It is OFFICIAL...I am moving to Augusta

It is official, I am the newly elected Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. I will begin my tenure at the beginning of the year. I must admit that it has been very difficult. I am leaving a church and a people that I love very much. I invested all that i had for the last three years there. As one can imagine, the news was not accepted well at first. There were many hurt people, who lashed out in anger towards me. But there has been some time lapsed and most are very happy for me. I want to continue to be in contact with these wonderful people of God and i am praying that God will take them to higher heights. i am excited for the possibilities that are present at the Tabernacle Church. it is a very historic church and have been blessed with having a lineage of tremendous preacher/pastors. I am awed and humbled to have my name mentioned among CT Walker, Charles Hamilton and Otis Moss III. I solicit everyone's prayers as I try and forge my own pastoral identity as well as continue to love and nurture the wonderful people of Tabernacle Baptist Church. I am in the middle of transitioning, so there will probably be no Christmas for me this year. Guess it will have to wait til January. Keep me lifted as i do the same with you. Peace and Blessings

SEASON OF TRANSITION

Please be in prayer as I am in a season of transition.

I Am BACK

Wzup Cyber World. It has been awhile. I know that I promised that I would not be so long, but a brotha got busy. I have had 4 revivals since the last blog. I celebrated 3 years of Pastoral ministry at "The View". I spoke at a Singles Conference and I am currently in Greensboro, NC for another revival. I finally got my work done for my doctorate. That was a chore, but perseverance pays off. I have got my new assignments and I am ordering the books I need. Tonight is the last night of my revival at New Zion in Greensboro. I have enjoyed myself. Don't think I have necessarily preached my best sermons, but hopefully the message the spirit wants to get across has gotten across. I go back home on Saturday, then I fly out to Baltimore early Monday to preach for my big brother mike palmer at the New Friendship Baptist Church. I finally got a good wireless card, so I can log on more. Well, let me go. I will hollah at you. Peace and Blessings.

Hello World

Another Monday. Monday is the unofficial Preacher Sabbath. I am resting today. We have been having wonderful church. Last week, four people joined and this week, two joined. that is a wonderful thing what God can do. I am on my way to Charlotte tomorrow to do a Youth Conference at Macedonia Baptist Church. Pastor John Walker is a cool dude and I look forward to hanging out with him. I am trying to finish up some work and I have two services this weekend. Pray for a brother as I am in deep prayer for Gods direction. until next time......

School Work and Singles Conference

I have been swamped with work. I have been working on some papers for school. Finally got them completed. At the same time, I have been working hard on the church front. We are in the process of acquiring 26 acres of land for future expansion. i am excited. God has been doing an awesome work at Pleasant View and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of it. I am preaching a Singles Conference tonight at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the pastor is Tim Flemmings. I look forward to this assignment, even though i am still unsure of what to preach. Pray for a brotha. Hollah at you later. Shalom.

I am soooooo TIRED

Pray for a brotha.

Happy Fourth of July

I know, I know. I promised in my last blog that I would not take so long between blogs, but what had happened was..... I just have been so busy. With preaching revivals and being the Best Man in a friends wedding, preaching at my own church and trying to broker a deal to benefit the church, not to mention work for my doctioral class, I have been swamped. I have been wearing myself too thin. I am seriously considering taking a few weeks off just to get myself together. I am serious about this. I begin another revival on tomorrow. I am recovering from a brief sickness that should have relieved me of my preaching duties on Sunday, but I pressed on anyway. Well, I have work today and hopefully I can get a hot dog for today. I promise I will be back soon. Hopefully. RevCEGJr

It has been a LONG TIME

I know, I know. I have been MIA. I have been so busy. I just got back from a week in Baltimore for the National Baptist Congress. It was cool. Got to hang out with my boys, Pastor Philip Pointer from Va and Pastor Rhomel Williams from Chicago, IL. These are truly my boys. They strengthen me and help me so much. Got mad love for them and even at their ages, they are two of the profound and prolific preachers of the Gospel. They push me just being around them. I also celebrated a birthday on last week. I am now an OLD 27 years old. Father Time be creeping up on a brother. I also preached an ordination service at my home chuch on Saturday morning. Sunday, I had two services. i am still journeying through the book of 1 Peter for Sunday morning. I preached a Youth day in the afternoon. i start a revival meeting at New Jerusalem in Motts, AL 2nite. I really enjoy this revival. I have preached it the last 2 years. Pray a brotha strength and I promise, I will not be so long between post next time. Peace

Winding down from Indy

I am just getting back from the weekend in Indianapolis. I did a Singles Conference for Messiahs Baptist Church and Pastor Stephen Clay. I spoke Friday Night and Saturday Morning. i enjoyed the fellowship. It was the first one for them. I was honored to be the first speaker. I hope that the information will be fruitful for those who were there. Pastor Clay extended the invitation for me to preach Sunday for his 23rd Anniversary. It was a good service. I missed home, but I know that everything went smooth at the homefront. Now I am back home for a few days and I have to go back to Pastor Goodman. I have a few things that i need to get in order at the church. We are having Vacation Bible School this week and our Annual Homecoming Week this weekend. Pray for me. Next week I am on my way to Baltimore for the National Baptist Congress.

Hamptons Ministers Conference

Well, for the last few days i have been in Hampton, VA for the Annual Ministers Conference held at Hampton University. This is probably one of my favorite conferences because of the ecumenical atmosphere, it is preaching and worship driven and i get to see all my homeboys that i dod not get to see on the regular. Preachers have a sorta of fraternal bond with one another, because of the mere fact that we share the Gospel. I have had fun and learned alot. i have spent time with my pastor and other ministry friends from across the country. I have to make a confession. I have not done as much homework that I needed to get done. hopefully I can hit it hard today. Peace

When the Grind wears you down

I have just completed another week of revival. This revival was a special one to me, because I was preaching at my grandparents church. My grandparents have raised me since I was 14 months old. It was just an honor to preach in front of them. The church is a nice church and have a wonderful pastor. I was just so blessed to be home. From the responses I have received, it was a good meeting. My grandfather was the MC and grandma was sitting on the second row with her hat on. I felt like a little kid who used to run up and stand by my granddad whenever he did anything for church. I was a junior deacon growing up. Now I am a Senior Pastor. look at God. However, I did not cover up like I should have this week and today I woke up sick. I am supposed to go home today, but my sickness and the bad weather is causing me to consider leaving in the morning. i am desperately trying to get back because one of my members is having her first Birthday Party. Hopefully, my body will allow me to make it.

Memorial Day Weekend

Back on the Grind. The revival went very well this week. I enjoyed my time sharing with the Liberty Hill family and Pastor Sanders. I hope that I will be able to fellowship them again. The last two days I was supposed to be off, but they ended up not being. That morning I got word that a friends mother passed and another pastor friend of mine had a 15 year old member of his congregation die in a car crash. I was also sick on Thursday and after taking my friend out for his birthday (Shout out Pastor G), my tire blew on the side of the highway. I was stuck for an hour and a half. Luckily, I just bought a book on preaching, so I was cool. i spent all day friday cleaning up my house. My house was in major disarray. i am on my way to Alabama. have a church summit this evening and I have to preach at 8 in the morning at Franchise Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL, then Missioanry Day at 11 am at my church. I leave out monday for home. I begin revival in Greensboro on Tuesday and end on Thursday. I then have to rush back for a birthday party for one of my youngest members (Sydney, age 1). Then I leave out for Hampton on that Monday then Indy on Friday. Well, at least I had 2 days off.

Back in Business

Sorry that it has taken me awhile to get to blogging. I promise to be better in the future. We had a very good Kingdom Living Conference this weekend. It was not as well attended as I wanted, but those who came were blessed. Each faciliator did a tremendous job. Pastor Washington did an excellent job friday and saturday night. He is one of God's best. Check him out (www.agapetemple.org). Rev. Marcus Hunter was a tremendous help to me and the congregation on Sunday morning. All in all, it was a wonderful spiritual experience. I look forward to Kingdom Living Conference 2007. I am now in revival in Phenix City, Al at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. I enjoyed last night. Pastor Sanders is great guy and has a very vibrant church. I hope that the rest of the week goes like last night. Well, let me go take a nap and get rested up. Hollah. PG

I Just Love Preaching...

Getting ready to get back on a plane. I have completed the first week of this module for my doctoral classes. It was a great but long week. We all had to preach this week. There are 16 different styles of preaching in my class. I was fed everyday. I just love preaching. It does get very difficult to critique in class, because these are not novices, rather these are people who have been preaching for years. I know that the mistrust will soon, hopefully, dissipate. We are going to be together for 3 more years. I look forward to growing in my preaching. This has been a good week preaching wise. My pastor preached twice this week and tore the house down. Two major houses, Reid Temple AME and New Psalmist Baptist Church. I really enjoy hearing my pastor. Everytime that I hear him, my soul is fed. Pastor Maclin (www.atthesanctuary.org) is my mentor and example in ministry. I hope to one day be half the Pastor and Person that he is. Well, let me get packed. i am going home to preach Mother's Day at my church, then fly back on Monday Morning(eeeeaaarrrllyy) to go to class. The things I do. Congrats to the graduates, especially at my church (Shannon, Jason, Shacarol). Gods blessings upon your future. Hollah at you later, PG

Day 1 of class

Well, the first day of class is over. It was a very interesting day. I had to preach for class today. I was not prepared but I had a thought and worked it out. There were four different styles of preaching on showcase today. The toughest crowd to preach in front of is preachers. Preachers can be hard and harsh on preachers. Well, this day is over. I am hopefully going to church tonight to hear my friend, Pastor Washington preach revival at me brothers church, Pastor Phillip Pointer in Virginia. Should have a good time tonight and receive a word. I am really tired because I got in late last night. Flight was delayed. I have a long, but good week ahead of me. get to hear my Pastor preach twice this week, so i know I am going to be revived.

No Rest for the Weary

I am on my way to DC for classes for my doctoral degree. I really hate packing, but you would think as much as I travel that I would be used to it. Yesterday was good at my morning service. I only preached 20 mins, but the people say that they were blessed. The second service was, well, awkward. Do not know how to explain it. Just could not get into the service. i preached a message on recovering from failure, but I never felt one with the message or the people. Wish I could have it over, a redo. Oh well, just pray that the Spirit took over for my uneasiness. Let me go catch this plane. I have homework to finish on the plane. Hollah

What a Time

The revival is now over and we had a wonderful time. i was extremely hoarse and tired yesterday. I know that it was evident on me when i stood to deliver the word. However, the spirit took over midway through the message. It was a wonderful revival meeting. I look forward to sharing Pastor Scovens and Smith Chapel Church again next year. Today, i have been resting. i played a round of Golf this morning and hung out with my cousin. I was supposed to go to church tonight, but I am going to rest and finish some work for church and school. I am a little sad because I will be leaving my grandparents. They raised me from a very young age and I do not get to see them as often as I would like. Dealing with various sicknesses for both of them have weighed heavily on me for the past few years. I love them so much and I do not know how I could handle anything happening to them. Well, I am on my way to rest and work (weird paradigm I know).

Revival Time

We had a good time on Sunday morning. I tried to preach to make up for lost time. I hope and pray that the people were blessed. One of my members passed when I was on my pilgrimage. She was a devoted member, who was very sick since I assumed the pastorate of my church. I had opportunities to visit with her and her family before she passed and she was able to make it to church a few months ago. It was a good celebration service for a good Christian sister who will be missed. I have made it to Pelham, NC. Last night, we began our meeting. It was a real spirited worship. People came to have church. This is a wonderful church with a wonderful Pastor. It is always easier to preach in churches that have a good pastor and preacher. Pastor Scovens is one of God's best and he has really done so much in the church and community. They really love the Word. I did not feel like I was at my best, but God blessed anyhow. I am on my way to take a nap and get ready for tonight. Shalom

Finally Home

I finally made it back to the States today. All in all, I have been traveling for about 16 straight hours. I am tired. Had to get a haircut and some rest. Now I am up in the middle of the night and i have to preach in the morning. Pray for a brotha. Shalom

Filling in the Blanks and getting ready to go home

In less than two hours, we will be on a bus to make our trek home. i will be traveling for almost 24 hours. I must admit I am so ready to go home. Not only do I have service at my church on Sunday, but I am also in revival in Pelham, NC, with my good friend Pastor Nathan Scovens and the Smith Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Scovens is one of my dearest friends, someone I look up to. He is a tremendous preacher. I consider him my big brother. Well the trip is almost complete. It has been a good time. I have seen many sites and sights. Today was one of my best days here. I got to relax. I found a nice Messianic Jewish Bookstore and I stayed in there for hours. Truth be told, I am a big nerd. I love to read. I guess that is why I am always in school. I just have a passion for learning. Perhaps the reason is because I was told early in my academic career that I would have to be in remedial classes. I have been fighting to prove people wrong ever since then. I guess I am just an overachiever. I guess I will miss my fellow pilgrims. We have had an interesting time together. Some I clicked with, others I did not. Just the nature of the beast. I hope to stay in contact with them. I am encouraged by their love of ministry and God. One has even invited me to preach at her church. That should be an experience, one I look forward to. I was able to pick up a few things, so I hope that everyone is happy. Hope I did not forget anybody on the list. As I make one last reflection on my time in the Holy Land, i must say that I have been blessed to be here. One of the highlights was leading worship and communion at the Garden Tomb. They did not know the songs that I was singing, so now they see how I felt at our other services. Everyone remarked about how well I could sing. I cannot wait to tell my church. They give me a hard time. I think I am actually pretty good (hahahahaha). I am getting better. Pray my strength as I prepare to venture back in the states. I believe that is when the true reflection of my time here will take place. Pray for me, as I am hitting the ground running for the next 2 months, preaching and school. Stay Tuned, Shalom, PG

Updates on the Trip

It has been a while since I have had access to the internet. We arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday after having worship on the Mt. of Beautitudes. We stayed in a convent attended to by seven nuns. No TV, but that is cool. I need some down time to reflect and write. I have been feeling so inspired and have written about seven sermons so far. I pray that these be uplifting to my congregation as I am eager to get to my pulpit and preach. I have not gone 2 weeks without preaching in three years, so I am going through preaching withdrawal. I almost forgot to mention that on our last night in Tiberias, I was sitting at a local pub, drinking a diet coke and writing in my journal, when three youths walked in with AKA-47's across there shoulder. At the sametime, 2pac's "Me against the World" song was blaring through the speakers. These youths were not much younger than me. Made me realize that Freedom is a luxury only a few get to experience. Jerusalem (Old City) was cool. Walked down Hosanna Road, Church commemorating where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and stopped by the Garden of Gethsemane. This was probably my favorite spot. I was so overcome with emotion here. When we went into the church and the Garden it rained, but it stopped as soon as we came out. Deep. Got to follow the 14 stations of the Cross and walk down the Via Delorosa. We finally made it to the place where they believed that jesus was crucified. The place was crowded on this day. I am not one for crowds, so I was irritated. I got to see so many places, the empty tomb, calvary's rock, stone of the annointment. It was something to be there. I have so many pictures, however, I must admit a bad taste was left in my mouth. I just feel like there was so much exploitation of Jesus by the different sects of Christianity here. They were fighting over places and rocks. The Greek Orthodox claiming this spot, the Catholics claiming this step, the Armaneans claiming this wall and so forth. I see why Jesus wept and said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We made a few more stops the rest of the week. We got pulled over at a stop. There is so much political turmoil here, it is unbelievable. Seem like everybody got a gun. It is something to read about it and see it on TV, but it is another thing to see it live and in person. I believe that all Christians ought to be able to help the cause over here. There are many Christians who are getting persecuted in the Holy Land. I am going to try and figure out my own plan of action. I have so much more to say, but my time is quickly evaporating. I have some errands to run and I found a great bookstore. This is our free day as we leave around midnight 2nite. I will fill in some more of the blanks later. Until then, Shalom. PG

Been a Long Time

We made it to Jerusalem on Sunday. We stayed at a Convent all week. This is my first chance to get on the internet. I do not have long. i will write later. Just want to clarify, Pastor was not trying to fight (he fight all the time, just like Anthony Mason (Kings of Comedy)). Just a theological difference of opinion. I prefer to be a peaceful man in my old age. this was our last day of the actual tour. Tomorrow is a free day, then we go home. I have so much to catch you up on. Until then, Shalom, PG

A Holy Experience

Yesterday was a pretty cool day. We went to Caesera Phillipi, Banias Falls and the Golden Heights. The Banias falls were so beautiful. Could not help but appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The next place was Ceasera Phillipi. this has major theological implications, because this is where Jesus asked his disciples "Whom do men say that I am?" It is also the home of the temple to the greek god Pan. It also is one of the sources for the Jordan River. i got some Jordan River water, because I am not sure if I am going to be able to get baptized in the water. Last stop was at the Golden Heights, the border between Israel and Syria. there is a major rift between these two countries over land. many have lost there lives. made me appreciate freedom more. Dinner was ok last night, I am just tired of eating stuff that i have no idea what it is. Spent some quality time with some on the trip. We have a unique blend of personalities and cultures on this trip. I am the only African American and that can be different. I really came on this trip for a Worship Experience, not to sight see. Some have there on agenda. i really embraced the fact that I was getting away from everything. That means that sometimes I like to get in my own world. I am moody enough without everyone invading your space. I did not come to impress anyone, just to get closer in my spiritual journey with God. A misunderstanding yesterday really got to me and i wanted to lay my religion down, but I was told it was not worth it. Well, just pray for a brotha. Today is a free day (Sabbath). I slept late and went to McDonalds by the Sea of Galilee. they are everywhere. i am about to go to the pool. i have some work to finish 2nite. We are packing up 2nite and after having service at the Mt. of Beautitudes, we are making our way to Jerusalem. I am so excited. Hopefully there i can experience more and get some shopping in. Everybody and there momma want something, but it is funny, nobody gave me any money to get anything with. Go figure. until Next Time, RevCEGJr

Second Day wore me out

Today we went and visited the Mount of Beautitudes, Capernaum, Tarsi, saw the 2000 year old boat and took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. I was deeply moved at the Mount of Beautitudes. I was able to read the sermon on the mount(actually a plain, perhaps Luke got it right) and pray there. I was sorta disappointed, because they had fenced off the area where I really wanted to go, the actual spot where they believe Jesus spoke from. Our next stop took us to the place where it is believed that Jesus fed the five thousand. They have a rock right under the altar which is the supposed rock for which Jesus blessed and passed the fishes and five loaves. A beautiful mosaic depicts it right before the altar (only shows 2 fishes and 4 loaves of bread. They say that Jesus is the fifth loaf(Bread of Life)). We then went to Capernaum and saw Peter's house and the Synagouge for which Jesus did a lot of teaching from. These visits really give a great reference for texts for which i have read and studied. We had lunch and we ate St. Peter's fish. I ate the pizza, because the fish was way to bony for me. We stopped by the place where Jesus met the Demoniac and then we went to the exhibit about the 2000 year old boat. That was fascinating. To cap our day, we took a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. What a sight and ride. I was extremely wore out. I have not had a "Monday (Preachers Sabbath)" this week. I went right to bed. I slept thru dinner and morning prayers. I really needed the rest. Was able to write 2 sermons today and hopefully i can knock out some homework while I am here. Tomorrow is a new adventure and a new experience. I cannot wait until i can get these pictures on here. Until Next Time, RevCEGJr

First Day of Pilgrimage Complete

Well, we finally made it to the Holy Land. It was a loooong plane ride. I slept so much. My body has yet to adjust to the time change. There was a bombing in Tel Aviv, the place where we landed the day before. There was a little apprehension, but everything was cool. Woke up this morning and had breakfast by the Sea of Galillee. What a view! Today we went out the cities of Sepphora and Nazareth. Sepphora was a great historical site. I enjoyed it immensely. When we got to nazareth, we visited two Churches, both claiming to be the place where the angel visited Mary and announced the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ . It was powerful both places. I was able to drink and wash in the spring of Nazareth. This is the samwe place many believe mary went to to, as well as Jesus. It was just awesome. I was able to get some of the water to bring home. After returning, I barely had time to lay down and collect my thoughts. We had dinner and prayers and I was able to go out on the town for a few. I am excited about our excursion tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get online and catch everyone up. i have been journaling by hand, so hopefully I will be able to write down my reflections. i have plenty of pics as well. i do sorely miss my family and church family. My prayers are with all. RevCEGJr

Easter Sunday and Preparing to Travel

This has been a long and exhausting weekend. We had our Easter play on Saturday Night. It was entitled "Salvation at Calvary". It was a tremendous job done by our Drama and Fine Arts Ministry. I was so blessed and I know that everyone in attendance was blessed as well. Easter Sunday went well. Music was good and the place was packed. I do hope and pray that the message was received. Easter is a hard time to preach, ask any preacher. I just hope that the Spirit took up the slack where I fell short. It was a long day as I made some rounds to see members and fellowship for a little while. Trying to deal with church stuff as i will be out the country for 2 weeks. I am going to desperately miss my people and family and my prayers will be with them. As usual, I am late packing. I have a few errands to run befor I go to the airport. Pray my strength in the Lord as i embark on this journey to the Holy Land. As soon as I am able to get to a computer, I will send updates pertaining to the trip. Until Next Time, Remain Steadfast in HIM, PG

Preparing for a Pilgrimage

I am now trying to pack as I am leaving on Monday for a pilgrimage to Israel Palestine. I was selected to be apart of the Institute of Preaching and Pastoral Renewal program through Candler School of Theology. I am excited and nervous. I will be gone about 2 weeks. I am going to treat this as a spiritual retreat. I am going to miss my family and church family so much. I hope and pray that I have a home and a church to come back to. Packing is such a tremendous chore. On top of that I have an Easter play at the church tonight, as well as get ready for our Resurrection Service on tomorrow morning. I am preaching "Good News from the Graveyard"(Luke 24: 1-12). I pray that this message perks the heart of the people. Easter is such an uncomfortable time for a preacher. I will explain in further blogs. It stretches one to become creative. Being a Baptist preacher, if you don"t end with "EARRRRRRRLY Sunday Morning", they might vote you out the church. Pray for a brotha as I meander through a busy week. Blessings

My First Post

Today is my first post. I am new to cyberspace. I am interested in just expressing myself. I have been so encouraged by the blogs of others, especially another Pastor named H. B. Charles, Jr. from L. A. I pastor a wonderful church in Salem, AL, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church(www.pleasantviewmbc.org). I love the people that God has allowed me to shepherd. There have been ups and downs, but I thank God for the love of God. I have been pastoring for about three years. I started pastoring at 23 years old. I hope to share my views of life, ministry, and other tidbits that may arise. God has favored me to travel to share the most precious thing in the world to me, and that is the Word of God. I also hope to write books in the future, as I am now a Doctoral student at Wesley Theological Seminary studying Preaching in the 21st Century. I look forward to this journey. Blessings and Peace, RevCEGJr