Is Kirk Franklin A Pastor Of A Church

Is Kirk Franklin a Pastor of a Church? Unveiling the Truth Behind the Gospel Icon

Introduction:

Kirk Franklin, a name synonymous with gospel music and inspirational leadership, often sparks the question: Is he a pastor of a church? This in-depth exploration delves into the multifaceted career and spiritual life of this renowned musician, clarifying his role within the religious community and dispelling any common misconceptions. We'll examine his extensive musical contributions, his public speaking engagements, and his overall influence on faith-based communities to paint a clear picture of his position and impact. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and accurate answer to the frequently asked question, “Is Kirk Franklin a pastor of a church?” Prepare to discover more than just a simple yes or no.

I. Kirk Franklin's Musical Journey and Influence:

Kirk Franklin's extraordinary musical career began in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he was heavily involved in gospel music from a young age. His innovative blend of gospel, hip-hop, and R&B revolutionized the genre, captivating audiences worldwide and earning him numerous Grammy Awards. His impact transcends mere musical achievement; his music often serves as a powerful tool for spiritual reflection and communal connection, inspiring millions to explore their faith through his compositions. Albums like Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation, The Nu Nation Project, and The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin showcase his evolution as an artist and his unwavering dedication to uplifting themes. This widespread influence naturally leads to questions regarding his formal religious leadership role.

II. Public Speaking and Ministry Engagement:

Beyond his musical prowess, Kirk Franklin is a highly sought-after speaker at various religious events and conferences. His powerful speeches resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level, addressing faith, family, and social issues with equal grace and conviction. While he doesn't lead a traditional congregation in the way a pastor of a local church might, his public engagements serve as a powerful form of ministry. He inspires and encourages individuals to strengthen their faith and live lives of purpose. These powerful speeches and public appearances further fuel the discussion around his status as a spiritual leader.

III. The Distinction Between Pastor and Minister:

It's crucial to understand the distinction between a "pastor" and a "minister." While both roles involve spiritual leadership, the title "pastor" typically denotes a specific role within a local church, overseeing a congregation and providing pastoral care to its members. "Minister," on the other hand, encompasses a broader spectrum of spiritual leadership, encompassing various roles, including teaching, preaching, and counseling, without necessarily being tied to a specific church. Kirk Franklin’s activities align more closely with the broader definition of a minister than a pastor of a specific church.

IV. Kirk Franklin's Spiritual Leadership: A Holistic Approach:

Kirk Franklin's spiritual leadership extends far beyond the pulpit. He actively uses his platform to promote positive values, inspire social change, and encourage spiritual growth among his vast audience. He leverages his influence to address relevant issues within the community and advocate for positive change. His dedication to using his gifts and talents for a greater good aligns with the principles of Christian ministry, even if he doesn't hold the traditional title of pastor.

V. The Absence of a Traditional Church Leadership Role:

To be explicit: Kirk Franklin is not currently the pastor of a church. While he holds a significant role in the faith community, he doesn’t lead a congregation in the conventional sense of a church pastor. His influence stems from his music, public speaking, and overall commitment to sharing his faith and inspiring others. This is not to diminish his spiritual significance, but rather to clarify his unique position within the religious landscape.

VI. Conclusion: Understanding Kirk Franklin's Impact

In conclusion, while Kirk Franklin is not a pastor of a church in the traditional sense, his considerable influence on the faith community is undeniable. He serves as a powerful minister through his music, speaking engagements, and advocacy for positive social change. His impact on the lives of millions is a testament to his spiritual leadership and the profound effect he has on spreading faith and hope.


Article Outline:

I. Introduction: Hooks the reader with a compelling question and provides a brief overview of the article's content.
II. Kirk Franklin's Musical Journey and Influence: Explores his significant musical career and its impact on the gospel genre.
III. Public Speaking and Ministry Engagement: Discusses his public appearances and speeches as a form of ministry.
IV. The Distinction Between Pastor and Minister: Clarifies the difference between the two roles, placing Kirk Franklin's position in context.
V. Kirk Franklin's Spiritual Leadership: A Holistic Approach: Highlights his influence beyond formal church leadership.
VI. The Absence of a Traditional Church Leadership Role: Directly addresses the question of whether he is a pastor of a church.
VII. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and reinforces the article's key message.

FAQs:

1. Does Kirk Franklin preach regularly in a church? No, he does not regularly preach in a specific church.
2. Is Kirk Franklin ordained as a minister? While his specific ordination status isn't publicly known, his actions and influence align with a ministerial role.
3. What is Kirk Franklin's role in the religious community? He is a significant figure whose influence inspires and guides millions through music and public speaking.
4. Has Kirk Franklin ever served as a pastor? There's no public record of him serving as a pastor of a local church.
5. Does Kirk Franklin lead a congregation? No, he doesn't lead a specific church congregation.
6. How does Kirk Franklin spread his faith? He spreads his faith through his music, public speaking, and advocacy work.
7. What is Kirk Franklin's net worth? His net worth is substantial, accumulated through a successful musical career, but this is not directly relevant to his religious role.
8. What are Kirk Franklin's views on social issues? He's been vocal on several social issues, often using his platform to advocate for positive change.
9. Where can I find more information about Kirk Franklin's ministry? You can find more information on his official website and various media outlets that cover his career.


Related Articles:

1. The Evolution of Gospel Music: Kirk Franklin's Impact: A deep dive into how Kirk Franklin changed gospel music.
2. Top 10 Inspiring Gospel Songs by Kirk Franklin: A list of his most inspiring and influential songs.
3. Kirk Franklin's Family Life and Faith: An exploration of his personal life and how his faith shapes it.
4. The Business of Gospel Music: Kirk Franklin's Entrepreneurial Success: How Kirk Franklin built a successful career in the music industry.
5. Kirk Franklin's Philanthropic Efforts: Details of his charitable work and community involvement.
6. Comparing Kirk Franklin's Ministry to Other Contemporary Gospel Leaders: A comparative analysis of his leadership style with other figures.
7. The Power of Gospel Music in Modern Society: Kirk Franklin's Influence: Examining the social impact of gospel music with Kirk Franklin as a prime example.
8. The Spiritual Messages in Kirk Franklin's Music: An in-depth analysis of the theological themes in his songs.
9. Kirk Franklin's Public Speaking Techniques and Their Effectiveness: A study of his communication style and its impact on audiences.


  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Truth About Men DeVon Franklin, 2020-02-25 The New York Times bestselling author of The Wait and “spiritual teacher for our times” (Oprah Winfrey) frankly and openly explores why men behave the way they do and what everyone—men and women alike—need to know about it. We hear it all the time. Men cheat. Men love power. Men love sex. Men are greedy. Men are dogs. But is this really the truth about men? In this groundbreaking book, DeVon Franklin dishes the real truth by making the compelling case that men aren’t dogs but all men share the same struggle. He provides the manual for how men can change, both on a personal and a societal level by providing practical solutions for helping men learn how to resist temptation, how to practice self-control, and how to love. But The Truth About Men isn’t just for men. DeVon tells female readers everything they need to know about men. He offers women a real-time understanding of how men’s struggles affect them, insights that can help them navigate their relationships with men and information on how to heal from the damage that some misbehaving men may have inflicted. This book is a raw, informative, and accessible look at an issue that threatens to tear our society apart yet it offers a positive way forward for men and women alike.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Kingdom Men Rising Tony Evans, 2021-04-06 God is good and powerful and wants the best for your life. He has big plans for you. You believe these things are true. But what is your own responsibility as a man when it comes to becoming all God created you to be? How can you walk in victory and faith and make an impact on others for God? Kingdom Men Rising challenges men to foster personal discipleship and apply discipleship skills and a leadership mindset to all areas of life. Dr. Tony Evans brings his insights, stories, and wise counsel from God's Word to clear all obstacles in your path, leading you to the abundant life you've been called to live. And along the way, you'll find your heart stirred to reach for more, no longer settling for a faith that just goes through the motions. The life of King David is used as the book's foundation, and topics include overcoming temptation, restoration from sin, how to disciple others, and finally how to leave a legacy of faith and godly influence. Replace helplessness, boredom, and regret with vibrancy, power, and joy. Let Kingdom Men Rising help you take the next step in your faith to become the powerful man of God you were made to be.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Blueprint Kirk Franklin, 2010-05-18 Seven-time Grammy award winning artist offers an inspiring blend of God and grit for building a fulfilling life The Blueprint is a transparent approach to talking about issues-from marriage to politics to sex and religion-and it's from my perspective. Not from a Princeton, mainline, protestant, evangelical or liberal viewpoint, but from a 2010 Christian moderate with swag. --Kirk Franklin Gospel artist Kirk Franklin's faith wasn't always as strong as it is today. His father abandoned his family; his mother constantly told Kirk that he was an unwanted child and left him to be adopted when he was four; his sister became a crack addict; he never saw a black man who was faithful in marriage. Despite his shaky foundation he found strength and success through his music and through God. In The Blueprint, Franklin will explain how by communicating with life's architect, God, he learned to see hardships as necessary life propellants and moved on to become the bestselling gospel musician in recent history, as well as a devoted husband and loving father. This is not a step program, it's a lifelong journey. With Franklin's guidance, you will: -pursue your dreams without losing yourself in the chase -do some lifescaping to eliminate the weeds that hold you back -declare your life to be drama-free -get past your fears, so you can live and love fully -pass the baton to future generations by leading by example It's time to take faith out of the church pews and into our everyday lives. With hope, devotion, and strength, The Blueprint offers a plan to help you move beyond hardships to create your own personal Blueprint for life. Watch a Video
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: PreachersNSneakers Ben Kirby, 2021-04-27 Founder of the phenomenon social media account PreachersNSneakers tackles how faith, capitalism, consumerism, and (wannabe) celebrity have collided and asks both believers and nonbelievers alike: how much is too much? What started as a joke account on Instagram has turned into a movement. Through this provocative project, the founder of PreachersNSneakers is helping thousands of Jesus followers wrestle with the inevitable dilemmas created by our Western culture obsessed with image and entertainment. In PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities, Ben Kirby approaches many of the difficult questions plaguing countless Christians’ minds, presenting experiences and input from both sides of difficult questions, such as: Should pastors grow wealthy off of religion, and can their churches ever be too large? Do we really believe that divine blessings are monetary, or is that just religious wallpaper to hide our own greed? Is there space in Christendom for celebrities like Kanye and Bieber to exist without distorting the good news? What about this: Is it wrong for someone—even wrong for author Ben Kirby—to call out faith leaders online and leverage “cancel culture” to affect change? PreachersNSneakers will navigate these challenging questions and many more with humor, wit, candor, and a few never-before-published hijinks. Each chapter will explore the various sides of the debate, holding space for us to make up our own minds. This book is not about finding the perfect, “right” way to do something, but instead learning how to articulate what we believe, why we believe it, and what to do when we want to stand up against cultural norms. This book will doubtlessly become a staple for church small groups, college ministries, and book clubs, emboldening struggling believers who want to live a more genuine faith. After all, the Lord works in mysterious colorways.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Straight Talk for Crooked Church Dr. Rahsaan A. Armand, 2013-06-06 A father once taught his son that the two things he should avoid debating are faith and politics. He was adamant that his son avoids political arguments, citing that no one ever wins them because people are passionately stubborn about the powers that represent them. Concerning matters of faith, his father offered the same counsel, claiming people are equally as passionate about the “higher power(s)” they represent. In Straight Talk, against his father’s advice, the author dives into both arguments. Within is a conversation for theocracy over democracy and God’s Will over man’s way. In Straight Talk For Crooked Church, Pastor Armand arms the reader with an awareness of the Divine Design for Church. This read will undoubtedly tear down obstacles that hinder churches from being and functioning as God’s intended Bride. This book is not a vaccination against the challenges of Church leadership or Church scandal. It serves, however, as a kind of blueprint churches need to stand upright and be strong. While critics of the Church are leery of so-called “Jesus freaks,” Straight Talk seeks to correct any misinterpretations about the Church by painting an accurate picture of the Body of Christ, along with its functions, as they were originally intended by its Architect, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Ebony , 1995-10 EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Is Praise What You Do? LL. White, 2015-04-24 One of the hardest things to do is to trust in the power and presence of an invisible Being. How can we accept and come to know God as the only true and living, all-powerful, all-knowing Creator, who expects adoration from all creation? Is Praise What You Do? answers these questions and more with fresh practical and biblical insights that directs readers to a more extensive understanding of the role and practice of praise and worship as the most proficient methods to increase faith and intimacy with God. A Christian life that is focused around praise is a life that deliberately and purposefully seeks the Presence of God. A life focused on praise sends heaven the message that God I acknowledge you, I love you, and I glorify you. Our lives as Christians should be exciting, because when we praise and worship, we are communing with the Living God, which is the most potent aspect of our faith. God is alive and He invites us to commune with Him in praise and worship as a part of an awesome, thriving relationship. Is Praise What You Do? will help reinforce the biblical principles of praise and worship. Each chapter calls readers to put skill-sets into practice that result in the development of a passion for praise and strengthen a will to worship. Is praise what you do? Please visit me at my website: www.BGWministries.com or follow me on twitter
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: After the Altar Call Jacqueline J. Holness, 2012-02-01 After the Altar Call: The Sisters' Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God is a fresh, real and relevant how-to manual for African-American Christian women who desire to move past the church speak and into an intimate relationship with their Creator. What makes this book unique from other relationship with God books is that this book is written from an African-American perspective and spans a variety of issues typically not included in one book--from being thrice-married to leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses. The book includes interviews with 24 remarkable women with compelling stories such as the The View co-host Sherri Shepherd; Valorie Burton, life coach, author and co-host on the Emmy award-winning show Aspiring Women and the former co-host of the national daily television program, The Potter's Touch with Bishop T.D. Jakes; and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the first woman elected to Episcopal office in over 200 years of A.M.E. history.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Ebony , 2005-10 EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Church Boy Kirk Franklin, 1998-09-29 When he fell from a darkened stage in November 1996, Kirk Franklin could easily have been killed. That ten-foot plunge might have ended the career of one of America's most exciting young prodigies. But thanks to his dramatic recovery, the fall added not only a new dimension to his story but it brought Kirk Franklin to the attention of millions who otherwise might never have heard the name. Today Kirk Franklin is bigger than ever. His recordings have topped the charts, selling more copies in less time than any gospel musician in history. He has won every award gospel music has to offer but his own success is the last thing on his mind. This is the story of a young man from the poor side of town. He was taunted and teased as a child, but his faith and his remarkable musical talent helped him overcome the odds. In these pages Kirk Franklin reveals the real source of his strength. What motivates me, he says, is the knowledge that God has redeemed me from the pain and the hurts and the sin of my past and given me a new joy I can't even explain. It's not just for show, he says. It's the truth, and that's what I want to express.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The New Pastor's Guide to Leading Worship Barbara Day Miller, 2006 Worship A down-to-earth guide to planning and implementing meaningful worship experiences for pastors, written especially for those new to the job. This practical book is for new pastors as they move into the role of worship leader and planner. When faced with the weekly rhythm of planning and leading worship, new pastors sometimes find themselves overwhelmed with the tasks. The book centers on the pastor and his/her identity as worship leader, on guidelines for leadership, and on the 'why' and 'how' of worship services. Contents include: The Pastor as Leader; Leading on Your First Sunday; Rituals: The way we do it here; Leading in the Worship Service; Leading Prayer; Leading Communion; Leading Baptism; Leading through the Christian Year; Leading with Musicians; Leading the People into Leadership. To read chapter oneclick here I heartily commend this book to new pastors. Get it and read it before you show up at your first appointment. Barbara Day Miller will save you from many a heartache and embarrassment. Though tagged as a new pastor's guide, most pastors I know will benefit by reading the New Pastor's Guide, especially the latter chapters about leading with musicians and guiding members of the congregation into worship leadership. Reverend Daniel T. Benedict, Jr., Director of Worship Resources, General Board of Discipleship, United Methodist Church In the past couple of years, I have worshipped in about a hundred congregations. After that experience, I can tell you, HERE IS THE BOOK WE NEED! Barbara Day Miller packs this little book with a lifetime of the creative worship leadership and the inspired preparation of pastors to lead worship. Combining practical help with a deep theological understanding of, and heartfelt love of Christian worship, she gives pastors everything they need to lead God's people in prayer and praise. William H. Willimon, Bishop, the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Barbara Day Miller is the Assistant Dean of Worship at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Church & Ministry/Church Life/Worship/Liturgy
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music W. K. McNeil, 2013-10-18 The Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music is the first comprehensive reference to cover this important American musical form. Coverage includes all aspects of both African-American and white gospel from history and performers to recording techniques and styles as well as the influence of gospel on different musical genres and cultural trends.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Real Role Models Joah Spearman, Louis Harrison, 2013-04-04 All young people need good role models, and black youth especially need positive and real examples beyond the famous and wealthy people they see on SportsCenter highlights and MTV Cribs. While success as a celebrity athlete or entertainer may seem like an achievable dream, the reality is that young African Americans have a much greater chance of succeeding in the professions through education and hard work—and a mentor to show them the path. Real Role Models introduces high school and college-age African Americans to twenty-three black professionals who have achieved a high level of success in their chosen fields and who tell their stories to inspire young people to pursue a professional career and do the work necessary to achieve their dreams. Some of the individuals profiled by Joah Spearman and Louis Harrison, Jr., include Leonard Pitts, Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist for the Miami Herald; Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; Danyel Smith, editor-in-chief of Vibe; and Dr. Tim George, Chief of Pediatric Neuroscience at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. They and other interviewees describe their backgrounds, career paths, and desire to give back by helping others reach their goals. Representing a wide range of occupations, these real role models prove to African American youths that a whole world of successful, rewarding careers awaits them. The Real Role Models Rufus Cormier, JD, Partner at the Baker Botts Law Firm, Houston, Texas Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Washington, D.C. Eric Motley, PhD, Managing Director of the Aspen Institute's Henry Crown Fellowship Program, Aspen, Colorado James McIntyre, Spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C. Tracie Hall, Assistant Dean and Librarian at Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, Surgeon General of the State of Michigan, Lansing, Michigan Timothy George, MD, Chief of Pediatric Neuroscience at Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas Victoria Holloway Barbosa, MD, Ethnic Dermatologist and Former Executive for L'Oreal, Chicago, Illinois Bill Douglas, White House Correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, Washington, D.C. Leonard Pitts, Jr., Columnist for the Miami Herald, Miami, Florida Danyel Smith, Editor of Vibe Magazine, New York, New York Ed Stewart, Managing Director of External Communications for Delta Airlines, Atlanta, Georgia Lynn Tyson, Vice President of Investor Relations for Dell, Austin, Texas Willie Miles, Jr., Founder and CEO of Miles Wealth Management, Houston, Texas Horace Allen, Founder and CEO of TeamPact, Atlanta, Georgia Deavra Daughtry, President and CEO of Excellent Care Management, Houston, Texas Je'Caryous Johnson, Founder and CEO of I'm Ready Productions, Houston, Texas Steve Jones, Cofounder of a graphic design company, Oakland, California Isiah Warner, PhD, Chemistry Professor at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Gloria Ladson-Billings, PhD, Professor of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin Bernard Muir, Athletic Director at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Craig Littlepage, Athletic Director at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia Beverly Kearney, Women's Track Coach at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: I Am Restored Lecrae Moore, 2020-10-13 When the challenges you've faced threaten to destroy your life, how do you find your way back to the truths you thought you believed? I Am Restored tells the untold story of how Lecrae's past nearly ruined his future--until he learned that the wounds we carry can have the potential to be unlikely guides to healing and freedom for ourselves and others. Throughout I Am Restored, Lecrae documents the shattering yet hopeful story of how he faced the scars of his past--sexual abuse, physical trauma, addiction, and depression--and emerged more fully human than ever before. With remarkable transparency and vulnerability, Lecrae reveals that at the height of his professional success, his life was spinning out of control, driven by a past that he had never confronted and a religious perspective that was incapable of meeting the challenge. I Am Restored takes an unflinching look at the personal and public spaces that are too often at the societal core of our pain and heartache--culture, politics, family, church, and more--and teaches us that forgiveness can be the birthplace of the life that God has created for us. Throughout this powerful, deeply personal account, Lecrae shares the life lessons he's learned about: Confronting the pain and trauma that has shaped your story Breaking the cycle of sin and shame and embracing joy and authenticity Finding hope and healing in the midst of chaos The simple practices that can change your mental, emotional, and spiritual health Leading a life that's bursting with creativity and true freedom I Am Restored is a hopeful, inspiring charge to start your journey to lasting healing today. No matter what your past has held, God is near you, he hears you, and he's not done writing your story.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Grace Walk Steve McVey, 2005-05-01 Now with a fresh cover! The nearly 200,000-selling Grace Walk has helped thousands of believers leave behind the manic–depressive Christian walk: either running around trying to perform to be acceptable to God—or thinking they've failed Him again and wondering if they'll ever measure up. Living the grace walk gets Christians off this religious roller coaster. Using his own journey from legalism into grace, Steve McVey illustrates the foundational, biblical truths of who believers are in Jesus Christ and how they can let Him live His life through them each day. As they experience their identity in Jesus Christ, Christians will come to know Amazing Grace as not just a song but as their true way of life.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary Tony Evans, CSB Bibles by Holman, 2019-10-01 Tony Evans is one of the most influential church leaders of our time and has been studying and preaching the Gospel for over 50 years. He is senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX and founder of The Urban Alternative, a ministry which promotes a kingdom agenda philosophy designed to enable people to live all of life underneath the comprehensive rule of God. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary includes an introduction to each Bible book followed by passage-by-passage exposition of the entire Bible by Dr. Tony Evans. In addition, there is a special front matter section with introductory resources. The insights in this commentary will help explain God’s Word in a fresh way. Applying these truths will empower readers to have transformed lives that then transfer the values of the kingdom of God to others. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-changing message and to share it with others.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Black Pentecostal Church: My View from the Pew Sharon D. Smith, 2016-06-14 The black Pentecostal church, once the pillar of the community and the standard bearer of the Christian faith was seen as that sanctified, set-aside church, where people came to receive Salvation. The Pentecostal churches comes in every race, creed and color; however, the black Pentecostal church had its own way of worship. By writing this book, highlighting issues and situations occurring in the church today, is not to reprimand, insult, or make fun of the church. The purpose of writing this book is to examine the changing standards and the way we go about conducting services, to see if it is expedient for us to maintain these changes in reaching our ultimate goal winning souls for Christ. Today, it appears that instead of the church being set-apart, it rather be assimilated with the world. Years ago, one could spot a Saint from a mile away. Today you would be hard pressed to pick one out. Even the very thing that distinguished the Pentecostal church from all other churches, its music, has become indistinguishable. Lets look at these issues and discuss if we are going down the right path. Let us pray and seek guidance so that we may preserve the church as Jesus wants it to be, a House of Prayer. Sharon D. Smith, Author Cover art: courtesy of Compass Print Inc., Ray Ellis Gallery of Savannah, GA. Reproduction of Morning Prayer by Ray Ellis. Cover design by Westbow Press.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The 10 Principles of Wealth for Black People and Other Folks Too! Al Perkins, 2004-09 A story told: From the streets of one of the toughest places in America to the halls of the Pentagon, and Wall Street, a story of one man's journey to wealth. Along the way the author learned life lessons and powerful principles that took him from rags to riches. A riveting insight into how people like Thomas Edison, Nelson Mandela, Anthony Robins, Bill Gates, P. Diddy, T.D. Jakes, and Oprah Winfrey all have drawn upon Universal Wealth Principles to overcome obstacles taking them to amazing heights of success and unmatched wealth. The author tells how he used these same principles to achieve wealth, and happiness. In less than one year he acquired 46 single family homes. Working with these principles he landed millions of dollars in contracts, partnered with Fortune 100 companies, and founded several businesses. Most importantly, he gives easy steps that you can follow to achieve the same results. The book is an easy read and provides techniques that are simple to learn and provide results - fast! Before reading the book, you're asked to check your stuff at the door. Your age, race, religion, creed, sex, color, and economic status aren't important here. Anyone can use The Principles to take them where they want to go. So can you. It doesn't matter, if you make $1.50 an hour or $1,000,000 plus a year, these principles apply. The 10 Principles of Wealth for Black Folks and Other People Too! - Gives time tested techniques on how to make money, save money, invest money, overcome fear, and get what you really want. - Gives two very special gifts that we all possess, yet rarely use. - Shows how success leaves clues. They're all around. Find them, and you unlock the doors to riches andhappiness. - Gives a compelling alternative for change within the minority community or any community. - Takes an insightful look at the debate within the Black Community spearheaded by Bill Cosby over education, personal and community responsibility. - Challenges the prevalent thought within the community to grow up and get an education, and then a good job, and asks is that enough. - Provides clear steps and an action plan to get what you really want and desire. - Challenges you to find your life's purpose. - Shows you how to give great value so that in return you can receive great value. - Shows you how much money you really have left in Life's Bank. The 10 Principles of Wealth are simple. You can use them to immediately turn your situation around. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired because you can't make this month's car payment or your bills are stacking up like Mount Everest, keep reading. People with money have used these rules and techniques virtually throughout time to create wealth, passing it on for generations. You can do the same - not someday - but today. The book goes far beyond, just how to make money. Here's the author's take on: Reverend Al Sharpton Armstrong On the media On Justice Clarence Thomas Reverend T. D. Jakes On people of the cloth On love, faith, and sex On prayer About trying, Bill Cosby, Johnny Cochran, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Frederick Price, and Aretha Franklin don't try .... Is it luck or just a coincidence that these folks don't try - they just are? Could it be that by either design or accident they've found out why they're here? On Wynton Marsalis On Magic Johnson and Earl Graves On P.Diddy On building a better place Findout three reasons why people like Denzel Washington, Montel Williams, Bryant Gumble, Mike Wilborn, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Angela Bassett, Tom Joiner, Hank Aaron, Maya Angelou and many others make it to the top. The 10 Principles of Wealth for Black Folks and Other People Too! is powerful. It's packed with clear illustrations and examples on how to make money and create wealth. But it's much more than a book about making money, it's a wake-up call to the community and it speaks directly to your soul.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: A Year of Biblical Womanhood Rachel Held Evans, 2012 New York Times Bestseller. With just the right mixture of humor and insight, compassion and incredulity, A Year of Biblical Womanhood is an exercise in scriptural exploration and spiritual contemplation. What does God truly expect of women, and is there really a prescription for biblical womanhood? Come along with Evans as she looks for answers in the rich heritage of biblical heroines, models of grace, and all-around women of valor. What is biblical womanhood . . . really? Strong-willed and independent, Rachel Held Evans couldn't sew a button on a blouse before she embarked on a radical life experiment--a year of biblical womanhood. Intrigued by the traditionalist resurgence that led many of her friends to abandon their careers to assume traditional gender roles in the home, Evans decides to try it for herself, vowing to take all of the Bible's instructions for women as literally as possible for a year. Pursuing a different virtue each month, Evans learns the hard way that her quest for biblical womanhood requires more than a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). It means growing out her hair, making her own clothes, covering her head, obeying her husband, rising before dawn, abstaining from gossip, remaining silent in church, and even camping out in the front yard during her period. See what happens when a thoroughly modern woman starts referring to her husband as master and praises him at the city gate with a homemade sign. Learn the insights she receives from an ongoing correspondence with an Orthodox Jewish woman, and find out what she discovers from her exchanges with a polygamist wife. Join her as she wrestles with difficult passages of scripture that portray misogyny and violence against women.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Holy Hip Hop in the City of Angels Christina Zanfagna, 2017-08-29 A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program for monographs. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more. In the 1990s, Los Angeles was home to numerous radical social and environmental eruptions. In the face of several major earthquakes and floods, riots and economic insecurity, police brutality and mass incarceration, some young black Angelenos turned to holy hip hop—a movement merging Christianity and hip hop culture—to “save” themselves and the city. Converting street corners to open-air churches and gangsta rap beats into anthems of praise, holy hip hoppers used gospel rap to navigate complicated social and spiritual realities and to transform the Southland’s fractured terrains into musical Zions. Armed with beats, rhymes, and bibles, they journeyed through black Lutheran congregations, prison ministries, African churches, reggae dancehalls, hip hop clubs, Nation of Islam meetings, and Black Lives Matter marches. Zanfagna’s fascinating ethnography provides a contemporary and unique view of black LA, offering a much-needed perspective on how music and religion intertwine in people's everyday experiences.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Multicultural Church Dan Willis, 2020-03-17 Despite the progress our country has made in Civil Rights over the past century, Sunday morning is still one of the most segregated times in America. It seems like the only people striving to lead in the area of racial reconciliation are politicians, activists, and celebrities. Pastor Dan Willis wants to know... Where is the church? What can the people of God do to become leaders again and not just be Johnny-come-lately followers? The art of bringing harmony to the masses lies in the love all should see in the church of God. If the church is to make a difference and return to relevance in this world, the only option is multicultural ministry. If leaders are not prepared to minister to this growing culture, then American Christianity is in danger of becoming nonessential to the body of believers. For years, Dan Willis has led a growing, multicultural Christian community in the suburbs of Chicago. In The Multicultural Church, Dan shares what he has learned, the mistakes he has made, and what can be done to successfully minister to a diverse culture.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Who's who in the Clergy , 1935
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Intensional D. A. Horton, 2019-10-22 When it comes to the ethnic divisions in our world, we speak often of seeking racial reconciliation. But at no point have all the different ethnicities on Earth been reconciled. Animosity, distrust, and hostility among people from various ethnicities have always existed in American history. Even in the church, we have often built walls--ethnic segregation, classism, sexism, and theological tribes--to divide God's people from each other. But it shouldn't be this way. God's people are the only people on earth who have experienced true reconciliation. Who better to enter into the ethnic tensions of our day with the hope of Jesus? In Intensional, pastor D. A. Horton steps into the tension to offer vision and practical guidance for Christians longing to embrace our Kingdom ethnicity, combating the hatred in our culture with the hope of Jesus Christ.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Urban Apologetics Eric Mason, 2021-04-06 Urban Apologetics examines the legitimate issues that Black communities have with Western Christianity and shows how the gospel of Jesus Christ—rather than popular, socioreligious alternatives—restores our identity. African Americans have long confronted the challenge of dignity destruction caused by white supremacy. While many have found meaning and restoration of dignity in the black church, others have found it in ethnocentric socioreligious groups and philosophies. These ideologies have grown and developed deep traction in the black community and beyond. Revisionist history, conspiracy theories, and misinformation about Jesus and Christianity are the order of the day. Many young African Americans are disinterested in Christianity and others are leaving the church in search of what these false religious ideas appear to offer, a spirituality more indigenous to their history and ethnicity. Edited by Dr. Eric Mason and featuring a top-notch lineup of contributors, Urban Apologetics is the first book focused entirely on cults, religious groups, and ethnocentric ideologies prevalent in the black community. The book is divided into three main parts: Discussions on the unique context for urban apologetics so that you can better understand the cultural arguments against Christianity among the Black community. Detailed information on cults, religious groups, and ethnic identity groups that many urban evangelists encounter—such as the Nation of Islam, Kemetic spirituality, African mysticism, Hebrew Israelites, Black nationalism, and atheism. Specific tools for urban apologetics and community outreach. Ultimately, Urban Apologetics applies the gospel to black identity to show that Jesus is the only one who can restore it. This is an essential resource to equip those doing the work of ministry and apology in urban communities with the best available information.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: 52 Lies Heard in Church Every Sunday Steve McVey, 2011-02-01 Could many churchgoing Christians be getting a diluted Christianity—one that diminishes the loving, giving, personal God who provides the believer everything in life? Author Steve McVey passionately but unwittingly taught from the pulpit the very lies he now exposes. Forthrightly but humbly, he shows how pastors and churches can end up distorting scriptural truths because of their preconceptions. Opening up the Scriptures freshly, Steve examines typical problems such as Leaving out half of the truth: “Becoming a Christian means having your sins forgiven.” (We also are made alive!) Using “shorthand” that promotes an unbiblical view: “Our sins are under the blood of Jesus.” (Far better, they’ve been taken away!) Confusing our role with God’s: “Salvation is giving your life to Christ.” (More important, He gives His life to us!) Readers will see that God’s undiluted truth is always best...and brings a fulfilling, close relationship with Him.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Hollywood Preacher Cheryl L Stabler, 2020-05-15 Book Delisted
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Celebrities for Jesus Katelyn Beaty, 2022-08-16 ★ Publishers Weekly starred review A must-read for anyone invested in the fate of evangelicalism.--Publishers Weekly Many Christian leaders use their fame and influence to great effect. Whether that popularity resides at the local church level or represents national or international influence, many leaders have effectively said to their followers, Follow me as I follow Christ. But fame that is cultivated for its own sake, without attendant spiritual maturity and accountability, has a shadow side that runs counter to the heart of the gospel. Celebrity--defined as social power without proximity--has led to abuses of power, the cultivation of persona, and a fixation on profits. In light of the fall of famous Christian leaders in recent years, the time has come for the church to reexamine its relationship to celebrity. Award-winning journalist Katelyn Beaty explores the ways fame has reshaped the American church, explains how and why celebrity is woven into the fabric of the evangelical movement, and identifies many ways fame has gone awry in recent years. She shows us how evangelical culture is uniquely attracted to celebrity gurus over and against institutions, and she offers a renewed vision of ordinary faithfulness, helping us all keep fame in its proper place.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Jet , 2004-11-01 The weekly source of African American political and entertainment news.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Good Shepherd Timothy S. Laniak, 2024-04-02 Learn from the Good Shepherd how to lead in your home, church, or community. After spending months among Bedouin shepherds in the Middle East, Tim Laniak offers 40 short readings that explore every leader’s responsibility to provide, protect, and guide. Each chapter begins with observations from Tim’s travels, continues with insights into Bible stories about shepherding, and concludes with what this means for you in your own spheres of influence.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story" David W. Music, Paul Akers Richardson, 2008 Baptists have a long and rich heritage of congregational song. The hymns Baptists have sung and the books from which they have sung them have been shaping forces for Baptist theology, worship, and piety. Baptist authors and composers have provided songs that have made an impact not only among Baptists in America but also across denominational and geographic lines. Congregational singing continues to be a key component of Baptist worship in the twenty-first century. Beginning with an overview of the British background, this book is a survey of the history of Baptist hymnody in America from Baptist beginnings in the New World to the present. Its intent is to help the reader better understand the background against which current Baptist congregational song practices operate. Unlike earlier writings on the subject, this book provides both comprehensive coverage and a continuous narrative. It gives thorough attention to the major Baptist bodies in America as well as calling attention to the contributions of significant smaller groups. The British Baptist background is dealt with in an introductory section. The book also includes many texts and tunes as illustrations of the topics being discussed and focuses on some of the contributions of Baptist authors and composers to the repertory of congregational song. Book jacket.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: T.D. Jakes Shayne Lee, 2007-11 Examines the rise of one of the most prolific spiritual leader of modern times T.D. Jakes has emerged as one of the most prolific spiritual leaders of our time. He is pastor of one of the largest churches in the country, CEO of a multimillion dollar empire, the host of a television program, author of a dozen bestsellers, and the producer of two Grammy Award-nominated CDs and three critically acclaimed plays. In 2001 Time magazine featured Jakes on the cover and asked: Is Jakes the next Billy Graham? T.D. Jakes draws on extensive research, including interviews with numerous friends and colleagues of Jakes, to examine both Jakes’s rise to prominence and proliferation of a faith industry bent on producing spiritual commodities for mass consumption. Lee frames Jakes and his success as a metaphor for changes in the Black Church and American Protestantism more broadly, looking at the ramifications of his rise—and the rise of similar preachers—for the way in which religion is practiced in this country, how social issues are confronted or ignored, and what is distinctly “American” about Jakes's emergence. While offering elements of biography, the work also seeks to shed light on important aspects of the contemporary American and African American religious experience. Lee contends that Jakes’s widespread success symbolizes a religious realignment in which mainline churches nationwide are in decline, while innovative churches are experiencing phenomenal growth. He emphasizes the “American-ness” of Jakes’s story and reveals how preachers like Jakes are drawing followers by delivering therapeutic and transformative messages and providing spiritual commodities that are more in tune with postmodern sensibilities. As the first work to critically examine Bishop Jakes’s life and message, T.D. Jakes is an important contribution to contemporary American religion as well as popular culture.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Billboard , 2001-03-24 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Billboard , 1995-11-25 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: From Grace to Glory. . . Naomi Ruth Jones Kilpatrick, 2017-04-04 This book chronicles a life long journey of stunning and tragic events. It took some five plus years of a backward glance to describe that journey. It begins within the doors of a small, seemingly insignificant church on the south side of Chicago where ordinary people did extraordinary things; a little assembly of believers gathered together in the Lord's name. The church had been founded by an icon, a giant in the Christian community named B. M. Nottage, who started, along with his brothers, several assemblies in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and other cities. This book, From Grace to Glory, gives a vivid picture of the marvelous grace of God and his unbounded, unlimited mercy through great tragedy and devastating losses. Read the shocking unpleasant history of this little church, and its' resilience through it all. Laugh out loud in A Little Bit About A Lot of Things, as you look at Bob Hope's jokes and Mae West's one-liners. Read the jaw-dropping You in six words from Oprah Winfrey. Go back to another era of great books, outstanding movies, and awe-inspiring music. Share in the great pride of cultural icons who contributed so much to our country and ultimately to the whole world. Don't miss the chapter on the Onslaught of Nines, where you will discover unknown facts, or surprising facts, or maybe not-new facts, or just affirmation for the people, places, and things. You will wonder what is the Fine As Wine In the Summertime chapter all about? And then, this book gives a vivid picture of the great love and the deep ties of family; a family with an ancestor who could not read or write, but amassed a fortune in land and property. Love of family runs through this family whether you are rich and famous, or poor and needy, or somewhere in between. All families can affirm this, but this book tells it in a different way, in a different format. By reading From Grace to Glory ... A little Bit About A Lot of Things, we are reminded of what is important in life. We are encouraged by the dear ones who have gone on before us. We can build on that strong love, that strong foundation that has been left, and we can trust our God to take us from His grace to His glory as we continue on life's journey.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Christian Congregational Music Monique Ingalls, Carolyn Landau, Tom Wagner, 2016-05-23 Christian Congregational Music explores the role of congregational music in Christian religious experience, examining how musicians and worshippers perform, identify with and experience belief through musical praxis. Contributors from a broad range of fields, including music studies, theology, literature, and cultural anthropology, present interdisciplinary perspectives on a variety of congregational musical styles - from African American gospel music, to evangelical praise and worship music, to Mennonite hymnody - within contemporary Europe and North America. In addressing the themes of performance, identity and experience, the volume explores several topics of interest to a broader humanities and social sciences readership, including the influence of globalization and mass mediation on congregational music style and performance; the use of congregational music to shape multifaceted identities; the role of mass mediated congregational music in shaping transnational communities; and the function of music in embodying and imparting religious belief and knowledge. In demonstrating the complex relationship between ’traditional’ and ’contemporary’ sounds and local and global identifications within the practice of congregational music, the plurality of approaches represented in this book, as well as the range of musical repertoires explored, aims to serve as a model for future congregational music scholarship.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Church, Identity, and Change David A. Roozen, James R. Nieman, 2005-05-02 Since colonial days, religious work in American has happened through denominations. At least since the start of the twentieth century, these religious bodies consisted of a fairly tight, intra-denominationally connected system of congregations, regional judicatories, and national offices. This system was the product of more than two centuries of consolidation among Americanbs historic immigrant and indigenous churches. The vast majority of these structures are still in place, retain some semblance of internal coherence, have considerable social and religious significance, and will be with us for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, the stresses upon them today clearly indicate that they are entering an unsettled period of transition. The purpose of this book is to examine the national structures of eight diverse Protestant denominations as a part of that shift. The frame of this study is the relationship between the theological and organizational nature of national denominational structures as they adapt to the changing situation of the twenty-first century.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: The Making Identity Omada King, 2013-04-09 In a world in constant fl ux, creativity and innovation are essential qualities for successful individuals, executives, and industry leading companies. In The Making Identity, Omada King, in his characteristic and unique style intertwines intellectual and industry ideas and concepts with scriptural insights and revelations in a very humble and honest, but frank, inspiring and persuasive way to give the reader and his audience an interesting, informative and profi table experience. The Making Identity: Passwords to Personal Success and Global Transformation will help you understand: Why you must accept personal responsibility and be part of the irresistible and phenomenal wave of socioeconomic, political and spiritual revolution and transformation that has taken on our nation and the world, How to leverage an individual, cultural, corporate, spiritual and national identity, How to attain and advance peacefully and comprehensively in your pursuit of true fulfi llment, How to acquire and maintain strategic advantage to achieve your purpose, objectives, and goals through ingenuity and innovation, How to create and distribute values and products, and gain visibility, promotion, and profi tability in a crowded world without stress or cutting corners, And many more It is guaranteed that if you read this book with an open mind and a sense of responsibility, you will gain insights and ideas, and develop concepts and guiding principles that will take you beyond where you are to a world of unlimited possibilities, excellence, productivity, profi tability, and security that our hearts crave for. Lets begin, and you will fi nd out!
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: Korean Diaspora and Christian Mission Sŭng-hun Kim, Wonsuk Ma, 2011 As a 'divine conspiracy' for Missio Dei, the global phenomenon of people on the move has shown itself to be invaluable. In 2004 two significant documents concerning Diaspora were introduced, one by the Filipino International Network and the other by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. These have created awareness of the importance of people on the move for Christian mission. Since then, Korean Diaspora has conducted similar research among Korean missions, resulting in this book. It is unique as the first volume researching Korean missions in Diasporic contexts, appraising and evaluating these missions with practical illustrations, and drawing on a wide diversity of researchers.
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: All Music Guide to Soul Vladimir Bogdanov, 2003-08-01 This comprehensive guide is a must-have for the legions of fans of the beloved and perennially popular music known as soul and rhythm & blues. The latest in the definitive All Music Guide series, the All Music Guide to Soul offers nearly 8 500 entertaining and informative reviews that lead readers to the best recordings by more than 1 500 artists and help them find new music to explore. Informative biographies, essays and “music maps” trace R&B's growth from its roots in blues and gospel through its flowering in Memphis and Motown, to its many branches today. Complete discographies note bootlegs, important out-of-print albums, and import-only releases. “Extremely valuable and exhaustive.” – The Christian Science Monitor
  is kirk franklin a pastor of a church: A Ray of Hope Ebony Aiken, 2015-01-15 Fifteen-year-old Essence Imani Harris cant believe it. Her parents have both been called to a fifteen-month military deployment to fight the war in Afghanistan. She, her older brother, and younger sister must leave their home and friends in San Antonio, Texas to live with their aunt and uncle in Mississippi. Essence, nicknamed CeCe, wrestles with this change and the physical separation from both parents. After moving in with their aunt and uncle, the siblings begin to build lives for themselves in Mississippi. CeCe learns her aunt may be infertile, and the couple desperately want children of their own. This situation creates stress for all in household. CeCe holds things together, overcoming the stress and tension through her faith and examples from her mother and her aunt. Recognizing where she is, and not knowing what lies ahead CeCe re-commits her life to Christ, and she is tested by lifes trials. Seemingly, the gates of hell open and CeCe deals with death, loss, and some of her deepest fears. During this trying period, she bonds with her aunts parents who become surrogate grandparents to CeCe and her siblings. An answer to prayer, CeCes new grandparents help keep the family rooted in Christ and give them needed reality checks. With all that life throws at CeCe,will she find a ray of hope?