Candidate 44 Profile

Section A. Background Information

10. Year of Ordination

2011/2018

11. Denomination of Ordination

Methodist/Disciples of Christ

12. If not RCA, what classis or supervising body from the ordaining denomination recognizes your ordination?

Disicples of Christ

13. Present denomination

CRCNA

14. Present classis or judicatory

Christian Church of Georgia (DOC)

15. If you are not now a member of the Reformed Church in America, can you, in good conscience, agree with the doctrine, discipline and government of the RCA?

Yes

16. Do you support the mission and division of the Reformed Church in America?

Yes.

17. Citizen of what country? If not USA, do you have permit to live and work in the USA?

USA

18. Previous Experience

19. Formal Education

20. Continuing Education

21. Languages (list any languages, other than English, in which you can preach or converse fluently)

Section B. Reflection

1. Describe your strengths, the best of who you are, and what you bring in service to the church.

I bring years of experience working in rural, urban, and suburban churches from the Non-Denominational, Methodist, and Disciples of Christ traditions. I have served in predominately Afro-centric, Eurocentric, and now multiracial congregations. I have experience in the successful revitalization of churches, planted a church, and merged two congregations. I helped congregations work through and heal from grief and sometimes conflict.

In reflecting, I realized the knowledge I gained from the experience of my mistakes over the years has become a strength. My analysis of those mistakes allowed me to achieve better results over the years. For example, creating better systems for less burnout, delegating more, and strategic and intentional planning for growth and development.

Another attribute of my strengths is my passion. I hear often that my passion is contagious. Because of my passion, I can bring a creative approach, and the ability to embrace change enthusiastically.  

Finally, I am very organized. I believe the reason I’m so organized is because of my level of determination. Accomplishing goals and vision requires not just prayer and the movement of the Spirit but requires lots of development through prophetic perspective and logistics.

2. Name two or three mentors who have significantly contributed to your ministry, and explain why these people are important to you.

Many shares great theologians or pastors who contributed to their ministry. As for me, my great-grandmother, Sylvine Carter, taught me great Christian lessons and is a role model that I would like to emulate in my ministry. She showed me what it means to carry God’s love into the world. She was the prime example of the great commission. She didn’t meet a stranger and her favorite spot was Walmart, and I will never forget the stories of employees who shared how she came into Walmart and took the mantra “The saving place” literally. She would sit at Walmart most days and pray and share the gospel with anyone and walk people through salvation. Her faith was contagious she believed in God for everything. She shared often with me “Faith is the driver’s license and prayer is the stirring wheel”. She reminded me that in ministry, I lean not to my own understanding and trust God in all my ways. 

James Henderson was not only a spiritual father but a pioneer in healing ministry.  His heart after God is overwhelming, and his humble beginnings are an affirmation that God can do anything as long as we seek him. He has faced trials, and people have betrayed him, but he has continued to go after God. He owned a construction company and built homes for low-income families after his retirement. I have watched him feed people out of his pocket every Tuesday at 6 pm he would pay for everyone's meal at Golden Corral.

I’m so thankful for the many great influences that the Lord has put around me at key stages in my life. He has constantly provided key mentors at key moments — real-life people who invest and care.

3. What caused you to enter ministry, and what are the core values that define your vision for ministry?

In High School, my affection for the Word of God developed so much that I carried my bible consistently to class. I would read it at lunch and in class I was unable to get enough of it. I had an enthusiasm to share what I read with classmates. Our Principal, Dr. Edmond nicknamed me “Preacher person” [ed]. I laughed and said no that is not me. I play piano my energy was music nothing more at least I thought.

In April 2005, I was 15 years of age sophomore in High school, that whole month was simply off. I recall it was prom week. Everybody was energized for the entire week I was battling. I was unable to make sense of it, nothing fulfilled me, and it felt like I had a yearning for something. I consulted my pastor and told him I felt this urge to preach the gospel. I know in my heart this is my purpose and call.

My core values are Integrity, Compassion, and Transparency. One prayer that I recite often helps me fulfilled my core values in ministry and keeps me humble in my call. The covenant prayer of John Wesley; “I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside by thee. Exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.”

4. Explain the strategies or ideas that most excite you for helping a church to become and remain missional.

One pastor that challenges my intellect is Kirby Clements. At a meeting, he said it is essential to answer the following questions… What is Church? When is Church? Where is Church? How is Church and lastly Who is Church? Ever since I heard that my whole idea or definition of the church has evolved. I have spent the last few years trying to answer those questions as my thought and prayer has been “Lord I want to do/be Church, right?  What I have learned over the years of serving is that congregations must define the church.  Many churches struggle as they don’t know their identity and can’t clearly define priorities in ministries. This causes many congregations to lose momentum.  One strategy will be to guide the church in answering those essential questions.

We must understand we can’t make up what church is and define it how we want to. I think the Word of God defines Church, but it is multi-dimensional. For years, I believe many have looked at the idea of the church in one scope.

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word Ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” In summary ideally, Church is not a place you go to but its people.  We must change our language then people will begin to understand the importance of godly community, not a religious facility.   I believe the Church is God’s strategy against darkness in the world. For example, brokenness, poverty, racism, and injustice just to name a few. I have heard the quote; “God’s church has a mission, but God’s mission has a church”.

Once we define clearly it is easier for a church to become and remain missional. As a result, can help others understand the mission and gain more people to buy into the vision and serve. This can end burnout and increase volunteers.

5. Name three of your most passionate hopes for the Church at large, and why they are significant to you.

There is a rising tide that the Church has lost its edge, and for some, even lost its way. In some cases, there is truth to that. But ultimately, the general conclusion cannot be that the Church is irrelevant. I do believe that the church has lost its focus and few things I have passionate hopes is...

1. That the Church realizes its powerful identity.

Church identity is beyond the branding plan, logos, mantras, and color schemes it’s about its purpose. Pastors and churches are modeling themselves after major corporations, franchises, latest trends etc. nothing wrong with that but you start to think what churches are trying to be? I’m passionate about when the church knows it true identity that’s when the church can operate in true power. What we find in sacred text is “the body of Christ.” The church must embrace its identity as the body of Christ. We are the hands and feet of Jesus.

My hope for the church is that it unapologetically embraces its identity. Everything else will fall into place. Solutions to issues of race, music, worship styles, even leadership will become more apparent because God is not a God of confusion. When the church knows it identity the potential to gain is greater than the potential to lose.

2. We create and embrace ministries of “Mental Healness”.

Lord knows we need more openness in our congregations because according to research and my years of pastor 50% of adults in our congregation are struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, or some other mental illness. As a pastor, I still believe in the absolute power of Jesus to heal the heart and I’m still a huge supporter of church counseling and ministry. But I feel compelled to raise my voice and say we need to break the shame. To talk of a person’s mental illness like it was a result of a sin, curse, or demon possession is to further stigmatize, shame, and isolate those who are struggling. Jesus is not a religious leader who will condemn us if we seek help, Jesus is the high priest who understands our weaknesses. My passion is church are creative in ministry of Mental Healness.

3. That people trust the church again!

I heard this quote “Change in Churches happens at the speed of TRUST”! Trust is the foundation for doing ministry. And when it’s broken, it’s hard to rebuild. Many churches need healing in that area. I have served churches and have had conversation with many pastors and leaders that have had leadership issues that affect consistency in ministry, contributions, commitment, and connections. I have passionate hope to rebuild and restore trust within congregations that we will be more effective in our communities.

6. Give an example of how you would theologically address an issue facing your contemporary world. Please be thorough enough to help the reader to understand your thought processes and your life commitments.

In a society with only increasing tension and division, the question is how is the Body of Christ supposed to respond? Many say through racial reconciliation in my opinion I rather say “Creational Unity”. We are all created in His image and likeness. We are His creation and we are designed to be in unity with eachother.The great scandal of the world is the torn body of Christ. As a church, we are called to be a community where people from every background and culture can experience unity. The local gathering was set up by Christ Jesus as an extended family structure. Our union in Christ is our means of identity. That means we are all equal in God’s eyes and we should never put-up barriers against each other, criticize, judge or forsake those who are in need. Same Christ, same faith, same identity.

I believe my role as pastor is guiding the church in the concept from Galatians 3:28. In my role as pastor, it will require creating intentional fellowship and having courageous conversations in breaking down barriers and cultivating environments of love.

7. What theologians, pastors, authors or other leaders have had the greatest influence upon your life and thought? (List up to 3 and explain.)

I have been greatly influenced by scholars and writers whose messages I watch weekly as a routine and have sharpened my resolve and belief on many subjects. Early in my Christian life, for example, I have been blessed by the writings of John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon.  They are still my faithful companions and reliable guides in studying the Bible and doing theology. I have added over the years writing from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A.W. Tozer, and Frank Thomas. Lately, I've been benefiting a lot from Alan Hirsh and Paul Tripp. I have often gleaned wisdom that inspired my creativity and shaped my preaching and leadership style.

8. How do you hope someone influenced by your ministry would describe what s/he considers to be most important?

What I hope someone influenced by my ministry can describe is my passionate faith is infectious. That my ministry encourages others to listen for God’s call and to respond. 

It is my prayer that they learn from my story that it doesn’t matter if you’re seemingly holding broken pieces. God has need of every single bit of you and your story. That they were impacted to become a disciple one that is transformed, spiritually disciplined, and mature.

9. Name at least one challenge for a pastor who accepts a Call to lead a church whose culture is other than his/her own.

I believe one challenge is building trust and credibility. This is absolutely critical for a pastor to win the hearts of his/her people and thus effectively lead healthy change or growth in a congregation, especially a struggling or transitioning church. Often churches are healing from grief, brokenness, and conflict. Anytime a new pastor begins there is reservation from the pastor and parishioners.

10. Describe your vision and hopes for the Church over the next 5-10 years.

A Church that is empowered and faithful to God’s call, reflective of Christ’s mission, and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit. A church that looks like heaven multiracial, multicultural, multi-generational congregation served by an anointed multiracial, multicultural, multi-generational ministry staff. A Biblical beacon of light that exemplifies Titus 2, Act 2:42-47, and Ephesians 4.A Church that follows the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is filled with compassion and strives to be in unity.  A church that is Not Offering Just Church but Offering a Connection!” From the moment people visit the campus, our sole desire is that they would discover real life in Christ and experience the healing power of God. From the music to the messages, we intentionally create our services to help people far from God feel comfortable exploring and discovering faith in Jesus.  A Church that is not just in the community but serving the community.

11. If there is anything else you would like to add about yourself that you think would help a search team to better understand and consider you as their next pastor, please elaborate here.

I understand many search committees are looking for an already seminary-trained pastor. I read in an article that “seminaries do not make pastors. Churches do.” A good seminary can add immeasurably to a pastor’s ministry, and the rigorous study involved in a quality seminary education should be expected of any preacher of the Word of God. I wholeheartedly agree with that. I am in the process of completing my seminary journey as it is important to me to enhance my ability in teaching and preaching. I simply share this as I do not want this to hinder the chance of candidacy for your church if that is God’s will. I impress upon you to hear my heart in the questions I answered. As over 16 years of ministry I believe have prepared me for leading. My journey has been one to be led by the Holy Spirit. I’m not trying to impress you with accolades, not trying to pan my journey with added fluff to get you to accept me. God’s will shall be done with whomever God chose to serve. All I want to do is share my heart about what I believe and love about ministry.  I am praying God’s will and if this is a divine match may God reveal it to us all.