Spring Cleaning: The Power of Exposure!

“The illiterate of the 21st century are not those that cannot read or write but those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” -Alvin Toffler 

Wow!

This has been an explosive season of learning, growing and stretching for me. Ever since I was a little boy, I made the commitment to be a life long student. Growing up, my grandfather would tell me, “Your life is a university. Every day, take a class.” As a result, I’ve always started each year with a few attainable goals that challenge me spiritually, financially and socially. 

One of my goals for 2016 was to invest in personal development. As a pastor, I prepare content weekly to preach to a growing congregation. In addition, I teach two classes during in The Equipping Center (TEC) ministry school, as well as countless private messages for insights, problem solving and ideas. This is taxing and I find that the more I feed, the more I must be fed! With this in mind, I specifically looked up events and conferences that I’ve never been to and don’t know anyone. This forced me to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to find out what else is out there. 

Although it’s only the first quarter of the year, my heart is racing and my vision has been reinvigorated. I wanted to share a few highlights from some of the public and private events I’ve attended recently. These 10 nuggets have made a tremendous impact on my life!

Project Gideon – Dallas, TX 

A mentoring program by Bishop T. D. Jakes 

1. “In ministry, there will be fluctuations. Your ability to understand fluctuations determines the depth of your leadership.” -TDJ

2. “Every idea needs a strategy. If there is no strategy, there is no stream.” -TDJ

3. “Always be interested and not just interesting.” -Sundra Ryce

4. “I coach the masses, I mentor the few. I can coach a person that I don’t see. Mentoring is when I take a portion of my life and invest into that particular person.” -Holton Buggs 

5. “The power is in the WHY. Teaching tells you the WHAT. Mentoring tells you the WHY.” -TDJ

6. “Mentoring is MEN TOURING each other’s lives.” -TDJ

Q Commons – New York City 

A faith and culture event hosted by Gabe Lyons. 

7. “It’s not an easy to be a leader and it’s not an easy time to find a leader you can trust.”

8. “A leader increases others flourishing by their own vulnerability. The challenge of leadership is the proper stewarding of vulnerability.” -Andy Crouch, Strong & Weak

CAP Retool – Atlanta, GA 

An association of pastors hosted by Bishop Dale Bronner. 

9. “Let the changes you make be evolutionary and not revolutionary. Know your pace.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

10. “There are three types of people you need in your life to accomplish your mission. Doers, Donors and Door openers. Doers have time but no resources. Donors have resources but no time. Door openers have the ability to take you to the next level. Evaluate your life and see who is who.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

The Tipping Point

“History is a vision of God’s creation on the move.” 
-Arnold J. Toynbee

Although I have not written anything recently, my mind has not been able to settle recalling the most recent events. Whenever we are on the verge of a tipping point, there are key indicators that will give credence to it. It is obvious that in the Body of Christ, a Changing of the Guards is in full effect, and I mourn with the rest of the world and my emerging colleagues when thinking about these iconic generals. Who would have thought that during Passion Week, Robert Schuller, William Bonner, and the “Dean of Preachers”, Gardner C. Taylor would all transition? When I received the news yesterday, my heart was broken, tears streaming down my eyes, because I’m very concerned about where we are headed. 

Unbenowst to some, the Church particularly in the United States is at a crossroads. Many are wrestling to define where we stand and how we navigate the cascade of a changing culture. Dr. Taylor represents the age of an era, a pastor-scholar, whose eloquence and brilliance is so desperately needed today more than ever. One might think that in today’s world with new technology, MegaChurches, and Reality TV, we have advanced and no longer need to hear the words of this Gospel General. 

However, I would argue that today, we need his wisdom, insight, and intelligence more now than ever! There is an entire new generation arising with no reference to scholarship, exegesis, and sound doctrine. Our messages today are no longer thought provoking and sometimes lack the depth that he so graciously employed. He wooed Blacks and Whites, with an academic rigor and political finesse.

I was blessed to hear him preach twice in person. First, at the banquet for the late and great Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones retirement banquet. I had to be about 13 or 14, and my Grandfather allowed me the opportunity to attend with him. When Dr. Taylor began to preach, I was mesmerized and said to myself, “One day, I pray I can talk like that.” I also heard him again at Dr. Jones funeral. I keep a repository of great preachers and still look at some of the notes I have from the Hampton lectures that he taught. Dr. Taylor’s legacy shines BRIGHTER and BOLDER than ever before and I pray that as emerging voices prepare to take their place, we do not forget the Christological emphasis he labored for.

I also pause to think about the impact and influence of Dr. Robert Schuller. I would watch the, “Hour of Power” broadcast with my grandparents and night and marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the majestic Crystal Cathedral. His messages were encouraging and simple, he gave people hope and inspired millions. He was also innovative, treading new territory that churches back then did not dare tred. He created the idea of having churches in movie theaters and was a pioneer in the Church Growth Movement. He played a pivotal role in helping to birth the seeker friendly model, and inspiring powerful leaders like John Maxwell, Rick Warren, and Bill Hybels. His emphasis on church growth was also a great aid and support to COGIC Presiding Bishop, Charles Blake. Although that Cathedral no longer bears his mark, his trademark humor and wisdom teaches us lessons on how to touch people right where they are.

Nevertheless, I hasten to close and also honor Bishop William Bonner, a herald of holiness. Bishop Bonner was a general in the Apostolic-Pentecostal tradition. His messages were lively, anointed, and powerful. He built very strong ministries throughout the United States, and leveraged the power of media to further the ministry. His denomination, COOLJC, has given rise to many great leaders, including musical genius, Bishop Hezekiah Walker.

In essence, all of these come from very different traditions. But one thing is sure: they served WELL. Sleep on Generals. Take your rest. I look to see you on in the morning.

To those of us who remain and are apart of a new generation, let’s honor their sacrifice, remember their cause, and faithfully serve our Generation WELL.

Expecting Greater!
D. A. Sherron
P. S. Send me your favorite   clips, links and articles about any of these great men!
www.globalfirenow.com 

Soo, What Did You Learn This Summer?

“No man is your enemy. No man is your friend. Every man is your teacher.” Unknown

Last week, as I was preparing for bed one of my friends called and said he was by my house. Never being one to miss an opportunity, I quickly ran outside to chat with him and what was supposed to be a quick conversation, ended up being a two-hour power discussion. I must honestly say he is one of the most brilliant people I know and I count it an honor to have such a connection. Amidst talking about wisdom, leadership, business and much more, he asked me a question that left me stunned. “Soo, what all did you learn this summer?” Paralyzed, it began to make me stop and recount all of the things that were happening and I’ve spent time since then to really pause and think about it.

This summer has been an eye opener for me and I’ve learned so much from a myriad of different places. My Grandpa would always tell me as a boy, “Son, your City is a University. Everyday, take a class.” Papa was right again, and here are just a few thoughts I’d like to share, I’ll finish them later:

1. Wisdom Flows in Circles. Find them!
Every Summer, I attend an Intensive at Yale University. These two days always leave me stretched and asking questions that I would never normally ask. Oftentimes, we make the mistake of learning only in our environment. Being a big fish in a small pond is NOT a compliment!
Takeaway: Find a group of individuals in your industry or profession where you feel like a child again. Allow their advice to transform you and birth creative impulses.

2. Your ATTITUDE is your greatest ASSET.
This summer, I was invited to join a think tank with a small group of thought leaders. Every week, we schedule time to share ideas on how we will change the world. I cannot even describe how my hope and passion has been changed by sitting with these men. Takeaway: Small is the new big and you cannot succeed without a small group of trusted peers. Attitude determines altitude!

3. Love Always Wins!
If you love someone, show it!
I spent a lot of time showing the ones closest to me how much I’m grateful for them. Even the members of our church know that I am not ashamed to go to extreme heights to show how much I care!
Takeaway: Never be afraid to show the one who has captured your heart that they mean the world to you.

4. Follow the still, small voice.
Last weekend, I had plans to go to a major gathering outside of the City. However, as time drew closer, I felt the pull to get away and be alone with God in the mountains. It was one of the best decisions I made all summer. Being alone gave me clarity for the future, bonding time with my brother and connected me with new ministry partnerships in Africa and the Caribbean!
Takeaway: Be open. Be flexible. Don’t afraid to take a risk. Try it!

5. Honor Always Pays Off!
Many of you know that I lost my Grandfather this year and it is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding times of my life. Yesterday, I joined with the masses in celebrating the life of Mother Alease Hilliard-Chapman, the beloved mother of Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever attended.
During the service, we all watched in tears as she had special never seen before footage of counsel and wisdom only to be shared at her funeral. She spoke so highly of her son and his leadership. I pray one day while I’m still well alive, people will speak that well of me!
Takeaway: When we honor out parents, grandparents, it creates dividends we would’ve never had before that.

I dedicate this post to my family, both physical and spiritual, my new friends that I’ve gained along the way and to the ones who help me every day.

Soo, what did you learn this summer?