I am sick of phony black leadership. Let me define for you what I mean by phony:
Leaders who hold a position of authority who don't live out what they are supposed to represent.
Leaders who have lost their moral authority to speak on a subject because they have failed in the area in which they purport to speak.
Leaders who continue to coddle and excuse behavior that is a response to the real or imagined actions of others and who fail to hold their followers accountable for individual actions.
Leaders who speak against the oppression of others against their group without addressing the oppression and dysfunction that happens within that group.
Leaders who are silent when they should speak and conversely, those who speak when they should shut up!
Leaders who do what is expedient for their long term benefit rather than what is good for the long term benefit of the people they serve.
With the release of Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaints's book, "Come on People" (Thomas Nelson, Publisher, $25.99), the comedian and philanthropist, Mr.Cosby has come under fire again for his open criticism of the black community. Let me first start by saying I don't think that Cosby used the wisest language or forum for his initial comments that caused such a shock and furor in the black media and the alleged intellectuals of the African- American community. His unfortunate choice of words regarding "These low income" black folk was rightfully criticized. What got lost in all the furor connected to Cosby's rhetoric is the truth he told. Oh, yeah, people didn't like a lot of what he said nor did they appreciate him telling tales out of school but in his cranky-old-man-kinda-way he said what people of his generation and mine have been saying behind closed doors and on front porches, barbershops, beauty salons, churches and back rooms for YEARS. The sad thing about it is almost everybody knows that but apparently didn't like the fact that Cosby said it in a forum that white people could hear. Apparently, that was a no no. He was not keeping a scared tenet of blackness in America. "Don't admit to our foibles in public." Did anyone take a moment to think that most white people know the same thing that Bill Cosby knows? The majority of the problems that exist within the black community are within our own hands to change.
I do not want to get off into the racism and bigotry that exists and it most definitely DOES exist. The real issue as I see it is what we as a people can do to minimize the pathology that exists in our own homes, streets, neighborhoods, communities and cities. Some black folk think all day long about what the "White Man" is or is not doing. They eat and sleep, bathe, defecate, make love, work and play with the White Man on their minds. They talk about it incessantly and hand that mindset down to their children who believe and internalize the impossibility of success or progress because they are not white. Yes there are indeed systemic and insidious forms of racism that exists in this country and all efforts must be brought to the fore to expose it. That is true. But the system is not impregnating our minor children, nor keeping our old folk held hostage in their homes from fear of flying bullets. All I'm saying is that we can change most of the crap happening in our own communities. Someone needed to say it and I say bravo Dr. Cosby, may you live forever and may your tribe increase. Focusing on the oppression will never help us move forward as a people. Think about this. Haitians come the the USA with language barriers, less money, education (in many cases) and other cultural differences that caused ignorant colored people to laugh and make fun of them. They were mocked for not being fashionably astute and for living in crowded apartments. Well the same ignorant colored people are now shopping in their corner stores, buying cars at their dealerships and sitting on their front porches at the same time the Haitians are graduating from institutions of higher learning buying property and taking advantage of the American Dream. Of course I am not saying that all African Americans are not taking advantage of the benefits of living in the USA but far too many are not. We have to make education a priority. It is still the main road out of the cycle of poverty. Show up every now and then at a school open house. Make an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss their progress. The same parents who can't get it together to get to the school meetings are the same ones who will be screaming at teachers in June about why their child is not graduating. Working parents don't get a pass either. Call in sick, use a personal day, a vacation day to talk with the person charged with educating your child. To do anything less is neglectful. Get your kids out from in front of the one eyed devil and read them a book. Let them see you read a book. Stop laughing when they misbehave and spank a behind once in a blue moon if they disobey you.
The Black community's hypocrisy is tragically funny. Here's a great example: Black people of all ages are having the discussion about whether or not the word nigger should be used by a younger generation of black people. This is a joke. The real truth is that we have been using that word in private for years for emphasis (Nigger, please!), or to deride blacks of which we disapprove (...Acting just like a bunch-a-niggers) or even in a loving way (oooooweeee, That's a fine nigger right there!). The only reason we are having this national debate is because some young people started using the word in rap music and videos. The real reason the word has allegedly been re-worked by the hip hop subculture is because we held on to our use of the word for years in private. In truth we didn't despise it, truly; we embraced it also. We are only upset because its being used in public. This is the same reason the people are upset with Bill Cosby. He said what he said in public. He continues to say what he said and now he has published a book about it.
I say to those who have the media's attention, the education and the eloquence to address the social ills of Black America; those who openly derided Cosby's comments and also called into question his allegiance to his people, why didn't YOU say anything. Why didn't YOU say it in the manner that you felt it should have been said? When was the last time YOU went somewhere to speak to your people in the 'hood without an honorarium attached to your appearance? In fact when was the last time you even went to the hood? Y'all make me sick (is that black enough for you?) With your face all stuck up in the camera when a white officer knocks a child in the head and with your mouth glued shut when we do the same thing to each other. Why is it okay to fail to hold ourselves to the same standard of behavior we insist from others. My chest wont hurt any less from a gunshot wound from a police officer's gun than it will from the gunshot from Ray Ray's gun from down the street.
Face it, Black people, the majority of us are more priority stricken than poverty stricken. why do so many of us own expensive cars, rims, jewelry and clothes and own no property? Why does Big Mama and Little Mama get more happy to see Ray Ray dance than when he reads? By the way where are Big Daddy and Little Daddy anyway? How come we can spend grand money on Air Jordans and can't spend the money for a tutor? Why do have to keep upgrading your cell phone with every new gadget? Do you need a phone that takes pictures? Perhaps you can take a picture of the police setting your stuff on the street because you can't pay your rent. Take a picture of yourself going home to Mama and 'dem to stay. Do we really need 24" rims on our cars? Do we have to have the latest outfits advertised in Vogue, Ebony Essence and GQ? We are clearly priority stricken. I am also sometimes subject to the false promises of materialism. In many ways materialism has become our god. Much of the crime in our communities is driven by the desire to acquire the many things we worship. We have sold out and bowed down to the immediate gratification that seduces so many of us. We need a mindset readjustment. This is all Bill Cosby is trying to say.
Real leadership is not merely reactionary. There must be purposeful vision and directed objectives to move any people, organization, church or business forward. We need leaders who will work against the systemic oppression of all minorities and aggressively work to prevent the sabotage of forward progression from within. Some black folk just need to be fired from their positions of National Demagogues. Our situation in this country is too precarious not to hear the things that will benefit our people in the long run. Mary McLeod Bethune established Bethune College, now Bethune-Cookman, with a long range view to our betterment as a people. That took sacrifice, vision and an appreciation for what would happen after she was long gone. This is the real leadership. Would to God that we had more like her and the innumerable others who had a vision for the progress of the African in America.
Black folk can be so gullible. We will follow almost anyone who uses the title Reverend despite any evidence for doing so from the user. It's a questionable use of the word as it is. We are so desperate for another national leader with the charisma, intellect and persuasiveness of speech as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that we as a people have held out our collective scepter to people who in the long run will not benefit our political and social standing in this country. WAKE UP! There will never be another Dr. King. He and the civil rights movement of the 60's helped to open the door for us in may ways. NO!, things are not perfect but the legislation and opportunity exists for us to do better than we are. It is time to stop looking for another Messianic voice to our communities. Remember this: When the Children of Israel wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years The LORD provided for them miraculously. There were cloudy pillars in the day, fiery pillars at night, Manna from heaven, quail, water from rocks, their shoes didn't wear out, etc. After they crossed over into Canaan the scripture said that year they ate of the fat of the land. Exodus. Listen people, The civil rights movement of the 60's got us to the mouth of the promised land. President Lyndon Baines Johnson got us in there with the signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. It is now time to make it work for us. The sweat and blood of Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar Evers, Daisy Bates, Marcus Garvey, Shirley Chisholm, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall , The Little Rock Nine, and four little black girls in Alabama cry out to us to Go 'Head!
What has the past 30 years wrought? How have we honored the work of our real leaders? While the civil rights movement worked to ensure that our women were treated with dignity and respect our young people now refer to black women as bitches, ho's, tricks, chicken heads (too vulgar to explain here). I can recall signs on the chests of black men as they picketed and protested for the right to be treated equally that said: "I AM A MAN." But now we refer to ourselves as "boys", dogs, nigger (no such word as nigga. Its a hip hop invention). The idea of calling women bitches is logical when the men see themselves as dogs! I am reminded of the scripture in Psalm 59: 6 "They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city......
Our people need to be told the truth. The majority of our problems in the urban centers of America are of our own making. This is a similar thing that Bill Cosby tried to say in his rant about his observations of far too many black folk. People who are caught up in a pathology of behavior often tend to live in denial of the impact of their behavior on themselves and others. It's like an alcoholic father who says; "Sure, I drink but it doesn't hurt anyone. I still go to work everyday, I provide for my kids", etc. What the drunk doesn't realize or won't let himself see is his kid's embarrassment on the weekends when he falls down in front of their friends. He doesn't want to admit that his son stays in the street because he is angry at his father because he verbally abuses his mother when he's inebriated. He can't see that his career hasn't advanced because his employer knows he's a weekend drunk and can't trust him to be reliable in a position with increased responsibility. You get it don't you? Black America we are drunk. We are in denial and we need to be told the truth. Every time you see a black politician or media maven or reverend blame the system and white folks and racism without addressing what we as a people can do to help ourselves remember that they are drunk. Recently, approximately two thousand people marched in Jena, Louisiana to protest the imprisonment of Michael Bell Mr. Bell and several other black youth beat and kicked a white student unconscious in retaliation for a previous beating one the the attackers received at the hands of a white student. A full media blitz accompanied the peaceful march. Calling it a March for Justice, The event yielded a positive result. Mr.Bell was released on bond which had previously been denied to him. What disturbed me about this march was it modeled a very predictable pattern. White people treat us unjustly and we rally and yell and cry and march. When we kill and hurt each other........crickets. One year after the broken levees in New Orleans the black on black crime rate skyrocketed. Street crime, shootings went through the roof there. The law abiding citizens were held hostage by the worst elements in the city there; the urban terrorists. Why didn't the organizers of the March for Justice for Michael Bell use their influence to protest the injustice of black people being further traumatized by largely criminals Why not descend on New Orleans with a mission to hold our own people accountable for their actions. Turn people in to the police if necessary. Wouldn't that be justice? I'm waaaiiitttiiinnggg....................(the chirping of crickets).
The black family model is in shambles. Where are the fathers? Why has the church mobilized around gay marriage legislation and ignored what is a more present threat to our viability as intact people in the next 40 years? If the bible says homosexuality is sin why can't we see that fornication is a sin? We ain't running around talking about that. Why not? 70% of the children born in the African-American community are born without the benefit of two married parents. 46% of Black children live in a home headed by a female parent. Where are the fathers? Where are the men? Why hasn't this very real, destructive issue being addressed by the black church?This behavior is as alive and well in the church as it is in the larger society. We must be told the truth. Enough of the soft words and coddling of our self destructive behavior. It hasn't helped us. We are so used to our black celebs and so-called leaders telling us "It's not your fault!" that when one of them says, "It is your responsibility!" that we go into shock and feel abused and attacked. If we can't hear it from Cosby (admittedly, there are some issues with his moral authority) then from who will we hear it? Dr. King was a serial adulterer, Shirley Chisholm had a speech impediment, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell drank, smoked and cussed. I think you get the point.
Rejecting what Cosby and Poussaint have to say is like rejecting a man with with the cure for cancer because we don't appreciate the suit he's wearing. We need to get past the issues we have with Cosby's packaging and continue the dialogue he started with his old man rant. Those of you who have been blessed to have multiple generations in your family know that old men and women have some insight and criticism that comes with livin' for a little while. Whether we see him as such or not Cosby is a leader, not perfect, but leading. To quote another flawed but great black leader, Marcus Garvey, "Rise up you mighty people, you can accomplish what you will!"
Friday, October 5, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
THE CHURCH IN BLACK AND WHITE
As I get older I am more appreciative of the blessing of time and experience on the impact of my ministry. When I was very young I had so many hard and fast ideals and beliefs about how the church should be run. Full of zeal, hope and promise I launched into ministry ready to be the "Mand of God , the LORD was looking for in these last and evil days". Boy, was I young. In that period of time in my life my youth and inexperience helped me; I didn't know enough to be afraid or intimidated. All I had was faith and my wife by my side. We were young people. Young parents, young ministers and full of resilience and energy. We were very busy with our local church responsibilities, denominational obligations, not to mention formulating a marriage and rearing three children all within two years of each other by birth order!
In the early days I wanted to be a great preacher. I was greatly influenced by the men I had heard of who had organized my denomination. I listened to the stories of people who had heard them and they became phantom role models for me. I wanted to impact people the way they had with the Word of GOD. Later on, my desire was to build the largest multi-racial church in New England. As my understanding of the Body of Christ expanded so did my desire to grow a church that was more reflective of the city in which I lived. I always wanted to see all people worshipping GOD together under one label; "The Church of the Living GOD". I had made several deliberate attempts to establish dialogue with white pastors to begin person to person fellowship but it never materialized into what I envisioned. Once, I heard a white pastor tell his daughter to tell me he wasn't home while I waited for him on the phone. After that I gave up trying but I kept the dream. Later, I came to understand that some things cannot be orchestrated; they must be sovereign acts of God. This was clearly illustrated to me when my wife Lynette, met another pastor's wife when our church's women's group shared a retreat site with their group. Gretchen and Lynette developed a very fast friendship and decided their husbands should also be friends. Well, I certainly didn't see the need to add any new people to my already crowded and complicated life, so I resisted. As I later came to understand so did Gretchen's husband, Norman. Eventually both Norman and I agreed to meet. At the meeting we cautiously quizzed each other and carefully made a plan to move ahead with having a joint service in their Congregationalist church in Westboro, MA. Oh, by the way, Norman and Gretchen were white. We came to them, they came to us. They took from us, we took from them. We love them and they love us. We stay in touch primarily through the mail since they have relocated to another part of the country. What happened between Norm, Lynette, Jimmy and Gretchen was the LORD's design. It bore fruit in both churches and established a life long, valuable connection to people in ministry. What the Holy Spirit does through His people is not limited to race or ethnic considerations. Peter, the apostle was filled with the Holy Sprit on the day pf Pentecost, preachedthe inaugural message of the newly formed church and used the Kingdom's Keys given to him by Christ Jesus. Despite all of the LORD's work in his life it took a supernatural vision from God to rid his heart of his cultural bias so he could welcome the gentiles into the church. (Acts 10th chapter).
I believe that there are many missed opportunities to experience the diversity of the church simply because we are closed to the possibility. I mean, what did a white Congregationalist church in Westboro have in common with a black Wesleyan Holiness church in Roxbury? JESUS! The four of us took our common ground and built on it. The fellowship between the two churches was absolutely beautiful. They were opened to the move and presence of the Holy Spirit in a new way and we were blessed by the inclusion of prayer traditions and worship we had not experienced.
I understand that there are many reasons why the church is so divided by race. I don't want to delineate them here. I will say that I believe the presence of Christ in the church must be deeply grieved by the divisions we make among ourselves based on such superficial differences. I can't speak with authority for what divides us from the other side but I certainly can make clear observations about the church in black communities. We often choose our cultural distinctives over the will of GOD when we are presented opportunities to worship with whites. Far too many of us judge the content of the package by the wrapping; the same accusation we levy at others. I believe some of us would refuse to hear Christ Jesus and the apostles if they didn't preach and teach to us using our cultural distinctives. "Aww man, Jesus can't preach! He ain't got no oil, He didn't whoop!" I can hear another reply: "Well yeah, He was a little dry."
In my twenty-three years in the pastorate I have heard black Christians say some of the most hateful things about whites, Jews, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, immigrants and "different"people. Many of these comments have come from people in leadership. Yes, Black Folk have some good reasons to be angry in this country based on history and some vestiges of Jim Crow still hanging on. I get that. That anger becomes toxic and sinful when it limits the grace of GOD in our lives. It is sinful when one side cuts themselves off from the other side because of fear, misunderstanding, prejudice and hate.
After many years in ministry I no longer want to be a great preacher nor do I need to have the biggest multi-racial church in New England. Today, I just want to be a man of GOD. I want to be faithful in my vocation. Now I recognize that GOD is sovereign. Nothing happens by accident. The integration of the church of Jesus Christ is something that GOD wants more than I. He is at work in the church. Those sensitive to the Holy Spirit and who understand how the cross makes all believers one will conform their actions based on truth and not comfort zones.
I have made a conscious decision not to be associated with any religious organization, para church ministry or ministerial fellowship that limits its membership by race ethnicity or denomination. We must lead by example not merely follow cultural norms. That understanding should guide what we call ourselves and how we define ourselves.
I continue to pray for the church to be free of prejudice on both sides of the color line. I try to keep my heart clear of residual pain from my experiences with ignorant and bigoted whites; some of which are Christians. Maybe we'll never really get it together until John's revelation of Jesus Christ comes to pass. Revelation 7:9-12: After these things I looked and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues (languages) standing before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palm branches i their hands and crying out with a loud voice saying: "Salvation belongs to our GOD who sits on the throne and to the Lamb."
In the early days I wanted to be a great preacher. I was greatly influenced by the men I had heard of who had organized my denomination. I listened to the stories of people who had heard them and they became phantom role models for me. I wanted to impact people the way they had with the Word of GOD. Later on, my desire was to build the largest multi-racial church in New England. As my understanding of the Body of Christ expanded so did my desire to grow a church that was more reflective of the city in which I lived. I always wanted to see all people worshipping GOD together under one label; "The Church of the Living GOD". I had made several deliberate attempts to establish dialogue with white pastors to begin person to person fellowship but it never materialized into what I envisioned. Once, I heard a white pastor tell his daughter to tell me he wasn't home while I waited for him on the phone. After that I gave up trying but I kept the dream. Later, I came to understand that some things cannot be orchestrated; they must be sovereign acts of God. This was clearly illustrated to me when my wife Lynette, met another pastor's wife when our church's women's group shared a retreat site with their group. Gretchen and Lynette developed a very fast friendship and decided their husbands should also be friends. Well, I certainly didn't see the need to add any new people to my already crowded and complicated life, so I resisted. As I later came to understand so did Gretchen's husband, Norman. Eventually both Norman and I agreed to meet. At the meeting we cautiously quizzed each other and carefully made a plan to move ahead with having a joint service in their Congregationalist church in Westboro, MA. Oh, by the way, Norman and Gretchen were white. We came to them, they came to us. They took from us, we took from them. We love them and they love us. We stay in touch primarily through the mail since they have relocated to another part of the country. What happened between Norm, Lynette, Jimmy and Gretchen was the LORD's design. It bore fruit in both churches and established a life long, valuable connection to people in ministry. What the Holy Spirit does through His people is not limited to race or ethnic considerations. Peter, the apostle was filled with the Holy Sprit on the day pf Pentecost, preachedthe inaugural message of the newly formed church and used the Kingdom's Keys given to him by Christ Jesus. Despite all of the LORD's work in his life it took a supernatural vision from God to rid his heart of his cultural bias so he could welcome the gentiles into the church. (Acts 10th chapter).
I believe that there are many missed opportunities to experience the diversity of the church simply because we are closed to the possibility. I mean, what did a white Congregationalist church in Westboro have in common with a black Wesleyan Holiness church in Roxbury? JESUS! The four of us took our common ground and built on it. The fellowship between the two churches was absolutely beautiful. They were opened to the move and presence of the Holy Spirit in a new way and we were blessed by the inclusion of prayer traditions and worship we had not experienced.
I understand that there are many reasons why the church is so divided by race. I don't want to delineate them here. I will say that I believe the presence of Christ in the church must be deeply grieved by the divisions we make among ourselves based on such superficial differences. I can't speak with authority for what divides us from the other side but I certainly can make clear observations about the church in black communities. We often choose our cultural distinctives over the will of GOD when we are presented opportunities to worship with whites. Far too many of us judge the content of the package by the wrapping; the same accusation we levy at others. I believe some of us would refuse to hear Christ Jesus and the apostles if they didn't preach and teach to us using our cultural distinctives. "Aww man, Jesus can't preach! He ain't got no oil, He didn't whoop!" I can hear another reply: "Well yeah, He was a little dry."
In my twenty-three years in the pastorate I have heard black Christians say some of the most hateful things about whites, Jews, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, immigrants and "different"people. Many of these comments have come from people in leadership. Yes, Black Folk have some good reasons to be angry in this country based on history and some vestiges of Jim Crow still hanging on. I get that. That anger becomes toxic and sinful when it limits the grace of GOD in our lives. It is sinful when one side cuts themselves off from the other side because of fear, misunderstanding, prejudice and hate.
After many years in ministry I no longer want to be a great preacher nor do I need to have the biggest multi-racial church in New England. Today, I just want to be a man of GOD. I want to be faithful in my vocation. Now I recognize that GOD is sovereign. Nothing happens by accident. The integration of the church of Jesus Christ is something that GOD wants more than I. He is at work in the church. Those sensitive to the Holy Spirit and who understand how the cross makes all believers one will conform their actions based on truth and not comfort zones.
I have made a conscious decision not to be associated with any religious organization, para church ministry or ministerial fellowship that limits its membership by race ethnicity or denomination. We must lead by example not merely follow cultural norms. That understanding should guide what we call ourselves and how we define ourselves.
I continue to pray for the church to be free of prejudice on both sides of the color line. I try to keep my heart clear of residual pain from my experiences with ignorant and bigoted whites; some of which are Christians. Maybe we'll never really get it together until John's revelation of Jesus Christ comes to pass. Revelation 7:9-12: After these things I looked and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues (languages) standing before the throne and before the Lamb clothed with white robes and palm branches i their hands and crying out with a loud voice saying: "Salvation belongs to our GOD who sits on the throne and to the Lamb."
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
PULL YOUR SHIRT DOWN IN THE BACK, GIRL!
Deuteronomy 34:7 "and Moses was a Hundred and Twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone."
This blog is dedicated to a great woman of faith named Mildred. She is an example of the content of which I write. She knows who she is.
I miss my grandmothers. My maternal and paternal grandmothers were very special and loving Christian women. Elva, my father's mother was a genteel (usually) elegant lady who was a woman of prayer and counsel. She opened her home for respite to the young and old and considered it a ministry to do so. My maternal grandmother's name was Ada. She was an uncomplicated and generous woman with a firm belief in prayer and interceded daily for many, many people. She kept an active prayer list in her bag. Nana also frequently opened her house to someone in crisis. She was married to my grandpa for 59 years. Both grandmothers passed away within 7 months of each other. Elva (Nannie) passed away at age 87 in December and Ada (Nana) died the following July at age 84. A tremendous loss to our family and the living community of faith. A deep and profound loss for me.
Let me tell you about a story that concerns Nana (Ada). It was the last year of her life, though we didn't know that at the time. My wife and I took Nana to the local Walgreens to do her bi-weekly shopping. The list consisted of the following; three kinds of mints; the kind Nana liked and two others for the people in her church. Soap powder, denture adhesive, her medicine and a few other items she wanted. As we moved around the store Nana spied a young girl of about 17 years of age. The girl was dressed in the summer dress code of the day. Low slung jeans (way too tight), colorful sneakers, hair a color that appears no where in nature and a shirt that kept riding up above her pants line; belly and navel exposed. Nana pressed her lips together briefly and as the girl passed us she called to the girl, "Pull your shirt down in the back, girl." I temporarily froze fearing the almost predictable response from a young 'round the way girl to such a bold and uninvited comment. The young woman turned and observed who made the remark and with a look of resignation did exactly what Nana told her to do.
I was at once relieved and amazed. It reminded me of the potential influence of our elders in our families, neighborhoods, communities and churches.
I have noticed a trend toward an emphasis on the new, youthful, present-day, anointing as it is so-called, that in my opinion lacks a certain influence from folk who have weathered some storms, walked some floors in prayer all night and have some long-term history in "The Way". I fear that once again we have been unduly influenced by our culture and its emphasis on youth, beauty, newness, and the obsessive fear of aging. Multiplied billions of dollars are spent every year on creams, potions, lotions, pills, vitamins, surgery and botox to ward off the inevitable, old age, and eventual death. Try what we may (and believe me I have tried a few) it is all an illusion. We are aging and going back to dust one day. My mother used to say in retort to that observation: "Yeah, but I don't have to look dusty doing it!"
In our quest for perpetual youth have we forgotten the place of our faithful elders in our midst? So many churches, relegate senior saints to their own groups of other senior citizens. Occupying their time with specialized ministries and subject matter than pertains specifically to the senior set of saints. This is not a bad consideration since there are concerns and unique issues that confront people as they age. I am concerned that we may forget to fully integrate our elders in the life of the church. There is a trend of ministry today to have specialized areas of ministry; children's church, youth groups, singles, men's, women's, married people, divorced folk, people in recovery, etc., that there is sometimes a lack of opportunity for the entire body to mingle and share and love and understand one another. I miss that experience. The way many churches are structured today they will be deprived of the blessing I and countless others hold as precious.
In the church I grew up in there was a multi-ethnic and multi-generational congregation. Our church choir was comprised of all age groups. The senior saints attended "Junior Church" on Friday nights and encouraged the youth and supported us. We didn't always appreciate their input but there had to be respect from us to them. Our pastor, Elder Bell was a man in his early 80's when the young people started an all night prayer group. We met every Friday. Diane and Pauline (in their middle thirties) consistently supported us. By the way, when we were were teens, middle thirties was kinda old! What was amazing to us was that Elder Bell was with us every Friday evening we were there. Praying with us and validating what we thought the LORD wanted us to do. I can still see him on the short stairway that leads to the podium where he would pray all night with us on his knees; agreeing with his young folk in prayer. Many times those meetings wouldn't end until the wee hours of the morning. Ocassionally they lasted until the sun came up. Our elder pastor was there holding out with us.
In that same church after Sunday morning service we all went around and greeted one another kissing the elder women, greeting the older men and women and embracing them hearing both their blessings and their rebukes and knowing both came from loving hearts.
In my work as a musician I insist on including the music of multiple generations in the presentation of such for worship. It's a sad thing to see the older saints try and keep up with "Ain't no party like a Holy Ghost party 'cuz a Holy Ghost party don't stop!" Their experiences, their history and sensibilities should be understood and accepted. Gifts and callings don't change simply because people get old. Positioning may change but the gift will get richer, deeper and more valuable. It is not wise to believe that only another young person can minister to young people. Some of the richest deposits in my Christian experience have come through "seasoned saints" who remember what it was to be young and had a desire to see young people grow in the LORD. The gifts of the seasoned saints have brought me where I am today. Their prayers have held me in good stead for many years. I can still hear their words, recall their actions and feel their love even today. I can still hear the voices of Henry, Agnes, Augustus, Isabelle, Louvenia, Marion, Effie, Estella and many other elder men and women of faith who who helped to shape a generation of believers in Christ by their examples, their prayers and their humanity.
Don't put your old folk out to pasture; include them, honor them and let the LORD bless your life through them. You'll be richer for it if you do.
This blog is dedicated to a great woman of faith named Mildred. She is an example of the content of which I write. She knows who she is.
I miss my grandmothers. My maternal and paternal grandmothers were very special and loving Christian women. Elva, my father's mother was a genteel (usually) elegant lady who was a woman of prayer and counsel. She opened her home for respite to the young and old and considered it a ministry to do so. My maternal grandmother's name was Ada. She was an uncomplicated and generous woman with a firm belief in prayer and interceded daily for many, many people. She kept an active prayer list in her bag. Nana also frequently opened her house to someone in crisis. She was married to my grandpa for 59 years. Both grandmothers passed away within 7 months of each other. Elva (Nannie) passed away at age 87 in December and Ada (Nana) died the following July at age 84. A tremendous loss to our family and the living community of faith. A deep and profound loss for me.
Let me tell you about a story that concerns Nana (Ada). It was the last year of her life, though we didn't know that at the time. My wife and I took Nana to the local Walgreens to do her bi-weekly shopping. The list consisted of the following; three kinds of mints; the kind Nana liked and two others for the people in her church. Soap powder, denture adhesive, her medicine and a few other items she wanted. As we moved around the store Nana spied a young girl of about 17 years of age. The girl was dressed in the summer dress code of the day. Low slung jeans (way too tight), colorful sneakers, hair a color that appears no where in nature and a shirt that kept riding up above her pants line; belly and navel exposed. Nana pressed her lips together briefly and as the girl passed us she called to the girl, "Pull your shirt down in the back, girl." I temporarily froze fearing the almost predictable response from a young 'round the way girl to such a bold and uninvited comment. The young woman turned and observed who made the remark and with a look of resignation did exactly what Nana told her to do.
I was at once relieved and amazed. It reminded me of the potential influence of our elders in our families, neighborhoods, communities and churches.
I have noticed a trend toward an emphasis on the new, youthful, present-day, anointing as it is so-called, that in my opinion lacks a certain influence from folk who have weathered some storms, walked some floors in prayer all night and have some long-term history in "The Way". I fear that once again we have been unduly influenced by our culture and its emphasis on youth, beauty, newness, and the obsessive fear of aging. Multiplied billions of dollars are spent every year on creams, potions, lotions, pills, vitamins, surgery and botox to ward off the inevitable, old age, and eventual death. Try what we may (and believe me I have tried a few) it is all an illusion. We are aging and going back to dust one day. My mother used to say in retort to that observation: "Yeah, but I don't have to look dusty doing it!"
In our quest for perpetual youth have we forgotten the place of our faithful elders in our midst? So many churches, relegate senior saints to their own groups of other senior citizens. Occupying their time with specialized ministries and subject matter than pertains specifically to the senior set of saints. This is not a bad consideration since there are concerns and unique issues that confront people as they age. I am concerned that we may forget to fully integrate our elders in the life of the church. There is a trend of ministry today to have specialized areas of ministry; children's church, youth groups, singles, men's, women's, married people, divorced folk, people in recovery, etc., that there is sometimes a lack of opportunity for the entire body to mingle and share and love and understand one another. I miss that experience. The way many churches are structured today they will be deprived of the blessing I and countless others hold as precious.
In the church I grew up in there was a multi-ethnic and multi-generational congregation. Our church choir was comprised of all age groups. The senior saints attended "Junior Church" on Friday nights and encouraged the youth and supported us. We didn't always appreciate their input but there had to be respect from us to them. Our pastor, Elder Bell was a man in his early 80's when the young people started an all night prayer group. We met every Friday. Diane and Pauline (in their middle thirties) consistently supported us. By the way, when we were were teens, middle thirties was kinda old! What was amazing to us was that Elder Bell was with us every Friday evening we were there. Praying with us and validating what we thought the LORD wanted us to do. I can still see him on the short stairway that leads to the podium where he would pray all night with us on his knees; agreeing with his young folk in prayer. Many times those meetings wouldn't end until the wee hours of the morning. Ocassionally they lasted until the sun came up. Our elder pastor was there holding out with us.
In that same church after Sunday morning service we all went around and greeted one another kissing the elder women, greeting the older men and women and embracing them hearing both their blessings and their rebukes and knowing both came from loving hearts.
In my work as a musician I insist on including the music of multiple generations in the presentation of such for worship. It's a sad thing to see the older saints try and keep up with "Ain't no party like a Holy Ghost party 'cuz a Holy Ghost party don't stop!" Their experiences, their history and sensibilities should be understood and accepted. Gifts and callings don't change simply because people get old. Positioning may change but the gift will get richer, deeper and more valuable. It is not wise to believe that only another young person can minister to young people. Some of the richest deposits in my Christian experience have come through "seasoned saints" who remember what it was to be young and had a desire to see young people grow in the LORD. The gifts of the seasoned saints have brought me where I am today. Their prayers have held me in good stead for many years. I can still hear their words, recall their actions and feel their love even today. I can still hear the voices of Henry, Agnes, Augustus, Isabelle, Louvenia, Marion, Effie, Estella and many other elder men and women of faith who who helped to shape a generation of believers in Christ by their examples, their prayers and their humanity.
Don't put your old folk out to pasture; include them, honor them and let the LORD bless your life through them. You'll be richer for it if you do.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
SIMONY AND THE END TIME AMERICAN CHURCH
When I was a child back in the late 60's and early 70's a faithful Sunday morning tradition for my family was to sit down and eat breakfast together (eggs, sausage, toast, panckaes or frenchtoast, etc) as we listened to WILD 1090 am radio's Sunday morning line up. The Ruggles Street Baptist Church had a broadcast, after that Bethlehem Healing Temple with Sister Mattie Poole as she proclaimed; "Why die before your time, why be sick while others are being healed.." and finally just before it was time to get dressed, the strains of the familiar gospel song; "There is no telling, what God can do, if you believe..." It was time for Reverend Frederick Eikerenkoetter better known as Rev. Ike. Rev Ike was a source of humor and scorn in our home because he was considered a joke and a fraud. Rev. Ike's broadcast consisted of live testimonies of people who had recieved unexpected large amounts of money in the mail; checks of undisclosed origin, just in the knick of time! Rev. Ike attributed their good fortune to his "Blessing Plan". You had to send away for his plan and make a small donation and the LORD will work a wonder for you. The blessing plan would work for what ever you needed. A miracle.
Even as a child I knew this was not how the God of the Bible worked from Sunday school classess.
Back in the day, Rev. Ike was vilified and mocked by ministers and congregants who knew better. In this day, it appears Rev. Ike's blessing plan is all the rage except it aint called a blessing plan. Sowing seed, seed faith, faith giving, giving out of your need, making a vow, etc. are all euphemisms for what Rev. Ike called his blessing plan. I would prefer to call it something else; "SIMONY". This is the sin of paying money to get power from God. In Acts 8:9-24 the story is recorded of Simon a sorcerer who had observed the work of the Holy Spirit through Philip, the evangelist and attempted to pay money to get the same power of God to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. He was soundly rebuked by Peter. The scripture says that Simon believed and was baptized and that he followed Philip everywhere astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When Peter and John arrived on the scene Simon wanted to know what their blessing plan was. What can I give you to recieve the anointing of the Holy Ghost? How can I get what you have without the trip to the upper room? Simon had come to faith but the sorcery hustle was still in his mindset. He was still "running game", as we say. This is exactly what's going on in today's church in many places. Giving money to get: power, more money, physical healing, a trip to the next level (wherever the heck that is), salvation for loved ones, etc. The false prophets are just running game. Convinced that they are speaking for the LORD and heaping riches to themselves and calling it the blessing of the LORD. Giving people a superficial gospel and a false Jesus to trust in.
One so called prophetess is soliciting $200,000 so she can build a "Threshing Floor" so she may go to God on her followers behalf. Isn't it wonderful of the LORD to choose such a beautiful site upon which to build a floor? Lakefront property! Hallelujah. And whom, you ask gets to use this floor? Well, the prophetess of course! And exactly where will this relic of the Old Testament be housed? Why in a brand new home that you will never be able to visit or pray in. How wonderful, huh? I don't know about the prophetess, but I have to pray for the needs of the people I serve in the church or in my den. Why can't this prophetess? Why doesn't this prophet understand that all of the Old Testament imagery and typology is fulfilled in Christ? The Holy Spirit is not calling for Threshing Floor money. Her lust for a new house is prophesying to her.
Another minister from Africa is asking you to light a white candle, blow out the smoke over your requst and send it to him (he has done the same). His smoked document sends an anointing to you and if you tuck in a love gift $$$$$ it will be done unto you by faith. Still others are sending anointed oil from Israel, vials of water from unique and allegedly holy sources, tracings of their hands that you must place your hand in as a point of contact, on and on it goes. Gimmick after gimmick after lie after lie after false revelation. All these methods end with the same lie; somethng great from God in exchange for your money. Jeremiah 23:25; "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. Le the prophet who has a dream tell his dream but the one who has my word speak it faithfully..... I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me (at conferences? Rehashed stuff they got from someone's mouth and not at the mouth of the LORD). Yes, declares the LORD I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare 'The LORD declares.' Jeremiah goes on in this text to say that these prophets do not benefit God's people in the least. Something to think about.
Here is a pet peeve of mine: Running up and throwing money at the preacher's feet as they speak a word that holds particular significance to you. Oh, LORD, please. Why is this? I asked the member of a church that held to this practice about why this is allowed. She told me that her pastor believes that they should allow the people to give spontaneously as they are moved by the Spirit since people have a hard time giving. I told her that was nonsense for if while the minister was speaking someone felt moved by the Spirit to give an inspitrational message or song, or prophesy, or prayer they would be told to sit down, be quiet and wait. Why not with giving money? I'll tell you why. The place of money has a throne in the heart of many people in leadership in the church. Therefore, we must suffer the foolishness of people getting up at all times during the message climbing over others who are trying to hear, perhaps take notes, or let the Holy Spirit minister to them as the message is going forth. It creates distraction and is just plain ol' foolish. "Some people got to have it, hey hey, hey, some people really need it ....."
Rev. Ike has fallen out of popularity but his methods are alive and well in the church and seem to be growing. Another false prophet in New York with a best selling book on the current New York Times Bestsellers List procalimed Rev. Ike a spiritual father in the prosperity movement and gave him a Rolls Royce as a symbol of honor. Too sad. The biblical prophets were many times ignored, mocked, beaten, killed and suffered for the true messgae of the LORD. Today's so called prophets get Rolls Royces, Benz's, Bentley's Threshing Floors and Mo' Money, Mo' Money, Mo' Money. I can hear God wretching!... I'll be right back....... Sorry, I had to run and get the LORD a bucket to throw up in. Revelation 3:16
Revelation 3:17 "You say, 'I am rich: I have aquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked....... Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me....... He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." How's your hearing.
Even as a child I knew this was not how the God of the Bible worked from Sunday school classess.
Back in the day, Rev. Ike was vilified and mocked by ministers and congregants who knew better. In this day, it appears Rev. Ike's blessing plan is all the rage except it aint called a blessing plan. Sowing seed, seed faith, faith giving, giving out of your need, making a vow, etc. are all euphemisms for what Rev. Ike called his blessing plan. I would prefer to call it something else; "SIMONY". This is the sin of paying money to get power from God. In Acts 8:9-24 the story is recorded of Simon a sorcerer who had observed the work of the Holy Spirit through Philip, the evangelist and attempted to pay money to get the same power of God to bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. He was soundly rebuked by Peter. The scripture says that Simon believed and was baptized and that he followed Philip everywhere astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When Peter and John arrived on the scene Simon wanted to know what their blessing plan was. What can I give you to recieve the anointing of the Holy Ghost? How can I get what you have without the trip to the upper room? Simon had come to faith but the sorcery hustle was still in his mindset. He was still "running game", as we say. This is exactly what's going on in today's church in many places. Giving money to get: power, more money, physical healing, a trip to the next level (wherever the heck that is), salvation for loved ones, etc. The false prophets are just running game. Convinced that they are speaking for the LORD and heaping riches to themselves and calling it the blessing of the LORD. Giving people a superficial gospel and a false Jesus to trust in.
One so called prophetess is soliciting $200,000 so she can build a "Threshing Floor" so she may go to God on her followers behalf. Isn't it wonderful of the LORD to choose such a beautiful site upon which to build a floor? Lakefront property! Hallelujah. And whom, you ask gets to use this floor? Well, the prophetess of course! And exactly where will this relic of the Old Testament be housed? Why in a brand new home that you will never be able to visit or pray in. How wonderful, huh? I don't know about the prophetess, but I have to pray for the needs of the people I serve in the church or in my den. Why can't this prophetess? Why doesn't this prophet understand that all of the Old Testament imagery and typology is fulfilled in Christ? The Holy Spirit is not calling for Threshing Floor money. Her lust for a new house is prophesying to her.
Another minister from Africa is asking you to light a white candle, blow out the smoke over your requst and send it to him (he has done the same). His smoked document sends an anointing to you and if you tuck in a love gift $$$$$ it will be done unto you by faith. Still others are sending anointed oil from Israel, vials of water from unique and allegedly holy sources, tracings of their hands that you must place your hand in as a point of contact, on and on it goes. Gimmick after gimmick after lie after lie after false revelation. All these methods end with the same lie; somethng great from God in exchange for your money. Jeremiah 23:25; "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. Le the prophet who has a dream tell his dream but the one who has my word speak it faithfully..... I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me (at conferences? Rehashed stuff they got from someone's mouth and not at the mouth of the LORD). Yes, declares the LORD I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare 'The LORD declares.' Jeremiah goes on in this text to say that these prophets do not benefit God's people in the least. Something to think about.
Here is a pet peeve of mine: Running up and throwing money at the preacher's feet as they speak a word that holds particular significance to you. Oh, LORD, please. Why is this? I asked the member of a church that held to this practice about why this is allowed. She told me that her pastor believes that they should allow the people to give spontaneously as they are moved by the Spirit since people have a hard time giving. I told her that was nonsense for if while the minister was speaking someone felt moved by the Spirit to give an inspitrational message or song, or prophesy, or prayer they would be told to sit down, be quiet and wait. Why not with giving money? I'll tell you why. The place of money has a throne in the heart of many people in leadership in the church. Therefore, we must suffer the foolishness of people getting up at all times during the message climbing over others who are trying to hear, perhaps take notes, or let the Holy Spirit minister to them as the message is going forth. It creates distraction and is just plain ol' foolish. "Some people got to have it, hey hey, hey, some people really need it ....."
Rev. Ike has fallen out of popularity but his methods are alive and well in the church and seem to be growing. Another false prophet in New York with a best selling book on the current New York Times Bestsellers List procalimed Rev. Ike a spiritual father in the prosperity movement and gave him a Rolls Royce as a symbol of honor. Too sad. The biblical prophets were many times ignored, mocked, beaten, killed and suffered for the true messgae of the LORD. Today's so called prophets get Rolls Royces, Benz's, Bentley's Threshing Floors and Mo' Money, Mo' Money, Mo' Money. I can hear God wretching!... I'll be right back....... Sorry, I had to run and get the LORD a bucket to throw up in. Revelation 3:16
Revelation 3:17 "You say, 'I am rich: I have aquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked....... Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me....... He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." How's your hearing.
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