Year End at the Citadel

A winter chill has hit Indianapolis at the end of November. As a matter of fact, an early snowfall graced us today (and it's not officially winter). Yet the chill hasn't quenched the fire that's been falling at the Citadel of Faith Church of God in Christ. I just want to share what's happening in the last month of 2011 at the Citadel.

It's hard to believe, but this year marked my 27th year in pastoral ministry. Citadel will celebrate this milestone December 3 - 6, 2011.


The people that make up Citadel are the most generous and encouraging you'll find anywhere. It's been a distinct honor and godly pleasure to serve this congregation. Thanks Citadel for being a great church!

If you happen to be in the Indianapolis area this weekend, please be my special guest and enjoy the celebration with Pastor John C. Robinson, Sr. and Bible Way COGIC (Louisville, KY), Dr. William Adams of Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC (Detroit, MI), and Bishop Alan Gregory Porter of Greater Salem Church (Charlotte, NC).

The Local Church is the Spot

According to recent research by International Bible Institute, approximately 100 million people in America want a quality and affordable Bible school education providing a good understanding of the Bible or to be better prepared to serve in their churches. Where do you think is the most appropriate of all locations for such education and training? Simply, the local church.

For many people, the local Bible institute serves a discipleship function as well as being a practical training ground for ministerial development and practice. -Bruce W. Jackson

If you are a pastor or Christian education leader who desires to start a Bible institute in your local church, you can through International Bible Institute (IBI) located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. As an IBI consultant, I can help you establish your own institute joining others in the growing trend and resurgence of the Bible Institute movement. According to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research, in addition to other forms of training, 20-30 percent of megachurches have maintained a Bible school or institute since 2000. The significant point isn't that megachurches have institutes but that the local church is the best location for offering training because that's where the people are, and their desire for quality and affordablility can be met.