Pathway of Purpose

Today marks the last Sunday of January. Over the past month, I have taken time to share some Biblical disciplines that we see not just in the church but throughout scripture. The disciplines that we develop in our life help us walk closer with the Lord and can be used to help serve others. Yes, you can do all of these disciplines individually. However, I would encourage everyone to think about doing them with a group of people. The reason is, we were never meant to do life alone but together. I can remember taking my next step in using my gifts by serving kids in my home church. Serving in the kid's ministry, I cut my teeth and found my passion for reaching the lost. My first ministry opportunity was riding to some apartments within about a 5-mile radius of the church, where we would visit families, invite and then come back and pick them up for church on Sunday.  Now, this is just one way to get involved in reaching the lost, but importantly it is about to begin invited to step ou...

  Many people love a good story with some thrills and spills. Swashing buckling sailors on the open seas fighting pirates searching for gold. Here is the thing, Long John Silver and his men have nothing on your incredible God story, and people need to hear it! Your God story is essential. God never intended for you to keep your story to yourself but share it with others. You may think that your story is boring or not like that other person's story. Right, your story is well your story. And no one's story is boring because God does not make boring stories!  As you start this new year, you may find it interesting to write down your faith journey and how you came to believe and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. In Acts, we see an excellent example of writing out our story. Paul shares how he came to know and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior a few times.  As you begin to write your story, you may think you need to spend a lot of time sharing all your past sins and everyth...

  As individuals, we long to be in a community and have relationships with others. Though many come to the local church because of the pastor, the pastor cannot meet other aspects of the community. For instance, children need children; teens need teens; young adults need young adults. We are getting at is that everyone needs a community where they can build relationships with others. We all have different stages in our life that we need people to be willing to walk alongside.  Relationships and community are the glue that holds the local body together. However, community and relationships don’t just happen. It takes time, commitment, dedication. It takes the group of individuals to be honest, open, and transparent with each other. Four ways to foster and grow in community and relationships within the church. 1. Come early to church to connect. 2. Say hello to people before and after the gathering. 3. Life Groups are the lifeline to healthy relationships. 4. Engage some...

Over the past two months, I have started a new adventure that has given me more opportunities to engage people in my community. In 2021, there was a shift that my family needed to make, which would take me from being in the local church full time to being what is known as a marketplace pastor. Market place pastors are not a new idea or a fad that will fade away. A marketplace pastor works in the church but makes a living by working full time in the marketplace. Many Biblical individuals worked on the side to make a living while spreading the message of hope. The most prominent individual would be Apostle Paul. Paul was a tentmaker by trade, and he also traveled to share the gospel.  The new adventure that I have been on for the past two months has taken me from being in the church to a new field of Health Care working for a local Hospice Agency as their Volunteer Coordinator and Chaplain. Entering a new area has been challenging, especially after 20 years of full-time ministry. Som...

  Intentional giving. Intentional giving is giving with purpose. It means that you are actively choosing to help make a difference.  When we hear about giving, many assume that the individual is talking about money. Ok, that is partly true. However, we can be intentional in giving of our time, energy, gifts, and finances to help make a difference in the lives of others. When we intentionally give our time, talent, and treasure, we are taking the step to engage people, equip lives, and create environments where every person has the opportunity to encounter God in a life-changing way.  As we continue moving forward in the new year, it is essential to plan how to help make a lasting impact across the street and worldwide.  Here is how you can plan to give that will make a difference across the street and worldwide. Plan First, plan to give. When you have goals and are diligent, it leads to plenty (Proverbs21:5). God is excited when you have a plan! Whatever the amount i...

Over the past few years, it seems that many have taken the opportunity to find excuses to stay away from being connected to the church. Many have walked away, and others have just have not returned for one or many reasons. Many have decided to leave because of a stance or guideline many churches have chosen to follow. However, none of these thoughts should cause the church not to attend and connect every week.  Here are a few benefits to attending and connecting to the church. 1. Being connected helps us grow spiritually. 2. Being connected helps keep us consistent. 3. Being connected helps us during our times of need. 4. Being connected helps us accomplish more. 5. Being connected helps us learn to love. As we enter the new year, I want to encourage the church to commit to being more connected than in years past. Being connected to a community should not happen occasionally or when they feel like it. Joining and attending church can keep you happier, healthier, and even ...