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 | Feb 14, 2011 | Family, Fun Stuff, Humor, Women
Today is the one of the most important holidays in the Stowers Household: Valentine’s Day. It’s importance ranks up there with July 2nd (Shauntai’s birthday), June 27th (Our anniversary), December 25th (She loves Christmas – her favorite season), and Mother’s day.
I have a 9-year-old daughter at home and Valentines Day has morphed into a silent, but friendly competition between the two. My two sons could care less. On June 27, 2011, Shauntai and I will celebrate 19 years of marriage. I still make an effort to go all out to make the days that are special to her special to me. As I grow older, so does my love for my wife. She’s my best friend, helper, cheerleader, and coach.
Here’s what I love about my wife:
- She believes in me more than I sometimes believe in myself.
- She’s a true P-31 Woman (Proverbs 31) & is the Chief Operating Officer in the Stowers household.
- She’s immaculate & keeps our home clean, organized, and functioning like a well oiled machine.
- She listens to me ramble and never cuts me off.
- She’s funny & makes me laugh – she has a great sense of humor.
- She’s very compassionate & loves deeply. You gotta love anyone who cries watching Martian Child.
- She loves God and is a TRUE WORSHIPER. While she’s cleaning, she’ll go in listening to Shekinah Glory in a heartbeat.
- She encourages me at the right time which makes me feel I can do anything.
- She’s extremely serious about her relationship with God and desires to grow spiritually.
- FINALLY. She’s FINE, GORGEOUS, A TRUE DIME-PIECE 😀
Question: Have you told your spouse how much you love them?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 22, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Women
This week we’re investigating the truth regarding Christmas. While we navigate through massive malls, peruse exquisite boutiques, my goal is that the real meaning of Christmas IS NOT lost. Additionally, I want to show you how God uses EVERYDAY people to do amazing things. Scripture is replete with examples of these people.
Was God arbitrary when He chose Mary? The Bible says, “God is looking for people to use.” If you’ll just get useable, God will wear you out! You have not really lived until you experience being used by God to bless somebody else. Some of you are saying, “God could never use me.” Please allow me to sum up that thought with two words: You’re wrong!
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by Clarence E. Stowers | May 11, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Empowerment, Vision, Women
Is it possible to have a two-day hangover? I’m here to tell you that IT IS!
What an incredible weekend at Mars Hill as we celebrated Mother’s Day in a very special way. We kicked off our celebration on Friday with thousands attending our “Women’s Only” Worship Empowerment Service. We reminded women that they are a “Fragrance of Beauty” and gave gift bags to them as they entered our worship center.
Their gift bags contained the following items:
- A Compact mirror – to remind them they’re beautifully created in God’s Image
- An Emory board – to remind them how God has the ability to file away the rough edges
- A packet of Kleenex – to remind them that God can wipe away every tear
Additionally, the service included:
- Women’s Praise Team
- Women’s Dance Group
- An all Women’s Band
- A Woman Sound Engineer, & Camera/ Video Operator
In short, women were empowered to DO IT ALL & had fun doing it!
Yvette Williams gave a powerful testimony that had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats. 1st Lady Shauntai Stowers gave a riveting introduction that literally brought the ladies to their feet (maybe she should’ve gave the message). I preached “As Is” from John 4 which told the story of The Woman at the Well. The point of the story is how Jesus accepts our condition “as is.” We don’t have to cover up, make excuses, or hide behind shame. It was truly an inspiring message.
The evening concluded with prizes given to the woman who had the most guests in attendance. The winner’s prize: Dinner for two with my wife & I. Shauntai and I are looking forward to this special event.
Here are a few of the many comments I received:
“It was indeed AWESOME, the devil tried to keep me home, but I’m glad I came…”
“AWESOME indeed…had a life-transforming experience”
“Pastor thanks for delivering a message from God that encouraged and ministered to women…that we can meet God just as we are…The women in attendance needed that…”
“Pastor thank you for seeing the need & delivering a dose of medication that was so necessary! I am more empowered today than I was on yesterday.”
“I came to the service expecting & ready to receive and I got WAY MORE!”
In closing, I want to publicly thank our staff & the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time & talents!
