C H O F Ministry

Tag: Clergy

  • “God Knows What’s Best”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog Picture Luke 22 42b
    You know after being granted salvation, I wanted to preach and teach in my own church (the physical building). I started out paying for my clergy credentials. While many laughed at me and made fun of my initial clergy credentials, they qualified me to be a State approved minister. I wanted more!!! I wanted to be known as the “Great Bishop, Dr.” of my own Christian edifice. So the hostile sarcasm of family members and some so called friends about my ministry credentials became my strength and stepping stones to pursue my degrees.

     
    So, I decided to take classes to get my B.A. in Christian Ministries which led me to gain my M.Div… So, as I was studying to get my Masters, I was also getting knowledge and experience in podcasting, and web design. One day while talking to a fellow clergy-man who’s also a family member set a vision in front of me about a social media ministry. Now, this wasn’t what I wanted to do. I had very little computer knowledge or online skills plus it was a few months before I was to go look at a building to establish a physical church.
     
    But, little did I know God had other plans laid out for me. I ended up not going to look at the building but instead went into studying to gain more knowledge on public speaking, podcasting, producing, blogging, videography, and web design. Over 10 years later, I’m known humbly as Bishop, Houston to some and Unka Burnie to others. I now have an online ministry that delivers Christian – spiritual podcast, teachings, sermons, devotions, inspirations, video slideshow presentations, music and more.
     
    Looking back, I could’ve stubbornly stuck with my original plans. Had I followed through, my life at this present time would be very different. I realized the one thing I really wanted to happen, was the best thing that never happened.
     
    Beloved, God knows what’s best for us, but we need to have faith and the humility to follow His will as He steers and guides our paths.
     
    Have a blessed week Everyone. 😀

  • “Stay Focused On Your Calling”

    Bishop Houston's Monday Morning Blog New Poster

    Praise the Lord Beloved!!! Happy Monday to you all.
     
    I attended a church program on yesterday, and I left there shaking my head in dismay. I’m seeing more and more men and women in the pulpit with the “it’s all about me, look at me, how did I sound, empty vessel messages. Beloved, THE CHURCH BELONGS TO JESUS!!!
     
    It’s not owned by its denomination, its benefactors, its members nor its affiliates, its staff or its lead pastor. Jesus said He would build His church – and He’s not about to give up that ownership to us or our ideas.
     
    You know as a preacher, this is a lesson I need to repeat to myself of repeatedly. I didn’t won’t to touch this issue this morning. I wrestled with it and it was also like fire shut up in my bones. So, encouraged by the Spirit of the Lord and my lovely better half I’ve decided to share it with you through my blog.
     
    Beloved, many spiritual leaders have flat ignored why the church exists!!! OR – they have been misinformed.
     
    This morning, I have a news flash church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect… The church doesn’t exist to give us an audience for our ideas, projects or egos. It exists to fulfill Christ’s purposes. Our role as church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., is to equip the church/ministry members and its affiliates to ratify those purposes, both inside and outside the church/ministry walls.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) our churches/ministries the church exists to make Jesus known, *NOT TO MAKE PASTORS FAMOUS!!!
     
    Yet, “WE” (I’m not above this approach either) keep making the same mistakes over and over again. “WE” (try to) take control because we feel without our strong hand on the wheel (we think) our church/ministry will fall to pieces. The budget won’t be met. The membership won’t grow. The five or ten-year vision won’t be realized. HELLO SOMEBODY!!!!! I know some of you out there know just what I’m talking about!!! 😀
     
    As church/ministry leaders, pastors, preachers ect.., we must know our roll. I’m speaking to churches and ministries of every size and type. From the captivating founding pastor of the high-energy, non-denominational megachurch, to the long-term, traditional male-controlled pastor to the centuries-old religious congregational pastor.
     
    Sure, many of us that are called according to God’s purpose are visionaries. We have big ideas. Impressive plans. Electrifying opportunities. And it’s tempting to use the resources at our disposal – namely the people, building and finances of the church/ministry we pastor to bring those endeavors to fruition. It’s not our job to get a group of people to agree with us and carry out our vision. No matter how good that vision might be.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), it’s our calling to help the church/ministry body discover or re-discover God’s purposes together, then participate in them as the Holy Spirit leads us all. So, if we want to build a platform, a project or a ministry based on our ideas, we need to start a para-church ministry or a for-profit business. Not use a church/ministry body to carry them out for us.
     
    My Beloved cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy) we need to stay focus or for some, need to get refocused on the church Jesus brought into existence and called us to lead. The focus should never be on the cleric brothers and sisters (members of the clergy), but on Jesus.
     
    *Not on the preaching, but the equipping.
    *Not on the presentation, but the discipline.
    *Not on the music, but the worship.
    *Not on the building, but the gathering.
    *Not on the platform, but the people.
    *Not on the packed (or vacant) seats, but on the empty cross.
     
    Have a blessed Monday and an Awesome rest of your week.