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).

"Listen Up Preacher!" -- My Best Advice to Preachers

Use me, O God, not because it's the hour for the message, but because you've given me a message for the hour. -Ed Towne

This past Saturday I spent most of the day doing what I truly love—teaching. I enjoy every opportunity to teach and engage with persons in learning, preparing, and improving themselves to better serve the Lord and His Church in ministry. This was the final session of a homiletics course at a C. H. Mason Jurisdictional Institute of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination with persons preparing for the ordination process. The emphasis of this course was in expository preaching, which is becoming a preferred method among Pentecostal preachers.

One typical method of classroom learning is reading textbooks written by experts and professionals, in this case professors of preaching and famous preachers because we suppose those in the halls of academia and mega-church pulpits can offer the best advice for preaching. One such book, Best Advice for Preaching (1998) edited by John S. McClure, offers as the title presumes some great wisdom on the greatest endeavor persons like me have ever been allowed to engage for the eternal benefit of others.

It is not necessary for a preacher to express all his thoughts in one sermon. -Martin Luther

I thought for this course to include an added perspective. So I posted on Twitter and Facebook, “What would be your best advice to preachers?” I just want to share some of the replies with you.