by Clarence E. Stowers | May 12, 2011 | 2011, Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Excellence, Goals, Self-Leadership, Vision
I recently heard someone say, “Life is a cruel joke and I ain’t laughing.” I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, the majority would agree that life comes at you fast, doesn’t play fair, and is downright unpredictable! Wouldn’t you agree? Since life doesn’t play fair, why should you? If you plan to excel, you’d better learn how to “hack” life and make it work for you. Hack life, what in the world is that? “A life hack a clever solution to a tricky problem,” according to UrbanDictionary.com.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 27, 2011 | Current Affairs, Dating, Decisions, Empowerment, Men, Relationships, Women
The beauty and challenge of pastoring an urban, thriving, and large congregation are the number of singles who attend.
Our church is filled with people who’ve never been married, recently divorced, and widows. Since I counsel them all, most are eager to get back into the game before they’re healthy and ready. Since I’m a pastor, I approach dating from a biblical perspective and having a relationship with God is a given. However, since I like to keep it real and relevant, I decided to strip away the layers and give it to you – “straight up – no chaser.”
If you’re dating…considering dating…I advise you to NEVER break this rule for anyone:
If a man or woman doesn’t like you for who you are, just stop.
Why? If you have to change who you are to attract, or keep them, you are cheating both yourself and them.
Whoop, there it is (Man, I’m showing my age). What are your thoughts? Sound off?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 14, 2011 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Relationships, Staff
God blessed me with an opportunity most pastors rarely experience – an opportunity to pastor a large and thriving congregation that grows daily (Acts 2:42-47). I’m humbled because I had a strong and solid foundation to build upon. Although our church experienced many changes, for the most part, our members remain supportive, prayerful, and committed.
As a family, we’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and trials, however, we’ve remained true to our mission, values, and vision. Although we’ve accomplished much, there’s more God wants us to accomplish and we are uniquely positioned participate in expanding God’s Kingdom.
Therefore, I want the world to know how proud I am to serve as your pastor.
Dear Family,
There are people in this world we hardly notice. There are people in our circle of friends we rarely observe. But you are different.
Because of your significant contribution to our church family, your dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ through our local body of believers, I’m writing this letter to say a big “Thank you.” I want you to know that your devotion does not go unnoticed.
You are there when we need you. You are available at extra times, and best of all, you back up what you do with a life of faith. I value your ministry among us.
With heartfelt gratitude, I put into words in this letter what has long been in my heart.
With best regards,
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 11, 2011 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Empowerment, Leadership, Men, Self-Leadership, Worship
People often joke: “You have a greater chance seeing Marvin Gaye (R.I.P) at the Superbowl than seeing men attend church.” Although some men attend church regularly, it is a fact many do not attend…at least not with the frequency and regularity women.
Churches from every country, race, and ethnic group all ask: Where are the men? According to Church for Men website, “Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in the typical worship service in America. Some overseas congregations report ten women for every man in attendance. Volunteer ranks are heavily female.”
This is not the case at Mars Hill. Men regularly attend our worship experiences and are not embarrassed or afraid to worship God. In fact, there were a few occasions when our men led worship. If you find this hard to believe, check out the picture below. That’s right…men kneeling at the altar…going after God with everything they have.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 6, 2011 | Decisions, Empowerment, Goals, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Success, Vision
It appears I hit the right nerve judging from your response to “Getting To The Next Level.” Thank you for sharing the articles with others via Facebook and Twitter. I’m humbled and happy that others are able to experience what you have. If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
Getting to the next level is a GOD-THING and not OUR-THING. He alone determines who’s prepared and elevates them at the appropriated time. No better person illustrates this important principle like Joshua.
According to The Book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron had disqualified themselves from entering the land of promise when they had failed to honor the Lord by striking the rock at Meribah in the Desert of Zin (Numbers 20:12). Aaron had already died (Numbers 20:27-29) but the Lord now allowed Moses a glimpse of Canaan from afar. Rather than lapsing into self-pity as a lesser man might have done, Moses expressed his concern that Israel have a good leader to take his place.
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 5, 2011 | Decisions, Empowerment, Goals, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Vision
Yesterday’s post on getting to the next level created a lot of interest. Although it’s not reflected in the comments section, I received several encouraging emails and text messages from people aspiring to get to the next level. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
When mentioning next-level leadership you may have the image of climbing a ladder to the top. It may feel good to have a position of prominence. However, next- level leadership is not about promotion. It is about preparedness. Guess what: God alone decides who’s prepared and ready to go to the next level.
Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you’ve seen something, (Proverbs 25:6-7 New Living Translation).
I love The Book of Proverbs because it contains nuggets of wisdom applicable to all. Proverbs 25:6-7 tells us: Don’t push your way into a situation. Wait for the invitation. If you belong there, it will come. Go ahead and re-read that statement…If you belong there, God will make provisions for it to happen. In the meantime, the question remains unanswered: How a Next-Level approach affects your Leadership?
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