I have been in the ministry for almost 60 years this year (2021). It started when I was 15 as a church chorister at Double Heads Baptist Church in Sylvania, GA. My major in college and seminary was music with a concentration in voice and really thought that I would spend most of my life in the music ministry field. Sermons and meditations were not things that I thought much about. I really got a slow start in my ministry career because I kept saying no to God. Once He finally got my attention and I surrendered to His call it seemed logical to me to use my musical talent for ministry. I served several churches as Minister of Music with various combinations and was completely content to continue that path until retirement or death.
BUT GOD…
Our plans, however, are not His plans. He wanted me in a completely different ministry role that I was not at all comfortable with or prepared for! As a result, He began to call me as an Associational Missionary. I didn’t know what an Associational Missionary was for many years. The only exposure I had to one was Rev. King I. Evans in Sylvania and the only thing I knew about him and his ministry were that he faithfully handed out chewing gum to children wherever he went. (My favorite was Juicy Fruit!) When God began to deal with me about becoming one I was shocked, to say the least. BUT I have truly enjoyed this journey in my life and could not imagine going back to music ministry.
OVERCOMING FEAR
I really didn’t have a problem singing in front of lots of people because I felt that I was prepared through the education and training I received at college and seminary. Preaching, on the other hand, was something that I felt (and still do feel) totally unprepared to do. Every time I stand behind the pulpit, I’m completely dependent on His Holy Spirit. And that’s a good thing! I have been asked to preach a lot more sermons than I ever thought I would.
In my role as Associational Missionary, I am expected to fill the pulpit whenever asked and so far I have been able to do just that. Sermons and meditations have become a part of my ministry now. There have been a few sermons that people seemed to relate more to than others so I decided to share some of them here with you. I will add a few as time permits. I pray that these sermons and meditations will touch your life.
Re-set, Re-focus, Re-commit
Almost three years ago I started on an additional path of income that has allowed me multiple opportunities to share my faith and meet lots of new fellow believers. The practice of this company is to constantly re-set, re-focus, and re-commit. God used that to give me a sermon to preach recently. Feel free to share it with others.
Cain wasn’t Abel!
The Lord sent me to the first chapter in the Bible to find this sermon. It started as a play on words but became a very significant message to Christians and non-Christians alike. It addresses the issue of trying to become someone you’re not. Again feel free to share it with others.
God Prefers FAT Christians
This outline was given to me by a fellow pastor. Thanks, Jim Newsome. I put a little spin on it and have received many comments about how it has touched some folks. Let me know what you think.
Abba Father: A Father’s Day Sermon
On this special occasion of Father’s Day, let’s reflect on the profound love and guidance that fathers provide, and how our heavenly Father sets the perfect example for us all. Fathers need to take a more active role in shaping the lives of their children for Christ. Too many have shirked this responsibility and it shows.
