The Old Black Church

R eader Bishop-Elect Juanita Bynum stirred up a hornet nest Wednesday on social media when she posted the above pic and the below comment to her Facebook page. Dr. Bynum claimed that she was carrying explosives straight from the throne room of God. Well, some of her followers and online community were not feeling that comment nor her over price luggage. Ok why did I just go through security and they stopped me and said ma'am we are going to have to search everything on you ..... We just got an alarm that you are carrying explosives!!!!! I laughed and thought to myself even the machine is feeling my prayer room!!!!! My God I feel you right now!!!!! Lol Thoughts? 

R eader, here Charisma News go again armed to the teeth with conspiracy theories trying to muddy up Madam President Hillary Clinton name.  It's time folks start embracing reality. Hillary Clinton= Next President of United States.   like I've mentioned before ,  in my opinion, most right-wing Christian media has an obvious agenda, get Trump elected at all cost. I'm this close to unfollowing Charisma News, they are getting out of hand. No, I'm not saying don't talk about politics but stay away from foolishness.

R eader, "how well does the average American understand basic Christian doctrine? For that matter, how about the average evangelical? Perhaps not all that differently.  "There are many denominations within Christianity, all of which claim to have the correct beliefs. This is a very telling view of American Christianity based on what they, Christians, believe. it's sad and heartbreaking that so many self-proclaiming Christians have created their own god in their own image. The survey shows what has always been true about us who call ourselves Christians that we really don't know our doctrine. Also, many people call themselves Christians, have not yet learned or studied the entire bible well enough to answer some of those questions correctly. I do believe each person learns as their relationship with God grows. Many grow at the pace based on their daily walk with God & life. With that being said, a survey like this typically can't be always answered

R eader, according to the latest press release, on Friday, February 3, 2017, the NFL Sanctioned Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) will kick-off Super Bowl LI with its 18th Annual star-studded music jubilation at Pastor Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-winning artists and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music and inspirational messages.  Tickets are available for purchase through Ticket Master and Ticket Servant. Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is by far, the largest multi-cultural event to take place during Super Bowl weekend in its 18-year run as an NFL sanctioned event. SBGC has featured artists including Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Hamilton, Kirk Franklin, Jacquie Velasquez, Israel Houghton and Marvin Sapp, among

  R eader, we are waking up watching and taking notes. Why are white Christians so offended by The Black Lives Movement? Is it because they have never seen the mistreatment of a young black man a first hand? Kudos and high five to Pastor Carl Lentz, love and respect what he had to say about Black Lives Matter.  In my opinion, if your church is in an urban community and you have anti-black  attitudes, then that attitude will be reflected in those people. I'm not anti-white and I love and respect all religions and ethnic backgrounds. Right now we as a community of people are hurting and there are some very insensitive Christians who will never ever identify with that hurt because they have chosen not to.  It is crazy people are upset with " black lives matter" it is not saying no other life matters.  I can never wrap my head around the so call Christian that can turn their noses up at those in poverty, in the ghetto, the Hood, in situations that seem hopeless.

R eader, does what we start in life die with us? Most pastors today believes the church is their family business and they expect their children to take over once they are no more. I'm seeing with my own eyes the way some pastors who are in the public eye raise their kids really do matter. I'm guessing also the key to a standup child is to let your child be instead of forcing them to be who they are not. With the November 2014 news that Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth had died in a plane crashed shocked Christians around the world. In addition to devastating their children, it shook the congregation Dr. Munroe pastored in Nassau, Bahamas. Today the children and his church are growing with a new passion to keep Dr. Munroe's legacy alive. Check out this great interview here:

R eader talking about a kick in the face, this is like celebrating a public lynching. White folks in Tulsa have scheduled a rally to support Officer Betty Shelby who shot/killed unarmed TerenceCrutcher. This woman murdered a man in cold blood. Terence was unarmed and was surrounded by 4 police and a helicopter. This is terrible, the disrespect that's been directed at Mr. Crutcher's family. Facebook: While I can agree that "Police Lives Matter Too", I wouldn't go about trying to make that message by supporting a murderous police officer. That's like saying Germans aren't bad people by trying to make Hitler look good.   Doggone shame!

R eader the protests and unrest in Charlotte have grabbed plenty of national attention as media from across the country have traveled here to cover what's been taking place. The T.D. Jakes Show, which airs on WCNC, was in Charlotte Monday as well, and NBC Charlotte's Dan Yesenosky traveled around the Queen City with their crew today as they taped an upcoming episode on what this community has been experiencing. Monday morning, Bishop Jakes spoke with Dr. Patrick Graham of the Urban League of Central Carolinas in uptown's Marshall Park. "Is the community satisfied with how the mayor has released information and does the responsibility rest at her doorstep or is it more a concern to the chief of police here?" Jakes asked.

R eader Rev. Al Sharpton, Pastor Jamal Bryant, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Albert Jamison and Marc Morial, along with other prominent pastors and civic leaders are expected to attend a “National Prayer Call for Justice March” in support of Terence Crutcher’s family in Tulsa on Tuesday. The event is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Greenwood Cultural Center. Rev. Sharpton and Pastor  Jamal Bryant, pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, are expected to speak at the cultural center before the march begins. Other special guests include gospel music artist Hezekiah Walker, political and civic leader Marc Morial and New York pastor Bishop Albert Jamison. Rev. Sharpton and others will cap the day off with an event at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 5 S. Boston Ave.   Source Here:

R eader the LGBT community is lauding what is being described in the media as the world's first "transgender" birth. An Ecuadorian transgender couple — comprised of a "husband," or a female pretending to be male, and a "wife," or a male pretending to be female — gave birth to a son in June in what is being touted as the world's first known transgender birth, despite neither of the two having undergone gender reassignment surgery and the child having been conceived naturally and carried to term by a biologically female individual. ChurchMilitant.com

R eader it's the concert that never happened over the weekend in North Carolina. And that probably has a lot to do with the name and promotional material for the show. Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, John P. Kee and Dennis Reed had been slated to perform at an “All Lives Matter” concert Sunday, but the concert was postponed for whatever reason.  Anyhow, I believe the majority of society keep speaking incorrectly about the BLM movement just to silence us. The phrase "All Lives Matter" is 100% inaccurate. The correct term is "All Lives SHOULD Matter" because until "Black Lives Matter", All Lives DO NOT Matter. Some people keep missing that point. In Fantasia case I remember black lives mattering for her when they were her only fan base and core support when she admitted to her struggles with illiteracy. She obviously has a lot more learning to do. Look at this misguided and misinformed statement. "I understand that our people are still in

R eader the  Rev. Frank M. Reid III, the longtime senior pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, will be elevated to the office of  bishop Tuesday, September 27 at the Empowerment Temple of Baltimore. As a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop is the highest position in the Christian denomination of some 2 million. Source Here:

R eader, I wish that I were able to contribute to this wonderful cause.  Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC), one of the nation’s oldest historically African American churches located in Alexandria, Virginia is a founding donor for the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture, committing $1 million in donations to the museum. The senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, tells CBS News about the church's donor base and why the members wanted to get involved in the historic project.  The $1 million donation to the museum is the largest from a faith-based organization to date, thus allowing the church to be designated as a founding donor of the museum.   Source: CBS News

R eader, the following message is from Pastor Thaddeus Matthews:  This is a message to any woman or man who may have slept with Apostle Douglas Hopson, he has AIDS. He is presently on medication for the virus and according to sources has been reported to The Desoto county Health Department. Hopson is affiliated with Shekinah Glory Ministries here in Memphis. He's formerly from Fayetteville N.Carolina. His wife Deirdre Patterson is on the run because he has threaten to kill her.  As you can see he is soliciting men online at crag list, So you holy women and men be careful of this wolf he may give you something you can't pray away. This info has been supplied by his wife who is scared and fears for her life and a women here in Memphis who has slept with him and picked up his meds, who has filed a police report but they have not made a move on him. This act has to be exposed because it places the lives of others in danger.

R eader Apostle Wayne T. Jackson and Great Faith Ministries, for days now, have been asking Fox 2 news Detroit to retract a story that they ran the early part of the week misrepresenting the church. According to the church, because of Fox 2 News and their commentary and misrepresentation have caused a video to be shared almost 3000 times from their page since it was posted on the 19th.  Because of Fox 2 News negligence with their report of a misleading story, there have been threats made towards their pastor and congregation, which have been posted on some Social Media sites and received at their church. Rest Here

R eader the question that's on a lot of folks mind these days are where is the church in the Black Lives Matter movement? Pastor Jamal Bryant stated on Instagram early today that his new season on the word network starts in October. Were he and his young activist are coming to challenge the church about Charlotte and the elections. Thoughts?

R eader tomorrow morning Sunday, September 25 The Potter House of Dallas Texas will be celebrating Bishop T.D. Jakes’40th year anniversary and his 40 years of service. The church  will have a special Sunday service dedicated to his lasting legacy at 9am in The Potter’s House main campus.

R eader while I can't imagine having trouble accepting my own child, especially if I was a woman who had accepted my husband contracting HIV by repeatedly cheating on me, it's wonderful to see a family be supportive of an individual who faces intersectional discrimination. While on the other hand, some believe that any parent who is experiencing this, it's like a death because the child you gave birth to, the dreams for that person, etc., no longer exist.  Do you agree?  In a new episode of 'Super Soul Sunday' Oprah Winfrey sat down with Cookie Johnson to discuss her feelings about her son EJ being gay. Johnson became emotional as she revealed to Oprah how she learned to accept it ——> cookie johnson reveals accepting son EJ's sexuality “was very hard

R eader, what do yall think about the following statement? For the month of October, I'm calling for a #BOYCOTT of all churches in Detroit. If you decide to go to church for praise and worship DO NOT TITHE. In October we are scheduling a meeting with every major Pastor in Detroit starting with Solomon Kinloch Jr. The church is not what it was in the 60s. Under the 501c3 the church has become a joke, a sex meeting place and pastors been pimping the people. Get out of your brainwashing this has nothing to do with God, church is a business and we going to make this business work for the people. — with Bk K Waters.

R eader Bishop Carlton D Pearson has taken to social media with a powerful commentary surrounding the Tulsa Oklahoma police killing. According to Bishop Pearson Tulsa Oklahoma, the supposed buckle of the Bible Belt, is the home of the worst race riot in American history.  In a 60 Minutes Interview in 1966, Dr Martin Luther King Jr said: “I contend that the cry of "Black Power" is, at bottom, a reaction to the reluctance of white power to make the kind of changes necessary to make justice a reality for the Negro. I think that we've got to see that a riot is the language of the unheard. And, what is it that America has failed to hear?   Facebook:

R eader, there's a video sweeping through the internet that showing a pastor allowing church members to kiss his shoes for miracles. The video shows the members bending down and making sure their lips touch the pastor's footwear before getting up again. Although the place where the incident occurred has not been verified, it is widely believed that the event took place in a Ghanaian church. The members reportedly bent down to kiss the pastor's feet to receive blessings in return. The pastor is seen touching their heads after they kiss his feet. Watch the video below:

R eader the Rev. Candice Marie Benbow, a doctoral student at the Princeton Theological Seminary, proudly presents her first "Red Lip Theology VIRTUAL Conference".  I challenge all who affirm women in ministry to register or sponsor a registration for a woman who would enjoy being engaged in this dialog. Love Your Work Candice!  

H aha Reader this is too darn funny. Trump & Hannity. Can't wait to see how the community reacts to these two right wing racists. According to Faux News tonight bigot, Donald Trump will hold a Sean Hannity–hosted (yes you read that right) town hall at a black church in Ohio to “discuss the core issues and concerns surrounding African-Americans this 2016 election cycle.” In my opinion, for that to work, Trump will have to hope they’re willing to ignore his well-documented history of doing and saying racist things.

R eader, the world we live in today is undergoing a big shift. Just as early Christians availed themselves on Roman roads to spread their message far and wide, today’s churches and ministries are now using the Internet to communicate their message.  Once upon a time people lived their lives immersed in their local communities, but now people exist as individuals networked into far-flung and loosely connected groups of people. The Internet, wireless communication, and social media have made this shift possible. This shift fundamentally changes the way that churches and ministries relate to the people they serve. In my humble opinion,  Prophetess Christina Glenn Weeks is a prime example of that shift that's taking place in the world today with her forthcoming voice in the kingdom of God. It is evident that God is using her to build His Kingdom in this cyber and millennium age.  Lives are being empowered by the cutting edge approach to the Word of God she presents to the believ

R eader New Era Detroit holds this church accountable for not giving back to the community. On Sunday   New Era Detroit staged a protest that turned into a brawl, caught on camera. Mind you, this is the same church that recently hosted bigot republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.  But this protest is about more than politics. New Era Detroit is calling it church accountability - taking congregations to task for not serving the community as churches should. They say something doesn't add up when a pastor makes a lot of money, drives a luxury car and the people who live near the church are in poverty.  

R eader the internet is claiming this morning that Botswana government has taken a good stand against the wave of religious extremism that threatens peace and stability in Africa. This "new" wave of missionaries from the US who peddle extremist views about homosexuality is worth talking about. The Facebook page for the Botswana government posted on Tuesday that is set to deport US pastor Steven Anderson for his remarks on a local radio station that homosexuals should be "stoned to death.” Anderson is a preacher from the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The Botswana government declared him “a prohibited immigrant” and wrote of its plans to deport him from the country.

R eader, White Christians love Lecrae until he reminds them on twitter that he's black.     "Take a knee, they riot. Take a bullet, they're quiet." - Lecrae Wow, that moment when you realize your life isn't as valued as other people's solely because of your race.

R eader the Church of God in Christ’s headquarters at historic Mason Temple will become home early next year to free financial literacy counseling for consumers, small business owners and entrepreneurs. First Tennessee will provide a full-time Operation HOPE financial counselor who will offer seminars and one-on-one counseling on credit and money management for consumers, and entrepreneurial training for start-up small businesses, the bank announced last Tuesday. Source Here:

R eader Terence Crutcher was a 40-year-old pastor shot and killed by Tulsa officer Betty Shelby. I don’t even have words… On this past Friday night, Terence Crutcher died at a hospital after being shot by the police. He was unarmed and had his hands up. The police murdered him in cold blood. I heard a white preacher preach recently, that he recounted having been stopped by the police with a weapon in his glove compartment. He talked about how jovial the officer was, how they laughed together, how he even wanted to invite the officer to dinner. He said something to the effect of these young men need to comply with the police in order to save their own lives. This INNOCENT pastor and father of four children whose vehicle broke down in the middle of the streets, honestly thought he could seek help from police officers.... that maybe the police would park behind his vehicle with their lights flashing to avoid any accident.... BUT the pastor would never imagined that the police of

R eader, Dr. Jamal Bryant said yall thought he was done, but he's not.  The Word Network has released some video teasers for their up and coming fall lineup, and it looks like Dr. Jamal Bryant has claimed his spot back and will once again be a part of the lineup. Along with his “last lady” Tweet, who will be making appearances. Dr. Bryant took to Instagram with the announcement along with the following caption:  "Oh you thought I was done?? Can't stop! Won't stop! ...October 3rd it's going down at 8pm " Source: First Lady B

R eader white evangelicals are somewhat upset with TV Personality Benny Hinn and are calling him a false minister and faith healer.  Benny Hinn, is one of today's best-known televangelists. His theology is based largely on that of the Word-Faith movement, with a heavy emphasis on the so-called "Prosperity Gospel." His teachings, behavior and practices have made him controversial among Christians and non-Christians alike.  With that being said, I'm not saying what is being reported by  Benny Hinn is right  are wrong,  but what I will say is that Billy Graham is in fact, a part of the 33-degree freemason in which he has fooled a whole lot of folks including me is noteworthy. According to Benny Hinn,  the church is hiding away like Elijah in the caves, a group of prophets but not for much longer. “We are coming into perhaps the most significant day in church history,” according to a statement made by Mark Chirona who tells Benny Hinn. goes on to say “That’s the day

R eader, a South African pastor at the Christ Embassy in Limpopo, South Africa  has reportedly committed suicide after he mistakenly sent a picture of his penis to his church Whatsapp group. Pastor Letsego captioned the picture “wife is away; it’s all yours tonight”, according to a report by the Daily Guide. He is thought to have been sending it to his lover who is also a member of the church.

R eader Bishop T.D. Jakes responds to the question of whether he's leaving his Dallas Church for Hollywood. He tells ROLLINGOUT.COM , when asked if he’s working on his replacement at his church, The Potters House in Dallas, he says, “No, no, not right now. This is not an either-or. I am basically planning on pastoring my church and doing this show. If the show continues to be relevant, I want to continue to do it and I want to continue to pastor my church. My children are all grown. We are empty nesters. We can pack a bag and run out the door without any apprehension or anxiety. It’s the season in our lives where we can travel again. I love what I am doing.”

R eader, this article right here is causing a lot of internet buzz it had me intrigued from beginning to end. According to the article editor the Black church as it has been known for centuries has been laid to rest. I'm fascinated by the figurative language and reflective on the rich, amazing history of the black church in this country. I am hopeful that with the current political strife, troubles that plague African American communities, that those churches, temples, mosques, still committed to social justice will rise to the occasion. They are still out there, they still exist, we just can't hear the voice due to the loud performances of the others.   What do you think? Is the Black church dead? If so, can it be revived?

R eader despite being on what he is calling a "sabbatical" recovering from an unspecified "health challenge."Megachurch pastor Bishop Eddie Long joined his congregation on a prayer call this week in which he revealed he has lost more weight and assured them he will be back in the pulpit next month.  “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” James 5:14 – 15 Uplifting the bishop and other sick and shut-in, the elderly and homeless in prayer. We never know what our future holds from day to day but I'm praying for healing, restoration, and deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus. By his stripes, we are HEALED! In Jesus name AMEN and AMEN!!

R eader, I've mentioned this young man Marcus Rogers in this space on a couple of occasion.  It's looking like after raking in over $30,000 in a little over a month of his $455,000 fundraising campaign goal, Mr. Rogers is pulling the plug   on his campaign.    Some on social media are saying it is a coincident that the shutdown comes shortly after an alleged investigation against Rogers was announced by the U.S. military. Rogers is being accused of baptizing a man on a military base without proper credentials... and the man drowned shortly thereafter. I wonder will the $30,000 get refunded back to his donors since he didn't reach his goal?

R eader on Wednesday afternoon racist Donald Trump did a last minute attempt to win over African-American voters didn't go well when the pastor of  the historically black church cut him off mid-stump speech, reminding him that he had not been invited there to deliver a political speech. “Hillary Clinton failed on the economy, just like she has failed on foreign policy. Everything she touched didn’t work out, nothing,” Trump told 50 or so people inside Bethel United Methodist Church.  The Rev. Faith Green-Timmons, an African-American pastor in this predominantly Democratic city, didn't want to hear it and stepped in to stop him. “Mr. Trump, I invited you here to thank us for what we’ve done in Flint,” Green-Timmons said as she approached Trump. “Not to give a political speech.” 

R eader, you can't go onto any right-wing blogosphere, Facebook, You-Tube, etc., for this terror of "the persecuted Christian in America" myth. My question is just where are Christians being persecuted in America? It's accurate to say that some folks claim they are being persecuted, but this is a highly questionable claim. This claim almost always has to do with some school doing away with prayers at football games, or a kid told that she/he can't bring their Bible to school, or read it, or pray before meals, etc. I just don't see the "persecution"  they do and wonder if any Christians are being persecuted in the US?  Sorry, there's zero evidence that they are. What you do have, however, is a small group of rightwing Christians who see any challenge to their way of life as "persecution," including being required to treat other people with the same respect they'd treat people inside their tight little group. Is It Accurate to

R eader, this is sad, but what an amazing step to getting healthy . Pastors are getting tired of keeping up this Idea of "Church." Do you think its ok for this pastor to step aside? It takes a true leader to realize this and to take the step he just took.  He pastored Cross Point church for 14 years.   Cross Point Church pastor Pete Wilson resigns after 14 years

R eader the Church of God in Christ announced Tuesday that it plans to begin construction next March on the Mason Village multifamily development in South Memphis. The city of Memphis is loaning $4 million for the $10 million project, which will bring 77 "affordable townhomes" to the 6.3 acres that was the vacant site of Fowler Homes, a public housing project at Fourth Avenue and Crump Boulevard torn down in 2004. City, COGIC join hands for affordable housing project in South Memphis

R eader, today's preacher children are seeking what their parents have. They want MONEY, the FAME, the access to the STARS, the TELEVISION., the PARTIES and ELITE celebrations.  They want MEGA churches and super conferences. They want SECULAR and SACRED mixtures to draw the masses and water down the message.  Tasha Page-Lockhart Presents Conference for Preachers' Kids, September 15-17

R eader Pastor Darrell Scott took to Twitter to say that black apostolics don't believe in women pastors. He and Bishop Joel Trout join New Day Weekend to explain.Trump supporters Pastor Darrell Scott and Bishop Joel Trout appeared on CNN Saturday . Pastor Scott is an Black Apostolic pastor and has tweeted- MILLIONS of Black Apostolic don't believe in Women Pastors... Much LESS Women PRESIDENTS. They will never vote for Hillary! He goes on to say that Apostolics have a literal interpretation of the Bible and quoted the Apostle Paul to justify his beliefs. Pastor Trout disagreed and put forth a valid reason for not voting for Hillary. Abortion. He stated that there are women Bishops and Pastors in the Apostolistic church. Pastor Scott went on to say that he has talked to a "number" of prominent Black leaders that have called him and told him they were going to vote for Trump but could not say so publicly because of the backlash from their congregations. I&