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Breakthroughs in an Urban Church

March 27, 2012 By Ryan Rush

I recently had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the staff of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church – a predominantly African American congregation that is located in an urban, lower income area in Austin.  And by the way… this magnificent group of people is having an enormous impact in our hometown.  Pastor Gaylon Clark is convinced that in order to solve the challenges facing the urban community they have to fix the family – and he’s made the bold choice to be proactive in that healing process.  Pastor Clark and GMZ have made the decision to become the first African American congregation to fully embrace the Faith Breakthroughs process and implement these principles into the entire church culture!

While its not an easy thing to talk about, African American households must acknowledge and deal with the generational challenges passed down from history.  For example, slave traders in the 18th and 19th century would often separate families – selling off the father while leaving the mother with the children. After the Emancipation Proclamation, it wasn’t as if these challenges were instantly repaired. Women had taken on the role of raising the children, and men often had multiple families in several locations.  Of course, the poverty that came with the Jim Crow laws, lack of access to quality education, and segregation in general only exacerbated the challenges. (For more information on this history, see Trained in the Fear of God by Timothy Paul Jones and Randy Stinson).

Walls are unhealthy mindsets, and they originate in a misunderstanding of who God is.  When we remember that the primary place we first comprehend the nature of God is from our homes – and especially from our fathers – it is no wonder that we’re now facing a family crisis of epidemic proportions in the African American community.

… But I have great news: God’s way still works – and every home from any background can overcome the spiritual walls they faith by standing on God’s promises.  I’m convinced that Greater Mount Zion is going to be a shining beacon to others of how that healing can take place.  And I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store!

1296876008_commentsCategories: Breakthroughs, News, Stories

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Alone in This Crowded Place

March 2, 2012 By Clay Barton

Yogi Berra, the New York Yankee Hall of Fame catcher, once said concerning a restaurant: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” Can that be true? Logically, no. But was Yogi on to something?

Is it possible to be alone in a room crowded with people? Sadly, we know it is. We have all stumbled through a day surrounded by family, friends, co-workers. Yet we are alone. Isolated. Disconnected. Seemingly invisible to those who stand right beside us. We occupy our minds with thoughts of the next thing to say, but nobody wants to listen. Or so it seems.

Some people seek isolation. Maybe in response to pain. Possibly because they feel unworthy or inferior. Others wish they could connect. Yet convinced they have nothing to offer, men and women created in the very image of God hide in the open behind their detachment.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

For God loves us. Like King David, when we are lonely and afflicted, He turns to us and is gracious to us. (Psalm 25:16). He delights in us. The Lord never looks right past us. He cares about what we think. He loves to hear from his children. And He never will fail us. Not once. For His name is Faithful and True.

Next time you feel alone, even in a crowded place, remember not to trust feelings. Instead, trust in the One who promised to never leave or forsake us. He deeply desires that we connect. With Him. And with each other.

1296876008_commentsCategories: Breakthroughs, Isolation, Walls

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Where do I begin?

February 29, 2012 By Clay Barton

Have you ever stood deep in the middle of the forest? So deep you really don’t know the difference between north and south? Although the pine needles may smell great, and the silence can be a sweet substitute for the usual noise in our lives, eventually you have to find your way out. Yet everything looks the same. Worse yet is that there is no discernible path in or out. You’re not lost; you just don’t know where you are or how to get out. Some would say that you are stuck.

We all need a path to follow. A well worn and time tested route that allows us to get to where we need to be. Without a path, our efforts are usually in vain. Try as we might, we only make things worse. We wander even deeper into the woods. If we only could know where to begin…

Spiritual growth can accelerate when we are on the right path. The Lord tells us that His word “… is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). He promises us that He will give us direction for living. Don’t know which way to turn? Search His word. Feeling stuck behind walls of guilt and shame? God promises us, in His scriptures, forgiveness.

The path to a spiritual breakthrough is not found in a straight line or a formula. Yet here is a process tested and found helpful:

You don’t have to be stuck. Nor do you have to wonder where to begin your journey to the life God wants for you!

1296876008_commentsCategories: Breakthroughs, Pathway, Walls

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The spiritual barriers people face are countless, but they can be categorized into Eight Primary Walls. These walls correlate with the 8 primary breakthroughs that everyone needs.
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I feel with God's help, I can face any situation.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I look forward to good things in my future.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I think God cares about the details of my life.
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It troubles me that God has not answered my prayers.
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I find myself more focused on the things I don't have but wish I did.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I believe the Bible has answers for today's circumstances.
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People would describe me as a giving person.
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I am willing to sacrifice immediate gratification for something better down the road.
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I believe God wants what is best for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I have to guard against judging people when I learn they are dealing with tough circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I feel I can turn to God for direction.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I question why God allowed certain things to happen in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I worry about the problems that the future holds.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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When bad things happen, I feel like I am getting what I deserve.
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The possibility of gaining a good friend is worth the risk.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I have been wronged in the past in a way I cannot get over.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I find myself drawn to things I know are bad for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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People who have hurt me in the past cause me to avoid some relationships today.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I am willing to serve others for nothing in return.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I feel compelled to make the world around me better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I feel there is a disconnect between who I really am and how I act in front of other people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I am so busy that I find myself ignoring the most important things in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I have too many of my own problems to deal with the problems of others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I worry that God is angry with me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I don't believe anyone can ever know what is absolutely true.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I feel strong relationships are hard, but worth it.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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When I am facing a difficult situation, I feel like I can solve problems on my own.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I spend too much of my energy pursuing material things.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I have a hard time trusting people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I think that God will meet all my needs.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I believe truth is the same for everyone.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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When bad things happen, I wonder if God can make things better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I am intentionally seeking to grow in my relationships with others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I believe God loves me in spite of who I am.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I know a lot of people, but don't feel very close to many people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I have witnessed things that make me wonder if God is in control.
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I am amazed at God's power.
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It humbles me to think I can know God.
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I am grateful for the things I have been given.
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I believe God is loving and kind.
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I am confident God has forgiven me for my past.
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I tend to expect the worst to happen.
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I observe things that make me wonder if I should believe the Bible.
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I try to avoid temptations that would bring me harm.
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My faith practices are more about routine than relationship.
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When looking back on my life, I tend to focus on all of the things I did wrong.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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I believe God is willing and able to answer my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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