In 1998 my boss at Ford Motor Company presented me with an opportunity that would change my life forever. He asked me if I was interested in learning how to design the web pages for Ford’s Market Research Office (MRO), where we worked. At that time he also helped me to get my very first email address – rjohns80@hotmail.com – the one which I continue to use as my primary email address, to this very day.
I became addicted to the Internet, to the extent that it was the first thing I went to when I got to my office each morning; and the last thing I looked at in the evening. That same year I created two online Ministries, “XJW-Central,” and “ERAJEMI” (Elder Raymond Allan Johnson Evangelistic Ministries, Inc.).
The following year, the world gasped in nervous anticipation of “Y2K”, and at Ford I became responsible for communicating with the heads of the 100+ companies that supplied services to the MRO. Some of these companies were industry giants, like Milward Brown, Ogilvy, and J. D. Power, and as a result I got to know some very important people in the business. But that wasn’t the most important thing that happened in 1999.
As I thought about the approaching new Millennium, and how the Internet was already making it possible to talk to people from all over the world, I realized that soon a church could expand its horizons to a global audience, without needing to have the multi-million dollar budgets that until now had made it possible for only the so-called “mega-churches” to reach out so far. It dropped into my spirit that this is truly “ ... an AMAZING time to be alive!”
My students at the university think it’s hilarious that there was ever a time when mobile phones, and video games, and portable computers didn’t exist. Every semester I try to show them in classroom lessons how many of the devices and applications that we take for granted today didn’t exist on the day they were born. What they can’t appreciate is the pace at which technological development has accelerated in the past twenty-five or thirty years: truly for somebody like me an awesome testimony to the intellectual gifts that our great God has given to the world.
But I digress from the reason I am writing this particular blog.
It’s now almost twelve years since I made the declaration about our place in history. Five years afterwards a young man at Harvard launched Facebook. I was excited about being able to reach across the globe by email and web pages, and even the earlier iterations of blog pages; but Facebook has opened a whole new door.
Today I remembered a dear brother in Ministry from whom I first heard a phrase I’ve used often in my own Ministry – “The Least, The Last, and The Lost.” So many times I’ve tried to remember back 30 years, wishing I could find him. Today, I found him on Facebook.
Thanks to Facebook I can keep abreast of what my family and friends are doing, and I can simultaneously let them in on important things that are happening all the way over here, in China. MySpace and Twitter do an OK job with this, but Facebook does it so much better – and at the same time provides a vehicle by which I can meet new people from all over the world.
Thanks to Facebook I have had a chance to meet brothers and sisters in the Gospel I might never have met on any of the other networks. In fact I’ve met many new friends because they happened to be friends of another friend, or shared some profound word from God that caught my attention, or – remarkably – in some cases because a particular brother or sister desired to extend their hand of fellowship in new directions.
In either case, now I have a whole treasure trove of new friends to break bread with; and every day God deposits more into that treasury. Today I’d like to say one thing to my new friends in Ministry, as well as to some of you I haven’t spoken to for quite some time: I thank God for you! And for this new tool, that God has given us to help us expand our friendship. I am looking forward to visiting the States for vacation, this Spring (tentative preliminary dates are May 15 to about July 5); and I hope that I will have a chance to meet at least some of you face-to-face, when I come.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
On the Pulse of the Millennium ...
This is an excerpt of the first page of "erajemi.com", my first ever web site, created in 1998-1999.
“This is an AMAZING time to be alive!"
We have been blessed to see innovations and advances in technology, far beyond the scope of what anyone could have imagined fifty years ago.
Technology has made it possible - for once in history - for us to visualize the fulfillment of Jesus' mandate to the Church:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'' (Matthew 28:19-20)
And still there are MILLIONS who have no relationship to Jesus Christ - in fact, who have never so much as heard the message of the Gospel. And so we carry the challenge of global evangelism before us, into the New Millennium; and the Ministry of Evangelism is compelled to devise innovative strategies for reaching and winning the Lost.
Yes, there are many in the Body of Christ who look at Y2K with apocalyptic expectations - looking for return of our Lord Jesus Christ at some point in the year 2000. While I acknowledge that the year 2000 A. D. has as much potential for prophetic significance as any other year - and while I admit that these are indeed perilous times that we live in - I don't believe we can afford to quit doing Ministry until we actually hear the blast of the trumpet.
If the Lord should tarry - say for another five, or ten, or even fifty years - I believe He will expect us to continue to be diligent about reaching the "Lost" for His Kingdom. It is our singular task - our mandate - to snatch them back out of the fires of Hell, by any means necessary!
This Ministry was established for the purpose of spreading the Gospel, in accordance with the stipulation of the Great Commission - for the purpose of carrying on aggressive warfare against the kingdom of satan right up to the moment that the Lord appears in the sky and summons us to come be with Him. It is also our goal that we should be a Ministry tool - a resource for professional services to other fellow-Ministers, that will enhance their abilities to meet the challenge of global Ministry, in the coming New Millennium.
The Challenge
I believe that Ministry in the 21st Century will present a different set of challenges than any of us could have ever imagined. I believe that it is imperative for those of us who have been called to the work of the Ministry to recognize the tremendous ministry potential in the new technologies that have evolved during the latter half of this century. For many of us that will mean learning to put away "conventional" thinking, and moving beyond the familiar clichés and paradigms that have dictated how we do ministry, since - well - before the end of the last century.
In short, if we are going to be effective - in the 21st century - in reaching the lost for Christ, we must evolve past the19th century ideas about how to do Ministry, that have prevailed up to now.
The Internet has created a gateway that will enable us to do Ministry on a global level; but, the only way we can ever hope to DO Ministry on a global level is if we can BELIEVE that we are capable of doing Ministry at that level. We have to overcome small-mindedness.
While most Christian leaders have learned to adapt to new technologies and modern innovations - in their personal lives - some have found it difficult accommodate new ideas, and methodologies, in anything related to Church Business. In the meantime, the kingdom of satan has exploited every available technology as a tool in its campaign to lure men away from Christ - to the extent that its influence is even felt within the Church.
I believe the Church must be as aggressive as kingdom of satan in exploiting every available resource to turn the eyes of men toward Jesus. It is our task to "snatch them out of the fire;" by any means necessary - but if we are to succeed we must continue to be forward-thinking and contemporary. In short:
We must understand that being "contemporary" does NOT mean we are not spiritual. Jesus, Himself, faced controversy from His opponents - not so much because of His theology, but - because He dared to Minister to the people on their level. It might even be argued that He was a "Modernist" - possibly even a "radical." But He preached the Gospel by whatever means necessary.
Now, we have the opportunity to cross the threshold of the Millennium - equipped with unprecedented resources for reaching the Least, the Last and particularly the Lost with the marvelous message of the Gospel.
-- Fall 1999
“This is an AMAZING time to be alive!"
We have been blessed to see innovations and advances in technology, far beyond the scope of what anyone could have imagined fifty years ago.
Technology has made it possible - for once in history - for us to visualize the fulfillment of Jesus' mandate to the Church:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'' (Matthew 28:19-20)
And still there are MILLIONS who have no relationship to Jesus Christ - in fact, who have never so much as heard the message of the Gospel. And so we carry the challenge of global evangelism before us, into the New Millennium; and the Ministry of Evangelism is compelled to devise innovative strategies for reaching and winning the Lost.
Yes, there are many in the Body of Christ who look at Y2K with apocalyptic expectations - looking for return of our Lord Jesus Christ at some point in the year 2000. While I acknowledge that the year 2000 A. D. has as much potential for prophetic significance as any other year - and while I admit that these are indeed perilous times that we live in - I don't believe we can afford to quit doing Ministry until we actually hear the blast of the trumpet.
If the Lord should tarry - say for another five, or ten, or even fifty years - I believe He will expect us to continue to be diligent about reaching the "Lost" for His Kingdom. It is our singular task - our mandate - to snatch them back out of the fires of Hell, by any means necessary!
This Ministry was established for the purpose of spreading the Gospel, in accordance with the stipulation of the Great Commission - for the purpose of carrying on aggressive warfare against the kingdom of satan right up to the moment that the Lord appears in the sky and summons us to come be with Him. It is also our goal that we should be a Ministry tool - a resource for professional services to other fellow-Ministers, that will enhance their abilities to meet the challenge of global Ministry, in the coming New Millennium.
The Challenge
I believe that Ministry in the 21st Century will present a different set of challenges than any of us could have ever imagined. I believe that it is imperative for those of us who have been called to the work of the Ministry to recognize the tremendous ministry potential in the new technologies that have evolved during the latter half of this century. For many of us that will mean learning to put away "conventional" thinking, and moving beyond the familiar clichés and paradigms that have dictated how we do ministry, since - well - before the end of the last century.
In short, if we are going to be effective - in the 21st century - in reaching the lost for Christ, we must evolve past the19th century ideas about how to do Ministry, that have prevailed up to now.
The Internet has created a gateway that will enable us to do Ministry on a global level; but, the only way we can ever hope to DO Ministry on a global level is if we can BELIEVE that we are capable of doing Ministry at that level. We have to overcome small-mindedness.
While most Christian leaders have learned to adapt to new technologies and modern innovations - in their personal lives - some have found it difficult accommodate new ideas, and methodologies, in anything related to Church Business. In the meantime, the kingdom of satan has exploited every available technology as a tool in its campaign to lure men away from Christ - to the extent that its influence is even felt within the Church.
I believe the Church must be as aggressive as kingdom of satan in exploiting every available resource to turn the eyes of men toward Jesus. It is our task to "snatch them out of the fire;" by any means necessary - but if we are to succeed we must continue to be forward-thinking and contemporary. In short:
The Church cannot expect to be effective in the 21st Century, using 19th Century Ministry strategies.
We must understand that being "contemporary" does NOT mean we are not spiritual. Jesus, Himself, faced controversy from His opponents - not so much because of His theology, but - because He dared to Minister to the people on their level. It might even be argued that He was a "Modernist" - possibly even a "radical." But He preached the Gospel by whatever means necessary.
Now, we have the opportunity to cross the threshold of the Millennium - equipped with unprecedented resources for reaching the Least, the Last and particularly the Lost with the marvelous message of the Gospel.
-- Fall 1999
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Confessions of an ex-XJW
This is a message to all my brothers and sisters in the “XJW” community. I regret to inform you that, effectively immediately, I am no longer an “XJW.”
Last night I was “ruminating,” as I sometimes do, and it occurred to me that I cannot in good conscience continue to be an “XJW.” In reality, I haven’t been one for quite some time; given the fact that I’ve been a Christian for ten years longer than I was a Jehovah’s witness. I’ve been a preacher for more than 35 years, ordained for more than 33, and a Bishop for more than four years. Being an “XJW” doesn’t define me, any more – has not defined me for many years.
The fact is I’ve been out for so long that I no longer have a clue about what’s happening inside the Watchtower Society. Their doctrines have so long ago stopped making sense that I cannot even imagine anymore why anyone would ever follow them.
I don’t have any loved ones still inside the Watchtower Society; except my younger brother – whom I haven’t spoken to for more than 35 years, and a couple of cousins – whom I’ve also not spoken to since my mother’s funeral, in 1988.
I don’t harbor any ill feelings for the current leadership of the Watchtower Society. Most of the guys who were in charge when I left, in 1974 are dead now, as far as I know; and the fact is I didn’t harbor any ill will against them either – just pity.
I guess in the final analysis I just don’t care about that, anymore. I look at the shenanigans of the current batch of “XJWs” engage in, and find it rather silly: why go to their “Memorial?” If you have family members inside it’s an embarrassment for them, and I doubt that anyone has been convinced to leave because of your actions.
I do admire the work that whistleblowers like Bill Bowen have been doing, don’t get me wrong; but let’s face it Jehovah’s witnesses aren’t the only ones who have problems with pedophiles. In the end pedophiles are pedophiles, and they must be exposed regardless to their religious ties.
My biggest regret is that I haven’t given XJW-Central the chance to live up to its potential. We were one of the “pioneer” groups to come onto cyberspace, in its early years – and have been around before some of the frontline groups were even conceived.
In a time when Wiccans, and Baha’i, and atheists and other detractors were dominating the “XJW movement,” XJW-Central was the one place where Christians could come, without fear of being run off. But I lost the passion for the web site over five years ago, and didn’t have the time or resources to keep up with some of the “new kids on the block.”
And then last night, as I was “ruminating,” I read a blog entry by Gus Astacio – one of the Moderators of XJW-Central. He posted a flyer, under the heading, Best Tract for JW's ive ever seen!!!! Of the groups listed at the bottom of this flyer, XJW-Central doesn’t even get an honorable mention.
I hope we’ve done some good, these 13 years; and I hope someone will step up as Senior Moderator, to keep the list going – and perhaps lead it to its full potential. For me, I intend to slip into the background, as a sort of “emeritus.” I’ll still be around, and still contribute to the conversation from time to time; but it’s time to turn my attention to the Church – and to maximizing the exposure to the outside world of the events that are troubling the Body of Christ, here in China.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
Last night I was “ruminating,” as I sometimes do, and it occurred to me that I cannot in good conscience continue to be an “XJW.” In reality, I haven’t been one for quite some time; given the fact that I’ve been a Christian for ten years longer than I was a Jehovah’s witness. I’ve been a preacher for more than 35 years, ordained for more than 33, and a Bishop for more than four years. Being an “XJW” doesn’t define me, any more – has not defined me for many years.
The fact is I’ve been out for so long that I no longer have a clue about what’s happening inside the Watchtower Society. Their doctrines have so long ago stopped making sense that I cannot even imagine anymore why anyone would ever follow them.
I don’t have any loved ones still inside the Watchtower Society; except my younger brother – whom I haven’t spoken to for more than 35 years, and a couple of cousins – whom I’ve also not spoken to since my mother’s funeral, in 1988.
I don’t harbor any ill feelings for the current leadership of the Watchtower Society. Most of the guys who were in charge when I left, in 1974 are dead now, as far as I know; and the fact is I didn’t harbor any ill will against them either – just pity.
I guess in the final analysis I just don’t care about that, anymore. I look at the shenanigans of the current batch of “XJWs” engage in, and find it rather silly: why go to their “Memorial?” If you have family members inside it’s an embarrassment for them, and I doubt that anyone has been convinced to leave because of your actions.
I do admire the work that whistleblowers like Bill Bowen have been doing, don’t get me wrong; but let’s face it Jehovah’s witnesses aren’t the only ones who have problems with pedophiles. In the end pedophiles are pedophiles, and they must be exposed regardless to their religious ties.
My biggest regret is that I haven’t given XJW-Central the chance to live up to its potential. We were one of the “pioneer” groups to come onto cyberspace, in its early years – and have been around before some of the frontline groups were even conceived.
In a time when Wiccans, and Baha’i, and atheists and other detractors were dominating the “XJW movement,” XJW-Central was the one place where Christians could come, without fear of being run off. But I lost the passion for the web site over five years ago, and didn’t have the time or resources to keep up with some of the “new kids on the block.”
And then last night, as I was “ruminating,” I read a blog entry by Gus Astacio – one of the Moderators of XJW-Central. He posted a flyer, under the heading, Best Tract for JW's ive ever seen!!!! Of the groups listed at the bottom of this flyer, XJW-Central doesn’t even get an honorable mention.
I hope we’ve done some good, these 13 years; and I hope someone will step up as Senior Moderator, to keep the list going – and perhaps lead it to its full potential. For me, I intend to slip into the background, as a sort of “emeritus.” I’ll still be around, and still contribute to the conversation from time to time; but it’s time to turn my attention to the Church – and to maximizing the exposure to the outside world of the events that are troubling the Body of Christ, here in China.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
Help, Help! I'm homeless!!!
Growing up, we weren't permitted to ask anyone for anything. (well ... I wasn't. At the time this edict was first declared my sister was just a little lamb, not even in kindergarten) In my step-father's eyes, to ask for so much as a glass of water, at one of his friends houses, constituted begging.
I never had much respect or regard for my step-father; but two things about growing up in his house stuck with me for life: (1) he taught me a LOT about good barbecue, and (2) I have an almost paranoid obsession about not asking anyone for help. This may I admit have had a lot to do with my son and I having to resort to living for three months in a homeless shelter -- not to mention many other inconveniences I've experienced due to not being able to ask anyone for help.
At the same time, over a lifetime I've come to think maybe Albert D. Sample had a point. Every time I've broken the curse and asked for help, people have disappointed me: from people in the church, to friends, to family.
A few weeks ago I came to the realization that I could not escape reaching out, once again. After four years, the university here suddenly decided to do away with most of the foreign teachers, and replace them with Chinese. The short notice ruled out finding another post to replace that one, and repatriating is not an option at the moment, for a number of reasons.
But I'm a preacher! And I have a word from the Lord -- not to mention a story to tell about the mission field, here in China. It took me almost a month to get up the nerves, but I finally reached out to four of my good friends in ministry, to ask them to help me organize a crusade, in the States. No answer from any of the four.
I'm guessing each guy figured the other guy would take up the charge. Three weeks later, and neither of them has sent so much as a sympathy card.
Now my reason for writing this post is not to cast aspersions on these brothers -- or anyone else, for that matter. It just got me to thinking about where we are today, in the body of Christ. My friends are good brothers, who have for the large part joined the fraternity of preachers preaching messages loaded with words like, "deliverance," and "wealth," and "enlargement," and "destiny." But they are preaching to an audience in denial. They are preaching to a church full of people who are standing individually and collectively on the brink of financial meltdown.
They are preaching to folk, many of whom have to rob the proverbial Peter to pay the proverbial Paul. I know these people -- you know them too. They're the ones running to the front with their rent money in their hands EVERY TIME sosmebody calls a prosperity line. They're the ones with the litanyof politically-correct words condemning the very poverty that surrounds them like a blanket. There but for the grace of God go tomorrow's homeless.
Which makes me wonder: isn't it time that we preachers got back to preaching the Gospel. Isn't it time we took the mantle of responsibility for the poor in our community off the shouldres of the government, and placed it on the shoulders of the church, where it belongs? Shouldn't someone facing a financial crisis be able to take comfort in the fact that the church is there, because as long as the church is there the means is there for all of my needs to be met?
James said:
Now, there's an indictment. James message was an indictment against the spirit of self-centeredness. I believe today the church is plagued by this spirit, most bitterly. That's the reason, I think, that the message of the Gospel has been replaced with messages promising riches, and fortune, and even fame and success. Not that those aren't good things -- nor that our Father doesn't wish them for us -- just that that is not what we were commanded to preach.
A couple of days ago, I was talking to my brother by email; and I told him, "Be encouraged. This thing ... this episode ... God has already written the epilogue, and is busy with the next chapter. It only remains for us to se where He is going to take us." As many preachers as I know, I only reached out to these four because I didn't feel comfortable sharing my apprehension with anyone else. Their silence tells me God has another solution in store.
I ask you to sand with me in prayer, while He works it out.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
I never had much respect or regard for my step-father; but two things about growing up in his house stuck with me for life: (1) he taught me a LOT about good barbecue, and (2) I have an almost paranoid obsession about not asking anyone for help. This may I admit have had a lot to do with my son and I having to resort to living for three months in a homeless shelter -- not to mention many other inconveniences I've experienced due to not being able to ask anyone for help.
At the same time, over a lifetime I've come to think maybe Albert D. Sample had a point. Every time I've broken the curse and asked for help, people have disappointed me: from people in the church, to friends, to family.
A few weeks ago I came to the realization that I could not escape reaching out, once again. After four years, the university here suddenly decided to do away with most of the foreign teachers, and replace them with Chinese. The short notice ruled out finding another post to replace that one, and repatriating is not an option at the moment, for a number of reasons.
But I'm a preacher! And I have a word from the Lord -- not to mention a story to tell about the mission field, here in China. It took me almost a month to get up the nerves, but I finally reached out to four of my good friends in ministry, to ask them to help me organize a crusade, in the States. No answer from any of the four.
I'm guessing each guy figured the other guy would take up the charge. Three weeks later, and neither of them has sent so much as a sympathy card.
Now my reason for writing this post is not to cast aspersions on these brothers -- or anyone else, for that matter. It just got me to thinking about where we are today, in the body of Christ. My friends are good brothers, who have for the large part joined the fraternity of preachers preaching messages loaded with words like, "deliverance," and "wealth," and "enlargement," and "destiny." But they are preaching to an audience in denial. They are preaching to a church full of people who are standing individually and collectively on the brink of financial meltdown.
They are preaching to folk, many of whom have to rob the proverbial Peter to pay the proverbial Paul. I know these people -- you know them too. They're the ones running to the front with their rent money in their hands EVERY TIME sosmebody calls a prosperity line. They're the ones with the litanyof politically-correct words condemning the very poverty that surrounds them like a blanket. There but for the grace of God go tomorrow's homeless.
Which makes me wonder: isn't it time that we preachers got back to preaching the Gospel. Isn't it time we took the mantle of responsibility for the poor in our community off the shouldres of the government, and placed it on the shoulders of the church, where it belongs? Shouldn't someone facing a financial crisis be able to take comfort in the fact that the church is there, because as long as the church is there the means is there for all of my needs to be met?
James said:
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup - where does that get you? - James 2:14-16, The Message
Now, there's an indictment. James message was an indictment against the spirit of self-centeredness. I believe today the church is plagued by this spirit, most bitterly. That's the reason, I think, that the message of the Gospel has been replaced with messages promising riches, and fortune, and even fame and success. Not that those aren't good things -- nor that our Father doesn't wish them for us -- just that that is not what we were commanded to preach.
A couple of days ago, I was talking to my brother by email; and I told him, "Be encouraged. This thing ... this episode ... God has already written the epilogue, and is busy with the next chapter. It only remains for us to se where He is going to take us." As many preachers as I know, I only reached out to these four because I didn't feel comfortable sharing my apprehension with anyone else. Their silence tells me God has another solution in store.
I ask you to sand with me in prayer, while He works it out.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
Monday, May 24, 2010
Reminiscences of my father
I am ECSTATIC beyond any words at the news of the decades-overdue elevation of Bishop-designate Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. -- my Father-in-the-Ministry!
As the spiritual progenitor for more than fifty of America's (indeed, the world's) finest preachers -- spanning the denominational spectrum -- and as the Senior Pstor of one of the nation's oldest historical churches (black OR white): the dynamic Bethel Baptist Institutional Church of Jacksonville, Florida -- Bishop-designate McKissick is one of the legendary fathers of Black Ministry in the contemporary age.
Some 35 years ago he took me under his wings and nurturedmy Ministry from my "Initial Sermon" on 3rd Sunday April 1975 until I left Florida for Michigan in April 1983. Along the way he taught me EVERYTHING about Ministry -- from visiting hospitals, to conducting weddings and funerals, to teaching, to writing, to developing Ministry and para-church Ministry initiatives.
Shadowing my father I was blessed to sit under the anointing of MANY Gospel giants, who came to preach and minister at Bethel, over the years -- all of whom were delighted to make some spiritual deposit into the lives of us young ministers who enjoyed the privilege of sitting in Bethel's pulpit.
My brothers are seminarians; but I am pesuaded that no amount of book-education could substitute for the step-by-step preparation that "Pastor" McKissick made available to ALL of his sons.
Today I gladly add MY TRIBUTE to this awesome man of God!
Keep the Faith
+Raymond Allan Johnson
Nanchang Destiny
Nanchang, Peoples Republic of China
P.S.,
I have never said this, but I want to take this oportunity to say a special "Thank you" to Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, JR!
As a young man growing up living right nest door to the church he had to endure a lot of things other children will bever experience.
But more than that, he had to share his father with all of us -- and allow US to be "Rev's" sons as WELL as him. I am grateful that he was wiling to do that, and honored to count him as my brother.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
As the spiritual progenitor for more than fifty of America's (indeed, the world's) finest preachers -- spanning the denominational spectrum -- and as the Senior Pstor of one of the nation's oldest historical churches (black OR white): the dynamic Bethel Baptist Institutional Church of Jacksonville, Florida -- Bishop-designate McKissick is one of the legendary fathers of Black Ministry in the contemporary age.
Some 35 years ago he took me under his wings and nurturedmy Ministry from my "Initial Sermon" on 3rd Sunday April 1975 until I left Florida for Michigan in April 1983. Along the way he taught me EVERYTHING about Ministry -- from visiting hospitals, to conducting weddings and funerals, to teaching, to writing, to developing Ministry and para-church Ministry initiatives.
Shadowing my father I was blessed to sit under the anointing of MANY Gospel giants, who came to preach and minister at Bethel, over the years -- all of whom were delighted to make some spiritual deposit into the lives of us young ministers who enjoyed the privilege of sitting in Bethel's pulpit.
My brothers are seminarians; but I am pesuaded that no amount of book-education could substitute for the step-by-step preparation that "Pastor" McKissick made available to ALL of his sons.
Today I gladly add MY TRIBUTE to this awesome man of God!
Keep the Faith
+Raymond Allan Johnson
Nanchang Destiny
Nanchang, Peoples Republic of China
P.S.,
I have never said this, but I want to take this oportunity to say a special "Thank you" to Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, JR!
As a young man growing up living right nest door to the church he had to endure a lot of things other children will bever experience.
But more than that, he had to share his father with all of us -- and allow US to be "Rev's" sons as WELL as him. I am grateful that he was wiling to do that, and honored to count him as my brother.
Keep the Faith
Bishop
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Rhoda's House
We pray when there’s a crisis – well, at least when there’s a crisis near us. We pray when we need something from God. In our churches, our “Intercessors” pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to invade our services. And sometimes we reluctantly pray, “Thank you, Jesus”, when we avoid some bad thing, or when that bad thing is over.
After 9/11 I prayed on my face with tears for more than a week. During that time I asked myself – and God – “What would happen if there were Saints/Intercessors in our churches, whose assignment would be to watch the news, and for every crisis, every emergency, every tragedy, pray specifically for those people? What if there were Intercessors assigned to pray for countries, for leaders, for groups of people – like abortionists, or people trapped in cults, or child molesters, or Conservatives/Liberals, or terrorists?
When we were starting Destiny, in Ohio, I envisioned a Ministry I called “The Upper Room”, a place where there would be intercessors, praying, 24 hours a day … seven days a week. The idea was not unique nor was it original. In my early years in ministry I read a book by David Y. Cho, where he talked about a similar Ministry at his Yoido Full Gospel Church, in Korea.
In 1973 they created Prayer Mountain – a full-time retreat where Saints can go to pray (http://www.fgtv.com/n_english/prayer/p_index.asp). Prayer grottoes are open to guests 24/7, and they can pray in the grotto for as long as they wish.
What I saw was, of course, a variation on that theme. What if we could have Intercessors on standby, 24/7, to pray not only for the things I mentioned above, but also to intercede for anyone who needed it at any time? At Bethel we had a Prayer Line, where people could call any time and hear a pre-recorded message of encouragement. What if they could talk to a person, instead?
I realized, of course, that a vision of this magnitude was ambitious – at best – for a Ministry that hadn’t got off the ground; but how to involve other Saints?
The devastation in Haiti brought this Ministry to mind, again: wouldn’t it be AMAZING if God could bring this prayer Ministry to life through the cooperative efforts of a few friends on Facebook? Not just to pray for Haiti – though indeed we should pray for Haiti; not just to pray when there’s a crisis or a tragedy – though indeed we should pray then, too. But ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, SOMEBODY would be “on duty”, praying.
When Bishop McKissick was having trouble sleeping, I thought, “ask the Saints in China to start calling him up in prayer first thing in the morning. That would coincide with the evening in the U. S., meaning he would be saturated with prayer, right about the time he was trying to go to sleep.
Some of you stay up late and/or get up early. Many of you know brothers and sisters who live on other continents. We could make this a STRATEGIC project: I’m reaching out to you, you reach out to whom you know, they reach out to someone else, and – as the TV commercial used to say “and so on … and so on … and so on”!
So whaddaya say? Will you help?
"… I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7 Holman CSB
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church … And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. Acts 12:5-14
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhodas-House/301332379072?v=wall
p.s., I know there will be an urge to admonish me regarding my theology (LOL), so let me say at the onset, I KNOW it wasn’t really Rhoda’s house: I just thought it’s be a nice name
After 9/11 I prayed on my face with tears for more than a week. During that time I asked myself – and God – “What would happen if there were Saints/Intercessors in our churches, whose assignment would be to watch the news, and for every crisis, every emergency, every tragedy, pray specifically for those people? What if there were Intercessors assigned to pray for countries, for leaders, for groups of people – like abortionists, or people trapped in cults, or child molesters, or Conservatives/Liberals, or terrorists?
When we were starting Destiny, in Ohio, I envisioned a Ministry I called “The Upper Room”, a place where there would be intercessors, praying, 24 hours a day … seven days a week. The idea was not unique nor was it original. In my early years in ministry I read a book by David Y. Cho, where he talked about a similar Ministry at his Yoido Full Gospel Church, in Korea.
In 1973 they created Prayer Mountain – a full-time retreat where Saints can go to pray (http://www.fgtv.com/n_english/prayer/p_index.asp). Prayer grottoes are open to guests 24/7, and they can pray in the grotto for as long as they wish.
What I saw was, of course, a variation on that theme. What if we could have Intercessors on standby, 24/7, to pray not only for the things I mentioned above, but also to intercede for anyone who needed it at any time? At Bethel we had a Prayer Line, where people could call any time and hear a pre-recorded message of encouragement. What if they could talk to a person, instead?
I realized, of course, that a vision of this magnitude was ambitious – at best – for a Ministry that hadn’t got off the ground; but how to involve other Saints?
The devastation in Haiti brought this Ministry to mind, again: wouldn’t it be AMAZING if God could bring this prayer Ministry to life through the cooperative efforts of a few friends on Facebook? Not just to pray for Haiti – though indeed we should pray for Haiti; not just to pray when there’s a crisis or a tragedy – though indeed we should pray then, too. But ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, SOMEBODY would be “on duty”, praying.
When Bishop McKissick was having trouble sleeping, I thought, “ask the Saints in China to start calling him up in prayer first thing in the morning. That would coincide with the evening in the U. S., meaning he would be saturated with prayer, right about the time he was trying to go to sleep.
Some of you stay up late and/or get up early. Many of you know brothers and sisters who live on other continents. We could make this a STRATEGIC project: I’m reaching out to you, you reach out to whom you know, they reach out to someone else, and – as the TV commercial used to say “and so on … and so on … and so on”!
So whaddaya say? Will you help?
"… I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7 Holman CSB
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church … And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. Acts 12:5-14
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhodas-House/301332379072?v=wall
p.s., I know there will be an urge to admonish me regarding my theology (LOL), so let me say at the onset, I KNOW it wasn’t really Rhoda’s house: I just thought it’s be a nice name
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A CONDUIT, NOT A CONTAINER!
Ever wonder why some people stay broke? You see them in the same blessing line, waiting on somebody to lay the same hands on them, so they can get the same blessing ... over, and over, and over again.
Here's a thought, perhaps the problem is defective economics. Perhaps they missed the simple principle of Divine Economics: that the purpose of God's Grace is not really to fatten our pockets, fill our fridges, or buy us new cars. God doesn't bless us just so we can walk around blessed ... or even so we can stand up in Testimony Service and brag about what He's done. Instead, perhaps God blesses us so we can use what he gave us to BE a blessing to someone else.
Until God sees in us a willingness to give it all away, He can't really trust us with too much: our greedy selves would just go and spend it all on ourselves, like the Prodigal Son ... then be back next week asking for more.
Proof is in the pudding ...
We pastors love to quote Malachi 3:10 on Sunday, but we mess people up by enticing them to focus on the "blessing window," instead of the fact that it is critical for us to make sure God's storehouse is full: it is the overflow that opens the window ... if the storehouse isn't full the window won't open.
I even wonder sometimes if we aren't missing a more subtle truth, being so focused on the getting, and all. I wonder if God never intended for us to spend so much time trying gimmick after gimmick to make Him give us stuff: maybe God gives because He's generous, and the gimmicks are just meant to get us to think if our Father is so generous to us, maybe we ought to do something in return.
Rich human beings provide their children with nice things because they are their children -- not because they did stuff. If a man can be generous to his kids, don't you think God would be generous to His? But the record shows that rich kids who aren't faced with some sort of responsibility often squander what they have ... like the Prodigal Son ... and are back in daddy's face next week, looking for more: THANK YOU, Holy Spirit! So maybe all the "gimmicks" are intended to make us think about our own responsibility to do something with whatever God gives us.
Ask yourself: when was the last time you went up to the line? How many times did you go up, in 2009?
And when you got blessed, what did you DO with what you got? Got a shiny new car in the driveway? How many Saints have to ride the bus, along the same path you drive down going to church? Fridgerator full? Maybe Sister Jones could use a new pair of shoes, or a bag of groceries .. or even a sandwich.
I have always liked how James put it -- right after the part we love to quote about "faith without works."
Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well" – but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? James 2:15, 16 New Living Translation
Here's a thought, perhaps the problem is defective economics. Perhaps they missed the simple principle of Divine Economics: that the purpose of God's Grace is not really to fatten our pockets, fill our fridges, or buy us new cars. God doesn't bless us just so we can walk around blessed ... or even so we can stand up in Testimony Service and brag about what He's done. Instead, perhaps God blesses us so we can use what he gave us to BE a blessing to someone else.
Until God sees in us a willingness to give it all away, He can't really trust us with too much: our greedy selves would just go and spend it all on ourselves, like the Prodigal Son ... then be back next week asking for more.
Proof is in the pudding ...
We pastors love to quote Malachi 3:10 on Sunday, but we mess people up by enticing them to focus on the "blessing window," instead of the fact that it is critical for us to make sure God's storehouse is full: it is the overflow that opens the window ... if the storehouse isn't full the window won't open.
I even wonder sometimes if we aren't missing a more subtle truth, being so focused on the getting, and all. I wonder if God never intended for us to spend so much time trying gimmick after gimmick to make Him give us stuff: maybe God gives because He's generous, and the gimmicks are just meant to get us to think if our Father is so generous to us, maybe we ought to do something in return.
Rich human beings provide their children with nice things because they are their children -- not because they did stuff. If a man can be generous to his kids, don't you think God would be generous to His? But the record shows that rich kids who aren't faced with some sort of responsibility often squander what they have ... like the Prodigal Son ... and are back in daddy's face next week, looking for more: THANK YOU, Holy Spirit! So maybe all the "gimmicks" are intended to make us think about our own responsibility to do something with whatever God gives us.
Ask yourself: when was the last time you went up to the line? How many times did you go up, in 2009?
And when you got blessed, what did you DO with what you got? Got a shiny new car in the driveway? How many Saints have to ride the bus, along the same path you drive down going to church? Fridgerator full? Maybe Sister Jones could use a new pair of shoes, or a bag of groceries .. or even a sandwich.
I have always liked how James put it -- right after the part we love to quote about "faith without works."
Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well" – but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? James 2:15, 16 New Living Translation
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