by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 18, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Music, Worship
Hey family – this is Glenda Williams, my boy's (Pastor Marvin Williams) sister from Tabernacle Community Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan and SHE'S THE REAL DEAL!!! She's competing to be "America's Next Sunday Best." I want you all to check out her demo & <CLICK HERE> to cast your vote NOW!
Please do me a favor and tell EVERYONE you know to cast their vote too! Here's the link (www.sundaybestcasting.com/people/Levite26) for you to copy & paste and send to your contacts. Let your voice be heard!
Thanks again for helping!!!
Go Glenda!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 17, 2008 | Current Affairs, Family, Money and Finance, Politics, Relationships
I believe we are in a period of economic uncertainty and churches would be wise to watch the economic indicators around them. Our church is in an area that is undergoing tremendous economic change. Lost jobs, lost wages translate into fewer contributions, plus some members have moved to other states to find better paying jobs.
The national economy, battered by the mortgage housing crisis and sky-high fuel costs, is starting to take its toll on all houses of worship. As wallets get thinner, people face increasingly difficult choices between paying the bills and supporting their congregation. In short, this downturn is hurting everybody. I crafted a short survey to get your input on this important matter. Thanks for participating!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 16, 2008 | Family, Leadership, Money and Finance
Well. Congress voted to bailout the economy. So here are my thoughts. I think you can find biblical basis for most of them.
- This was a much for ML King street as for wall street. the vast majority of Americans caused this mess, not just wall street.
- It's time we once again learned to live within our means.
- It's time for some CEOS and Bank Presidents to go to jail for telling people they can afford a $300,000 house when all they can afford is a $150,000 house.
- It's time to tithe to our church and to our retirement account (or start one if you don't have one).
- It's time to make contributions to our retirement account because the market will go up again some day.
- But in the end its time for the American consumer to wake up to
the fact that you buy things only if you have the money. This seems
like such a simple suggestion but it is the heart of all this mess.
Another word for it is greed on both sides of the street, both Wall
Street and Main Street. Now its time for all of us to get back to what
we do best- be Americans and that means pulling together.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 15, 2008 | Communication, Relationships
Well, I put it out there & the ladies have spoken…check out their comments!
"This post is the truth! I think I
may be the epitome of an independent woman. idk. I have my own crib, my
own car, I'm educated, and pursuing a second degree (May 09!). I'm
involved in my church, and there's nothing I CAN'T do for myself. I
change light bulbs, I assemble furniture, I do the handy work around
the house, and I know how to change a tire. Yeah, I can do all those
things, but there's nothing like a real gentleman – confident,
charming, and charismatic. Glue that all together with some real
Christianity, seal it with "relationship" and you've got my recipe for
a God Man (as opposed to a "good" man)."
"Pastor,
This is real talk. I hope the brothers are listening to your words of wisdom."
Thanks ladies for sharing!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 14, 2008 | Christianity, Church Issues, Communication
One of the lessons I’ve learned while being in the ministry for the
past 16 years is sometimes what people say isn’t exactly true…things
such as…
WARNING…
(you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that
preaches MY view of the Word. I think the King James Version translation should be
used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be
ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will
leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three
friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were
enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right
about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer
requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet
peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots”
because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just
ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s
vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people
pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience.
If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that
the church needs my money, reducing you to an ineffective preacher…one
who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone
knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are
different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical
preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate
spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy
feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on
you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it
personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and
pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I
think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks,
even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember,
it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not
mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get
a smile out of this. 🙂
"…your comments/thoughts on "What do Women Really Want" is right on point
and very good, I might add. As for me, a man who is sensitive and not
demeaning is a plus. Thank you for being an example to the young and older men!"
"…as being a strong, independent
black woman I enjoy someone who can take the lead and is very confident
in his manhood. Someone who is still the traditional gentlemen and is
definitely not intimidated by the new millennium woman. Someone that
can put me in my place (so to speak…because I can be "off the chain"
sometimes) without disrespecting me nor mentally, physically or
emotionally abusing me…now that takes a real man with true
skills…LOL!"