Surrendering Your Plan for Your Great Joy

What's up everybody? Uh it's Mike What's up everybody? Uh it's Mike Kelsey, one of the pastors here at MLAN Kelsey, one of the pastors here at MLAN Kelsey, one of the pastors here at MLAN Bible Church, and I'm so glad you're Bible Church, and I'm so glad you're Bible Church, and I'm so glad you're joining us for this kind of mini podcast joining us for this kind of mini podcast joining us for this kind of mini podcast series that we're doing. Uh many of you series that we're doing. Uh many of you series that we're doing. Uh many of you know that our five-year vision as a know that our five-year vision as a know that our five-year vision as a church is called Let Down Your Nets. It church is called Let Down Your Nets. It church is called Let Down Your Nets. It comes from Luke chapter 5, uh where comes from Luke chapter 5, uh where comes from Luke chapter 5, uh where Jesus told Peter to put out into the Jesus told Peter to put out into the Jesus told Peter to put out into the deep and let down your nets. It was an deep and let down your nets. It was an deep and let down your nets. It was an invitation to participate in his invitation to participate in his invitation to participate in his mission. And we've summarized our mission. And we've summarized our mission. And we've summarized our five-year vision uh in four responses. five-year vision uh in four responses. five-year vision uh in four responses. So if Jesus is inviting us to So if Jesus is inviting us to So if Jesus is inviting us to participate in his mission, the way we participate in his mission, the way we participate in his mission, the way we are responding is summarized in 1, 5, are responding is summarized in 1, 5, are responding is summarized in 1, 5, 10, 20. So we want uh to reach one 10, 20. So we want uh to reach one 10, 20. So we want uh to reach one person at a time. Uh we want to uh be a person at a time. Uh we want to uh be a person at a time. Uh we want to uh be a part of starting five new congregations part of starting five new congregations part of starting five new congregations in the DC metro area over the next five in the DC metro area over the next five in the DC metro area over the next five years. We want to disciple the 10,000 years. We want to disciple the 10,000 years. We want to disciple the 10,000 people who call MLAN Bible Church home. people who call MLAN Bible Church home. people who call MLAN Bible Church home. And by God's grace, we want to help And by God's grace, we want to help And by God's grace, we want to help impact 20 million people around the impact 20 million people around the impact 20 million people around the world with the gospel. Uh and so today's world with the gospel. Uh and so today's world with the gospel. Uh and so today's episode is focusing on uh that start episode is focusing on uh that start episode is focusing on uh that start five, starting those five new five, starting those five new five, starting those five new congregations and we're open-handed. We congregations and we're open-handed. We congregations and we're open-handed. We don't know if that's going to be some don't know if that's going to be some don't know if that's going to be some more NBC locations. Uh we do know for more NBC locations. Uh we do know for more NBC locations. Uh we do know for sure uh that we want to be a part of sure uh that we want to be a part of sure uh that we want to be a part of helping to plant churches uh and help helping to plant churches uh and help helping to plant churches uh and help support and revitalize uh churches. Uh support and revitalize uh churches. Uh support and revitalize uh churches. Uh and so uh today we got a great interview and so uh today we got a great interview and so uh today we got a great interview with Pastor Thidi Ana Buoule from with Pastor Thidi Ana Buoule from with Pastor Thidi Ana Buoule from Anacostia River Church in uh Washington Anacostia River Church in uh Washington Anacostia River Church in uh Washington DC. And listen, you gotta hear this.

DC. And listen, you gotta hear this. DC. And listen, you gotta hear this. Yes, we're going to talk about church Yes, we're going to talk about church Yes, we're going to talk about church planting. We're going to talk about ways planting. We're going to talk about ways planting. We're going to talk about ways that you could participate uh in that you could participate uh in that you could participate uh in supporting church planting, but we supporting church planting, but we supporting church planting, but we fellas, we got something in here for you fellas, we got something in here for you fellas, we got something in here for you about dating and pursuing the women about dating and pursuing the women about dating and pursuing the women you're interested in and what it looks you're interested in and what it looks you're interested in and what it looks like to discern God's will in your life. like to discern God's will in your life. like to discern God's will in your life. Uh so check out this interview uh with Uh so check out this interview uh with Uh so check out this interview uh with Pastor The I hope uh you enjoy it and Pastor The I hope uh you enjoy it and Pastor The I hope uh you enjoy it and benefit from it. right, Pastor T. Uh it's so good to have right, Pastor T. Uh it's so good to have you uh with us, man. This is our first you uh with us, man. This is our first you uh with us, man. This is our first time uh doing this and uh just to kind time uh doing this and uh just to kind time uh doing this and uh just to kind of catch everybody up who's uh watching of catch everybody up who's uh watching of catch everybody up who's uh watching and we've talked about this. We are in and we've talked about this. We are in and we've talked about this. We are in the midst of a church of really the midst of a church of really the midst of a church of really embarking on this five-year journey. Uh embarking on this five-year journey. Uh embarking on this five-year journey. Uh it's a vision that we call Let Down Your it's a vision that we call Let Down Your it's a vision that we call Let Down Your Nets. And a part of that is just the Nets. And a part of that is just the Nets. And a part of that is just the core of the great commission and the core of the great commission and the core of the great commission and the core of our mission as a church which is core of our mission as a church which is core of our mission as a church which is to make disciples and to multiply to make disciples and to multiply to make disciples and to multiply churches churches churches >> among all nations beginning here in >> among all nations beginning here in >> among all nations beginning here in Washington DC. Uh and so a big part of Washington DC. Uh and so a big part of Washington DC. Uh and so a big part of that is church planting. And so uh I was that is church planting. And so uh I was that is church planting. And so uh I was thinking and praying like man who could thinking and praying like man who could thinking and praying like man who could I talk to to help us understand church I talk to to help us understand church I talk to to help us understand church planting and I was like let me talk to planting and I was like let me talk to planting and I was like let me talk to the OG the bishop himself.

the OG the bishop himself. the OG the bishop himself. >> So everybody else said no. Huh. >> So everybody else said no. Huh. >> So everybody else said no. Huh. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] So, uh, pastor Theidi Ana Bule, you have So, uh, pastor Theidi Ana Bule, you have So, uh, pastor Theidi Ana Bule, you have been in ministry for a very long time been in ministry for a very long time been in ministry for a very long time and, uh, and I've been following your and, uh, and I've been following your and, uh, and I've been following your ministry for a really long time. And ministry for a really long time. And ministry for a really long time. And I've said this to you over and over I've said this to you over and over I've said this to you over and over again, privately. I want to say it again, privately. I want to say it again, privately. I want to say it publicly. Uh, you in many ways, uh, man, publicly. Uh, you in many ways, uh, man, publicly. Uh, you in many ways, uh, man, in addition to my grandparents, my in addition to my grandparents, my in addition to my grandparents, my parents, uh, other mentors in my life, parents, uh, other mentors in my life, parents, uh, other mentors in my life, but you became a mentor from a distance, but you became a mentor from a distance, but you became a mentor from a distance, became you before you became, uh, a became you before you became, uh, a became you before you became, uh, a friend and a mentor up close. And so, friend and a mentor up close. And so, friend and a mentor up close. And so, I'm just thankful for, uh, for your I'm just thankful for, uh, for your I'm just thankful for, uh, for your ministry. and we'll get into the ministry. and we'll get into the ministry. and we'll get into the ministry stuff, man. But uh just ministry stuff, man. But uh just ministry stuff, man. But uh just introduce yourself. Tell us about introduce yourself. Tell us about introduce yourself. Tell us about yourself. Tell us about your wife, your yourself. Tell us about your wife, your yourself. Tell us about your wife, your family, where you where you live, all family, where you where you live, all family, where you where you live, all that stuff. that stuff. that stuff. >> Well, thank you for that, brother, for >> Well, thank you for that, brother, for >> Well, thank you for that, brother, for those kind comments. And it's it's those kind comments. And it's it's those kind comments. And it's it's mutual, brother. Um you you've been mutual, brother. Um you you've been mutual, brother. Um you you've been doing this for a while yourself. Um from doing this for a while yourself. Um from doing this for a while yourself. Um from evangelistic associations to local evangelistic associations to local evangelistic associations to local church pastoring, church pastoring, church pastoring, >> man, they tell me I'm not I'm not young >> man, they tell me I'm not I'm not young >> man, they tell me I'm not I'm not young anymore. anymore. anymore. >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, >> I refuse to believe it. >> I refuse to believe it. >> I refuse to believe it. >> Well, the only opinion that matters in >> Well, the only opinion that matters in >> Well, the only opinion that matters in that is your wife's. [laughter] that is your wife's. [laughter] that is your wife's. [laughter] So, listen to your wife. But yeah, uh So, listen to your wife. But yeah, uh So, listen to your wife. But yeah, uh Christie, my wife uh will be married uh Christie, my wife uh will be married uh Christie, my wife uh will be married uh this year will be 35 years. Uh we've got this year will be 35 years. Uh we've got this year will be 35 years. Uh we've got three kids, two girls who are married three kids, two girls who are married three kids, two girls who are married with their husbands and living in other with their husbands and living in other with their husbands and living in other parts of the country and uh one uh son parts of the country and uh one uh son parts of the country and uh one uh son who's going to be a sophomore in who's going to be a sophomore in who's going to be a sophomore in college. Uh this year we call Southeast college. Uh this year we call Southeast college. Uh this year we call Southeast DC home.

DC home. DC home. >> Um we were blessed by the Lord to come >> Um we were blessed by the Lord to come >> Um we were blessed by the Lord to come back from eight years of ministry in the back from eight years of ministry in the back from eight years of ministry in the Cayman Islands to plant a church uh in Cayman Islands to plant a church uh in Cayman Islands to plant a church uh in Southeast DC called Anastro River Southeast DC called Anastro River Southeast DC called Anastro River Church. Uh we have just celebrated 11 Church. Uh we have just celebrated 11 Church. Uh we have just celebrated 11 years. Uh we have just in God's kindness years. Uh we have just in God's kindness years. Uh we have just in God's kindness and this marvelous story uh acquired our and this marvelous story uh acquired our and this marvelous story uh acquired our first building and so that's awesome. Uh first building and so that's awesome. Uh first building and so that's awesome. Uh new bu new first new opportunities all new bu new first new opportunities all new bu new first new opportunities all those things. those things. those things. >> Um it's over in uh the Benning Ridge >> Um it's over in uh the Benning Ridge >> Um it's over in uh the Benning Ridge area uh neighborhood still in southeast area uh neighborhood still in southeast area uh neighborhood still in southeast DC there. Uh Ward 7. Um DC there. Uh Ward 7. Um DC there. Uh Ward 7. Um >> so yeah, we we're we're we're plugging >> so yeah, we we're we're we're plugging >> so yeah, we we're we're we're plugging along. I happen to serve as the along. I happen to serve as the along. I happen to serve as the president of the Creek Collective. a president of the Creek Collective. a president of the Creek Collective. a church planting uh organization that church planting uh organization that church planting uh organization that specifically focuses on uh planting specifically focuses on uh planting specifically focuses on uh planting churches in neighborhoods, not adjacent churches in neighborhoods, not adjacent churches in neighborhoods, not adjacent to but in neighborhoods that are defined to but in neighborhoods that are defined to but in neighborhoods that are defined by uh majority u minority populations uh by uh majority u minority populations uh by uh majority u minority populations uh and poverty and the issues that come and poverty and the issues that come and poverty and the issues that come along with poverty, right? We think along with poverty, right? We think along with poverty, right? We think that's the that's the hole in the donut that's the that's the hole in the donut that's the that's the hole in the donut when when it comes to church planting. when when it comes to church planting. when when it comes to church planting. And we feel like the Lord has has called And we feel like the Lord has has called And we feel like the Lord has has called us to be uh part of pioneering some work us to be uh part of pioneering some work us to be uh part of pioneering some work um in that area and seeing the gospel go um in that area and seeing the gospel go um in that area and seeing the gospel go to places that need fresh work to join to places that need fresh work to join to places that need fresh work to join the work that's already there. So love the work that's already there. So love the work that's already there. So love it. Yeah, that's me, man.

it. Yeah, that's me, man. it. Yeah, that's me, man. >> Yeah, man. One quick question. You say >> Yeah, man. One quick question. You say >> Yeah, man. One quick question. You say uh Southeast with a with a th or with a uh Southeast with a with a th or with a uh Southeast with a with a th or with a f? f? f? >> No, it's with a f. Whatever. I'm just >> No, it's with a f. Whatever. I'm just >> No, it's with a f. Whatever. I'm just for the not from the area. It's not for the not from the area. It's not for the not from the area. It's not southeast. southeast. southeast. >> Southeast. That's a shib. You come over >> Southeast. That's a shib. You come over >> Southeast. That's a shib. You come over there th we know you ain't from around there th we know you ain't from around there th we know you ain't from around here. here. here. >> Um all right. So, I know and we'll get >> Um all right. So, I know and we'll get >> Um all right. So, I know and we'll get into some of the church stuff and church into some of the church stuff and church into some of the church stuff and church planning stuff, but uh your wife Christy planning stuff, but uh your wife Christy planning stuff, but uh your wife Christy uh she's a legend, man. Um and I say uh she's a legend, man. Um and I say uh she's a legend, man. Um and I say that from a public standpoint. that from a public standpoint. that from a public standpoint. >> Uh the books that she's written, the >> Uh the books that she's written, the >> Uh the books that she's written, the stuff she's written about literature and stuff she's written about literature and stuff she's written about literature and uh the literary nature of scripture. Um uh the literary nature of scripture. Um uh the literary nature of scripture. Um uh but I I say that also uh offstage. Uh uh but I I say that also uh offstage. Uh uh but I I say that also uh offstage. Uh the women I know personally who have the women I know personally who have the women I know personally who have been invested in by her, discipled by been invested in by her, discipled by been invested in by her, discipled by her, uh she really really really is a her, uh she really really really is a her, uh she really really really is a legend. So, how long y'all been married? legend. So, how long y'all been married? legend. So, how long y'all been married? Uh, tell me what's a couple things I'm Uh, tell me what's a couple things I'm Uh, tell me what's a couple things I'm just trying to help you out. I'm trying just trying to help you out. I'm trying just trying to help you out. I'm trying to give you some cool points real quick. to give you some cool points real quick. to give you some cool points real quick. Thanks for having me. Thanks for having me. Thanks for having me. >> Tell me a couple things you uh you love >> Tell me a couple things you uh you love >> Tell me a couple things you uh you love about being married to her. about being married to her. about being married to her. >> Oh god. Um, I love my life. And and the >> Oh god. Um, I love my life. And and the >> Oh god. Um, I love my life. And and the reason I love my life is my wife has reason I love my life is my wife has reason I love my life is my wife has taught me to live. She's taught me to be taught me to live. She's taught me to be taught me to live. She's taught me to be generous. She's taught me to be kind.

generous. She's taught me to be kind. generous. She's taught me to be kind. Um, she's taught me to walk in faith. Um, she's taught me to walk in faith. Um, she's taught me to walk in faith. Uh, she's easily the best Christian in Uh, she's easily the best Christian in Uh, she's easily the best Christian in our home. our home. our home. >> Uh, easily the best writer and Bible >> Uh, easily the best writer and Bible >> Uh, easily the best writer and Bible teacher uh in our home. Um she has just teacher uh in our home. Um she has just teacher uh in our home. Um she has just been an extraordinary been an extraordinary been an extraordinary uh wife and mother um and uh and partner uh wife and mother um and uh and partner uh wife and mother um and uh and partner uh in the gospel in the ministry. I love uh in the gospel in the ministry. I love uh in the gospel in the ministry. I love her laugh. Angels laugh when she laughs. her laugh. Angels laugh when she laughs. her laugh. Angels laugh when she laughs. When she get a good belly laugh, heaven When she get a good belly laugh, heaven When she get a good belly laugh, heaven heaven laughs. I love I love her laugh. heaven laughs. I love I love her laugh. heaven laughs. I love I love her laugh. Um I love her eagerness to to care for Um I love her eagerness to to care for Um I love her eagerness to to care for others. Um we we could do this whole others. Um we we could do this whole others. Um we we could do this whole podcast on [laughter] what I love about podcast on [laughter] what I love about podcast on [laughter] what I love about my wife. A couple things I love about my my wife. A couple things I love about my my wife. A couple things I love about my wife, man. She's a she's an wife, man. She's a she's an wife, man. She's a she's an extraordinary woman. I knew I would meet extraordinary woman. I knew I would meet extraordinary woman. I knew I would meet I knew I would marry her the first time I knew I would marry her the first time I knew I would marry her the first time I met her. First time I saw her, I met her. First time I saw her, I met her. First time I saw her, >> she took some convincing. [laughter] >> she took some convincing. [laughter] >> she took some convincing. [laughter] >> Uh but 35 years later, man, by God's >> Uh but 35 years later, man, by God's >> Uh but 35 years later, man, by God's grace, we we're still plugging, man. grace, we we're still plugging, man. grace, we we're still plugging, man. >> Wow, man. >> Wow, man. >> Wow, man. >> This man, this wasn't even in the notes, >> This man, this wasn't even in the notes, >> This man, this wasn't even in the notes, but uh speak real quick to young men who but uh speak real quick to young men who but uh speak real quick to young men who want to be married. They're trying to want to be married. They're trying to want to be married. They're trying to figure out how do I position myself to figure out how do I position myself to figure out how do I position myself to be a godly husband and how do I look for be a godly husband and how do I look for be a godly husband and how do I look for and pursue a godly wife? maybe some and pursue a godly wife? maybe some and pursue a godly wife? maybe some young men who are interested in ministry young men who are interested in ministry young men who are interested in ministry or just want to be just just godly men or just want to be just just godly men or just want to be just just godly men who are married one day. Any any tips who are married one day. Any any tips who are married one day. Any any tips you can throw out there?

you can throw out there? you can throw out there? >> Well, so let me let me ratchet it up a >> Well, so let me let me ratchet it up a >> Well, so let me let me ratchet it up a little bit and then ratchet it down. I'm little bit and then ratchet it down. I'm little bit and then ratchet it down. I'm going ratchet it up by saying um going ratchet it up by saying um going ratchet it up by saying um >> who you choose to marry is the second >> who you choose to marry is the second >> who you choose to marry is the second most important decision you make in your most important decision you make in your most important decision you make in your life. life. life. >> The first was following Christ. >> The first was following Christ. >> The first was following Christ. >> The second is who am I going to spend >> The second is who am I going to spend >> The second is who am I going to spend the rest of my life with uh as one flesh the rest of my life with uh as one flesh the rest of my life with uh as one flesh partnering, laboring together with? partnering, laboring together with? partnering, laboring together with? >> And so you want to make that decision >> And so you want to make that decision >> And so you want to make that decision prayerfully. you want to make this prayerfully. you want to make this prayerfully. you want to make this decision intentionally. Uh you want to decision intentionally. Uh you want to decision intentionally. Uh you want to make the decision with counsel make the decision with counsel make the decision with counsel >> uh in that way. >> uh in that way. >> uh in that way. >> Now I want to dial it down a little bit >> Now I want to dial it down a little bit >> Now I want to dial it down a little bit though, right? Because I do think this though, right? Because I do think this though, right? Because I do think this is probably a generation that's given to is probably a generation that's given to is probably a generation that's given to anxiety about everything, right? anxiety about everything, right? anxiety about everything, right? >> And so what I want to say is relax. >> And so what I want to say is relax. >> And so what I want to say is relax. Relax. Uh but still be intentional. Um, Relax. Uh but still be intentional. Um, Relax. Uh but still be intentional. Um, you know, I find that a lot of Christian you know, I find that a lot of Christian you know, I find that a lot of Christian men in the effort to be a godly men in the effort to be a godly men in the effort to be a godly Christian man who conducts a Christian man who conducts a Christian man who conducts a relationship well, relationship well, relationship well, >> actually deskkill themselves socially, >> actually deskkill themselves socially, >> actually deskkill themselves socially, >> actually actually become socially >> actually actually become socially >> actually actually become socially awkward. You don't you don't know how to awkward. You don't you don't know how to awkward. You don't you don't know how to say hi to a woman. You don't know how to say hi to a woman. You don't know how to say hi to a woman. You don't know how to uh have a casual conversation. Um, men uh have a casual conversation. Um, men uh have a casual conversation. Um, men and women are thinking, okay, if he and women are thinking, okay, if he and women are thinking, okay, if he asked me to go get coffee, then he's asked me to go get coffee, then he's asked me to go get coffee, then he's going to propose next week. It's kind of going to propose next week. It's kind of going to propose next week. It's kind of like, chill out, right? chill out. Um, like, chill out, right? chill out. Um, like, chill out, right? chill out. Um, be natural, be yourself. Uh, if you are be natural, be yourself. Uh, if you are be natural, be yourself. Uh, if you are socially awkward, fine, and be your socially awkward, fine, and be your socially awkward, fine, and be your socially awkward self. U, but otherwise, socially awkward self. U, but otherwise, socially awkward self. U, but otherwise, I think a lot of this is is down to I think a lot of this is is down to I think a lot of this is is down to providence.

providence. providence. >> And so, trust God. Um, be sensitive to >> And so, trust God. Um, be sensitive to >> And so, trust God. Um, be sensitive to the spirit, the spirit, the spirit, >> be sensitive to counsel in the Christian >> be sensitive to counsel in the Christian >> be sensitive to counsel in the Christian community. Um, and then take intentional community. Um, and then take intentional community. Um, and then take intentional take intentional active action. I I take intentional active action. I I take intentional active action. I I think the the thing I want to say to a think the the thing I want to say to a think the the thing I want to say to a lot of men is you have to relinquish lot of men is you have to relinquish lot of men is you have to relinquish your passive approach to friendships and your passive approach to friendships and your passive approach to friendships and relationships. relationships. relationships. >> Um that I think I see a lot of men just >> Um that I think I see a lot of men just >> Um that I think I see a lot of men just kind of waiting for it to happen. kind of waiting for it to happen. kind of waiting for it to happen. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Meanwhile, a lot of women particularly >> Meanwhile, a lot of women particularly >> Meanwhile, a lot of women particularly in evangelical and conservative spaces in evangelical and conservative spaces in evangelical and conservative spaces are waiting for a guy to initiate. are waiting for a guy to initiate. are waiting for a guy to initiate. >> And so as a consequence, nothing >> And so as a consequence, nothing >> And so as a consequence, nothing happens. Yeah. Right. Yeah. happens. Yeah. Right. Yeah. happens. Yeah. Right. Yeah. >> And so I just want to say to brothers, >> And so I just want to say to brothers, >> And so I just want to say to brothers, brothers, brothers, brothers, >> yeah, you you've got to relinquish >> yeah, you you've got to relinquish >> yeah, you you've got to relinquish passivity. uh not only when it comes to passivity. uh not only when it comes to passivity. uh not only when it comes to dating, but then for the life of the dating, but then for the life of the dating, but then for the life of the marriage itself, you're going to have to marriage itself, you're going to have to marriage itself, you're going to have to sort of step forward, lead, you know, be sort of step forward, lead, you know, be sort of step forward, lead, you know, be be the kinds of things that the Lord be the kinds of things that the Lord be the kinds of things that the Lord calls you to be as a man of God. calls you to be as a man of God. calls you to be as a man of God. >> And that's going to require some >> And that's going to require some >> And that's going to require some intentionality. And intentionality. And intentionality. And >> you know, uh so move forward being who >> you know, uh so move forward being who >> you know, uh so move forward being who you are. you are. you are. >> Relax. God is working his providence. Um >> Relax. God is working his providence. Um >> Relax. God is working his providence. Um be intentional. Um and then, you know, be intentional. Um and then, you know, be intentional. Um and then, you know, make those kinds of decisions in the make those kinds of decisions in the make those kinds of decisions in the community. Trust the community.

community. Trust the community. community. Trust the community. >> And I think that's important. And it may >> And I think that's important. And it may >> And I think that's important. And it may sound disconnected from church planting, sound disconnected from church planting, sound disconnected from church planting, from ministry. Part of the reason why I from ministry. Part of the reason why I from ministry. Part of the reason why I want to ask that is want to ask that is want to ask that is >> um because I do think >> um because I do think >> um because I do think >> we want to be leading uh from the >> we want to be leading uh from the >> we want to be leading uh from the overflow. We have a a leadership uh overflow. We have a a leadership uh overflow. We have a a leadership uh value uh here at the church, lead from value uh here at the church, lead from value uh here at the church, lead from overflow. overflow. overflow. >> And that's certainly spiritually leading >> And that's certainly spiritually leading >> And that's certainly spiritually leading from, you know, John 15 uh abiding in from, you know, John 15 uh abiding in from, you know, John 15 uh abiding in Jesus and bearing fruit out of that uh Jesus and bearing fruit out of that uh Jesus and bearing fruit out of that uh relationship and intimacy with him. But relationship and intimacy with him. But relationship and intimacy with him. But we should also be leading out of the we should also be leading out of the we should also be leading out of the overflow of of who we are, which overflow of of who we are, which overflow of of who we are, which includes uh if you're married, it includes uh if you're married, it includes uh if you're married, it includes your marriage. And so the includes your marriage. And so the includes your marriage. And so the health and vitality of your ministry is health and vitality of your ministry is health and vitality of your ministry is tied to organically tied to the health tied to organically tied to the health tied to organically tied to the health and vitality of your of your marriage. and vitality of your of your marriage. and vitality of your of your marriage. And if you're single, um leading out of And if you're single, um leading out of And if you're single, um leading out of your singleness in a healthy your singleness in a healthy your singleness in a healthy God-honoring way. So, uh I think your God-honoring way. So, uh I think your God-honoring way. So, uh I think your marriage and family is a foundation uh marriage and family is a foundation uh marriage and family is a foundation uh of of your ministry and I I know from uh of of your ministry and I I know from uh of of your ministry and I I know from uh from observing y'all uh and getting to from observing y'all uh and getting to from observing y'all uh and getting to spend some time with you uh that you uh spend some time with you uh that you uh spend some time with you uh that you uh you live from that uh place and I'm sure you live from that uh place and I'm sure you live from that uh place and I'm sure you haven't always gotten it right, but you haven't always gotten it right, but you haven't always gotten it right, but that's a whole another podcast which I that's a whole another podcast which I that's a whole another podcast which I would love to record.

would love to record. would love to record. >> That's a whole series of podcast things >> That's a whole series of podcast things >> That's a whole series of podcast things I have not got right. I have not got right. I have not got right. >> Uh all right, so let's let's talk about >> Uh all right, so let's let's talk about >> Uh all right, so let's let's talk about just spiritual life just uh just quickly just spiritual life just uh just quickly just spiritual life just uh just quickly and then we'll get into some church and then we'll get into some church and then we'll get into some church planning stuff. But before you were a planning stuff. But before you were a planning stuff. But before you were a church planter and before you were a church planter and before you were a church planter and before you were a pastor, you were a Christian. pastor, you were a Christian. pastor, you were a Christian. >> Uh but you weren't always uh a Christian >> Uh but you weren't always uh a Christian >> Uh but you weren't always uh a Christian and none of us are. And so how did you and none of us are. And so how did you and none of us are. And so how did you end up coming to faith in Jesus? What end up coming to faith in Jesus? What end up coming to faith in Jesus? What that journey looked like uh for you? that journey looked like uh for you? that journey looked like uh for you? >> Yeah. Grew up in a nominally Christian >> Yeah. Grew up in a nominally Christian >> Yeah. Grew up in a nominally Christian home in North Carolina. Um did not home in North Carolina. Um did not home in North Carolina. Um did not understand the gospel. Didn't really understand the gospel. Didn't really understand the gospel. Didn't really know who Jesus was. Had very vague sense know who Jesus was. Had very vague sense know who Jesus was. Had very vague sense uh of of who Jesus is. And uh of of who Jesus is. And uh of of who Jesus is. And >> got arrested after my sophomore year in >> got arrested after my sophomore year in >> got arrested after my sophomore year in high school. I'd been an A student, you high school. I'd been an A student, you high school. I'd been an A student, you know, athlete, you know, all that sort know, athlete, you know, all that sort know, athlete, you know, all that sort of popularity in small southern towns of popularity in small southern towns of popularity in small southern towns that came with that. that came with that. that came with that. >> Uh, all that then just sort of vanished >> Uh, all that then just sort of vanished >> Uh, all that then just sort of vanished when I got arrested. Just was really when I got arrested. Just was really when I got arrested. Just was really uncertain about what the rest of my life uncertain about what the rest of my life uncertain about what the rest of my life would be. would be. would be. >> And the pastor who um served our church >> And the pastor who um served our church >> And the pastor who um served our church at the time, Reverend FD Betts, was 55 at the time, Reverend FD Betts, was 55 at the time, Reverend FD Betts, was 55 years the pastor of that church, years the pastor of that church, years the pastor of that church, >> uh, came to mind. >> uh, came to mind. >> uh, came to mind. >> You know you're OG when you go by >> You know you're OG when you go by >> You know you're OG when you go by initials. initials. initials. >> That's right. That's right. >> That's right. That's right. >> That's right. That's right. >> FD [laughter] Betts, that's exactly >> FD [laughter] Betts, that's exactly >> FD [laughter] Betts, that's exactly right. Some real OG, right?

right. Some real OG, right? right. Some real OG, right? But he appeared in the courtroom on my But he appeared in the courtroom on my But he appeared in the courtroom on my behalf, man. And the judge beckoned him behalf, man. And the judge beckoned him behalf, man. And the judge beckoned him to the bench. I mean, we were in the to the bench. I mean, we were in the to the bench. I mean, we were in the middle of proceedings and a judge says, middle of proceedings and a judge says, middle of proceedings and a judge says, "Revan Bets, is that you?" Yeah. Called "Revan Bets, is that you?" Yeah. Called "Revan Bets, is that you?" Yeah. Called him to the him to the him to the >> to the um to the bench and Rean Betts >> to the um to the bench and Rean Betts >> to the um to the bench and Rean Betts goes up and talks for a couple of goes up and talks for a couple of goes up and talks for a couple of minutes minutes minutes >> and uh walks by and smiles at me and my >> and uh walks by and smiles at me and my >> and uh walks by and smiles at me and my mom and just keeps going. He was a old mom and just keeps going. He was a old mom and just keeps going. He was a old man at the time. man at the time. man at the time. >> And the judge dismissed the case and >> And the judge dismissed the case and >> And the judge dismissed the case and next thing you know, the judge say, you next thing you know, the judge say, you next thing you know, the judge say, you know, we're dismissing the case and all know, we're dismissing the case and all know, we're dismissing the case and all that good stuff. just on the strength of that good stuff. just on the strength of that good stuff. just on the strength of Reverend Bett's faithfulness and Reverend Bett's faithfulness and Reverend Bett's faithfulness and ministry over five decades in the in the ministry over five decades in the in the ministry over five decades in the in the community. And that was a that was a community. And that was a that was a community. And that was a that was a second start for me. second start for me. second start for me. >> Now, I didn't use it well. I I go off to >> Now, I didn't use it well. I I go off to >> Now, I didn't use it well. I I go off to college, I convert to Islam. And so, I college, I convert to Islam. And so, I college, I convert to Islam. And so, I was a practicing Muslim for my was a practicing Muslim for my was a practicing Muslim for my undergraduate years and a year or so undergraduate years and a year or so undergraduate years and a year or so after uh really zealous for Islam after uh really zealous for Islam after uh really zealous for Islam because in that little nominal setting, because in that little nominal setting, because in that little nominal setting, I had come to think that Christianity I had come to think that Christianity I had come to think that Christianity was for little blue-haired women. It was was for little blue-haired women. It was was for little blue-haired women. It was little for for older folks. um pie in little for for older folks. um pie in little for for older folks. um pie in the sky stuff, not really um making the sky stuff, not really um making the sky stuff, not really um making contact with real life. It had become my contact with real life. It had become my contact with real life. It had become my attitude. attitude. attitude. >> My dad had left the the family. Uh I >> My dad had left the the family. Uh I >> My dad had left the the family. Uh I didn't know it, but I was angry about didn't know it, but I was angry about didn't know it, but I was angry about that. Just sort of roing on the inside.

that. Just sort of roing on the inside. that. Just sort of roing on the inside. So when I come to campus and see these So when I come to campus and see these So when I come to campus and see these cleancut black men, talking about cleancut black men, talking about cleancut black men, talking about marrying your women, raising your kids, marrying your women, raising your kids, marrying your women, raising your kids, caring for your community, etc. caring for your community, etc. caring for your community, etc. >> I was drawn like a moth to flame. I'd >> I was drawn like a moth to flame. I'd >> I was drawn like a moth to flame. I'd not seen men like that. Some Muslim men. not seen men like that. Some Muslim men. not seen men like that. Some Muslim men. And so I converted my sophomore year And so I converted my sophomore year And so I converted my sophomore year >> practicing Muslim uh for several years, >> practicing Muslim uh for several years, >> practicing Muslim uh for several years, zealous for Islam. zealous for Islam. zealous for Islam. >> Uh and then one year during Ramadan, I'm >> Uh and then one year during Ramadan, I'm >> Uh and then one year during Ramadan, I'm early for the fast and I'm reading the early for the fast and I'm reading the early for the fast and I'm reading the Quran and I'm reading Surah Mariam, Quran and I'm reading Surah Mariam, Quran and I'm reading Surah Mariam, which is the the the the surah on Mary which is the the the the surah on Mary which is the the the the surah on Mary and the virgin birth. and the virgin birth. and the virgin birth. >> I'm like, why is this in the Quran? >> I'm like, why is this in the Quran? >> I'm like, why is this in the Quran? Right? This is this is why is this in Right? This is this is why is this in Right? This is this is why is this in the Quran? Because if Christ is virgin the Quran? Because if Christ is virgin the Quran? Because if Christ is virgin born, born, born, >> then how can he not be God's son? >> then how can he not be God's son? >> then how can he not be God's son? >> Yeah. And as I'm sitting there wrestling >> Yeah. And as I'm sitting there wrestling >> Yeah. And as I'm sitting there wrestling with that, other passages from the Quran with that, other passages from the Quran with that, other passages from the Quran come flooding into mind. The number of come flooding into mind. The number of come flooding into mind. The number of times that Jesus is referred to as Issa times that Jesus is referred to as Issa times that Jesus is referred to as Issa Amasi, the Messiah. So Messiah is a a Amasi, the Messiah. So Messiah is a a Amasi, the Messiah. So Messiah is a a very Jewish conception. We know what the very Jewish conception. We know what the very Jewish conception. We know what the Messiah is supposed to do. um or the Messiah is supposed to do. um or the Messiah is supposed to do. um or the references to the Holy Spirit, which you references to the Holy Spirit, which you references to the Holy Spirit, which you know, apologists try to explain away as know, apologists try to explain away as know, apologists try to explain away as references to Gabriel or one of the references to Gabriel or one of the references to Gabriel or one of the angels, but just syntactically and angels, but just syntactically and angels, but just syntactically and semantically that just can't be true in semantically that just can't be true in semantically that just can't be true in many of those passages.

many of those passages. many of those passages. >> And so Islam began to unravel, >> And so Islam began to unravel, >> And so Islam began to unravel, >> right? And that that sent me into a year >> right? And that that sent me into a year >> right? And that that sent me into a year of bouncing between agnosticism and of bouncing between agnosticism and of bouncing between agnosticism and atheism atheism atheism >> when at the end of that year, my wife >> when at the end of that year, my wife >> when at the end of that year, my wife and I, we miscarried our first child. and I, we miscarried our first child. and I, we miscarried our first child. >> And the Lord humbled us. He humbled us >> And the Lord humbled us. He humbled us >> And the Lord humbled us. He humbled us in that miscarriage. in that miscarriage. in that miscarriage. >> And I was sitting at home and uh a >> And I was sitting at home and uh a >> And I was sitting at home and uh a fellow who's gone to be with the Lord fellow who's gone to be with the Lord fellow who's gone to be with the Lord now, uh Pastor John Cherry, uh from over now, uh Pastor John Cherry, uh from over now, uh Pastor John Cherry, uh from over in Temple Hills used to come on BET on in Temple Hills used to come on BET on in Temple Hills used to come on BET on Tuesday mornings Tuesday mornings Tuesday mornings >> and he came on BET and he was just >> and he came on BET and he was just >> and he came on BET and he was just preaching systematically through Timothy preaching systematically through Timothy preaching systematically through Timothy >> um about the life of the Christian mind. >> um about the life of the Christian mind. >> um about the life of the Christian mind. And it was like someone had rewritten And it was like someone had rewritten And it was like someone had rewritten the Bible the Bible the Bible >> uh and and God began to draw me by his >> uh and and God began to draw me by his >> uh and and God began to draw me by his word. And uh we long story short came to word. And uh we long story short came to word. And uh we long story short came to DC one weekend to visit some close DC one weekend to visit some close DC one weekend to visit some close friends and their family and to go to friends and their family and to go to friends and their family and to go to that church. We told to get there early that church. We told to get there early that church. We told to get there early because it was packed out and it was because it was packed out and it was because it was packed out and it was like my wife and I were the only ones in like my wife and I were the only ones in like my wife and I were the only ones in the building and he preached from Exodus the building and he preached from Exodus the building and he preached from Exodus 32 a sermon called what does it take to 32 a sermon called what does it take to 32 a sermon called what does it take to make you angry. make you angry. make you angry. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Um and there I was sitting out there >> Um and there I was sitting out there >> Um and there I was sitting out there this angry young man had had been in a this angry young man had had been in a this angry young man had had been in a in idolatry in Islam. Um, and he's in idolatry in Islam. Um, and he's in idolatry in Islam. Um, and he's talking about the golden calf and talking about the golden calf and talking about the golden calf and idolatry. And he preaches Jesus and the idolatry. And he preaches Jesus and the idolatry. And he preaches Jesus and the cross and the gospel from that text. And cross and the gospel from that text. And cross and the gospel from that text. And in God's kindness, he saved my wife and in God's kindness, he saved my wife and in God's kindness, he saved my wife and I both that Sunday morning under the I both that Sunday morning under the I both that Sunday morning under the preaching of the gospel.

preaching of the gospel. preaching of the gospel. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Uh, come back to North Carolina, get >> Uh, come back to North Carolina, get >> Uh, come back to North Carolina, get involved at a little Baptist church involved at a little Baptist church involved at a little Baptist church there. And about a year later, one of there. And about a year later, one of there. And about a year later, one of the assistant ministers go out to plant the assistant ministers go out to plant the assistant ministers go out to plant the church. And my wife and I, we join the church. And my wife and I, we join the church. And my wife and I, we join that team of folks to plant the church. that team of folks to plant the church. that team of folks to plant the church. Church on the Rock in Raleigh, North Church on the Rock in Raleigh, North Church on the Rock in Raleigh, North Carolina. Pete Rochelle is the pastor. Carolina. Pete Rochelle is the pastor. Carolina. Pete Rochelle is the pastor. served there for a couple years as a as served there for a couple years as a as served there for a couple years as a as a lay elder. Um, and then the Lord a lay elder. Um, and then the Lord a lay elder. Um, and then the Lord brings us to DC and get involved with brings us to DC and get involved with brings us to DC and get involved with Capitol Hill Baptist Church and join the Capitol Hill Baptist Church and join the Capitol Hill Baptist Church and join the staff there and then go from there to staff there and then go from there to staff there and then go from there to the Cayman Islands for eight years the Cayman Islands for eight years the Cayman Islands for eight years >> before coming back to to plant uh >> before coming back to to plant uh >> before coming back to to plant uh Anecost River Church. Anecost River Church. Anecost River Church. >> Yeah, man. Praise God, man. >> Yeah, man. Praise God, man. >> Yeah, man. Praise God, man. >> Yeah, God's been good to me, brother. >> Yeah, God's been good to me, brother. >> Yeah, God's been good to me, brother. >> He has been He has been good. Um, >> He has been He has been good. Um, >> He has been He has been good. Um, >> something I want to just double click on >> something I want to just double click on >> something I want to just double click on for a minute. Uh, uh, was it Reverend FD for a minute. Uh, uh, was it Reverend FD for a minute. Uh, uh, was it Reverend FD Betts? You said was his name. Mhm. Betts? You said was his name. Mhm. Betts? You said was his name. Mhm. >> He showed up in the courtroom. >> He showed up in the courtroom. >> He showed up in the courtroom. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> To testify on your behalf. >> To testify on your behalf. >> To testify on your behalf. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Now, I grew up in a traditional black >> Now, I grew up in a traditional black >> Now, I grew up in a traditional black church. You know, my dad is a pastor in church. You know, my dad is a pastor in church. You know, my dad is a pastor in DC. Grandfather was a pastor uh in in DC. Grandfather was a pastor uh in in DC. Grandfather was a pastor uh in in DC. DC. DC. >> That doesn't strike me as odd, >> That doesn't strike me as odd, >> That doesn't strike me as odd, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> But I think for some people, they hear >> But I think for some people, they hear >> But I think for some people, they hear that as almost disconnected from that as almost disconnected from that as almost disconnected from pastoral ministry.

pastoral ministry. pastoral ministry. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh but a lot of times in the black >> Uh but a lot of times in the black >> Uh but a lot of times in the black church tradition, those are not separate church tradition, those are not separate church tradition, those are not separate things. him showing up to that courtroom things. him showing up to that courtroom things. him showing up to that courtroom was actually pastoral ministry for him. was actually pastoral ministry for him. was actually pastoral ministry for him. So, help us just understand a little bit So, help us just understand a little bit So, help us just understand a little bit because this this kind of overflows a because this this kind of overflows a because this this kind of overflows a bit, I think, into the ministry that bit, I think, into the ministry that bit, I think, into the ministry that you're doing at Anacostia River Church. you're doing at Anacostia River Church. you're doing at Anacostia River Church. Uh, help give us some theological Uh, help give us some theological Uh, help give us some theological categories for how pastoral comm uh categories for how pastoral comm uh categories for how pastoral comm uh ministry is connected to uh that type of ministry is connected to uh that type of ministry is connected to uh that type of outreach, that type of justice work, outreach, that type of justice work, outreach, that type of justice work, that type of standing in the gap in the that type of standing in the gap in the that type of standing in the gap in the community. community. community. >> Yeah. Well, particularly in a >> Yeah. Well, particularly in a >> Yeah. Well, particularly in a marginalized community as the marginalized community as the marginalized community as the African-American community has been African-American community has been African-American community has been historically, um, historically there historically, um, historically there historically, um, historically there have been very few positions of have been very few positions of have been very few positions of leadership, leadership, leadership, >> uh, that shepherd the community and the >> uh, that shepherd the community and the >> uh, that shepherd the community and the pastor being one of them. Teachers pastor being one of them. Teachers pastor being one of them. Teachers sometimes as well, uh, etc. And so you sometimes as well, uh, etc. And so you sometimes as well, uh, etc. And so you you can't exist in that community you can't exist in that community you can't exist in that community um, with this kind of doseic error where um, with this kind of doseic error where um, with this kind of doseic error where you're separating spiritual things from you're separating spiritual things from you're separating spiritual things from physical things. those things are those physical things. those things are those physical things. those things are those things are intertwined as they are in things are intertwined as they are in things are intertwined as they are in real life.

real life. real life. >> Um and there the call to the ministry >> Um and there the call to the ministry >> Um and there the call to the ministry really can't be separated between I'm really can't be separated between I'm really can't be separated between I'm called to preach or I'm called to called to preach or I'm called to called to preach or I'm called to pastor. And I think this is one of the pastor. And I think this is one of the pastor. And I think this is one of the errors I think a lot of people today errors I think a lot of people today errors I think a lot of people today contract a call to pastoral ministry to contract a call to pastoral ministry to contract a call to pastoral ministry to preaching. preaching. preaching. >> This is why when a young man comes to me >> This is why when a young man comes to me >> This is why when a young man comes to me and says I feel like I'm called to and says I feel like I'm called to and says I feel like I'm called to preach. I'm like that's great. Where do preach. I'm like that's great. Where do preach. I'm like that's great. Where do you plan to do that? you plan to do that? you plan to do that? >> Right. Well, I was singing in the >> Right. Well, I was singing in the >> Right. Well, I was singing in the church. goes, "Well, here pastors church. goes, "Well, here pastors church. goes, "Well, here pastors preach. We are pastors who preach. preach. We are pastors who preach. preach. We are pastors who preach. >> We're not preachers who sometimes >> We're not preachers who sometimes >> We're not preachers who sometimes pastor, pastor, pastor, >> right?" And so, I want to give them a >> right?" And so, I want to give them a >> right?" And so, I want to give them a bigger sense of what the scripture is bigger sense of what the scripture is bigger sense of what the scripture is teaching because the scripture in the teaching because the scripture in the teaching because the scripture in the pastoral epistles and uh everything we pastoral epistles and uh everything we pastoral epistles and uh everything we see has this broad concern for the whole see has this broad concern for the whole see has this broad concern for the whole person. So we think about, you know, if person. So we think about, you know, if person. So we think about, you know, if we journey through the book of Acts, for we journey through the book of Acts, for we journey through the book of Acts, for example, sure, Acts 2, Peter stands up example, sure, Acts 2, Peter stands up example, sure, Acts 2, Peter stands up and preaches the gospel and people get and preaches the gospel and people get and preaches the gospel and people get saved, saved, saved, >> but you're not two chapters later and >> but you're not two chapters later and >> but you're not two chapters later and they're doing things like selling their they're doing things like selling their they're doing things like selling their possessions and distributing to each possessions and distributing to each possessions and distributing to each person as they had need. They're taking person as they had need. They're taking person as they had need. They're taking care of the physical needs of the body. care of the physical needs of the body. care of the physical needs of the body. >> Acts chapter 6, you get the rise of >> Acts chapter 6, you get the rise of >> Acts chapter 6, you get the rise of those seven uh perhaps prototypes for those seven uh perhaps prototypes for those seven uh perhaps prototypes for deacons. And what are they what are they deacons. And what are they what are they deacons. And what are they what are they appointed to do? To distribute the daily appointed to do? To distribute the daily appointed to do? To distribute the daily food to the widows. Yeah.

food to the widows. Yeah. food to the widows. Yeah. >> Right. And you see that same concern >> Right. And you see that same concern >> Right. And you see that same concern just through the book of acts. You see just through the book of acts. You see just through the book of acts. You see that same concern uh in the pastorals. that same concern uh in the pastorals. that same concern uh in the pastorals. So when Paul writes in 1 Timothy chapter So when Paul writes in 1 Timothy chapter So when Paul writes in 1 Timothy chapter 5 to take care of widows, right, who are 5 to take care of widows, right, who are 5 to take care of widows, right, who are truly in need. Yeah. truly in need. Yeah. truly in need. Yeah. >> He's not referring just to teach them >> He's not referring just to teach them >> He's not referring just to teach them the scripture. the scripture. the scripture. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Although he is alluded to that in first >> Although he is alluded to that in first >> Although he is alluded to that in first Timothy, early in first Timothy and in Timothy, early in first Timothy and in Timothy, early in first Timothy and in Titus when he talks about teach the Titus when he talks about teach the Titus when he talks about teach the older women, the younger women, etc. older women, the younger women, etc. older women, the younger women, etc. >> It's not just talking about teach what >> It's not just talking about teach what >> It's not just talking about teach what sounds teach sound doctrine. He's also sounds teach sound doctrine. He's also sounds teach sound doctrine. He's also talking about teaching what accords with talking about teaching what accords with talking about teaching what accords with sound doctrine, the life that grows out sound doctrine, the life that grows out sound doctrine, the life that grows out of that, of that, of that, >> which has a lot to do with the whole >> which has a lot to do with the whole >> which has a lot to do with the whole person, which has a lot to do with the person, which has a lot to do with the person, which has a lot to do with the social connections of the whole person social connections of the whole person social connections of the whole person >> and the kinds of social values that the >> and the kinds of social values that the >> and the kinds of social values that the Bible holds forth. Yeah. Justice, mercy, Bible holds forth. Yeah. Justice, mercy, Bible holds forth. Yeah. Justice, mercy, um, truth, um, truth, um, truth, >> all those kinds of things, right? And so >> all those kinds of things, right? And so >> all those kinds of things, right? And so >> all of that in the in the historic black >> all of that in the in the historic black >> all of that in the in the historic black context context context >> is what a pastor is concerned with. Mhm. >> is what a pastor is concerned with. Mhm. >> is what a pastor is concerned with. Mhm. >> Right. Um and and >> Right. Um and and >> Right. Um and and concerned with it to the extent that concerned with it to the extent that concerned with it to the extent that he's getting involved in it and doesn't he's getting involved in it and doesn't he's getting involved in it and doesn't see that as leaving the ministry of the see that as leaving the ministry of the see that as leaving the ministry of the word to go wait tables.

word to go wait tables. word to go wait tables. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He is uh concerned with it to the extent >> He is uh concerned with it to the extent >> He is uh concerned with it to the extent that he is mobilizing his congregation that he is mobilizing his congregation that he is mobilizing his congregation >> in various ways to engage the community >> in various ways to engage the community >> in various ways to engage the community etc. etc. etc. concerned with it to the extent and I concerned with it to the extent and I concerned with it to the extent and I think they have to be careful here but think they have to be careful here but think they have to be careful here but to the extent that sometimes to the extent that sometimes to the extent that sometimes >> um there's an overlapping of the church >> um there's an overlapping of the church >> um there's an overlapping of the church and the community in its concerns and the community in its concerns and the community in its concerns there's not always a a clean distinction there's not always a a clean distinction there's not always a a clean distinction between you know being a part of the the between you know being a part of the the between you know being a part of the the body of Christ and being a part of the body of Christ and being a part of the body of Christ and being a part of the body politic right body politic right body politic right >> um again that's there's healthy and >> um again that's there's healthy and >> um again that's there's healthy and unhealthy stuff in that but uh that is unhealthy stuff in that but uh that is unhealthy stuff in that but uh that is just simply to say that there's no way just simply to say that there's no way just simply to say that there's no way to pastor with integrity in a community to pastor with integrity in a community to pastor with integrity in a community of need of need of need while ignoring those needs. while ignoring those needs. while ignoring those needs. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That just doesn't look like how Jesus >> That just doesn't look like how Jesus >> That just doesn't look like how Jesus moved. moved. moved. >> Doesn't look like how the early church >> Doesn't look like how the early church >> Doesn't look like how the early church moved. It doesn't look like the best moved. It doesn't look like the best moved. It doesn't look like the best examples from church history. examples from church history. examples from church history. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that's a big part of why I wanted to >> And that's a big part of why I wanted to >> And that's a big part of why I wanted to interview you. Uh because you you have interview you. Uh because you you have interview you. Uh because you you have planted a church. You're now pastoring a planted a church. You're now pastoring a planted a church. You're now pastoring a church that's in a different part of the church that's in a different part of the church that's in a different part of the DMV than we're in here in MLAN Bible DMV than we're in here in MLAN Bible DMV than we're in here in MLAN Bible Church. So, we're in five different Church. So, we're in five different Church. So, we're in five different locations in Maryland, in Northern locations in Maryland, in Northern locations in Maryland, in Northern Virginia. And I mean, you know, some of Virginia. And I mean, you know, some of Virginia. And I mean, you know, some of the history of our church. We've helped the history of our church. We've helped the history of our church. We've helped uh support a lot of ministry around the uh support a lot of ministry around the uh support a lot of ministry around the DMV and in DC in particular, even in DMV and in DC in particular, even in DMV and in DC in particular, even in Anacostia. That's right. Um we've Anacostia. That's right. Um we've Anacostia. That's right. Um we've funded, we've catalyzed. Uh but there funded, we've catalyzed. Uh but there funded, we've catalyzed. Uh but there are some dynamics that we need to be are some dynamics that we need to be are some dynamics that we need to be aware of uh and opportunities that we aware of uh and opportunities that we aware of uh and opportunities that we need to be aware of to be able to help need to be aware of to be able to help need to be aware of to be able to help lean in and uh and just uh put our hand

lean in and uh and just uh put our hand lean in and uh and just uh put our hand to the plow, be shoulder-to-shoulder to the plow, be shoulder-to-shoulder to the plow, be shoulder-to-shoulder with brothers and sisters who are doing with brothers and sisters who are doing with brothers and sisters who are doing real work. And uh I know a little bit of real work. And uh I know a little bit of real work. And uh I know a little bit of the backstory, but you were pastoring in the backstory, but you were pastoring in the backstory, but you were pastoring in a couple different contexts a couple different contexts a couple different contexts >> uh but you started to feel just a tug >> uh but you started to feel just a tug >> uh but you started to feel just a tug from the Lord uh in your heart. And I from the Lord uh in your heart. And I from the Lord uh in your heart. And I don't know if it was specifically for don't know if it was specifically for don't know if it was specifically for Anacostia at first Anacostia at first Anacostia at first >> uh but I know it was to plant and pastor >> uh but I know it was to plant and pastor >> uh but I know it was to plant and pastor in the type of community that you're in the type of community that you're in the type of community that you're that you're serving in right now. talk that you're serving in right now. talk that you're serving in right now. talk about that journey like what was that about that journey like what was that about that journey like what was that journey like where you began to be aware journey like where you began to be aware journey like where you began to be aware of the desire and then just the call of the desire and then just the call of the desire and then just the call from the Lord to to just to plant a from the Lord to to just to plant a from the Lord to to just to plant a church in general. Uh and then I love to church in general. Uh and then I love to church in general. Uh and then I love to ask you kind All right, how did that get ask you kind All right, how did that get ask you kind All right, how did that get more specific in terms of location? more specific in terms of location? more specific in terms of location? >> Yeah. Well, I was I was serving in the >> Yeah. Well, I was I was serving in the >> Yeah. Well, I was I was serving in the Cayman Islands. We feel like the Lord Cayman Islands. We feel like the Lord Cayman Islands. We feel like the Lord had called us there and we had a had called us there and we had a had called us there and we had a wonderful eight years there, a beautiful wonderful eight years there, a beautiful wonderful eight years there, a beautiful people there people there people there >> and a wonderful church. Um and across >> and a wonderful church. Um and across >> and a wonderful church. Um and across across that eight years, my wife and I across that eight years, my wife and I across that eight years, my wife and I were kind of like on a seessaw were kind of like on a seessaw were kind of like on a seessaw >> sometimes. She would feel like, "Oh, >> sometimes. She would feel like, "Oh, >> sometimes. She would feel like, "Oh, this is where the Lord's called us for this is where the Lord's called us for this is where the Lord's called us for the rest of our life." And I would be the rest of our life." And I would be the rest of our life." And I would be like, "I'm not really sure about that." like, "I'm not really sure about that." like, "I'm not really sure about that." >> And then, you know, a year later, I'd be >> And then, you know, a year later, I'd be >> And then, you know, a year later, I'd be like, "This is where the Lord's called like, "This is where the Lord's called like, "This is where the Lord's called us for the rest of our life."

us for the rest of our life." us for the rest of our life." >> I can see why that'd be where [laughter] >> I can see why that'd be where [laughter] >> I can see why that'd be where [laughter] you be for the rest of your life. Yeah. you be for the rest of your life. Yeah. you be for the rest of your life. Yeah. >> And then my wife be like, "I'm not >> And then my wife be like, "I'm not >> And then my wife be like, "I'm not really sure about that." You know, and really sure about that." You know, and really sure about that." You know, and that happened until there was a a a that happened until there was a a a that happened until there was a a a conference in the States um that had conference in the States um that had conference in the States um that had ignited some controversy ignited some controversy ignited some controversy >> and uh not being able to keep my mouth >> and uh not being able to keep my mouth >> and uh not being able to keep my mouth closed, I wound up in the controversy. closed, I wound up in the controversy. closed, I wound up in the controversy. you've been in some controvers you've been in some controvers you've been in some controvers [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] so and so. But as the controversy is so and so. But as the controversy is so and so. But as the controversy is going on and as the dynamics are playing going on and as the dynamics are playing going on and as the dynamics are playing out, it became clear to me that some out, it became clear to me that some out, it became clear to me that some things that I thought were happening in things that I thought were happening in things that I thought were happening in predominantly black neighborhoods in predominantly black neighborhoods in predominantly black neighborhoods in inner city neighborhoods were not inner city neighborhoods were not inner city neighborhoods were not actually happening in those actually happening in those actually happening in those neighborhoods, but at best people were neighborhoods, but at best people were neighborhoods, but at best people were hood adjacent. hood adjacent. hood adjacent. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I'm old enough to remember when the term >> I'm old enough to remember when the term >> I'm old enough to remember when the term urban meant inner city. urban meant inner city. urban meant inner city. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. And so I had those categories but >> Right. And so I had those categories but >> Right. And so I had those categories but then I came and discover was like oh all then I came and discover was like oh all then I came and discover was like oh all this urban church planting is actually this urban church planting is actually this urban church planting is actually happening in in primarily in gentrifying happening in in primarily in gentrifying happening in in primarily in gentrifying and redeveloped parts of cities right and redeveloped parts of cities right and redeveloped parts of cities right and it's urban hipster more than it is and it's urban hipster more than it is and it's urban hipster more than it is inner city depressed dysfunctional um inner city depressed dysfunctional um inner city depressed dysfunctional um hurting neighborhoods [clears throat] in hurting neighborhoods [clears throat] in hurting neighborhoods [clears throat] in that way right that way right that way right >> and so that's when I began to sort of >> and so that's when I began to sort of >> and so that's when I began to sort of stir to come back state side um and um I stir to come back state side um and um I stir to come back state side um and um I I we my wife and I had a relationship I we my wife and I had a relationship I we my wife and I had a relationship retreat retreat one weekend. We're at a retreat retreat one weekend. We're at a retreat retreat one weekend. We're at a hotel on the island. It's 2:00 in the hotel on the island. It's 2:00 in the hotel on the island. It's 2:00 in the morning, Saturday. I'm I'm falling morning, Saturday. I'm I'm falling morning, Saturday. I'm I'm falling asleep, man. She's still talking. And asleep, man. She's still talking. And asleep, man. She's still talking. And she said, "Yeah." She said, "I see you she said, "Yeah." She said, "I see you she said, "Yeah." She said, "I see you falling asleep." She said, "I got one falling asleep." She said, "I got one falling asleep." She said, "I got one more question for you more question for you more question for you >> and I'll let you go to sleep." I said, >> and I'll let you go to sleep." I said, >> and I'll let you go to sleep." I said, "Okay." She says, uh, if you finished

"Okay." She says, uh, if you finished "Okay." She says, uh, if you finished the rest of your life and your pastoral the rest of your life and your pastoral the rest of your life and your pastoral ministry here in the Cayman Islands, and ministry here in the Cayman Islands, and ministry here in the Cayman Islands, and God kept you faithful to the end, God kept you faithful to the end, God kept you faithful to the end, >> but you never were in a predominantly >> but you never were in a predominantly >> but you never were in a predominantly black neighborhood, planting churches, black neighborhood, planting churches, black neighborhood, planting churches, trying to train pastors to do things trying to train pastors to do things trying to train pastors to do things that you feel like you also have a that you feel like you also have a that you feel like you also have a passion for, passion for, passion for, >> if you never did that, would you regret >> if you never did that, would you regret >> if you never did that, would you regret it? it? it? >> And I sat up in the bed wide awake. >> And I sat up in the bed wide awake. >> And I sat up in the bed wide awake. >> It was it was the question that broke >> It was it was the question that broke >> It was it was the question that broke through. It was the money question. through. It was the money question. through. It was the money question. >> And I said, you know what? If if the >> And I said, you know what? If if the >> And I said, you know what? If if the Lord kept me faithful here in the Cayman Lord kept me faithful here in the Cayman Lord kept me faithful here in the Cayman Islands, I would be eternally grateful Islands, I would be eternally grateful Islands, I would be eternally grateful for him. I would love to be here. I for him. I would love to be here. I for him. I would love to be here. I said, but said, but said, but >> yeah, I would I would regret not giving >> yeah, I would I would regret not giving >> yeah, I would I would regret not giving >> the remainder of my life or some portion >> the remainder of my life or some portion >> the remainder of my life or some portion of my life of my life of my life >> in a context >> in a context >> in a context >> that is predominately African-American, >> that is predominately African-American, >> that is predominately African-American, that is mostly poor, that is mostly poor, that is mostly poor, >> betting our lives on the gospel >> betting our lives on the gospel >> betting our lives on the gospel >> to impact the community, the people in >> to impact the community, the people in >> to impact the community, the people in the community. Yeah. In in rich ways. the community. Yeah. In in rich ways. the community. Yeah. In in rich ways. And so that began the process of talking And so that began the process of talking And so that began the process of talking with my elders in the Cayman Islands with my elders in the Cayman Islands with my elders in the Cayman Islands about whether I should stay there or about whether I should stay there or about whether I should stay there or whether I should transition. And that whether I should transition. And that whether I should transition. And that was a that was a question I had always was a that was a question I had always was a that was a question I had always promised to them would be an open-ended promised to them would be an open-ended promised to them would be an open-ended question for me. I wouldn't make a question for me. I wouldn't make a question for me. I wouldn't make a decision, come announce it by fiat and decision, come announce it by fiat and decision, come announce it by fiat and be gone two weeks later. Yeah.

be gone two weeks later. Yeah. be gone two weeks later. Yeah. >> That we would I'd actually say, "Hey, >> That we would I'd actually say, "Hey, >> That we would I'd actually say, "Hey, help me discern help me discern help me discern >> where the Lord wants me to be." And >> where the Lord wants me to be." And >> where the Lord wants me to be." And >> so we spent about 10 months, 10, 12 >> so we spent about 10 months, 10, 12 >> so we spent about 10 months, 10, 12 months months months >> praying, talking, thinking about what it >> praying, talking, thinking about what it >> praying, talking, thinking about what it would look like to remain there, would look like to remain there, would look like to remain there, >> what it would look like to come to the >> what it would look like to come to the >> what it would look like to come to the states and plant a church. And at the states and plant a church. And at the states and plant a church. And at the end of it, they said to me, "Brother, we end of it, they said to me, "Brother, we end of it, they said to me, "Brother, we don't detect any sin in your motives. We don't detect any sin in your motives. We don't detect any sin in your motives. We see the need. We would rather you stay see the need. We would rather you stay see the need. We would rather you stay here, here, here, >> but if if you feel like the Lord is >> but if if you feel like the Lord is >> but if if you feel like the Lord is calling you and Christie to go plant, calling you and Christie to go plant, calling you and Christie to go plant, we'll be supportive." Um, and so that's we'll be supportive." Um, and so that's we'll be supportive." Um, and so that's how we made the transition back in 2014, how we made the transition back in 2014, how we made the transition back in 2014, uh, back to the states to to plant and uh, back to the states to to plant and uh, back to the states to to plant and in the cost. in the cost. in the cost. >> I don't know if that's rare. >> I don't know if that's rare. >> I don't know if that's rare. I do know even in my own heart there's I do know even in my own heart there's I do know even in my own heart there's there's that very individualistic there's that very individualistic there's that very individualistic impulse that we're supposed to go into a impulse that we're supposed to go into a impulse that we're supposed to go into a corner by ourselves, discern what's in corner by ourselves, discern what's in corner by ourselves, discern what's in our hearts and what we want to do and our hearts and what we want to do and our hearts and what we want to do and and or what we feel like the Lord has and or what we feel like the Lord has and or what we feel like the Lord has called us to do and then we come and we called us to do and then we come and we called us to do and then we come and we inform inform inform >> uh our friends, our family, our church >> uh our friends, our family, our church >> uh our friends, our family, our church family, our our elders, our pastors.

family, our our elders, our pastors. family, our our elders, our pastors. I've I've seen that a lot uh younger I've I've seen that a lot uh younger I've I've seen that a lot uh younger folks in ministry uh who kind of get folks in ministry uh who kind of get folks in ministry uh who kind of get that clarity on their own that clarity on their own that clarity on their own >> and there's not a process of uh >> and there's not a process of uh >> and there's not a process of uh discernment in community much less under discernment in community much less under discernment in community much less under pastoral authority pastoral authority pastoral authority >> and it can create I think some some >> and it can create I think some some >> and it can create I think some some tension tension tension >> and so do you see that yeah what what >> and so do you see that yeah what what >> and so do you see that yeah what what >> help us understand why from a biblical >> help us understand why from a biblical >> help us understand why from a biblical standpoint but also just practically if standpoint but also just practically if standpoint but also just practically if you you got somebody who's desiring to you you got somebody who's desiring to you you got somebody who's desiring to be maybe in full-time vocational be maybe in full-time vocational be maybe in full-time vocational ministry, plant a church, or for that ministry, plant a church, or for that ministry, plant a church, or for that matter, it could be anything. matter, it could be anything. matter, it could be anything. >> Uh you're just a Christian who's trying >> Uh you're just a Christian who's trying >> Uh you're just a Christian who's trying to discern what the Lord has next for to discern what the Lord has next for to discern what the Lord has next for you. you. you. >> Why slow down and invite all these >> Why slow down and invite all these >> Why slow down and invite all these people to get in your business and tell people to get in your business and tell people to get in your business and tell you what to do? you what to do? you what to do? >> Yeah, that's a fantastic question. And >> Yeah, that's a fantastic question. And >> Yeah, that's a fantastic question. And sadly, I think that that kind of process sadly, I think that that kind of process sadly, I think that that kind of process is is rare. Um, I've been blessed when I is is rare. Um, I've been blessed when I is is rare. Um, I've been blessed when I left from Capitol Hill Baptist Church to left from Capitol Hill Baptist Church to left from Capitol Hill Baptist Church to go to First Baptist Church in Grand go to First Baptist Church in Grand go to First Baptist Church in Grand Cayman. Cayman. Cayman. >> That was not just a conversation between >> That was not just a conversation between >> That was not just a conversation between me and the search committee, that was a me and the search committee, that was a me and the search committee, that was a conversation between our elders and conversation between our elders and conversation between our elders and their elders, their elders, their elders, >> right? Um, parts of which I wasn't even >> right? Um, parts of which I wasn't even >> right? Um, parts of which I wasn't even involved in.

involved in. involved in. >> Now, let me let me just ask this. >> Now, let me let me just ask this. >> Now, let me let me just ask this. [clears throat] You were you on pay [clears throat] You were you on pay [clears throat] You were you on pay staff at Capital Hill Baptist? Yes. staff at Capital Hill Baptist? Yes. staff at Capital Hill Baptist? Yes. >> Okay. So, if I'm hearing that and I'm >> Okay. So, if I'm hearing that and I'm >> Okay. So, if I'm hearing that and I'm hearing normal people, hearing normal people, hearing normal people, >> they're like, "So, you want me to go to >> they're like, "So, you want me to go to >> they're like, "So, you want me to go to my employer? Mhm. my employer? Mhm. my employer? Mhm. >> It's a church, but if you work at a >> It's a church, but if you work at a >> It's a church, but if you work at a church, for example, you want me to go church, for example, you want me to go church, for example, you want me to go to my employer and tell them that I'm to my employer and tell them that I'm to my employer and tell them that I'm I'm thinking about leaving. I'm not sure I'm thinking about leaving. I'm not sure I'm thinking about leaving. I'm not sure yet. I know some people would be afraid yet. I know some people would be afraid yet. I know some people would be afraid that, oh, that the clock starts at that that, oh, that the clock starts at that that, oh, that the clock starts at that point. point. point. >> So, what kind of environment did they >> So, what kind of environment did they >> So, what kind of environment did they have there that enabled you to to be have there that enabled you to to be have there that enabled you to to be able to do something like that? able to do something like that? able to do something like that? >> Yeah, that's a great question. Um, one, >> Yeah, that's a great question. Um, one, >> Yeah, that's a great question. Um, one, they have a a teaching environment. It's they have a a teaching environment. It's they have a a teaching environment. It's a bit of a teaching hospital for a bit of a teaching hospital for a bit of a teaching hospital for pastors. Um and and it's in that context pastors. Um and and it's in that context pastors. Um and and it's in that context that you learn something like a genuine that you learn something like a genuine that you learn something like a genuine calling has two aspects. calling has two aspects. calling has two aspects. >> It has yes an individual subjective >> It has yes an individual subjective >> It has yes an individual subjective aspect. If a man desires to be an aspect. If a man desires to be an aspect. If a man desires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. overseer, he desires a noble task. overseer, he desires a noble task. >> But then it also has a an external >> But then it also has a an external >> But then it also has a an external corporate aspect. Yeah. Where the the corporate aspect. Yeah. Where the the corporate aspect. Yeah. Where the the church is meant to sort of confirm uh or church is meant to sort of confirm uh or church is meant to sort of confirm uh or not u that sense of calling, not u that sense of calling, not u that sense of calling, qualification and preparation uh for the qualification and preparation uh for the qualification and preparation uh for the ministry. So, it's a it's a context ministry. So, it's a it's a context ministry. So, it's a it's a context that's really clear uh on what calling that's really clear uh on what calling that's really clear uh on what calling means and and how you arrive at one.

means and and how you arrive at one. means and and how you arrive at one. >> It's a context that has open hands. This >> It's a context that has open hands. This >> It's a context that has open hands. This is a church that gives a lot, right? is a church that gives a lot, right? is a church that gives a lot, right? That sins a lot. So, people are coming That sins a lot. So, people are coming That sins a lot. So, people are coming and going all the time. And what you and going all the time. And what you and going all the time. And what you learn is learn is learn is >> um that any kind of possessiveness with >> um that any kind of possessiveness with >> um that any kind of possessiveness with God's people God's people God's people >> is at the root somewhere going to be >> is at the root somewhere going to be >> is at the root somewhere going to be sinful. You know, the that staff person sinful. You know, the that staff person sinful. You know, the that staff person doesn't belong to me as their boss, doesn't belong to me as their boss, doesn't belong to me as their boss, right? They don't belong to our church. right? They don't belong to our church. right? They don't belong to our church. They belong to Jesus. Um, and Jesus has They belong to Jesus. Um, and Jesus has They belong to Jesus. Um, and Jesus has been really clear about his desire that been really clear about his desire that been really clear about his desire that people go, that we're sending, that people go, that we're sending, that people go, that we're sending, that we're investing people in the work of of we're investing people in the work of of we're investing people in the work of of missions. And so, this was a this was a missions. And so, this was a this was a missions. And so, this was a this was a congregation willing uh, as the saints congregation willing uh, as the saints congregation willing uh, as the saints in Acts 13 were with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 were with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 were with Paul and Barnabas uh, to set me aside to go do work uh, to set me aside to go do work uh, to set me aside to go do work elsewhere and saw that as a win for team elsewhere and saw that as a win for team elsewhere and saw that as a win for team Jesus, even if it meant a short-term Jesus, even if it meant a short-term Jesus, even if it meant a short-term loss for Yeah. loss for Yeah. loss for Yeah. >> team Capitol Hill. Um so it's that kind >> team Capitol Hill. Um so it's that kind >> team Capitol Hill. Um so it's that kind of environment and I think it was the of environment and I think it was the of environment and I think it was the kind of environment um that really does kind of environment um that really does kind of environment um that really does prize prize prize gospel growth gospel growth gospel growth >> over church growth. >> over church growth. >> over church growth. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That we want to see the gospel grow. We >> That we want to see the gospel grow. We >> That we want to see the gospel grow. We want to see the kingdom grow um more want to see the kingdom grow um more want to see the kingdom grow um more than we are just longing to grow as an than we are just longing to grow as an than we are just longing to grow as an individual congregation. Right. So if individual congregation. Right. So if individual congregation. Right. So if revival breaks out across town Yeah.

revival breaks out across town Yeah. revival breaks out across town Yeah. >> that's a win for us even if it doesn't >> that's a win for us even if it doesn't >> that's a win for us even if it doesn't touch our church. Right. Even if it touch our church. Right. Even if it touch our church. Right. Even if it doesn't come here. Yeah. And so it's a doesn't come here. Yeah. And so it's a doesn't come here. Yeah. And so it's a church that really inculcates that kind church that really inculcates that kind church that really inculcates that kind of perspective. And and I think the of perspective. And and I think the of perspective. And and I think the other thing that's in that environment other thing that's in that environment other thing that's in that environment is a sense that that church and its is a sense that that church and its is a sense that that church and its leaders are working for the health of leaders are working for the health of leaders are working for the health of that church, that church, that church, >> but also the health of other churches. >> but also the health of other churches. >> but also the health of other churches. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so it would partner to send um one >> And so it would partner to send um one >> And so it would partner to send um one of their pastors um for the the church of their pastors um for the the church of their pastors um for the the church that's struggling, that's been without a that's struggling, that's been without a that's struggling, that's been without a pastor for a couple years that and to pastor for a couple years that and to pastor for a couple years that and to work for health and reform in that work for health and reform in that work for health and reform in that church is very much a part of their church is very much a part of their church is very much a part of their their desire and DNA. And I think part their desire and DNA. And I think part their desire and DNA. And I think part of why people may be fearful to process of why people may be fearful to process of why people may be fearful to process that with a leader is because what that with a leader is because what that with a leader is because what they're really feeling is the the the they're really feeling is the the the they're really feeling is the the the unhealthiness unhealthiness unhealthiness >> in that congregation around those >> in that congregation around those >> in that congregation around those issues. They may not have the categories issues. They may not have the categories issues. They may not have the categories or to be able to formulate it, or to be able to formulate it, or to be able to formulate it, >> but God's not giving us a spirit of >> but God's not giving us a spirit of >> but God's not giving us a spirit of fear, right? And so if we're processing fear, right? And so if we're processing fear, right? And so if we're processing with our shepherds in fear with our shepherds in fear with our shepherds in fear >> rather than, you know, faith, hope, and >> rather than, you know, faith, hope, and >> rather than, you know, faith, hope, and love or uh love and power and a sound love or uh love and power and a sound love or uh love and power and a sound mind, that's a telltale sign that mind, that's a telltale sign that mind, that's a telltale sign that something's probably not quite right in something's probably not quite right in something's probably not quite right in the culture. Yeah.

the culture. Yeah. the culture. Yeah. >> Or at least in that relationship, that >> Or at least in that relationship, that >> Or at least in that relationship, that interaction between those two persons, interaction between those two persons, interaction between those two persons, >> but I would say you should still do it. >> but I would say you should still do it. >> but I would say you should still do it. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> you should still do it. It's it's >> you should still do it. It's it's >> you should still do it. It's it's integrity. It it in in the multitude of integrity. It it in in the multitude of integrity. It it in in the multitude of counselors, their safety. Yeah. counselors, their safety. Yeah. counselors, their safety. Yeah. >> Right. Purposes are established with >> Right. Purposes are established with >> Right. Purposes are established with counsel. A lot of folly and a lot of counsel. A lot of folly and a lot of counsel. A lot of folly and a lot of hurt hurt hurt >> have happened to a lot of churches and a >> have happened to a lot of churches and a >> have happened to a lot of churches and a lot of Christians because people have lot of Christians because people have lot of Christians because people have said, "I'm called to do this." said, "I'm called to do this." said, "I'm called to do this." >> And they moved without any input from >> And they moved without any input from >> And they moved without any input from anybody else. Yeah. And it's just that's anybody else. Yeah. And it's just that's anybody else. Yeah. And it's just that's one of the things that culturally in the one of the things that culturally in the one of the things that culturally in the church across the country. It's one of church across the country. It's one of church across the country. It's one of the things I pray changes. the things I pray changes. the things I pray changes. >> Yeah. I I agree. We there's a leadership >> Yeah. I I agree. We there's a leadership >> Yeah. I I agree. We there's a leadership value we have in our churches for our value we have in our churches for our value we have in our churches for our staff and for our leaders uh to champion staff and for our leaders uh to champion staff and for our leaders uh to champion the big C church. And we have a saying, the big C church. And we have a saying, the big C church. And we have a saying, the kingdom of God is bigger than MLAN the kingdom of God is bigger than MLAN the kingdom of God is bigger than MLAN Bible Church. And so I love that framing Bible Church. And so I love that framing Bible Church. And so I love that framing of gospel growth over church growth. And of gospel growth over church growth. And of gospel growth over church growth. And I I'll be honest, that hasn't always I I'll be honest, that hasn't always I I'll be honest, that hasn't always been a core value uh of MLAN Bible been a core value uh of MLAN Bible been a core value uh of MLAN Bible Church. Our former senior pastor, Lon Church. Our former senior pastor, Lon Church. Our former senior pastor, Lon Solomon, he pastored for 37 years. We Solomon, he pastored for 37 years. We Solomon, he pastored for 37 years. We were one of the largest churches in the were one of the largest churches in the were one of the largest churches in the area. We had a big vision to reach the area. We had a big vision to reach the area. We had a big vision to reach the whole uh DC metro area.

whole uh DC metro area. whole uh DC metro area. >> And uh during Lon's last couple years, >> And uh during Lon's last couple years, >> And uh during Lon's last couple years, honestly, it was one of the honestly, it was one of the honestly, it was one of the >> it was probably one of the most >> it was probably one of the most >> it was probably one of the most impactful things I've been able to see impactful things I've been able to see impactful things I've been able to see as a young leader. I got to watch him as a young leader. I got to watch him as a young leader. I got to watch him like front row seat watch him begin to like front row seat watch him begin to like front row seat watch him begin to feel convicted about partnering with uh feel convicted about partnering with uh feel convicted about partnering with uh other churches in the area. And we call other churches in the area. And we call other churches in the area. And we call it his apology tour. And and a lot of it his apology tour. And and a lot of it his apology tour. And and a lot of people don't know this, but I mean he I people don't know this, but I mean he I people don't know this, but I mean he I mean you you remember some of this. I mean you you remember some of this. I mean you you remember some of this. I mean he went mean he went mean he went >> to individual pastors around the DC >> to individual pastors around the DC >> to individual pastors around the DC metro area uh and apologized metro area uh and apologized metro area uh and apologized >> and uh and said I have not been a team >> and uh and said I have not been a team >> and uh and said I have not been a team player uh uh in in the DMV area. just player uh uh in in the DMV area. just player uh uh in in the DMV area. just been kind of cloistered in our own world been kind of cloistered in our own world been kind of cloistered in our own world and uh and I that was so instructive for and uh and I that was so instructive for and uh and I that was so instructive for me. Now I come from a background that's me. Now I come from a background that's me. Now I come from a background that's very collaborative, different churches very collaborative, different churches very collaborative, different churches uh connecting together, but as a young uh connecting together, but as a young uh connecting together, but as a young leader here at MLAN Bible Church, that leader here at MLAN Bible Church, that leader here at MLAN Bible Church, that was so instructive uh for me. And we was so instructive uh for me. And we was so instructive uh for me. And we want to be that kind of church uh that want to be that kind of church uh that want to be that kind of church uh that uh cares more about gospel growth than uh cares more about gospel growth than uh cares more about gospel growth than just our local uh church growth. We also just our local uh church growth. We also just our local uh church growth. We also want to be the kind of church where if want to be the kind of church where if want to be the kind of church where if it's young men and women in our it's young men and women in our it's young men and women in our congregation who are wrestling with a congregation who are wrestling with a congregation who are wrestling with a call to ministry, whether it's church call to ministry, whether it's church call to ministry, whether it's church planting, whether it's uh to be a planting, whether it's uh to be a planting, whether it's uh to be a missionary, whether it's to be on staff missionary, whether it's to be on staff missionary, whether it's to be on staff in some way at a church or some in some way at a church or some in some way at a church or some nonprofit ministry, that this is a sea nonprofit ministry, that this is a sea nonprofit ministry, that this is a sea safe, healthy, supportive place where safe, healthy, supportive place where safe, healthy, supportive place where they can process.

they can process. they can process. >> They don't have to feel guilty like >> They don't have to feel guilty like >> They don't have to feel guilty like they're leaving us. they're leaving us. they're leaving us. >> Um and they don't have to worry that >> Um and they don't have to worry that >> Um and they don't have to worry that we're our instinct is going to be no, we we're our instinct is going to be no, we we're our instinct is going to be no, we need you here. Uh but we want to be a need you here. Uh but we want to be a need you here. Uh but we want to be a part of uh man stir up the gift that is part of uh man stir up the gift that is part of uh man stir up the gift that is within you. That's right. Whatever the within you. That's right. Whatever the within you. That's right. Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, he's calling Lord is calling you to do, he's calling Lord is calling you to do, he's calling us uh to to be a part of. And so it's us uh to to be a part of. And so it's us uh to to be a part of. And so it's exciting. exciting. exciting. >> It's so I was say it's so much joy that >> It's so I was say it's so much joy that >> It's so I was say it's so much joy that comes from that. It's so much joy that comes from that. It's so much joy that comes from that. It's so much joy that comes from from seeing the spirit of the comes from from seeing the spirit of the comes from from seeing the spirit of the Lord move in a person's life. Lord move in a person's life. Lord move in a person's life. >> Um from Lon Solomon to you know that >> Um from Lon Solomon to you know that >> Um from Lon Solomon to you know that person that uh is not yet named who person that uh is not yet named who person that uh is not yet named who wants to go to the mission field, right? wants to go to the mission field, right? wants to go to the mission field, right? to see the spirit of the Lord move in a to see the spirit of the Lord move in a to see the spirit of the Lord move in a person's life to to give their life to person's life to to give their life to person's life to to give their life to the work of the Lord. Right. That that's the work of the Lord. Right. That that's the work of the Lord. Right. That that's meant to be celebrated, right? meant to be celebrated, right? meant to be celebrated, right? Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Um and then to see how um for those who >> Um and then to see how um for those who >> Um and then to see how um for those who may be struggling with that may be struggling with that may be struggling with that possessiveness and that selfishness, possessiveness and that selfishness, possessiveness and that selfishness, >> to see how the Lord sends more people to >> to see how the Lord sends more people to >> to see how the Lord sends more people to a church who gives people away, right? a church who gives people away, right? a church who gives people away, right? To see how the Lord sends new faces, new To see how the Lord sends new faces, new To see how the Lord sends new faces, new gifts, new talents, uh continues to gifts, new talents, uh continues to gifts, new talents, uh continues to provide for the church and to grow the provide for the church and to grow the provide for the church and to grow the work. It's faithb buildinging.

work. It's faithb buildinging. work. It's faithb buildinging. >> Yeah. It it it makes you hopeful um to >> Yeah. It it it makes you hopeful um to >> Yeah. It it it makes you hopeful um to be open-handed that way with God's be open-handed that way with God's be open-handed that way with God's people. Uh and to watch him move the people. Uh and to watch him move the people. Uh and to watch him move the chest pieces, man. It's a it's Yeah. And chest pieces, man. It's a it's Yeah. And chest pieces, man. It's a it's Yeah. And so it's it's one of those things where so it's it's one of those things where so it's it's one of those things where it's kind of like if you're nervous or it's kind of like if you're nervous or it's kind of like if you're nervous or you're fearful, just do it. you're fearful, just do it. you're fearful, just do it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Somebody comes to you and says, "I feel >> Somebody comes to you and says, "I feel >> Somebody comes to you and says, "I feel like I want to serve the Lord. like I want to serve the Lord. like I want to serve the Lord. >> Tremble at the thought that you're going >> Tremble at the thought that you're going >> Tremble at the thought that you're going to stand in the way of that, to stand in the way of that, to stand in the way of that, >> right? But rather rejoice that you get >> right? But rather rejoice that you get >> right? But rather rejoice that you get to shepherd and shape that." Right? Now, to shepherd and shape that." Right? Now, to shepherd and shape that." Right? Now, they may not even know uh completely they may not even know uh completely they may not even know uh completely what they're saying when they say, "I'm what they're saying when they say, "I'm what they're saying when they say, "I'm I'm called to this thing or that thing." I'm called to this thing or that thing." I'm called to this thing or that thing." And so, you've got some stuff to give And so, you've got some stuff to give And so, you've got some stuff to give them, right? You've got some some them, right? You've got some some them, right? You've got some some resources to give them. And what a resources to give them. And what a resources to give them. And what a privilege it is to walk with people and privilege it is to walk with people and privilege it is to walk with people and to shape people uh as they're looking to to shape people uh as they're looking to to shape people uh as they're looking to do that, man. Yeah. It's it's one of the do that, man. Yeah. It's it's one of the do that, man. Yeah. It's it's one of the sweet things of ministry uh is to see uh sweet things of ministry uh is to see uh sweet things of ministry uh is to see uh you in sports, you talk about coaching you in sports, you talk about coaching you in sports, you talk about coaching trees. trees. trees. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. You talk about Bill Bichc and his >> Right. You talk about Bill Bichc and his >> Right. You talk about Bill Bichc and his coaching tree, all those coaches who are coaching tree, all those coaches who are coaching tree, all those coaches who are his assistants who have gone on to to to his assistants who have gone on to to to his assistants who have gone on to to to be head coaches elsewhere or whatever. be head coaches elsewhere or whatever. be head coaches elsewhere or whatever. >> And so I think there's a coaching tree >> And so I think there's a coaching tree >> And so I think there's a coaching tree that we should be developing as pastors, that we should be developing as pastors, that we should be developing as pastors, people that we have poured into, who people that we have poured into, who people that we have poured into, who have gone off to minister elsewhere, uh, have gone off to minister elsewhere, uh, have gone off to minister elsewhere, uh, who have hopefully far exceeded anything who have hopefully far exceeded anything who have hopefully far exceeded anything that we have done for the sake of the that we have done for the sake of the that we have done for the sake of the gospel and the name of Christ.

gospel and the name of Christ. gospel and the name of Christ. >> And we get to rejoice in that. We get to >> And we get to rejoice in that. We get to >> And we get to rejoice in that. We get to take delight in that. take delight in that. take delight in that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, shout out to Pastor >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, shout out to Pastor >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, shout out to Pastor Mark De out at Capitol Hill Baptist for Mark De out at Capitol Hill Baptist for Mark De out at Capitol Hill Baptist for miling that. Shout out to Lon Solomon miling that. Shout out to Lon Solomon miling that. Shout out to Lon Solomon for uh for mileing that for me and for for uh for mileing that for me and for for uh for mileing that for me and for for our church. Let's get into some of for our church. Let's get into some of for our church. Let's get into some of the nuts and bolts just church planting. the nuts and bolts just church planting. the nuts and bolts just church planting. help us understand because part of this help us understand because part of this help us understand because part of this is helping us understand one the journey is helping us understand one the journey is helping us understand one the journey of a church planter and then two how we of a church planter and then two how we of a church planter and then two how we as MLAN Bible Church can come alongside as MLAN Bible Church can come alongside as MLAN Bible Church can come alongside well for one we we've been talking about well for one we we've been talking about well for one we we've been talking about it raise up it raise up it raise up >> uh and bless and support uh a church >> uh and bless and support uh a church >> uh and bless and support uh a church planter but come alongside church planter but come alongside church planter but come alongside church planters to help in that work. What does planters to help in that work. What does planters to help in that work. What does it look like for us as a church but then it look like for us as a church but then it look like for us as a church but then also just as individual Christians also just as individual Christians also just as individual Christians >> who want to help with stuff like that >> who want to help with stuff like that >> who want to help with stuff like that but feel like man how do I how do I do but feel like man how do I how do I do but feel like man how do I how do I do that? So, you talked a little bit about that? So, you talked a little bit about that? So, you talked a little bit about the process of discernment of kind of the process of discernment of kind of the process of discernment of kind of confirming that call from the Lord. You confirming that call from the Lord. You confirming that call from the Lord. You did it in community uh with the did it in community uh with the did it in community uh with the leadership uh there at the church that leadership uh there at the church that leadership uh there at the church that you were leading. Uh obviously, you you were leading. Uh obviously, you you were leading. Uh obviously, you know, your wife uh Christy was a big know, your wife uh Christy was a big know, your wife uh Christy was a big part of discerning that process. She part of discerning that process. She part of discerning that process. She asked you that question, you know, at 2 asked you that question, you know, at 2 asked you that question, you know, at 2 a.m., which they be asking them a.m., which they be asking them a.m., which they be asking them questions at late at night, questions at late at night, questions at late at night, >> like, man. Um and uh so community is a >> like, man. Um and uh so community is a >> like, man. Um and uh so community is a big part of that discernment uh process.

big part of that discernment uh process. big part of that discernment uh process. it became clear to you that the Lord was it became clear to you that the Lord was it became clear to you that the Lord was really inviting you to step into this really inviting you to step into this really inviting you to step into this call to plant a church. There was a call to plant a church. There was a call to plant a church. There was a desire, a passion because of your own desire, a passion because of your own desire, a passion because of your own experiences to do that in majority experiences to do that in majority experiences to do that in majority minority communities uh uh and in areas minority communities uh uh and in areas minority communities uh uh and in areas where there's a lot of poverty. where there's a lot of poverty. where there's a lot of poverty. >> You just the Lord started to line those >> You just the Lord started to line those >> You just the Lord started to line those things up. So, a mix of obviously God's things up. So, a mix of obviously God's things up. So, a mix of obviously God's clear word, uh, community, like clear word, uh, community, like clear word, uh, community, like discernment, desires in your own heart discernment, desires in your own heart discernment, desires in your own heart that may be shaped a little bit, uh, that may be shaped a little bit, uh, that may be shaped a little bit, uh, spec, uh, specifically what that would spec, uh, specifically what that would spec, uh, specifically what that would look like or where that would be. look like or where that would be. look like or where that would be. >> Uh, take us from there. So, you you >> Uh, take us from there. So, you you >> Uh, take us from there. So, you you decide to move back. decide to move back. decide to move back. >> Y'all ain't got no place. You don't have >> Y'all ain't got no place. You don't have >> Y'all ain't got no place. You don't have no people. You don't have no money. no people. You don't have no money. no people. You don't have no money. Like, what how do you where do you Like, what how do you where do you Like, what how do you where do you >> That used to shake your boy. >> That used to shake your boy. >> That used to shake your boy. >> Yeah. Where [laughter] do you Okay. So, >> Yeah. Where [laughter] do you Okay. So, >> Yeah. Where [laughter] do you Okay. So, you you got that, you know, this is what you you got that, you know, this is what you you got that, you know, this is what God's called me to do. God's called me to do. God's called me to do. >> Now, what? >> Now, what? >> Now, what? >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Um there's providence >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Um there's providence >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Um there's providence and there's planning, and there's planning, and there's planning, >> right? Um you're going to do what you >> right? Um you're going to do what you >> right? Um you're going to do what you need to do to try to lay a plan, need to do to try to lay a plan, need to do to try to lay a plan, >> right? So, um we didn't know even when >> right? So, um we didn't know even when >> right? So, um we didn't know even when we were clear that the Lord was calling we were clear that the Lord was calling we were clear that the Lord was calling us back stateside to plant, we didn't us back stateside to plant, we didn't us back stateside to plant, we didn't initially know where.

initially know where. initially know where. >> It was in God's providence that he made >> It was in God's providence that he made >> It was in God's providence that he made that clear, right? So, we had as a young that clear, right? So, we had as a young that clear, right? So, we had as a young man that I uh performed a wedding for he man that I uh performed a wedding for he man that I uh performed a wedding for he and his wife, Chris and Tessa, and uh and his wife, Chris and Tessa, and uh and his wife, Chris and Tessa, and uh living in the Cayman Islands. When I living in the Cayman Islands. When I living in the Cayman Islands. When I come back states side, I always say, come back states side, I always say, come back states side, I always say, "Y'all come visit us, man. Doors are "Y'all come visit us, man. Doors are "Y'all come visit us, man. Doors are always open." They were one of those always open." They were one of those always open." They were one of those couples that took us up on that. Most couples that took us up on that. Most couples that took us up on that. Most people did, but Chris and Tessa would people did, but Chris and Tessa would people did, but Chris and Tessa would come down every couple years. come down every couple years. come down every couple years. >> I didn't get that text message. >> I didn't get that text message. >> I didn't get that text message. >> My bad. My bad. [laughter] >> My bad. My bad. [laughter] >> My bad. My bad. [laughter] >> And so, he's lit. He's this guy from >> And so, he's lit. He's this guy from >> And so, he's lit. He's this guy from from England. from England. from England. >> Kind of posh British accent, very soft >> Kind of posh British accent, very soft >> Kind of posh British accent, very soft spoken. Um I'm in the in the in the spoken. Um I'm in the in the in the spoken. Um I'm in the in the in the breakfast nook. We just had breakfast breakfast nook. We just had breakfast breakfast nook. We just had breakfast and we're talking. And he's asking me and we're talking. And he's asking me and we're talking. And he's asking me what next questions. And I said, 'Well, what next questions. And I said, 'Well, what next questions. And I said, 'Well, I think the Lord has called us back to I think the Lord has called us back to I think the Lord has called us back to plant a church. He says, "Where?" I plant a church. He says, "Where?" I plant a church. He says, "Where?" I said, "I don't know." said, "I don't know." said, "I don't know." >> And he says to me in his British accent, >> And he says to me in his British accent, >> And he says to me in his British accent, "Have you thought about Anakosia?" "Have you thought about Anakosia?" "Have you thought about Anakosia?" >> And I'm looking at him like, "What you >> And I'm looking at him like, "What you >> And I'm looking at him like, "What you know about Anakosia?" Right? [laughter] know about Anakosia?" Right? [laughter] know about Anakosia?" Right? [laughter] What you talking about? What you know What you talking about? What you know What you talking about? What you know about Anakosa? [snorts] about Anakosa? [snorts] about Anakosa? [snorts] >> He's an architect and he had worked on >> He's an architect and he had worked on >> He's an architect and he had worked on the a bid for redesigning Anakosa High the a bid for redesigning Anakosa High the a bid for redesigning Anakosa High School. So, he gotten to know the School. So, he gotten to know the School. So, he gotten to know the neighborhood very well. He says, "You've neighborhood very well. He says, "You've neighborhood very well. He says, "You've thought about Anakosia?" And I said to thought about Anakosia?" And I said to thought about Anakosia?" And I said to him, I said, "Chris," I said, "I had not him, I said, "Chris," I said, "I had not him, I said, "Chris," I said, "I had not thought about Anecostia, thought about Anecostia, thought about Anecostia, >> but hearing you say that bells are just >> but hearing you say that bells are just >> but hearing you say that bells are just going off in my heart. That sounds going off in my heart. That sounds going off in my heart. That sounds right."

right." right." >> And man, when I tell you that for the >> And man, when I tell you that for the >> And man, when I tell you that for the next several weeks, I would be sitting next several weeks, I would be sitting next several weeks, I would be sitting at my desk working on a sermon at my desk working on a sermon at my desk working on a sermon >> and then find myself googling Anakosia, >> and then find myself googling Anakosia, >> and then find myself googling Anakosia, looking up stuff. And I mean, just the looking up stuff. And I mean, just the looking up stuff. And I mean, just the Lord just kept taking my heart, taking Lord just kept taking my heart, taking Lord just kept taking my heart, taking my mind there. And that just that sense my mind there. And that just that sense my mind there. And that just that sense just grew. And when I shared it with the just grew. And when I shared it with the just grew. And when I shared it with the elders there, they joined me in that elders there, they joined me in that elders there, they joined me in that sort of discovery process. And so we sort of discovery process. And so we sort of discovery process. And so we then sort of began to think, okay, then sort of began to think, okay, then sort of began to think, okay, Anacostia, Anacostia, Anacostia, >> Providence, I'm in Australia preaching >> Providence, I'm in Australia preaching >> Providence, I'm in Australia preaching at a conference in Australia. And who's at a conference in Australia. And who's at a conference in Australia. And who's across town at a different conference? across town at a different conference? across town at a different conference? Mark Deborah. We learn that we're there. Mark Deborah. We learn that we're there. Mark Deborah. We learn that we're there. >> And so he says, I'm gonna come over >> And so he says, I'm gonna come over >> And so he says, I'm gonna come over there to where you are. And we literally there to where you are. And we literally there to where you are. And we literally were in this church at the conference were in this church at the conference were in this church at the conference where I was speaking. We go up in the in where I was speaking. We go up in the in where I was speaking. We go up in the in the ble. We go up in the attic of this the ble. We go up in the attic of this the ble. We go up in the attic of this church. It's the only place we could go church. It's the only place we could go church. It's the only place we could go get quiet. And he said, 'I hear you get quiet. And he said, 'I hear you get quiet. And he said, 'I hear you talking about coming back state side to talking about coming back state side to talking about coming back state side to plant a church. I said, 'Yeah.' He says, plant a church. I said, 'Yeah.' He says, plant a church. I said, 'Yeah.' He says, "Uh, anything you think about "Uh, anything you think about "Uh, anything you think about Anakashia?" I said, 'Yeah.' He says, Anakashia?" I said, 'Yeah.' He says, Anakashia?" I said, 'Yeah.' He says, >> "Well, if you come back and plant a >> "Well, if you come back and plant a >> "Well, if you come back and plant a church at Anosia, we will support that church at Anosia, we will support that church at Anosia, we will support that work, right?" And so, you come back, work, right?" And so, you come back, work, right?" And so, you come back, join the staff at CHBC. Um, your whole join the staff at CHBC. Um, your whole join the staff at CHBC. Um, your whole job will be to plant the church. Uh, job will be to plant the church. Uh, job will be to plant the church. Uh, we'll send people out with you. We'll we'll send people out with you. We'll we'll send people out with you. We'll send resources out with you. And they send resources out with you. And they send resources out with you. And they were they were true to their word. They were they were true to their word. They were they were true to their word. They just had an open heart and an open hand just had an open heart and an open hand just had an open heart and an open hand toward us. Of course, in some ways, that toward us. Of course, in some ways, that toward us. Of course, in some ways, that was like our coming back home for a was like our coming back home for a was like our coming back home for a minute. Mhm.

minute. Mhm. minute. Mhm. >> But that that's God began to sort of >> But that that's God began to sort of >> But that that's God began to sort of fill in the plan providentially in that fill in the plan providentially in that fill in the plan providentially in that way. And so uh we came back, we got a way. And so uh we came back, we got a way. And so uh we came back, we got a place here in the city, place here in the city, place here in the city, >> uh apartment in the city, um landed at >> uh apartment in the city, um landed at >> uh apartment in the city, um landed at Capitol Hill, we had a job, etc. Capitol Hill, we had a job, etc. Capitol Hill, we had a job, etc. >> And then God just providentially again >> And then God just providentially again >> And then God just providentially again just began to give us people just began to give us people just began to give us people >> and through those people resources. So >> and through those people resources. So >> and through those people resources. So one of the first guys to commit to plant one of the first guys to commit to plant one of the first guys to commit to plant with us as an elder is a gentleman named with us as an elder is a gentleman named with us as an elder is a gentleman named Matt Matt Matt >> Schmucker. >> Schmucker. >> Schmucker. And Matt, uh, you guys may not know And Matt, uh, you guys may not know And Matt, uh, you guys may not know Matt's name, but you probably have been Matt's name, but you probably have been Matt's name, but you probably have been influenced by Matt's ministry with influenced by Matt's ministry with influenced by Matt's ministry with Together for the Gospel and Nine Marks Together for the Gospel and Nine Marks Together for the Gospel and Nine Marks Ministries and other things. Matt said, Ministries and other things. Matt said, Ministries and other things. Matt said, "Hey, I me and my family are coming on "Hey, I me and my family are coming on "Hey, I me and my family are coming on the plan." And uh, began to be one of the plan." And uh, began to be one of the plan." And uh, began to be one of the founding elders. the founding elders. the founding elders. >> Um, and he did some fundraising earlier >> Um, and he did some fundraising earlier >> Um, and he did some fundraising earlier on and and God began to supply for us on and and God began to supply for us on and and God began to supply for us uh, financially. uh, financially. uh, financially. >> Now, let me just let me put a little >> Now, let me just let me put a little >> Now, let me just let me put a little aster on that. aster on that. aster on that. >> Matt's a white dude. >> Matt's a white dude. >> Matt's a white dude. >> That's right. who's like, I'm gonna come >> That's right. who's like, I'm gonna come >> That's right. who's like, I'm gonna come over to this church plant in Anacostia. over to this church plant in Anacostia. over to this church plant in Anacostia. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And like actually really be a part of >> And like actually really be a part of >> And like actually really be a part of this church plant and put my shoulder to this church plant and put my shoulder to this church plant and put my shoulder to it and investment in it.

it and investment in it. it and investment in it. >> Uh that's a that's a big decision, >> Uh that's a that's a big decision, >> Uh that's a that's a big decision, especially knowing he was very settled especially knowing he was very settled especially knowing he was very settled right at Capitol Hill Baptist, been right at Capitol Hill Baptist, been right at Capitol Hill Baptist, been there, his family established there. So there, his family established there. So there, his family established there. So that's a big that's a big that's a big >> They were there before Mark. >> They were there before Mark. >> They were there before Mark. >> Okay. Yeah. He was in some ways, you >> Okay. Yeah. He was in some ways, you >> Okay. Yeah. He was in some ways, you know, using the duct tape to hold a know, using the duct tape to hold a know, using the duct tape to hold a church together before before Mark, church together before before Mark, church together before before Mark, right? right? right? >> And they bought a house in the >> And they bought a house in the >> And they bought a house in the neighborhood, moved into the neighborhood, moved into the neighborhood, moved into the neighborhood. They were they were all neighborhood. They were they were all neighborhood. They were they were all in. His daughter had already was already in. His daughter had already was already in. His daughter had already was already teaching at the high school over there. teaching at the high school over there. teaching at the high school over there. Again, providence, God arranging things, Again, providence, God arranging things, Again, providence, God arranging things, etc. etc. etc. >> And so, part of what I want to say say >> And so, part of what I want to say say >> And so, part of what I want to say say to those church say to churches and to those church say to churches and to those church say to churches and pastors or planters who are thinking pastors or planters who are thinking pastors or planters who are thinking about this is about this is about this is >> you you got to do some planning, but you >> you you got to do some planning, but you >> you you got to do some planning, but you don't have to have everything figured don't have to have everything figured don't have to have everything figured out. out. out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What what you want is faith and trust >> What what you want is faith and trust >> What what you want is faith and trust and to trust God's providence and to and to trust God's providence and to and to trust God's providence and to learn to read his providence when he learn to read his providence when he learn to read his providence when he when he provides and to to sort of move when he provides and to to sort of move when he provides and to to sort of move uh in those directions. But that that uh in those directions. But that that uh in those directions. But that that was kind of how we got to Anacostia got was kind of how we got to Anacostia got was kind of how we got to Anacostia got established. We were 10 months on staff established. We were 10 months on staff established. We were 10 months on staff >> at Capitol Hill Baptist Church um before >> at Capitol Hill Baptist Church um before >> at Capitol Hill Baptist Church um before we began to have our preview services we began to have our preview services we began to have our preview services and to have our our uh official launch and to have our our uh official launch and to have our our uh official launch service April April 5th. It was a Easter service April April 5th. It was a Easter service April April 5th. It was a Easter Sunday um 11 years ago. And so um yeah.

Sunday um 11 years ago. And so um yeah. Sunday um 11 years ago. And so um yeah. >> Yeah. Now beyond that, it's also a >> Yeah. Now beyond that, it's also a >> Yeah. Now beyond that, it's also a matter of getting to know the matter of getting to know the matter of getting to know the neighborhood that you're moving to. So, neighborhood that you're moving to. So, neighborhood that you're moving to. So, so I think what's essential to um good so I think what's essential to um good so I think what's essential to um good church planting before you plant a church planting before you plant a church planting before you plant a church is pastor planting, church is pastor planting, church is pastor planting, >> right? That pastor has to root >> right? That pastor has to root >> right? That pastor has to root themselves in that neighborhood. themselves in that neighborhood. themselves in that neighborhood. >> Uh walk those streets. >> Uh walk those streets. >> Uh walk those streets. >> Uh get to know people, >> Uh get to know people, >> Uh get to know people, >> develop some habits and some rhythms the >> develop some habits and some rhythms the >> develop some habits and some rhythms the neighborhood. Go to the same, you know, neighborhood. Go to the same, you know, neighborhood. Go to the same, you know, restaurants and eat, right? Meet the restaurants and eat, right? Meet the restaurants and eat, right? Meet the weight staff there. Build relationships weight staff there. Build relationships weight staff there. Build relationships there. go to the same coffee shop or two there. go to the same coffee shop or two there. go to the same coffee shop or two or three coffee shops, meet people, etc. or three coffee shops, meet people, etc. or three coffee shops, meet people, etc. Attend the high school basketball games Attend the high school basketball games Attend the high school basketball games and football games and and be present. and football games and and be present. and football games and and be present. Meet the meet the people who are leading Meet the meet the people who are leading Meet the meet the people who are leading the nonprofits in the community and and the nonprofits in the community and and the nonprofits in the community and and other churches. Go meet other pastors other churches. Go meet other pastors other churches. Go meet other pastors and labor, etc. Um, you you've got to and labor, etc. Um, you you've got to and labor, etc. Um, you you've got to first plant yourself there as a pastor first plant yourself there as a pastor first plant yourself there as a pastor >> and then you've got to help members of >> and then you've got to help members of >> and then you've got to help members of your team plant and root themselves your team plant and root themselves your team plant and root themselves there as well. Right now, behind that there as well. Right now, behind that there as well. Right now, behind that for me is a particular conception of the for me is a particular conception of the for me is a particular conception of the church. I actually think we need to move church. I actually think we need to move church. I actually think we need to move back to sort of parish models and back to sort of parish models and back to sort of parish models and neighborhood churches with a lot of our neighborhood churches with a lot of our neighborhood churches with a lot of our plants, right? Uh I think a lot of plants, right? Uh I think a lot of plants, right? Uh I think a lot of plants are planted as commuter churches, plants are planted as commuter churches, plants are planted as commuter churches, >> right? They're just sort of drawing >> right? They're just sort of drawing >> right? They're just sort of drawing people from a large region, people from a large region, people from a large region, >> which is fine. People got to have >> which is fine. People got to have >> which is fine. People got to have churches, etc. Um but then what that churches, etc. Um but then what that churches, etc. Um but then what that means is it's actually means is it's actually means is it's actually >> more difficult to have a visible >> more difficult to have a visible >> more difficult to have a visible sustained presence, an embodied presence sustained presence, an embodied presence sustained presence, an embodied presence in that neighborhood, right? So, you're in that neighborhood, right? So, you're in that neighborhood, right? So, you're going to need I would encourage a

going to need I would encourage a going to need I would encourage a strategy of trying to get the the bulk strategy of trying to get the the bulk strategy of trying to get the the bulk of your people of your people of your people >> to root themselves in that neighborhood >> to root themselves in that neighborhood >> to root themselves in that neighborhood and then to build their lives in that and then to build their lives in that and then to build their lives in that neighborhood to get their work life, neighborhood to get their work life, neighborhood to get their work life, their play life, their social life, their play life, their social life, their play life, their social life, their worship life their worship life their worship life >> in the same in the same sort of circle >> in the same in the same sort of circle >> in the same in the same sort of circle there in that way. Um, and that's you there in that way. Um, and that's you there in that way. Um, and that's you can do that many kinds of ways, but that can do that many kinds of ways, but that can do that many kinds of ways, but that sort of executing of the neighborhood sort of executing of the neighborhood sort of executing of the neighborhood uh, and walking the neighborhood and uh, and walking the neighborhood and uh, and walking the neighborhood and being present in the neighborhood is being present in the neighborhood is being present in the neighborhood is vital to healthy church planning. vital to healthy church planning. vital to healthy church planning. >> Yeah. I think what I love about what you >> Yeah. I think what I love about what you >> Yeah. I think what I love about what you just shared is uh, so our vision really just shared is uh, so our vision really just shared is uh, so our vision really grew out of Luke chapter 5. grew out of Luke chapter 5. grew out of Luke chapter 5. >> And I mean really grew out of it. It was >> And I mean really grew out of it. It was >> And I mean really grew out of it. It was just a a passage that just a a passage that just a a passage that >> uh, was on my heart. I just shared it >> uh, was on my heart. I just shared it >> uh, was on my heart. I just shared it during a devotional time. me and some of during a devotional time. me and some of during a devotional time. me and some of our pastors and executive team are our pastors and executive team are our pastors and executive team are processing that and just really sensed, processing that and just really sensed, processing that and just really sensed, man, I think this is a unique word for man, I think this is a unique word for man, I think this is a unique word for us in this season to put out into the us in this season to put out into the us in this season to put out into the deep to let down our nets. We're a deep to let down our nets. We're a deep to let down our nets. We're a legacy church. We're standing on the legacy church. We're standing on the legacy church. We're standing on the shoulders of leaders who have come shoulders of leaders who have come shoulders of leaders who have come behind us. It's easy to just kind of behind us. It's easy to just kind of behind us. It's easy to just kind of settle in. settle in. settle in. >> But a big part of that story is Jesus >> But a big part of that story is Jesus >> But a big part of that story is Jesus telling Peter telling Peter telling Peter >> after he had been fishing all night, >> after he had been fishing all night, >> after he had been fishing all night, >> I want you to put out into the deep and >> I want you to put out into the deep and >> I want you to put out into the deep and let down your net. And Peter is like, we let down your net. And Peter is like, we let down your net. And Peter is like, we already been doing that. There's nothing already been doing that. There's nothing already been doing that. There's nothing out here. And what I love about that is out here. And what I love about that is out here. And what I love about that is he did not know the whole story.

he did not know the whole story. he did not know the whole story. >> All he knew was that next thing that >> All he knew was that next thing that >> All he knew was that next thing that Jesus Jesus Jesus >> commanded him to do. >> commanded him to do. >> commanded him to do. >> And and he did it. >> And and he did it. >> And and he did it. >> He could not have known that he the on >> He could not have known that he the on >> He could not have known that he the on the other side of casting a net, the other side of casting a net, the other side of casting a net, >> he would be the Apostle Peter, that he >> he would be the Apostle Peter, that he >> he would be the Apostle Peter, that he would be one of the first to preach the would be one of the first to preach the would be one of the first to preach the gospel. Uh and and uh and so I just I gospel. Uh and and uh and so I just I gospel. Uh and and uh and so I just I love I see that all throughout your love I see that all throughout your love I see that all throughout your story story story >> sitting up in the bed 2:00 in the >> sitting up in the bed 2:00 in the >> sitting up in the bed 2:00 in the morning to having the conversation, you morning to having the conversation, you morning to having the conversation, you know, with Pastor Mark in Australia to know, with Pastor Mark in Australia to know, with Pastor Mark in Australia to all the little steps you took that were all the little steps you took that were all the little steps you took that were just small, we say like small obedances, just small, we say like small obedances, just small, we say like small obedances, just these little steps of faith. just these little steps of faith. just these little steps of faith. >> Uh it's Proverbs 3, you know, five and >> Uh it's Proverbs 3, you know, five and >> Uh it's Proverbs 3, you know, five and six, you know, trust in the Lord in all six, you know, trust in the Lord in all six, you know, trust in the Lord in all with all your heart and acknowledging with all your heart and acknowledging with all your heart and acknowledging him and he will direct your steps. him and he will direct your steps. him and he will direct your steps. >> Brother, I'm amening that because >> Brother, I'm amening that because >> Brother, I'm amening that because This is the honest truth. This is the honest truth. This is the honest truth. >> Nothing I've planned and thought would >> Nothing I've planned and thought would >> Nothing I've planned and thought would be effective has lasted. [laughter] be effective has lasted. [laughter] be effective has lasted. [laughter] >> It's lasted. Has lasted. Yeah, I know >> It's lasted. Has lasted. Yeah, I know >> It's lasted. Has lasted. Yeah, I know how you feel. And and almost everything how you feel. And and almost everything how you feel. And and almost everything that seems to have borne fruit and that seems to have borne fruit and that seems to have borne fruit and remained remained remained >> um were as a consequence of >> um were as a consequence of >> um were as a consequence of >> trying to follow the Lord >> trying to follow the Lord >> trying to follow the Lord >> and being faithful >> and being faithful >> and being faithful >> and God providentially >> and God providentially >> and God providentially >> doing what he does. Right? You know, the >> doing what he does. Right? You know, the >> doing what he does. Right? You know, the the first books that I had published, I the first books that I had published, I the first books that I had published, I I I wasn't an author. I didn't know any I I wasn't an author. I didn't know any I I wasn't an author. I didn't know any publishers. I was just working on some publishers. I was just working on some publishers. I was just working on some books and you some ideas. Um and I come books and you some ideas. Um and I come books and you some ideas. Um and I come to evening service one night and and to evening service one night and and to evening service one night and and Mark De says, "Hey, go over there Mark De says, "Hey, go over there Mark De says, "Hey, go over there introduce yourself to that guy."

introduce yourself to that guy." introduce yourself to that guy." >> I didn't know this guy from and I'm an >> I didn't know this guy from and I'm an >> I didn't know this guy from and I'm an introvert, man. I'm not He's quietly in introvert, man. I'm not He's quietly in introvert, man. I'm not He's quietly in the back. Can you go over there? I'm not the back. Can you go over there? I'm not the back. Can you go over there? I'm not [laughter] going over there mess with [laughter] going over there mess with [laughter] going over there mess with him. He said, "Just go over there and him. He said, "Just go over there and him. He said, "Just go over there and introduce." I said, "Well, who is he? introduce." I said, "Well, who is he? introduce." I said, "Well, who is he? Just go over there and introduce." I Just go over there and introduce." I Just go over there and introduce." I said, "Man, why you play too much? Just said, "Man, why you play too much? Just said, "Man, why you play too much? Just [laughter] go over there and introduce [laughter] go over there and introduce [laughter] go over there and introduce yourself." So, I go over there and yourself." So, I go over there and yourself." So, I go over there and introduce myself. He says, "Hi, I'm introduce myself. He says, "Hi, I'm introduce myself. He says, "Hi, I'm Mark." I said, "Hey, Mark. What do you Mark." I said, "Hey, Mark. What do you Mark." I said, "Hey, Mark. What do you do?" He says, "Well, I'm in town at the do?" He says, "Well, I'm in town at the do?" He says, "Well, I'm in town at the Library of Congress. I'm working on some Library of Congress. I'm working on some Library of Congress. I'm working on some books." books." books." And probably five minutes in the And probably five minutes in the And probably five minutes in the conversation like, "Oh, you're Mark conversation like, "Oh, you're Mark conversation like, "Oh, you're Mark Null." Null." Null." >> Right. It's like, "Oh, oh, snap." >> Right. It's like, "Oh, oh, snap." >> Right. It's like, "Oh, oh, snap." >> Historian. >> Historian. >> Historian. >> That's exactly right. That's my dude. Is >> That's exactly right. That's my dude. Is >> That's exactly right. That's my dude. Is it as it relates to evangelical it as it relates to evangelical it as it relates to evangelical historian? I'm like, "Oh, snap." So, we historian? I'm like, "Oh, snap." So, we historian? I'm like, "Oh, snap." So, we started talking started talking started talking >> and and he asked me about what I was >> and and he asked me about what I was >> and and he asked me about what I was doing because I said something about I doing because I said something about I doing because I said something about I love being at the Library of Congress love being at the Library of Congress love being at the Library of Congress over there. So, what are you working on? over there. So, what are you working on? over there. So, what are you working on? So, I told him about a book I was So, I told him about a book I was So, I told him about a book I was working on. He's like, working on. He's like, working on. He's like, >> "You should send me if you got a couple >> "You should send me if you got a couple >> "You should send me if you got a couple chapters and an outline, you should send chapters and an outline, you should send chapters and an outline, you should send me what you have, and I'd love to give me what you have, and I'd love to give me what you have, and I'd love to give you feedback. And you know, if it if it you feedback. And you know, if it if it you feedback. And you know, if it if it looks good, I'd love to introduce you to looks good, I'd love to introduce you to looks good, I'd love to introduce you to some publishers. some publishers. some publishers. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> I didn't plan that. Yeah. >> I didn't plan that. Yeah. >> I didn't plan that. Yeah. >> I didn't have some great plan. >> I didn't have some great plan. >> I didn't have some great plan. >> First of all, I love that he said if it >> First of all, I love that he said if it >> First of all, I love that he said if it looks good. looks good. looks good. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> He wasn't just blowing smoke. He was >> He wasn't just blowing smoke. He was >> He wasn't just blowing smoke. He was like, "This is trash everything." You like, "This is trash everything." You like, "This is trash everything." You know what I mean? [laughter] So, um and know what I mean? [laughter] So, um and know what I mean? [laughter] So, um and so yeah, and and that's that's how I so yeah, and and that's that's how I so yeah, and and that's that's how I that's how the be the writer that's how the be the writer that's how the be the writer >> got published and got started. It was >> got published and got started. It was >> got published and got started. It was providence, right? is God's working and providence, right? is God's working and providence, right? is God's working and doing things that um were for my good doing things that um were for my good doing things that um were for my good and I trust the good of his church but and I trust the good of his church but and I trust the good of his church but weren't down to some master plan that I weren't down to some master plan that I weren't down to some master plan that I have. And I think sometimes what I have. And I think sometimes what I have. And I think sometimes what I observe in church planning observe in church planning observe in church planning >> is people are are overly committed to >> is people are are overly committed to >> is people are are overly committed to strategy strategy strategy >> and undercommitted to just walking by >> and undercommitted to just walking by >> and undercommitted to just walking by faith.

faith. faith. >> Man, that's so good. >> Man, that's so good. >> Man, that's so good. >> Right. It's just sort of undercommitted >> Right. It's just sort of undercommitted >> Right. It's just sort of undercommitted to just doing the next thing that God to just doing the next thing that God to just doing the next thing that God said do. Cast your net in the book. said do. Cast your net in the book. said do. Cast your net in the book. Right. Right. Right. >> U because Peter's like, "Lord, >> U because Peter's like, "Lord, >> U because Peter's like, "Lord, I ain't nothing out here." Right? He I ain't nothing out here." Right? He I ain't nothing out here." Right? He don't even he doesn't even think that's don't even he doesn't even think that's don't even he doesn't even think that's rational, right? rational, right? rational, right? >> And yet the Lord instructed it. >> And yet the Lord instructed it. >> And yet the Lord instructed it. >> And so I just want to encourage folks to >> And so I just want to encourage folks to >> And so I just want to encourage folks to be like, "Yeah, okay. We're going to be like, "Yeah, okay. We're going to be like, "Yeah, okay. We're going to follow the Lord. follow the Lord. follow the Lord. >> We're going to plan. We're not going to >> We're going to plan. We're not going to >> We're going to plan. We're not going to be without a plan, be without a plan, be without a plan, >> but we're not going to grip our plan as >> but we're not going to grip our plan as >> but we're not going to grip our plan as if that's the source, if that's the source, if that's the source, >> right? We're not going to trust our plan >> right? We're not going to trust our plan >> right? We're not going to trust our plan as if our plan is going to deliver us. as if our plan is going to deliver us. as if our plan is going to deliver us. It's the Lord who does that. It's the It's the Lord who does that. It's the It's the Lord who does that. It's the Lord who builds his church, and we're Lord who builds his church, and we're Lord who builds his church, and we're going to try and keep in step with his going to try and keep in step with his going to try and keep in step with his spirit, in a way." spirit, in a way." spirit, in a way." >> So we we're in a different concept. >> So we we're in a different concept. >> So we we're in a different concept. We're a large suburban mega church. Um We're a large suburban mega church. Um We're a large suburban mega church. Um you're in the inner city Anacostia, you're in the inner city Anacostia, you're in the inner city Anacostia, >> very different context. >> very different context. >> very different context. >> Um as we're thinking about uh helping to >> Um as we're thinking about uh helping to >> Um as we're thinking about uh helping to raise up and support uh church planters, raise up and support uh church planters, raise up and support uh church planters, helping to catalyze gospel ministry uh helping to catalyze gospel ministry uh helping to catalyze gospel ministry uh in the DMV area and Lord willing, you in the DMV area and Lord willing, you in the DMV area and Lord willing, you know, among all nations all over the know, among all nations all over the know, among all nations all over the world. Um but specifically church world. Um but specifically church world. Um but specifically church planting here. Um what what what do you planting here. Um what what what do you planting here. Um what what what do you need or church planters? is like I mean need or church planters? is like I mean need or church planters? is like I mean y'all are in a little bit of a different y'all are in a little bit of a different y'all are in a little bit of a different place now more established as a church.

place now more established as a church. place now more established as a church. >> What do you need from churches? >> What do you need from churches? >> What do you need from churches? >> No, I keep I keep telling my people now >> No, I keep I keep telling my people now >> No, I keep I keep telling my people now we still a plan. We still got you got to we still a plan. We still got you got to we still a plan. We still got you got to keep that for as long as you can, man. keep that for as long as you can, man. keep that for as long as you can, man. >> Yeah. Well, so okay, that brings up a >> Yeah. Well, so okay, that brings up a >> Yeah. Well, so okay, that brings up a good point though because a lot of good point though because a lot of good point though because a lot of church planting models church planting models church planting models >> Oh, they're broken. >> Oh, they're broken. >> Oh, they're broken. >> And the funding structures, they break >> And the funding structures, they break >> And the funding structures, they break down when it comes to planting in down when it comes to planting in down when it comes to planting in >> uh impoverished communities and and >> uh impoverished communities and and >> uh impoverished communities and and underresourced communities. So, we we'll underresourced communities. So, we we'll underresourced communities. So, we we'll give a a church planter a runway. We'll give a a church planter a runway. We'll give a a church planter a runway. We'll say you got three years of funding. But say you got three years of funding. But say you got three years of funding. But when you're trying to plant a church in when you're trying to plant a church in when you're trying to plant a church in a community like Anacostia, sometimes a community like Anacostia, sometimes a community like Anacostia, sometimes those models, we're just talking about those models, we're just talking about those models, we're just talking about the funding. I mean, not not to mention the funding. I mean, not not to mention the funding. I mean, not not to mention the the strategy. Um, and so, uh, help the the strategy. Um, and so, uh, help the the strategy. Um, and so, uh, help us understand like some of those nuances us understand like some of those nuances us understand like some of those nuances and differences, even some of your and differences, even some of your and differences, even some of your experiences, uh, for that type of experiences, uh, for that type of experiences, uh, for that type of support. support. support. >> You're singing our song for the Creek >> You're singing our song for the Creek >> You're singing our song for the Creek Collective now, right? Um, Collective now, right? Um, Collective now, right? Um, >> yeah, talk to us about that because you >> yeah, talk to us about that because you >> yeah, talk to us about that because you mentioned it, but yeah, explain that to mentioned it, but yeah, explain that to mentioned it, but yeah, explain that to us. So in 2021 2020 2020 um God has kind us. So in 2021 2020 2020 um God has kind us. So in 2021 2020 2020 um God has kind of allowed several of us as pastors uh of allowed several of us as pastors uh of allowed several of us as pastors uh John Anwekqua myself uh Lewis Love up in John Anwekqua myself uh Lewis Love up in John Anwekqua myself uh Lewis Love up in um the Chicagoland area uh several of us um the Chicagoland area uh several of us um the Chicagoland area uh several of us to to launch an organization to to launch an organization to to launch an organization >> that's dedicated to trying to plant and >> that's dedicated to trying to plant and >> that's dedicated to trying to plant and revitalize churches at that intersection revitalize churches at that intersection revitalize churches at that intersection we talked about before predominantly we talked about before predominantly we talked about before predominantly minority neighborhoods that are marked minority neighborhoods that are marked minority neighborhoods that are marked by vulnerability that are marked by by vulnerability that are marked by by vulnerability that are marked by neglect neglect neglect uh poverty, etc.

uh poverty, etc. uh poverty, etc. >> Because we had had a retreat, several of >> Because we had had a retreat, several of >> Because we had had a retreat, several of us, all the elders from Cornerstone us, all the elders from Cornerstone us, all the elders from Cornerstone Church in Atlanta with John and Trip and Church in Atlanta with John and Trip and Church in Atlanta with John and Trip and those guys, those guys, those guys, >> all the elders at ARC, >> all the elders at ARC, >> all the elders at ARC, >> the elders at um Risen Christ in >> the elders at um Risen Christ in >> the elders at um Risen Christ in Philadelphia, Shy Lynn and and Brian Philadelphia, Shy Lynn and and Brian Philadelphia, Shy Lynn and and Brian Davis, we gotten together in a living Davis, we gotten together in a living Davis, we gotten together in a living room uh because we all launched about room uh because we all launched about room uh because we all launched about the same time and we were like, well, the same time and we were like, well, the same time and we were like, well, let's get together and encourage each let's get together and encourage each let's get together and encourage each other and etc. other and etc. other and etc. >> And we discovered we were telling the >> And we discovered we were telling the >> And we discovered we were telling the same story. We were going into same story. We were going into same story. We were going into neighborhoods um feeling pretty alone neighborhoods um feeling pretty alone neighborhoods um feeling pretty alone with our with our theological and and with our with our theological and and with our with our theological and and missional convictions. missional convictions. missional convictions. >> Our denominations and the groups that >> Our denominations and the groups that >> Our denominations and the groups that were supporting us didn't really have were supporting us didn't really have were supporting us didn't really have resources tailored to that. resources tailored to that. resources tailored to that. >> And we were in a church planting model >> And we were in a church planting model >> And we were in a church planting model that just wasn't it wasn't calibrated to that just wasn't it wasn't calibrated to that just wasn't it wasn't calibrated to those realities. those realities. those realities. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So, it's a model that's honestly >> So, it's a model that's honestly >> So, it's a model that's honestly calibrated to suburban uh kinds of calibrated to suburban uh kinds of calibrated to suburban uh kinds of churches and growth. Right. churches and growth. Right. churches and growth. Right. um where you give a planter three years, um where you give a planter three years, um where you give a planter three years, maybe four maybe four maybe four >> of declining support over those three or >> of declining support over those three or >> of declining support over those three or four years and say, "Hey, your goal is four years and say, "Hey, your goal is four years and say, "Hey, your goal is to become self-sufficient in in that to become self-sufficient in in that to become self-sufficient in in that time period."

time period." time period." >> Now, the reason that doesn't work for >> Now, the reason that doesn't work for >> Now, the reason that doesn't work for the inner city, of course, is is for a the inner city, of course, is is for a the inner city, of course, is is for a church to become self-sufficient in that church to become self-sufficient in that church to become self-sufficient in that time period. It's kind of got to grow time period. It's kind of got to grow time period. It's kind of got to grow somewhat rapidly. somewhat rapidly. somewhat rapidly. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Made up of people with disposable >> Made up of people with disposable >> Made up of people with disposable income, income, income, >> right? Because the outside sources are >> right? Because the outside sources are >> right? Because the outside sources are going to be declining, going to be declining, going to be declining, >> well, that's not what you find in the >> well, that's not what you find in the >> well, that's not what you find in the inner city. you don't find people with a inner city. you don't find people with a inner city. you don't find people with a lot of disposable income, right? lot of disposable income, right? lot of disposable income, right? >> Um and you find a lot of barriers that >> Um and you find a lot of barriers that >> Um and you find a lot of barriers that you have to you have to cross you have to you have to cross you have to you have to cross economically, etc. um to even have economically, etc. um to even have economically, etc. um to even have relationships with people that you're relationships with people that you're relationships with people that you're trying to reach. So, what you need is a trying to reach. So, what you need is a trying to reach. So, what you need is a much longer runway. much longer runway. much longer runway. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh to get to self-sufficiency. So, as a >> Uh to get to self-sufficiency. So, as a >> Uh to get to self-sufficiency. So, as a collective, um we we say to churches collective, um we we say to churches collective, um we we say to churches that we fund, we're going to fund you at that we fund, we're going to fund you at that we fund, we're going to fund you at least four years. least four years. least four years. >> Um and if we can raise the monies and >> Um and if we can raise the monies and >> Um and if we can raise the monies and and have the funds, um we we will we and have the funds, um we we will we and have the funds, um we we will we will be committed to at least grow to 10 will be committed to at least grow to 10 will be committed to at least grow to 10 years with that years with that years with that >> and just keep doing the work until it's >> and just keep doing the work until it's >> and just keep doing the work until it's done. So what we want to adopt done. So what we want to adopt done. So what we want to adopt >> is the same kind of mentality that many >> is the same kind of mentality that many >> is the same kind of mentality that many Christians have when it comes to Christians have when it comes to Christians have when it comes to international missions. Yeah. international missions. Yeah. international missions. Yeah. >> Among unreached unengaged people groups >> Among unreached unengaged people groups >> Among unreached unengaged people groups >> where we talk about, you know, sticking >> where we talk about, you know, sticking >> where we talk about, you know, sticking with the ministry until the church is with the ministry until the church is with the ministry until the church is established there, right? Uh and so established there, right? Uh and so established there, right? Uh and so that's what we're saying needs to happen that's what we're saying needs to happen that's what we're saying needs to happen in inner city neighborhoods closer to in inner city neighborhoods closer to in inner city neighborhoods closer to home. You got to stick with that. that home. You got to stick with that. that home. You got to stick with that. that man is is being faithful to preach the man is is being faithful to preach the man is is being faithful to preach the gospel, to evangelize the neighborhood, gospel, to evangelize the neighborhood, gospel, to evangelize the neighborhood, to engage the needs of the neighborhood.

to engage the needs of the neighborhood. to engage the needs of the neighborhood. You got to stick with that work until it You got to stick with that work until it You got to stick with that work until it gets rooted. You got to treat him like gets rooted. You got to treat him like gets rooted. You got to treat him like Adnar Judson. Yeah. Not like the, you Adnar Judson. Yeah. Not like the, you Adnar Judson. Yeah. Not like the, you know, the slick poster boy that we just know, the slick poster boy that we just know, the slick poster boy that we just saw for church planting, you know, at a saw for church planting, you know, at a saw for church planting, you know, at a conference or something. conference or something. conference or something. >> So, that's what we that's the mentality >> So, that's what we that's the mentality >> So, that's what we that's the mentality we want to encourage in churches. Um we want to encourage in churches. Um we want to encourage in churches. Um because what planters are going to need because what planters are going to need because what planters are going to need um is not just an assessment and a um is not just an assessment and a um is not just an assessment and a residency for one or two years. Um but residency for one or two years. Um but residency for one or two years. Um but almost all planters, whether they're in almost all planters, whether they're in almost all planters, whether they're in the inner city or the suburbs, the inner city or the suburbs, the inner city or the suburbs, >> are actually going to need mentoring and >> are actually going to need mentoring and >> are actually going to need mentoring and modeling and support modeling and support modeling and support >> until the church grows up, >> until the church grows up, >> until the church grows up, >> right? Yeah. Until the church grows up. >> right? Yeah. Until the church grows up. >> right? Yeah. Until the church grows up. Because Because Because >> um usually what we're doing with church >> um usually what we're doing with church >> um usually what we're doing with church planting is we're supporting younger planting is we're supporting younger planting is we're supporting younger guys with less experience, guys with less experience, guys with less experience, >> right? to go do this hard work. And one >> right? to go do this hard work. And one >> right? to go do this hard work. And one of the things I would love to see is for of the things I would love to see is for of the things I would love to see is for more seasoned pastors and saints more seasoned pastors and saints more seasoned pastors and saints >> to feel the call to go plant >> to feel the call to go plant >> to feel the call to go plant >> that maybe you've been pastoring as an >> that maybe you've been pastoring as an >> that maybe you've been pastoring as an assistant or something for 20 years or assistant or something for 20 years or assistant or something for 20 years or 15 years. Uh you're no longer that puppy 15 years. Uh you're no longer that puppy 15 years. Uh you're no longer that puppy gnawing on the furniture and chewing up gnawing on the furniture and chewing up gnawing on the furniture and chewing up the shoes. You're now a mature, you the shoes. You're now a mature, you the shoes. You're now a mature, you know, watchdog, right? You only bark know, watchdog, right? You only bark know, watchdog, right? You only bark when there's a problem kind of thing, when there's a problem kind of thing, when there's a problem kind of thing, you know? Yeah. Um, you need to go out you know? Yeah. Um, you need to go out you know? Yeah. Um, you need to go out because it's just more balanced than because it's just more balanced than because it's just more balanced than your boat. Just more steady. You've seen your boat. Just more steady. You've seen your boat. Just more steady. You've seen ups and downs in the life of a church.

ups and downs in the life of a church. ups and downs in the life of a church. You've seen some mistakes made. You've You've seen some mistakes made. You've You've seen some mistakes made. You've seen some victories. seen some victories. seen some victories. >> That kind of wisdom, >> That kind of wisdom, >> That kind of wisdom, >> whether you loan it to a planter while >> whether you loan it to a planter while >> whether you loan it to a planter while you stay in an existing church you stay in an existing church you stay in an existing church >> or whether you take it as a member of a >> or whether you take it as a member of a >> or whether you take it as a member of a church planting team, church planting team, church planting team, >> that kind of support and wisdom is vital >> that kind of support and wisdom is vital >> that kind of support and wisdom is vital for the health of that planter, of that for the health of that planter, of that for the health of that planter, of that church, of gospel mission uh in that church, of gospel mission uh in that church, of gospel mission uh in that community. And so we need longer community. And so we need longer community. And so we need longer runways. Um we need I think more support runways. Um we need I think more support runways. Um we need I think more support uh financially over a longer period of uh financially over a longer period of uh financially over a longer period of time. Uh we need more people to um yeah time. Uh we need more people to um yeah time. Uh we need more people to um yeah relinquish a tight grip on comfort uh relinquish a tight grip on comfort uh relinquish a tight grip on comfort uh and be willing to be uprooted. and be willing to be uprooted. and be willing to be uprooted. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And to move to another place. >> And to move to another place. >> And to move to another place. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh may even be a place where you don't >> Uh may even be a place where you don't >> Uh may even be a place where you don't want to live, want to live, want to live, >> but for the sake of the gospel, >> but for the sake of the gospel, >> but for the sake of the gospel, >> Yeah. you know, you will go there and >> Yeah. you know, you will go there and >> Yeah. you know, you will go there and and rejoice to be in God's will and rejoice to be in God's will and rejoice to be in God's will >> and to plant your life there and to do >> and to plant your life there and to do >> and to plant your life there and to do that work and to pursue a vision of the that work and to pursue a vision of the that work and to pursue a vision of the gospel spread, you know, in that place gospel spread, you know, in that place gospel spread, you know, in that place uh in that way. Um uh in that way. Um uh in that way. Um >> so, yeah, we're we're exiles here.

>> so, yeah, we're we're exiles here. >> so, yeah, we're we're exiles here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so, we've got to have an exile >> And so, we've got to have an exile >> And so, we've got to have an exile mentality. mentality. mentality. >> Um as churches, big large suburban >> Um as churches, big large suburban >> Um as churches, big large suburban churches, and as Christians. Uh churches, and as Christians. Uh churches, and as Christians. Uh otherwise what we do is we just kind of otherwise what we do is we just kind of otherwise what we do is we just kind of keep pocketing things rather than keep pocketing things rather than keep pocketing things rather than investing things in. investing things in. investing things in. >> And that's that's part of what I I >> And that's that's part of what I I >> And that's that's part of what I I really want our people to see. really want our people to see. really want our people to see. >> Like my my dream, you know, and the Lord >> Like my my dream, you know, and the Lord >> Like my my dream, you know, and the Lord has blessed our church. I mean, way has blessed our church. I mean, way has blessed our church. I mean, way before I got here, way before David got before I got here, way before David got before I got here, way before David got here, before Lon even, you know, got here, before Lon even, you know, got here, before Lon even, you know, got here, although he was here for so long. here, although he was here for so long. here, although he was here for so long. Uh but man, I I dream of the day where Uh but man, I I dream of the day where Uh but man, I I dream of the day where our giving, our generosity is is so our giving, our generosity is is so our giving, our generosity is is so abundant abundant abundant >> uh that we just have all kinds of >> uh that we just have all kinds of >> uh that we just have all kinds of financial margin to be able to join the financial margin to be able to join the financial margin to be able to join the adventure of, adventure of, adventure of, >> you know, almost being like a little >> you know, almost being like a little >> you know, almost being like a little venture capitalist, you know, being able venture capitalist, you know, being able venture capitalist, you know, being able to help just invest in gospel work here to help just invest in gospel work here to help just invest in gospel work here in the DMV and all over the world. And in the DMV and all over the world. And in the DMV and all over the world. And part of the reason why I wanted our part of the reason why I wanted our part of the reason why I wanted our church to hear your story and the story church to hear your story and the story church to hear your story and the story of Anacostia River Church and the Creek of Anacostia River Church and the Creek of Anacostia River Church and the Creek Collective is precisely because uh your Collective is precisely because uh your Collective is precisely because uh your church, the context is so different than church, the context is so different than church, the context is so different than ours. And we want to see the gospel and ours. And we want to see the gospel and ours. And we want to see the gospel and churches and disciples multiplied in churches and disciples multiplied in churches and disciples multiplied in immigrant communities, in inner city immigrant communities, in inner city immigrant communities, in inner city neighborhoods, uh in other suburban neighborhoods, uh in other suburban neighborhoods, uh in other suburban areas, in all different kinds of uh areas, in all different kinds of uh areas, in all different kinds of uh areas uh around the DMV area and and and areas uh around the DMV area and and and areas uh around the DMV area and and and wherever the Lord is sending people to.

wherever the Lord is sending people to. wherever the Lord is sending people to. Uh but it does require that missionary Uh but it does require that missionary Uh but it does require that missionary mindset mindset mindset >> uh that we're not just growing bigger >> uh that we're not just growing bigger >> uh that we're not just growing bigger churches or um uh expanding a brand. Uh churches or um uh expanding a brand. Uh churches or um uh expanding a brand. Uh but we are actually helping to see but we are actually helping to see but we are actually helping to see churches grow out of the soil of churches grow out of the soil of churches grow out of the soil of neighborhoods and communities. Um and neighborhoods and communities. Um and neighborhoods and communities. Um and it's it'll look a little different, you it's it'll look a little different, you it's it'll look a little different, you know, than than ours. Um and God is know, than than ours. Um and God is know, than than ours. Um and God is calling some of us to to go plant and to calling some of us to to go plant and to calling some of us to to go plant and to go lead. God is calling some of us to go go lead. God is calling some of us to go go lead. God is calling some of us to go participate and just be members of those participate and just be members of those participate and just be members of those churches and faithfully support and churches and faithfully support and churches and faithfully support and invest in those works. God is calling a invest in those works. God is calling a invest in those works. God is calling a lot of us lot of us lot of us >> to help fund. That's right. >> to help fund. That's right. >> to help fund. That's right. >> Uh and provide inind donations and our >> Uh and provide inind donations and our >> Uh and provide inind donations and our expertise and coming alongside and expertise and coming alongside and expertise and coming alongside and mentoring in these neighborhoods or mentoring in these neighborhoods or mentoring in these neighborhoods or where however the Lord where however the Lord where however the Lord >> whatever he's put in our hand. >> whatever he's put in our hand. >> whatever he's put in our hand. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> To contribute to his kingdom work, we we >> To contribute to his kingdom work, we we >> To contribute to his kingdom work, we we have a role to play. uh even if it's not have a role to play. uh even if it's not have a role to play. uh even if it's not necessarily a a direct uh role, necessarily a a direct uh role, necessarily a a direct uh role, >> man. And and I want to say two things in >> man. And and I want to say two things in >> man. And and I want to say two things in response to that. One is I I I want to response to that. One is I I I want to response to that. One is I I I want to praise the Lord for the ways in which praise the Lord for the ways in which praise the Lord for the ways in which that's already been true of MLAN. Yeah.

that's already been true of MLAN. Yeah. that's already been true of MLAN. Yeah. >> You guys partner with us in planting >> You guys partner with us in planting >> You guys partner with us in planting Jeremy uh Mlan at at Mercy of Christ in Jeremy uh Mlan at at Mercy of Christ in Jeremy uh Mlan at at Mercy of Christ in Northeast DC. You guys have supported Northeast DC. You guys have supported Northeast DC. You guys have supported ministries like Daybreak and other other ministries like Daybreak and other other ministries like Daybreak and other other ministries in in our section of the ministries in in our section of the ministries in in our section of the city. So I think that's been part of the city. So I think that's been part of the city. So I think that's been part of the heritage of MLAN in that way. And so heritage of MLAN in that way. And so heritage of MLAN in that way. And so that's the first thing I praise God for that's the first thing I praise God for that's the first thing I praise God for you guys and your partnership. The the you guys and your partnership. The the you guys and your partnership. The the second thing I would say is is the second thing I would say is is the second thing I would say is is the vision you're holding out to people is vision you're holding out to people is vision you're holding out to people is deeply biblical. deeply biblical. deeply biblical. >> You know, even that that sort of in >> You know, even that that sort of in >> You know, even that that sort of in investment uh analogy that you're using investment uh analogy that you're using investment uh analogy that you're using there, right? Um what does the writer of there, right? Um what does the writer of there, right? Um what does the writer of Ecclesiastes tell us? You know, cast our Ecclesiastes tell us? You know, cast our Ecclesiastes tell us? You know, cast our bread on many waters, right? Uh what bread on many waters, right? Uh what bread on many waters, right? Uh what does Jesus tell us? Unless a you know, does Jesus tell us? Unless a you know, does Jesus tell us? Unless a you know, unless a seed falls into the ground and unless a seed falls into the ground and unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it it it won't bear fruit, right? dies, it it it won't bear fruit, right? dies, it it it won't bear fruit, right? There just so many ways in which that There just so many ways in which that There just so many ways in which that multiplication metaphor Yeah. multiplication metaphor Yeah. multiplication metaphor Yeah. >> shows up in scripture all over the >> shows up in scripture all over the >> shows up in scripture all over the place. Uh and that's what you're giving place. Uh and that's what you're giving place. Uh and that's what you're giving that's what you're giving your people that's what you're giving your people that's what you're giving your people here. And I hope I hope the people in here. And I hope I hope the people in here. And I hope I hope the people in MLAN um from the least to the greatest MLAN um from the least to the greatest MLAN um from the least to the greatest embrace that right. Uh that that idea embrace that right. Uh that that idea embrace that right. Uh that that idea that um we are called to actually that um we are called to actually that um we are called to actually multiply. Yeah.

multiply. Yeah. multiply. Yeah. >> Uh and God will take whatever little >> Uh and God will take whatever little >> Uh and God will take whatever little pieces we have. pieces we have. pieces we have. >> Uh and he will do that. Whatever we have >> Uh and he will do that. Whatever we have >> Uh and he will do that. Whatever we have to contribute um and and he will do to contribute um and and he will do to contribute um and and he will do that. And and I want to encourage that. And and I want to encourage that. And and I want to encourage further further further if you let the Lord do that in your if you let the Lord do that in your if you let the Lord do that in your life. life. life. >> It will be for the quickening of your >> It will be for the quickening of your >> It will be for the quickening of your soul soul soul >> and it will be for your great joy. >> and it will be for your great joy. >> and it will be for your great joy. >> You you will not regret >> You you will not regret >> You you will not regret laying your life down to serve Jesus. laying your life down to serve Jesus. laying your life down to serve Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> In church planting or evangelism or what >> In church planting or evangelism or what >> In church planting or evangelism or what whatever it is, if God stirs you to go, whatever it is, if God stirs you to go, whatever it is, if God stirs you to go, go. go. go. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Go. just he's going to he's going to >> Go. just he's going to he's going to >> Go. just he's going to he's going to show you the place like like Abraham. show you the place like like Abraham. show you the place like like Abraham. He's going to show you the place. He's He's going to show you the place. He's He's going to show you the place. He's going to show you what it means. Not going to show you what it means. Not going to show you what it means. Not going to tell you everything in advance going to tell you everything in advance going to tell you everything in advance because if he did, you wouldn't go, you because if he did, you wouldn't go, you because if he did, you wouldn't go, you know, you you panic and chickening out, know, you you panic and chickening out, know, you you panic and chickening out, right? Um right? Um right? Um >> but boy, there's nothing like >> but boy, there's nothing like >> but boy, there's nothing like surrendering yourself to the Lord surrendering yourself to the Lord surrendering yourself to the Lord >> and his will >> and his will >> and his will >> and seeing him work and seeing him do >> and seeing him work and seeing him do >> and seeing him work and seeing him do more than you had even imagined. um and more than you had even imagined. um and more than you had even imagined. um and seeing that multiplication unfold.

seeing that multiplication unfold. seeing that multiplication unfold. >> It's just if if you want to be a happy >> It's just if if you want to be a happy >> It's just if if you want to be a happy Christian, if you want to be joyful, Christian, if you want to be joyful, Christian, if you want to be joyful, >> serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with >> serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with >> serve the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Uh and he will multiply that. gladness. Uh and he will multiply that. gladness. Uh and he will multiply that. And so, uh I love the vision you're And so, uh I love the vision you're And so, uh I love the vision you're holding out for people here. It's deeply holding out for people here. It's deeply holding out for people here. It's deeply biblical. biblical. biblical. >> Uh it's going to be good for the whole >> Uh it's going to be good for the whole >> Uh it's going to be good for the whole the big C church and it'll be good for the big C church and it'll be good for the big C church and it'll be good for every individual Christian who will every individual Christian who will every individual Christian who will release themselves, give themselves to release themselves, give themselves to release themselves, give themselves to it um with joy. it um with joy. it um with joy. >> Yeah. Well, we're honored to be >> Yeah. Well, we're honored to be >> Yeah. Well, we're honored to be co-aborers in the gospel, man. And, uh, co-aborers in the gospel, man. And, uh, co-aborers in the gospel, man. And, uh, I said it at the top. Um, you have been I said it at the top. Um, you have been I said it at the top. Um, you have been a catalyst for a lot of younger pastors a catalyst for a lot of younger pastors a catalyst for a lot of younger pastors and leaders and aspiring theologians uh, and leaders and aspiring theologians uh, and leaders and aspiring theologians uh, and now church planters and um, and and and now church planters and um, and and and now church planters and um, and and having grown up in the area and watching having grown up in the area and watching having grown up in the area and watching the work that y'all are doing. Uh, it's the work that y'all are doing. Uh, it's the work that y'all are doing. Uh, it's it's inspiring. It's encouraging and it's inspiring. It's encouraging and it's inspiring. It's encouraging and it's a joy to be able to to to be a part it's a joy to be able to to to be a part it's a joy to be able to to to be a part of it. So, thanks for taking the time, of it. So, thanks for taking the time, of it. So, thanks for taking the time, man. I know uh I know you got a lot man. I know uh I know you got a lot man. I know uh I know you got a lot going on, but I appreciate you investing going on, but I appreciate you investing going on, but I appreciate you investing in our church. in our church. in our church. >> Thanks for having me, man. Love what the >> Thanks for having me, man. Love what the >> Thanks for having me, man. Love what the Lord is doing here. Love you, brother. Lord is doing here. Love you, brother. Lord is doing here. Love you, brother. I'm so grateful for you. Uh love your I'm so grateful for you. Uh love your I'm so grateful for you. Uh love your dad, saints at New Samaritan. Tell him I dad, saints at New Samaritan. Tell him I dad, saints at New Samaritan. Tell him I tell him I said hello, man. And uh keep tell him I said hello, man. And uh keep tell him I said hello, man. And uh keep doing what you're doing, man.

doing what you're doing, man. doing what you're doing, man. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, man.