Pastor’s Blog

Love, Justice, Mercy & Christ-Like Living

America Stand Up!!

Posted on Aug 13, 2017 in General, Pastor's Blog |

Yesterday was a horrific day in our nation! When hate-filled, bigoted, racists are allowed to descend on the people in Charlottesville, not only has America lost its way (which occurred when a racist, sexist, economically and intellectually unsound man was elected President), but we are all in danger! This moves beyond the emotional trauma we experience regularly and has the potential to cause the deaths of many others.

I Like Your Christ, Not Your Christians…

Posted on Jul 18, 2017 in General, Pastor's Blog |

Judgement, Side-eyes, Oppression, Exclusion, Church Hurt! These are just a few things church attendees experience on a regular basis that may turn them away forever. How do we claim to be Christian, but lack the compassion, love, and fight for justice that was essential to the very nature of Christ? How do we turn our noses up at others, when Christ is the one who welcomed everyone to the table? How do we cast judgment on others knowing Christ was the only perfect person to ever walk this earth? How do we condemn others for the same behavior we once knew personally? I believe Mahatma Gandhi described it best when he said “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” As CHRISTians, we must do better!

At The CWOW, we will do better! How will we do better you ask? Let me tell you how! First, as the Pastor I will tell you in a minute, I’m not perfect, I will mess up (and apologize when I do), but I will do my best to follow the example of Christ. I do not purport to have all the answers because quite frankly, I don’t. I value the input and theology of others. I value diversity and being challenged to move in excellence. I value those who are willing to try even if they get it wrong the first and second time. It is through the process of life, trials and tribulations that We discover God and ultimately ourselves. At The CWOW, we’re on a journey to discover the abundant life promised by God. We don’t ask for you to come in with everything all together, like Christ, we welcome you as you are!

We believe in people being themselves and authentically true to who they are. We are each created in God’s image. God meets us where we are, accepts us as we are and brings us inline to where God has called us to be. At THE CWOW, a prostitute should feel just as comfortable walking in as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. after all, Jesus did spend time with prostitutes. If this makes you uncomfortable, THE CWOW probably isn’t for you and that’s ok! When God’s children walk into THE CWOW, they should feel the love of God and the presence of God. Just as Jesus created a sense of community for God’s children, we’ll strive to create the same.

We strive to follow our foundation Scripture, Micah 6:8, so we DO Justice, LOVE mercy and WALK HUMBLY with God! We are each other’s keepers! We exude God’s love! We believe in LOVE! We are THE CWOW! We are CHRISTians!

Standing in the Gap!!

Posted on May 28, 2017 in General, Pastor's Blog |

Yesterday night my son Jaron came home from Friday’s in a slight panic, but let him tell it, he was “cool, calm and collected.” He came in my room and said he was debating on whether or not to tell me because he knew I wasn’t feeling well, but thought I’d want to know. Anxious for him to get it out, I’m like “What’s going on?” He proceeds to tell me how he and his friend had to walk from the main road because police had our community entrance blocked and their ride couldn’t get through. He said there was only one man sitting on the corner, but lots of officers and police cars steady coming. I put on my clothes immediately, but when we reached the front of the complex, everyone was gone.

My son apologized for getting me up for nothing and I told him he absolutely did the right thing! It was a teaching moment that standing in the gap for others is rarely, if ever, convenient but God has called us to be each other’s keepers! To that my son replied “AAAAAAMEN” lol. Most interactions don’t end badly, but too many do! So if you ever see my son or any vulnerable youth or person, I ask that you pull over to ensure they’re good or at least safe!

We are each other’s keepers!

#ProudMoment #BetterSafeThanSorry #StayWoke