“In my 22 years as pastor of Union Baptist Church, it has been my honor and vision to lead the body of Christ to a realization that the church be responsive to the needs of the community and must serve the whole community. The reason why we focus on the least of these is because we have an obligation to serve everyone.

This pastoral transition, of moving from one strength, the ministry of the church, to the next strength in God’s calling, the ministry to the community, emphasizes the powerful role of believers as a lighthouse, bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ outside the church walls and to where Jesus would be. The community must also be an integral part of the church, for the church cannot exist without community members, for the gospel, in every age, is responsive to every human need.

The church has to take the ministries that are the hardest to embrace, and put that mission in the center of your heart of your hearts and hold on to it until it works. Envision the changes that would happen and the lives that would change when we take on this calling.

We must seek God’s face and say show me the mission and ministry that will change the lives of people in this world. Don’t show me the easy way, show me the way that will make a difference.”

Rev. Jeffrey L. Brown