across the United States will receive a 2010 Census form. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes all people of all races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Additionally, census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.
By now or very soon, you will have received your 2010 Census form. It is very important that you complete and mail back your form. Also, you should encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. This is so important! The data collected is used to determine voting districts for all levels of city, state and nationally elected offices. Also, you will help guide funding decisions for our schools, hospitals and childcare centers. More importantly, you will strengthen our community’s voice in Congress. There are also other benefits for our community using this census data:
· Attraction of new businesses to our community
· Directing funds for service to the people in poverty
· Planning for congregations
· Developing adult education programs
These are just a few benefits of being counted.
For the past ten years, we have witnessed the erosion of so many initiatives, which have historically catapulted countless people who began their quest for self-reliance on the margins to the fulfillment of quality education, home ownership, full time employment and adequate health care. Unfortunately, too many people in our community have been left on the margins. There are so many ways the community of faith can bring a rising tide to boats stuck at the bottom. Among our resources is our own government whose commitment to serve is all-inclusive. For one hundred forty-five years, African Americans have worked to be included as full-fledged citizens of this great republic. Many sacrifices have been made which have enabled our race, family and community to enjoy the rights and privileges afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution. Today, we have yet another opportunity to help ourselves, our children, their children and future generations. Complete your census form and return it to the U.S. Census Bureau without delay. Stand up and be counted! You will not have this opportunity again until the year 2020. If you have questions, you can get answers by logging on to www.2010census.gov.
God bless each of you and God bless Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
This issue of the Canaan Voice comes at a very important time in the life of our community and nation. This month, more than 103 million addresses across the United States will receive a 2010 Census form. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes all people of all races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Additionally, census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.
By now or very soon, you will have received your 2010 Census form. It is very important that you complete and mail back your form. Also, you should encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. This is so important! The data collected is used to determine voting districts for all levels of city, state and nationally elected offices. Also, you will help guide funding decisions for our schools, hospitals and childcare centers. More importantly, you will strengthen our community’s voice in Congress. There are also other benefits for our community using this census data:
· Attraction of new businesses to our community
· Directing funds for service to the people in poverty
· Planning for congregations
· Developing adult education programs
These are just a few benefits of being counted.
For the past ten years, we have witnessed the erosion of so many initiatives, which have historically catapulted countless people who began their quest for self-reliance on the margins to the fulfillment of quality education, home ownership, full time employment and adequate health care. Unfortunately, too many people in our community have been left on the margins. There are so many ways the community of faith can bring a rising tide to boats stuck at the bottom. Among our resources is our own government whose commitment to serve is all-inclusive. For one hundred forty-five years, African Americans have worked to be included as full-fledged citizens of this great republic. Many sacrifices have been made which have enabled our race, family and community to enjoy the rights and privileges afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution. Today, we have yet another opportunity to help ourselves, our children, their children and future generations. Complete your census form and return it to the U.S. Census Bureau without delay. Stand up and be counted! You will not have this opportunity again until the year 2020. If you have questions, you can get answers by logging on to www.2010census.gov.
God bless each of you and God bless Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
President Obama Needs Our Prayers
Recent days have been most troubling for our Commander-In-Chief. Since taking office one year ago, this bright young man, full of intellect and vision set our country out on a course toward new opportunities while healing ourselves from the vestages of two wars, a failing economy, record national employment rates, eschalating home foreclosures and a national citizenry grown weary with Washington's inability in inact change for the benefit of families, senior citizens, children and communities across the country.
Our President has had a tough time from day one. He came into office with our finances in a total wreck. He came into office as a war president, engaged in theatres on two foreign fronts. All the while, he has given so much of himself to move a health care bill through Congress that would enable tens-of-thousands of Americans to receive quality heath care. Barack Obama is a man whom we can truly say is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. And then, at the end of the day, he has a family; a wife and two lovely daughters who need his nuture, some of his time and a great deal of his love.
We must pray for our President. For behind the scenes, out of view of the national press, you will find a man and his family. The Obama's! Take a moment right now to lift our nation's First Family in prayer. Ask God to provide protection, insight, courage, wisdom and hope for this rising star in world history. God bless the President and his family.
Our President has had a tough time from day one. He came into office with our finances in a total wreck. He came into office as a war president, engaged in theatres on two foreign fronts. All the while, he has given so much of himself to move a health care bill through Congress that would enable tens-of-thousands of Americans to receive quality heath care. Barack Obama is a man whom we can truly say is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. And then, at the end of the day, he has a family; a wife and two lovely daughters who need his nuture, some of his time and a great deal of his love.
We must pray for our President. For behind the scenes, out of view of the national press, you will find a man and his family. The Obama's! Take a moment right now to lift our nation's First Family in prayer. Ask God to provide protection, insight, courage, wisdom and hope for this rising star in world history. God bless the President and his family.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Offering for Haitian Crisis to be received Sunday, January 31, 2010
Good Afternoon Beloved: The humanitarian needs for Haiti continues to increase as each day passes since Tuesday, January 12, 2010 when an earthquake devestated this small Carribbian Island inhabited by nearly two million people.
On Sunday, January 31, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ will receive a freewill offering from our disciples and other people of goodwill to send to the mission to save lives and restore homes of countless who have suffered tremendous loss. I am asking each of you to pray about what you may be able to give for this cause. Our Social Action Commission will be working with the American Red Cross to facilitate our contribution in the region. So remember, Sunday, January 31, 2010 is Haiti Relief Day at Canaan. Please come prepared to make a generous offering to support this cause.
On Sunday, January 31, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ will receive a freewill offering from our disciples and other people of goodwill to send to the mission to save lives and restore homes of countless who have suffered tremendous loss. I am asking each of you to pray about what you may be able to give for this cause. Our Social Action Commission will be working with the American Red Cross to facilitate our contribution in the region. So remember, Sunday, January 31, 2010 is Haiti Relief Day at Canaan. Please come prepared to make a generous offering to support this cause.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Canaan Will Respond To Crisis in Haiti
By now we are all aware of the devestating earthquake that took place in Haiti earlier this week. Our prayers go out to families who have suffered loss and are missing loved ones; the govermental leaders of Haiti; relief workers on the grounds and on the to Haiti to assist in rescue and recovery.
Please be assured that Canaan will do her part in supporting the relief effort in Haiti. I have asked our Social Action Commission to take the lead in this effort. I expect to speak with Commission leader Howard Inman in the next few days and as soon as possible, we will announce to the congregation what we intend to do and how each disciple can help.
For now, let us continue to pray that God will relieve the suffering on the part of the People of Haiti.
Please be assured that Canaan will do her part in supporting the relief effort in Haiti. I have asked our Social Action Commission to take the lead in this effort. I expect to speak with Commission leader Howard Inman in the next few days and as soon as possible, we will announce to the congregation what we intend to do and how each disciple can help.
For now, let us continue to pray that God will relieve the suffering on the part of the People of Haiti.
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