The Old Black Church

M orning online congregation, the below clip of two Atlanta Braves baseball players is going viral and is causing a lot of conversation among the black community. Apparently his Mother died during this game. Now in my opinion the idea that black men can't be sensitive, nurturing, compassionate, thoughtful, vulnerable and needing of support is sad and dangerous and has actually helped perpetuate negative perceptions of black men. 

T he bible doesn't address children speaking in tongue. The gift of speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift. It means speaking with words or in a language one doesn’t know in order to edify both oneself and others. 

Online congregation, I don’t know how many of you all are familiar with Bethel Church in Redding, CA, they and the church pastors are know for controversy . Some on social media are asking how can BETHEL be considered a CHURCH when they had refused to open there doors for those in need? A CHURCH is a sanctuary, a place to worship god, give to those in need, where ALL are EQUAL and welcome.  Anyhow it's being reported online that they the church refused to shelter evacuees from a destructive wildfire in Northern California, saying their church wasn't safe when it was. They had 4 services there on Sunday.  https://www.abc10.com/video/news/bethel-church-responds-to-criticism/103-8204024

Morning online congregation, this is interesting, some of these cities are really surprising. It looks like everyone's an Apostle and Prophet and no one is out evangelizing. 

M otown Gospel recording artist Lexi speaks on church hurt! “Every Church is not going to be perfect, but every church is not bad.” Church hurt occurs when you’ve been a victim of a total abuse of power in the church. This abuse of power could be anything from sexual assault and molestation to psychological manipulation. I am not a fan of Lexi, but I do agree with her comment she made concerning church hurt.  

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and how they raise their children but I really believe this is going to have negative repercussions because it’s not the norm ( god made, from birth, nature ). I think you should assign female and male to your baby early on instead of letting them decide. It’s the same as letting a minor make financial decisions. 

Online congregation this is interesting to read . Grief is both real and measurable. Scientists now know that the death or your father or mother will forever alter your brain chemistry. My mom died July 17, 2006 of a massive heart attack, she had just turned 70.  This was a terrible time for me and my sibling.  I miss her so much, wish I would of done more, wish I would of just say and talked with her more, hugged her longer like when I was a kid, and I really wish I would of had more time with her. Y 'all I wasn’t expecting it to be so quick, and I had no idea what to expect. Never dealt with pain like that before. And one last thing. Wish I would of taken way more pictures of her.💔. My dad died 6 yrs ago, he was 81 yrs old.  Today I’d say it was definitely harder to bury my mom than my dad, not sure why. My mothers love was always unconditional as are most mothers. 

M orning online congregation, I'm curious to know what do you all think of when you hear someone say that they are on a mission to "revamp the church" to make it more functional? Well, that's what it looks like Ex-pro basketball Player Bishop Amere May, Sr has set out to do. Below are the details of this weekends revamp convocation.

W hat does it mean to "engage the culture"? Culture is the new buzzword today within the Christian community, there is a surge of people like Pastor Tavis Greene, Israel Houghton, Pastor John Gray, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and others talking about the need to engage the culture. The idea that as culture changes a new church movement should emerge in response. In this case, it is a response by various church leaders to the current culture. What exactly does one mean by engage the culture? Culture is simply the social behaviors and norms found at any given time in any given society. Cambridge’s dictionary defines culture as a way of life as shown in our ordinary behavior and habits, attitudes toward each other, and moral and religious beliefs. ( You Can Read About It Here ) Elevation Worship Relentless Worship Israel Houghton Travis Greene Pastor John Gray  There are 3 responses to culture; complain, conform, or to CONFRONT.  Three-Time Grammy Nominated, 11-Time Stellar Aw

Online congregation I really don't know what to think or say about these allegations. ( You Can Read About It Here ) Gospel musician Kirk Franklin firstborn son Kerrion Franklin, who Kirk had at the young age of seventeen, is now accusing Kirk of trying to have him kill. ✅ Kirk Franklin son “Kerrion Franklin” seems to not only have a bad relationship with his father, but I’m assuming he feels his dad is trying to kill him. 🤭 ✅ Kerrion Franklin is a musician and Producer, but he’s definitely not following Kirks same “Christian” footsteps. 

O nline congregation I can't believe that folks can’t see that this is a show. What is wrong with people? This Benny Hinn looking like Michael Jackson and dressing like Prince all in one is about entertainment, and nothing more.  ( Prophet Joshua Holmes Is Not New To This Space You Can Read About Him Here )

G ood morning online congregation, a conference for gay Christians has sparked a debate among many evangelicals: is same-sex attraction in itself a sin? Or is only acting on that attraction the sin? 

L ifetime has unveiled a big expansion of its original movie lineup for next year. As part of the push the A+E Networks cabler has set new franchises with ABC News’ Robin Roberts and megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes. Lifetime plans to produce or acquire some 75 movies next year, a significant increase from 2018. The cabler has signed a wide-ranging production deal with “Good Morning America” anchor Roberts to produce movies and feature-length documentaries under the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner. Also in the works for Lifetime is a five-movie series based on the novels of V.C. Andrews, starting next year with “V.C. Andrews’ Heaven.” Roberts will focus on projects based on true events with an inspirational or educational focus. The first project under the deal will be a drama based on the life of famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Roberts and Linda Berman of ABC’s Lincoln Square Productions are executive producers from a script by Bettina Gilois. Each of Roberts’ telepics will

S ome of these churches be doing to much. Bethlehem Temple Church of God In Christ is suing a former pastor for allegedly trespassing on its premises, recent Harris County District Court records show. A lawsuit filed on July 24 in the Harris County 270th District Court claims that Darrell Brooks entered the house of worship located at 8622 Lockwood Dr. earlier this month “with a malicious intention to disrupt (a) worship service that was in progress.”  The suit says that the plaintiff’s board of trustees recently voted unanimously to oust Brooks prior to the subject incident. “The plaintiff advised the defendant that he may no longer occupy the pulpit to conduct services of any nature within the confines of Bethlehem Temple Church of God In Christ,” court papers state. Brooks was reportedly accompanied by three men, including his co-defendant Dalton Roberts, when he went to the church. Consequently, the plaintiff requests a temporary restraining order and injunction. Harris Count

Good morning online congregation, this SATURDAY👉🏾JULY 28th there will be a powerful FREE workshop taking place that will delve into God's truth. This workshop will discuss several topics dealing with our walk with Christ, such as... -  Can you be a TRUE follower of Christ and be in a fraternity/sorority?   What does The Lord have to say regarding being in a greek-lettered organization or other secret society?  Is Jesus glorified through a secret society?   Do rituals align with The Word of God?  We will answer these questions, and MORE! Let's have some real face-to-face dialogue about being submitted to The Living God and trying to be in these organizations. This is about being a DISCIPLE of Jesus Christ 100%! There will also be prayer, worship, and an all-male panel discussion on purity. 

I' am very disturbed by these lyrics and this video. I had never heard of it until my 11 year old baby asked me to play it on the way home from Bama the other day. p arents please do not let your children listen to this 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ the devil is a liar and this world is so perverted. 

S ad news here,Wynter Pitts, a prominent Christian author and speaker and the founder of For Girls Like You magazine, died unexpectedly Tuesday. She was 38 years old. The niece of pastor and author Tony Evans, Pitts made a name for herself as an author of books for tweens and girls.  She wrote the tween devotionals For Girls Like You and You’re God’s Girl. Her latest book, God's Girl Says Yes: What God Can Do When We Follow Him, was released this month. She and her husband, Jonathan, co-authored the 2017 book for parents, She Is Yours: Trusting God as You Raise the Girl He Gave You. They also were featured on a Family Life Today radio broadcast and in the marriage-enrichment Parent Compass video series.  Go Fund Me Information Here:

M orning online congregation, the world got to know Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry at the Royal Wedding in May.  Now, he's undergoing surgery for prostate cancer.  Me, Myself and I are wishing him a speedy recovery at home in Raleigh.  July 25, 2018, Bishop Michael Curry posted the following message to social media:

Deborah. Esther. Junia. Aimee McPherson. Kathryn Kuhlman. Since the beginning of time, women have been on the frontlines of revival – and nothing has changed. Today’s women are boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus while managing careers, family, friendships and ministry! 

A re Christian men more abusive? On yesterday social media was all abuzz after Gospel Grammy Winner James Fortune, posted an Instagram picture of he in a tuxedo and a woman in a wedding dress with the caption, “Mr & Mrs. Fortune ♥.” The overwhelming response was a mixture of shock and celebration. There was no public notice of his engagement, hence the shock at the marriage. Considering the fallout of his legal issues centered around domestic violence, there was celebration and congratulation at his new beginning. There are mixed reviews on this situation check out some of the conversations taking place online.

T he Vatican is warning about the perils of the prosperity gospel, the belief that true followers of God are rich, healthy and happy. To those living in poverty, the Vatican warns "poverty hits them with a blow that is unbearable for two reasons: first, the person thinks their faith is unable to move the providential hands of God; second, their miserable situation is a divine imposition, a relentless punishment to be accepted in submission.” The prosperity gospel has been around since the 19th century but the continuing global growth of Pentecostalism, especially in Catholic dominated regions of the world, could be one of the reasons why the Vatican is being more vocal about this “pseudo-gospel.” https://churchleaders.com/news/329453-the-prosperity-gospel-criticized-by-the-vatican.html

Online congregation what Y'all make of this? Pedophilia is now being called a “sexual orientation.” Now I always thought and believe that Pedophilia was a sexual attraction to children, did I get it wrong?   A video of a German speaker calling for compassion and understanding toward celibate pedophiles in arguing that “no one chooses to be a pedophile” but that “anyone could be born” that way and “no one can cease being one” has sparked outrage worldwide. 

I have no idea who this person client might be, but once they give me the name of the client I will post it.  

G ood morning online congregation, how many are familiar with Televangelists Jack and Rexella Van Impe? I've always thought of the two as being a little nutty at times. Now Jack Van Impe is claiming he is the “final appointed and anointed prophet” before Jesus returns!??!?  It would be unprecedented and unbiblical for the Holy Spirit, a member of the Godhead, to come to any venue to deliver a message from God the Father. God always sent angels to do that task. Further, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell in us. Claiming that the Holy Spirit came to deliver him a message is as declaring he never had the Holy Spirit within. In my opinion, the Holy Spirit did not come to Van Impe’s house with a message that he is the final prophet. This man has committed a serious error. It appears that he did so to raise 25 million dollars.  Check out the clip below:

O nline congregation the ladies of "The Sister Circle" talk show on  yesterday discussed the trending hashtag #ChurchHurt and their own experiences with Church, Faith and Spirituality.  Check out the video clip below.

I 've been threatened with lawsuits to sue me on behalf of a pastor. T he church is losing it effectiveness in the world and a big reason is from its leaders abusing their power and not being held accountable. Don't come after me because of a pastor wrong doing.  This post is for the woman who have called me twice in the last week trying to bully and threatening me because I will not remove  a posts that she don't like. In my opinion just because the pastor you look up to has allegedly had an affair which resulted in the birth of a baby, it's a tragedy of huge proportions. 

O nline congregation closed mouths don't get fed prayer really works. Yvonne Orji, who stars on HBO’s “Insecure,” has found love and she’s crediting her new romance to the power of prayer. On last month, the 34-year-old actress and comedian took to Instagram to show off her budding relationship with ex-Cleveland Browns star Emmanuel Acho, with whom she was vacationing in Mexico. For inquiring minds, Orji shared the prayer she recited in her search for a partner.  “ Dear God, May he have abs like David. Skin like Sampson,” she wrote, alluding to the different men of the Bible. “A smile like Joseph. Fingernails like Solomon. Eyebrows like John The Baptist and A heart (and finances) like yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ” https://www.essence.com/love-sex/yvonne-orji-shares-prayer-she-prayed-right-manand-you-can-see-it-worked

O nline congregation this blessed me so this morning, I miss this preacher/pastor/teacher. If you want a brand new life, you have to come to Jesus. Powerful song, I never knew until today that Dr. Myles Munroe could sing and play the piano as well. His memory lives on. God bless ya kind Sir.  

O nline congregation, social media is calling Dr. Matthew Stevenson to the carpet for having an all male church summit. Why are women speakers apparently excluded from most Christian conferences (except those exclusively for women)? If you’ve never noticed the lack of diversity in Christian conference speaker rosters or believed it to be a problem, it might be because the stories sound like yours and the people think like you. So if you’re a man and you’ve never seen an all-male conference lineup and thought, that’s problematic, you might want to think deeply about why you don’t notice the absence of women speakers in Christian contexts.  

O nline congregation these are some awesome ( You Can Find It Here ) statistics regarding African-American Millennials having much less tendency to leave the church than other Millennials. I was surprised at the level of spirituality in Africa countries and therefore I'm not so surprised by this statistic. But what I am equally curious about is the correlation between income and religious worship/practice. I would like to see this further broken down by geographic location. My guess is there would be a statistically significant difference between those in northern versus southern states.

O nline congregation, I’m not sure what to make of this, I found it on my timeline. I know there is an order to stuff and I do believe in spiritual authority but do you have to be an active member of a church to do ministry or what God has called you to do? Is membership and attendance required to do whatever it is you are called to do? 

O nline congregation children are some amazing imitators of adults they want love, attention, and affirmation. For years I couldn't buy  into the idea of children being preachers. There's something about it that just don't jive with me, but the little boy in the clip below has almost changed my mind about that. Some folks are saying that he's a modern day Samuel and that he's truly anointed and chosen by Jehovah. 

It's been seven years since four young men went public with accusations that their mentor, Bishop Eddie Long, used his position, wealth and fame to coerce them into sexual relationships. Now, 18 months after the controversial pastor’s death from an aggressive form of cancer, the alleged victims’ story will finally be told — with a twist.

O nline congregation it looks like Grammy Winner Le'Andria Johnson has lost yet another gig because of her social media outburst a couple of weeks ago. It look like she will not be a part of the 2018 Gigantic Gospel Concert, presented by J. Spivey Production. This amazing concert which will be Hosted by Pastor Kim Burrell and feature guest artists like Crystal Aikin, Jekalyn Carr, LaShun Pace, Beverly Crawford, LeAndria Johnson, Kathy Taylor, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and many more.  It will take place September 8th, 2018 at Friendship West Baptist Church.   Le'Andria Johnson has been apart of this concert for the last five years.  

O nline congregation please join me in congratulating one of our own Bishop T. D. Jakes in receiving BLACK ENTERPRISE highest honor in recognition of the achievements of black men. BLACK ENTERPRISE will presents the XCEL Awards at the 2018 Black Men XCEL Summit on Aug. 29, 2018, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The Black Men XCEL Summit celebrates the achievements of today’s black men. The Summit, which offers executive development and leadership for men of color, annually attracts more than 800 corporate executives, professionals, and businessmen and women from across the country.

O nline congregation y'all know I mention this story early in ( You Can Read It Here ) the week of how Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr., the senior pastor of The House of Hope Atlanta Georgia, had publicly apologized for his church's refusal to bless the child of a female member because she was married to another woman. Dr. Smith, who explained that the incident occurred in October 2014, told his congregation in a clip posted on YouTube Sunday that he wasn't aware that the decision was made to reject blessing the child because of his mother's same-sex relationship until months after the incident occurred.

D arrell and Pamela Hines started  ( You Can Read About It Here ) Christian Faith Fellowship church 29 years ago. They continue to strengthen lives after what they call a "miracle." The Hines is a story of Faith, fellowship, hope, and love. Bishop Darrell Hines and his wife Pastor Pamela Hines preach the gospel at Christian Faith Fellowship church at 86th and Good Hope in Milwaukee.

G ood morning online congregation, here we go again. A Kentucky pastor has a congregation up in arms after he decided to revoke the memberships of churchgoers who haven't attended services lately. "That's wrong," Cave City Baptist Church member Samantha Esters said. "It's called holding people accountable," Cave City Baptist Senior Pastor Ryan Broers said. "I don't ever want to go back to that church," Esters vowed.

About 50 prominent evangelicals are attending an invitation-only gathering this week at Wheaton College to discuss the future of evangelicalism—more specifically, the condition of the movement and the divide that resulted from the election of President Donald Trump. The gathering was organized by Doug Birdsall, honorary chair of Lausanne, an international movement of evangelicals. Other attendees named in press accounts include pastors Tim Keller, A.R. Bernard and Bishop Claude Alexander, Dallas Theological Seminary professor Darrell Bock, World Relief vice president Jenny Yang, Wheaton College’s Ed Stetzer, Fuller Seminary President Mark Labberton, Jo Anne Lyon of the Wesleyan Church, Harold Smith of Christianity Today and Gabriel Salguero of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. ( You Can You Read About It Here)

I guess this what happened when you live a public life. ( You Can Read It Here ) The more I watch this unfold, the more I hate the internet. People are entitled to dig out a space for themselves in this world, even if it includes some level of social media “fame.”  However, that access that these personalities allow does NOT entitle everyone to know private matters of their lives. One thing I do like about Beyoncé is that she has managed to keep people out of her private life. I know you can't be a public figure with out allowing people to be all up in your privacy. The McClure Twins are child twin sisters Ava and Alexis McClure who are popular on Instagram and later grew popular elsewhere after they appeared in several videos that went viral. 2017 Top 10 Influencers: Kids Forbes!  

M y Online Congregation:  I saw the above meme in one of my groups. Tell me your thought, does it ring truer today than yesterday? "A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to 'accept' Christ without forsaking the world!"  You can't walk with God holding hands with the devil.  The Bible says in 1st John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world.  

Individual priests may decide whether or not to religiously bless any particular marriage ceremony. But should a priest refuse to bless a ceremony, the higher clergy–the bishop, in this case–will be obligated to suggest another priest to do the job. ( You Can Read It Here )

F or the Christian there's only one way to God, and it's through Jesus Christ alone. Religion is not the way to God. Morality is not the way to God. Goodness is not the way to God. And money is not the way to God.  With that being said, for many years people have criticized Oprah Winfrey for the above quote, in saying that Oprah claims there are many paths to God for the Christian, but in all honesty that's not at all what she said. 

W here are the Apostles and Prophets? Apostle Bryan Meadows is the first I've heard speak about this situation. Yet, everyone's an Apostle these days. Thank you. Thank you. We are in a crisis -- doctrinal and politically.

J uly 16-21 all roads leads to Dallas TX, were you don’t want to miss 6 days of anointed preaching, singing and testifying.  Save the date for the annual International Holy Convocation with host, Presiding Prelate Apostle Herman L. Murray, Jr., and the Full Gospel Holy Temple family for an unforgettable week. Services will be held at the headquarters church in Dallas at 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. daily. "HOLINESS IS STILL RIGHT"!

L ord have mercy Bishop Elect Marvin Winans is known for his gospel music and Christian ministry. His Perfecting Church has a notable following and he’s been working to see it expand even further. However, Winans hasn’t succeeded in completing a megachurch project for his church, a project located in the poorest part of Detroit. The megachurch has been lying unfinished for more than a decade, but it now appears once again the pastor isn’t planning to let go of it, and is out to ensure that it’s completed. Now, the already rich artist is seeking donations once again to help him finish the project. ( You Can Read About It Here ) O n Sunday, September 30 Bishop Elect Marvin Winans is asking and believing that God will once again touch at least 1000 people to sow $1000.00 dollar seed to advance his cause as he endeavor to complete the church project once and for all.  His prayer is that you all reading this will commit and be a part of the miracle.

S ometimes pastors don’t always get it right all the time but the below video clip is a step in the right direction. As the topic of church hurt has come up recently this clip right here was timely. For some who have experienced church hurt if not careful it can literally turn you away from anything to do with church. If you’ve ever experienced church hurt or witnessed a loved one go through it, it is extremely painful. To me if a person has a kid and wants to dedicate that child back to God, then pastors should do it. It’s those moments that bring families together. This is powerful and a learning moment. Learning moments like these bring about change. Thank you Dr. Smith for having a beautiful heart unlike how Bishop elect Marvin Winans handle a similar situation at his church years ago.  Watch the clip and let me know what you think.