A Week In Review...

After a week full of highs and lows, I've gotten a chance to get down and gather my thoughts. What a week!

I am always amazed at how God continues to pour out His grace and mercy in the life of this young underserving preacher. But I am truly grateful for ALL that He's done, doing, & going to do in the future. While life doesn't always go exactly as we plan them, I take comfort in knowing the right one is in charge.

Had a chance to attend the Sunday School Publishing Board sponsored by the National Baptist Convention of USA, Inc. This is an annual conference where Pastor, Teachers, Christian Educators converged in Nashville, TN for a week of classes, workshops, & worship that are designed to refresh, reenergize, and renew the commitment of the importance of Teaching/Equipping our parishioners to be about the "equipping the saints for work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ." (ESV).


Being my first time at this conference, I didn't have any expectations. But I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with the dedication and commitment to education that was placed in not only the leadership of SSPB, but the participants who came from all across the country for this event. 1500 persons were registered and in attendance. Which speaks volumes to the caliber of study and workshops that goes into this conference. Prayerfully, I will be able to add this great event to my annual calendar.

This conference gave me encouragement to continue making Christian Education an integral part of both my life and my ministry. I was reminded this week that the strength of your church is directly related to the strength of the Teaching arm of any ministry (Christian Education). An area that I believe is missing from many churches today. But so very vital to the overall health of any and all congregations.

Got a chance to hear some great lecturing and preaching this week. From Rev. Dr. Winifred Hope of Athens, GA. It has been said that you need to SEE him preach versus HEAR him preach. I found that to be true. Heard Dr. Margaret D. Weaver of Atlanta, GA give 2 great lectures on the importance of partnering in ministry to prepare the congregation for spiritual growth. For the first time, I was able to hear in person Rev. Dr. Marcus Crosby of Houston, TX who blessed my soul with his sermon entitled, "The Sifting of the Saints," Luke 22:31-32. Also a great message by the NBC of USA, Inc's National President, Dr. Julius Scruggs, who really preached! And last but not least, my favorite preacher Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr. of Houston, TX blessed us with 2 inspiring and thought provoking sermons as well. I thank God for such diverse gifts to the body He has bestowed in each of these servants of God.

I am amazed at how God places people in your life that prove to be a blessing to you in every way. Those that challenge you to be the best that you can be and never allows you to take mediocrity as the norm. 3 years ago I never would've thought that I would ever meet some like Dr. West, but I'm thankful to call him not only my favorite preacher, but a mentor as well. To God be the glory!

What a week! God has truly been good to me and for that I'm thankful. God kissed our worship experience today at Philippi. I'm grateful for the time we shared together today in both the worship and the Word. We preached on Isaiah 9:6, "He's Some Kind of Wonderful," where we talked about the account of Jesus' birth as the greatest gift God could every give us. While born in a barn in Bethlehem, His singular and sole purpose was Calvary so that he could free us from both the bondage and penalty of sin.

When you think of a sacrifice such as that, what else could you call him but Wonderful. But when you've exhausted all of the words you can come up with to define who Jesus is, you'll discover that He's more than that! What a mighty God we serve.