Q: It seems like you had quite a challenge taking on the responsibility of senior pastor of the church with your brother.  Is that the biggest challenge that you ever faced?

Although taking over leadership of my father’s church was formidable, it was not my biggest challenge.  Fortunately I have had experience in helping lead organizations in turning things around and improving upon their already successful foundations.  I did it both at the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) with their computing training program and at UC Davis with their Technology Support Program (TSP).  So I felt at least equipped for the task of transitioning Genesis to a greater level of ministry based on my past work experience.

Q: Being from a family full of preachers and pastors, was it a foregone conclusion that you would ultimately follow in your father’s footsteps and become one?

I always knew that I would eventually be involved in ministry in some form or fashion; however, I wasn’t in a hurry to pursue it, even after I acknowledged my calling.  Instead, I pursued my interests in music, business and later on technology. I started out by attending the University of Pacific’s Conservatory of Music in Stockton CA for two years.  I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Music at California State University, Sacramento and attained my MBA there as well.  From there I pursued a career in business technology. Through it all I stayed involved working in my father’s church, however, I was very reluctant in surrendering fully to the idea of full time ministry.

Q: Why were you so reluctant?

I believe that my reluctance came from being a preacher’s kid (PK) and experiencing everything that occurs within a Pastor’s family.  Don’t get me wrong. I always loved church and being involved in it, especially the music part of it.  In fact, I think I held almost every position of the church at one time or another.  The only thing that turned me off was the tremendous hardship that my parents endured as spiritual leaders. People don’t understand the incredible sacrifices physically, financially, and relationally that a Pastor and his family goes through. This is why most preachers kids aren’t involved in church and don’t even have a relationship with God. 

Q: So your decision to follow in your father’s footsteps in ministry wasn’t made lightly?

No way!  It was truly a decision that took me a long time to make. I knew that once I accepted my calling as a minister that every aspect of my life would change. What I didn’t know was how quickly.  It was less than a year and a half after I accepted my calling as a minister that my father passed and I was faced with the challenge of succeeding him as pastor with my brother.  After another year and a half I found myself quitting my job to Pastor full time! So as you can see, this decision to follow my life’s calling literally changed my destiny.  Fortunately, I can say that I don’t regret making it one bit!

Q: You represent a new breed of leadership in the church.  What does this mean and do you consider it a movement?

I believe that we live in an age where the church has to redefine its role in society in order to reestablish it’s relevance to today’s believer.  This starts by us (church’s leadership) choosing to address broader social and economic issues of daily life from a biblical and spiritual perspective.  By doing so we empower the believer holistically in their mind, body and soul, thus enabling them to live their best life now!

Yes, this is a movement, but it is still in its’ infancy.  Fortunately, more and more churches are taking bold steps to present a more holistic approach based on biblical principles instead of just denominational traditions. 

Q: What is your role?

My role in this movement is to help transition the church from just being just a safe haven to becoming a gateway for our congregations and communities we serve.  Church leaders cannot just limit themselves to spiritual matters only and pray that God takes care of the rest. We must not only provide people a way out, but also a way up as well. 

In biblical times, this role was given to the priests and Levites who acted as gatekeepers to the city.  They were the ones who gave access to those living outside of the gates in poverty and sickness, to come inside the gates to experience health, security, wealth and opportunity. This is my role - a gatekeeper.  One who stands at the gate proclaiming to everyone living on the outside, to get inside the gates to experience a better life.

Q: The issue of money has long been taboo in the church.  Why did you choose to write on such a controversial subject?

Poverty is the #1 crisis of faith that is affecting Christians across America.  It is time that the church takes an active role in eradicating poverty and the mindset associated with it, by teaching the truth about the importance and significance of money to God and to the life of the believer.

 

Sub prime mortgage lenders, high interest pay day lenders and rent-to-own centers are getting wealthy off of decent people who go to church every Sunday praying for something better.  And, it is not just church members who suffer. The reason the church’s power has been limited is because we as Christians have not fully claimed our inheritance.

I wrote the book to help church leaders empower their congregations about the purpose of money.  Believe it or not there is still a need to learn the truth about obtaining wealth God’s way.

Q: There is a lot of criticism about the mega church movement in America and it’s effect on smaller churches and the communities they serve.  What is your take on the mega church?

I believe that the mega church movement in America is both a good thing and a sign of the times.  It is good, because it creates a more powerful voice for those who represent the kingdom of God.  One of my core beliefs is that you cannot influence without affluence.  The reason the mega church is so influential is because of the affluence that is produced from so many people uniting together. Thus enabling them to do so much more in spreading the message of God in their cities, country and abroad. 

The mega church movement is also a sign of the times, especially in minority communities, who are now experiencing increasing social and economic opportunities. I believe that it is important for churches, both large and small, to play an even more significant role in the communities they serve.  Unfortunately, our culture has glorified people and practices that have not lifted us up.  The church needs to become a credible alternative to the status quo.  The mega church is one way of this happening.  It is crucial for the smaller churches to stop “hating on” the mega church and to start adopting some of the practices of the mega church so that they too may stay relevant in today’s society.