Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks! I'm so thrilled that you've joined us today. Do me a favor strap on your seat belt as we navigate through the contours of culture, as always with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord has made. He is giving it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice. Today I want you to help me welcome my good friend Roy Patterson to the host seat. Roy is a man of God who has ministered through radio and the pastorate for decades. He's the host and originator of the Urban Praise streaming channel, and also host Celebration of Praise and Music for Sunday here on Moody Radio. Roy, thank you for leading this edition of equip.

Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks! I'm so thrilled that you've joined us today. Do me a favor strap on your seat belt as we navigate through the contours of culture, as always with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord has made. He is giving it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice. Today I want you to help me welcome my good friend Roy Patterson to the host seat. Roy is a man of God who has ministered through radio and the pastorate for decades. He's the host and originator of the Urban Praise streaming channel, and also host Celebration of Praise and Music for Sunday here on Moody Radio. Roy, thank you for leading this edition of equip.

I'm so excited to be here. So thankful for Chris Brooks. He's a great man of God, a scholar, a preacher, a pastor, and just all around good guy. Our love and our prayers are certainly with him and his family. I'm so grateful to be here with you. We've got Chris Seeger on the board. Deb Solomon is our producer today, and I have got a special guest in studio today. His name is Al Toledo. He's a pastor, an author, a leadership guru. He's married to my good friend Chrissy. He's playing at Chicago Tabernacle in 2002. The church has exploded with growth and impact. He has also planted a church in Philadelphia. He has a special place in my heart because he's a dear friend, and he has a special place in his heart for leaders and those determined to make a kingdom impact. Al, how are you?

I'm so excited to be here. So thankful for Chris Brooks. He's a great man of God, a scholar, a preacher, a pastor, and just all around good guy. Our love and our prayers are certainly with him and his family. I'm so grateful to be here with you. We've got Chris Seeger on the board. Deb Solomon is our producer today, and I have got a special guest in studio today. His name is Al Toledo. He's a pastor, an author, a leadership guru. He's married to my good friend Chrissy. He's playing at Chicago Tabernacle in 2002. The church has exploded with growth and impact. He has also planted a church in Philadelphia. He has a special place in my heart because he's a dear friend, and he has a special place in his heart for leaders and those determined to make a kingdom impact. Al, how are you?

I'm good, my brother. So, so happy to be here with you. So honored to just be able to sit and talk with you about the Lord.

I'm good, my brother. So, so happy to be here with you. So honored to just be able to sit and talk with you about the Lord.

Hey, I appreciate you so much. Hey, we're going to open the phone lines in just a few minutes, but let's let's dive into this. When you think leadership, what comes to mind?

Hey, I appreciate you so much. Hey, we're going to open the phone lines in just a few minutes, but let's let's dive into this. When you think leadership, what comes to mind?

Well, you know, first Timothy 416 says, watch your life and your doctrine. Persevere in them. Yeah. Because if you persevere in them, you save both yourself and your hearers. So there's two parts to to leadership. It's your life, which is how you live. Yeah. And then your doctrine, which is what you give. Okay. And so it's about living and giving. Some leaders just focus on their giving. But in another place in the Bible it says like priest, like people. And what that means is that who you are deep down inside, whatever is happening in your life with God, whatever is really going on in your walk with God. That's what you give away. And so we have to tend to our own hearts first and be really good with God first. The way I define it, I think it's all over the Bible. Yeah, I feel like the Bible charges us John chapter 15 and other places to be privately healthy first, and then the natural outflow of that closeness to Christ in private. Um, then that makes you publicly fruitful. And so we don't we don't drum up. There's a lot of leadership techniques. Sure, sure. But you don't have to drum up leadership techniques when you're close to Christ. If you're close to him and you follow him and you obey him, then he naturally makes you fruitful.

Well, you know, first Timothy 416 says, watch your life and your doctrine. Persevere in them. Yeah. Because if you persevere in them, you save both yourself and your hearers. So there's two parts to to leadership. It's your life, which is how you live. Yeah. And then your doctrine, which is what you give. Okay. And so it's about living and giving. Some leaders just focus on their giving. But in another place in the Bible it says like priest, like people. And what that means is that who you are deep down inside, whatever is happening in your life with God, whatever is really going on in your walk with God. That's what you give away. And so we have to tend to our own hearts first and be really good with God first. The way I define it, I think it's all over the Bible. Yeah, I feel like the Bible charges us John chapter 15 and other places to be privately healthy first, and then the natural outflow of that closeness to Christ in private. Um, then that makes you publicly fruitful. And so we don't we don't drum up. There's a lot of leadership techniques. Sure, sure. But you don't have to drum up leadership techniques when you're close to Christ. If you're close to him and you follow him and you obey him, then he naturally makes you fruitful.

I want to ask you about the marks of a good leader. I want to ask about that because our culture is having truth that Satisfies me. I'm doing what's right in my own eyes. People grab the microphone, they're screaming at each other, they've got X amount of followers, etc. but when you define leadership the way you have. Give us some marks, some qualities that go with being a good leader.

I want to ask you about the marks of a good leader. I want to ask about that because our culture is having truth that Satisfies me. I'm doing what's right in my own eyes. People grab the microphone, they're screaming at each other, they've got X amount of followers, etc. but when you define leadership the way you have. Give us some marks, some qualities that go with being a good leader.

Well, I think the first thing that being a good leader takes is you got to really be in love with the Lord.

Well, I think the first thing that being a good leader takes is you got to really be in love with the Lord.

Yeah, man. Yeah.

Yeah, man. Yeah.

And you got to really love people. And I think that when you really, really love God, the outflow of that brings out the best of who you are and who you were meant to be. Mhm. Um, and then you got to really love people. So when people ask me, well, you know, how do you know if you're called or how did you know that you were called to the ministry? Yeah. Uh, the way I defined it is I knew that. I knew even though I didn't feel like good, like I was very gifted. But I did have the conviction that I wanted to serve God and serve his people for the rest of my life.

And you got to really love people. And I think that when you really, really love God, the outflow of that brings out the best of who you are and who you were meant to be. Mhm. Um, and then you got to really love people. So when people ask me, well, you know, how do you know if you're called or how did you know that you were called to the ministry? Yeah. Uh, the way I defined it is I knew that. I knew even though I didn't feel like good, like I was very gifted. But I did have the conviction that I wanted to serve God and serve his people for the rest of my life.

You were on your way to to baseball, is that right? Yeah. So the Lord sort of made you go left, or in this case, made you go right. Talk about that.

You were on your way to to baseball, is that right? Yeah. So the Lord sort of made you go left, or in this case, made you go right. Talk about that.

Yeah. So I was on my way to, um. You know, I was slated. I was top 25 high school prospects in the nation. My high school year.

Yeah. So I was on my way to, um. You know, I was slated. I was top 25 high school prospects in the nation. My high school year.

Wow.

Wow.

And I was slated to go pretty high in the draft. And, uh, right before my first game of my high school season, which was the year that you get drafted. Yeah. Um, I prayed a prayer for the first time. Never heard the gospel before. And right there on the baseball field. Um, the way I describe it is like a just a sweet mist of heaven swept over my soul. And I was born again.

And I was slated to go pretty high in the draft. And, uh, right before my first game of my high school season, which was the year that you get drafted. Yeah. Um, I prayed a prayer for the first time. Never heard the gospel before. And right there on the baseball field. Um, the way I describe it is like a just a sweet mist of heaven swept over my soul. And I was born again.

Wow. Wow.

Wow. Wow.

And. and I went in and I was I was throwing 92 miles an hour that day. And the scouts were there and they were, you know, everybody was thinking baseball. And the only thing I could think about is, I can't believe this Jesus is real. Mhm. And so it it just started this very unique journey. I ended up getting a small injury hijacked my, my senior year. I still got drafted by the White Sox in the sixth round which was considered late for me. Um but the more I grew in the Lord, he just started to pull me away in a way. And and it's a long soap opera. But that meeting just transformed my life because I. I found what I was looking for.

And. and I went in and I was I was throwing 92 miles an hour that day. And the scouts were there and they were, you know, everybody was thinking baseball. And the only thing I could think about is, I can't believe this Jesus is real. Mhm. And so it it just started this very unique journey. I ended up getting a small injury hijacked my, my senior year. I still got drafted by the White Sox in the sixth round which was considered late for me. Um but the more I grew in the Lord, he just started to pull me away in a way. And and it's a long soap opera. But that meeting just transformed my life because I. I found what I was looking for.

Mm mm. It sounds like a mark of a good leader is he can be led by God. Is that right?

Mm mm. It sounds like a mark of a good leader is he can be led by God. Is that right?

Absolutely. Yeah. I think that, you know, Continuing on the conversation. Right. So you got to love God. Love people. Yeah. And you've got to love people enough to tell them the truth. Because love and truth is what really transforms people.

Absolutely. Yeah. I think that, you know, Continuing on the conversation. Right. So you got to love God. Love people. Yeah. And you've got to love people enough to tell them the truth. Because love and truth is what really transforms people.

Got it.

Got it.

And we we tend to want to think that only love will transform them. But you're not really loving people if you're not leading them into the the truth of the Bible. The truth is what sets people free. The absolute pure Bible is what's transformative in our culture. Nothing changes people like the powerful Word of God. And we have to love them enough to always tell the truth and to. You can be very loving as you tell the truth.

And we we tend to want to think that only love will transform them. But you're not really loving people if you're not leading them into the the truth of the Bible. The truth is what sets people free. The absolute pure Bible is what's transformative in our culture. Nothing changes people like the powerful Word of God. And we have to love them enough to always tell the truth and to. You can be very loving as you tell the truth.

Sure.

Sure.

But you have to tell the truth, and you have to do it. Despite political pressure, despite cultural pressure. Yeah. Forget all of those pressures. If you really love God and you really love people, you've got to tell them the truth, because that's what Christ uses to set them free.

But you have to tell the truth, and you have to do it. Despite political pressure, despite cultural pressure. Yeah. Forget all of those pressures. If you really love God and you really love people, you've got to tell them the truth, because that's what Christ uses to set them free.

I love that Scripture says faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. I want to commend you for for what you're sharing. Because I think for many of us we're very comfort conscious. We want to be comfortable. We want the people that follow us to be comfortable almost by any means necessary. But what I'm hearing you saying is truth matters so much. They might, uh, they might decry you today. They might put you down today, but they'll come back and thank you tomorrow.

I love that Scripture says faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. I want to commend you for for what you're sharing. Because I think for many of us we're very comfort conscious. We want to be comfortable. We want the people that follow us to be comfortable almost by any means necessary. But what I'm hearing you saying is truth matters so much. They might, uh, they might decry you today. They might put you down today, but they'll come back and thank you tomorrow.

Yes. The proverbs say who? He who tells the truth in the end gains favor. Huh? And and I mean, you know, I feel like truth gets such a hard, such a bad rap sometimes. You can. People love to hear the truth. Yeah. And and. Yeah, sometimes they don't. But if you keep telling them I love you while you're telling them.

Yes. The proverbs say who? He who tells the truth in the end gains favor. Huh? And and I mean, you know, I feel like truth gets such a hard, such a bad rap sometimes. You can. People love to hear the truth. Yeah. And and. Yeah, sometimes they don't. But if you keep telling them I love you while you're telling them.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Then they have to grapple with that as they. As they move away from you, you know. And they do come back.

Then they have to grapple with that as they. As they move away from you, you know. And they do come back.

Yeah, that's powerful stuff right there. All right. So I want to go back to the phrase you've used. You used just a minute ago. Um, because you've stated this is on your on your website, actually, you've said your burden is to see God's kingdom expand through leaders who are privately healthy and publicly fruitful. Go a little deeper into that.

Yeah, that's powerful stuff right there. All right. So I want to go back to the phrase you've used. You used just a minute ago. Um, because you've stated this is on your on your website, actually, you've said your burden is to see God's kingdom expand through leaders who are privately healthy and publicly fruitful. Go a little deeper into that.

So going right from the baseball field, um, I get saved. I'm going to the, to a church and and I'm asking God, how how do you win in the kingdom? I've spent my whole life trying to figure out how to win as a baseball player. How do you how do you win the kingdom? And as I read the Bible, God began to unpack certain things to me. And one of them was, you've lived your whole life from thinking that you go from your gift And you work hard and you go from gifting to success, and success makes you happy, right? That's what I thought. Right. And what the Lord began to show me is it's not about your gifting. Mm. You see, it's about being close to me. And if you get close to God, then you start to become fruitful for. For God. In John chapter 15, the Bible says, apart from I'm the vine, you are the branches. Apart from me you can do nothing. And then he says this. He says, abide in me. Abide in my word, and abide in my love. Right. Three invitations to just be close to Jesus in private.

So going right from the baseball field, um, I get saved. I'm going to the, to a church and and I'm asking God, how how do you win in the kingdom? I've spent my whole life trying to figure out how to win as a baseball player. How do you how do you win the kingdom? And as I read the Bible, God began to unpack certain things to me. And one of them was, you've lived your whole life from thinking that you go from your gift And you work hard and you go from gifting to success, and success makes you happy, right? That's what I thought. Right. And what the Lord began to show me is it's not about your gifting. Mm. You see, it's about being close to me. And if you get close to God, then you start to become fruitful for. For God. In John chapter 15, the Bible says, apart from I'm the vine, you are the branches. Apart from me you can do nothing. And then he says this. He says, abide in me. Abide in my word, and abide in my love. Right. Three invitations to just be close to Jesus in private.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You see, he God just wants whoever is listening right there if they will just abide with Christ. So much powerful life will flow from him. There's this transfer us just seeking God in the morning. Like when you read your Bible this morning. I read my Bible this morning. We abide in him. And then later on in John it says, you didn't choose me, I chose you, but I and appointed you to bear fruit that will last. So through that private abiding, that's where the private health comes from, the will of God, the plan of God starts to flow and then you become fruitful.

You see, he God just wants whoever is listening right there if they will just abide with Christ. So much powerful life will flow from him. There's this transfer us just seeking God in the morning. Like when you read your Bible this morning. I read my Bible this morning. We abide in him. And then later on in John it says, you didn't choose me, I chose you, but I and appointed you to bear fruit that will last. So through that private abiding, that's where the private health comes from, the will of God, the plan of God starts to flow and then you become fruitful.

Mm. I love that man. Hey, I'm talking with Al Toledo today here on equipped, I'm Roy Patterson. Dear, dear brother loves God, loves family loves the community. And I'm just grateful to have him on the program today. I want you to stick around. Uh, the number to call is 87754836758775483675. Talk with Al Toledo about leadership. And we're also going to get into a little background on the church that is exploded here in the city of Chicago. How God has used him and how God can use you as well. Here's the number one more time (877) 548-3675 I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks here on equipped.

Mm. I love that man. Hey, I'm talking with Al Toledo today here on equipped, I'm Roy Patterson. Dear, dear brother loves God, loves family loves the community. And I'm just grateful to have him on the program today. I want you to stick around. Uh, the number to call is 87754836758775483675. Talk with Al Toledo about leadership. And we're also going to get into a little background on the church that is exploded here in the city of Chicago. How God has used him and how God can use you as well. Here's the number one more time (877) 548-3675 I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks here on equipped.

When it comes to prayer. Do you find yourself praying the same things in the same way? Doctor Donna Whitney offers a refreshingly simple solution pray the Bible back to God. I want you to experience meaningful conversations with God every day. That's why I chose Doctor Whitney's book, Praying the Bible as Our Gift. When you support equip this month, I'll send you your copy with a gift of any amount. To equip, simply call 888644 4144 or visit equip radio.org.

When it comes to prayer. Do you find yourself praying the same things in the same way? Doctor Donna Whitney offers a refreshingly simple solution pray the Bible back to God. I want you to experience meaningful conversations with God every day. That's why I chose Doctor Whitney's book, Praying the Bible as Our Gift. When you support equip this month, I'll send you your copy with a gift of any amount. To equip, simply call 888644 4144 or visit equip radio.org.

Welcome back to equipped. I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks. Our guest today is Al Toledo. We're talking about leadership and the impact it can make on those around us. Quick quick question then we're going to the phone lines. Is it possible to be a private failure and a public winner? And how long can you sustain that?

Welcome back to equipped. I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks. Our guest today is Al Toledo. We're talking about leadership and the impact it can make on those around us. Quick quick question then we're going to the phone lines. Is it possible to be a private failure and a public winner? And how long can you sustain that?

Well, I mean, if we look at the landscape of the church over the course of the last, unfortunately 4 or 5 years, yeah, we have seen that people can be very successful in ministry. Our success is a result. Fruit that will last is something that's eternal. Mhm. And time is what eventually discerns which is which. And so yes. Because the gifts and call of God are without repentance and someone for a season can operate out of their gifting and impact people. But in the long run, what's left is a lot of sadness and sorrow and and wreckage. And it breaks my heart when you know, there's so much loss in people's hearts because of a failure in the church. Mm mm.

Well, I mean, if we look at the landscape of the church over the course of the last, unfortunately 4 or 5 years, yeah, we have seen that people can be very successful in ministry. Our success is a result. Fruit that will last is something that's eternal. Mhm. And time is what eventually discerns which is which. And so yes. Because the gifts and call of God are without repentance and someone for a season can operate out of their gifting and impact people. But in the long run, what's left is a lot of sadness and sorrow and and wreckage. And it breaks my heart when you know, there's so much loss in people's hearts because of a failure in the church. Mm mm.

Well, I appreciate your input on on leadership. Hey, let's go to the phone lines. We've got Beyonce calling from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Beyonce, please go ahead with your question.

Well, I appreciate your input on on leadership. Hey, let's go to the phone lines. We've got Beyonce calling from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Beyonce, please go ahead with your question.

Um, I really don't have a question. I just wanted to say thank you. Like, I recently started listening to this radio through my mentor. Okay. Um, just so what I'm doing my college activity, and when I'm, you know, doing things behind closed walls, I'm just keeping my mind occupied because sometimes it turns off to wonder. But I just wanted to say thank you because I recently just, like, received, like, you know, God is calling me to do. And I feel like sometimes I'm just so hard on myself. And I really like when he said, all you just have to do is abide in him. You know, like once you just stay stay in the presence of God. I want you to stay connected to him throughout the day, of course, that he would do all the stuff that he needs to do. So I just wanted to say thank you for telling me that, because it's like I was listening at the right time, because I'm on my lunch break and I'm like, let's just listen to the radio right now.

Um, I really don't have a question. I just wanted to say thank you. Like, I recently started listening to this radio through my mentor. Okay. Um, just so what I'm doing my college activity, and when I'm, you know, doing things behind closed walls, I'm just keeping my mind occupied because sometimes it turns off to wonder. But I just wanted to say thank you because I recently just, like, received, like, you know, God is calling me to do. And I feel like sometimes I'm just so hard on myself. And I really like when he said, all you just have to do is abide in him. You know, like once you just stay stay in the presence of God. I want you to stay connected to him throughout the day, of course, that he would do all the stuff that he needs to do. So I just wanted to say thank you for telling me that, because it's like I was listening at the right time, because I'm on my lunch break and I'm like, let's just listen to the radio right now.

I love that.

I love that.

I just wanted to say thank you for, um, just being obedient and just being led to speak that because God knew I was listening on the other side. So.

I just wanted to say thank you for, um, just being obedient and just being led to speak that because God knew I was listening on the other side. So.

You know, my sister, I want to encourage you. Um, sometimes we can be very hard on ourselves, but the Holy Spirit is not a critic. He wants to comfort you. He wants to encourage you, strengthen you, lead you, build you up. And when that critical voice starts to come, you need to take authority over that voice and know that it's not God's will for you to put yourself down, or for you to allow any kind of influence to be putting you down, because that's just not God's way. God wants to bring you up and build you up in him. And so and I want to encourage you to read the word and even read it out loud, because that'll keep your your heart and your spirit really edified.

You know, my sister, I want to encourage you. Um, sometimes we can be very hard on ourselves, but the Holy Spirit is not a critic. He wants to comfort you. He wants to encourage you, strengthen you, lead you, build you up. And when that critical voice starts to come, you need to take authority over that voice and know that it's not God's will for you to put yourself down, or for you to allow any kind of influence to be putting you down, because that's just not God's way. God wants to bring you up and build you up in him. And so and I want to encourage you to read the word and even read it out loud, because that'll keep your your heart and your spirit really edified.

I appreciate you calling in Beyonce. Thank you so much. All right. So you've got a conference. It's called DNA. Is that right? Yes. So tell us about it, please.

I appreciate you calling in Beyonce. Thank you so much. All right. So you've got a conference. It's called DNA. Is that right? Yes. So tell us about it, please.

Well, I mean, we're not doing a specific conference. We have a program that we've done and we've done conferences. Uh, and it's it's the journey that I took to figure out what are the core principles of private health and public fruitfulness. Okay. And and it's it's broken down into The reason why we say DNA is because of Hosea four nine, which says, like priests, like people and pastors give away whatever is going on in their heart. The way I describe it is we minister when we're our best out of the newness of his nearness.

Well, I mean, we're not doing a specific conference. We have a program that we've done and we've done conferences. Uh, and it's it's the journey that I took to figure out what are the core principles of private health and public fruitfulness. Okay. And and it's it's broken down into The reason why we say DNA is because of Hosea four nine, which says, like priests, like people and pastors give away whatever is going on in their heart. The way I describe it is we minister when we're our best out of the newness of his nearness.

Mhm.

Mhm.

Because the nearness of God should be new all of the time, and that's, that should be flowing out of you. And you know I at our church we have a big emphasis on prayer because the church that I went to, the pastor led us and taught us to really pray. And so because that what was that. That's what was in his heart. That's what was transferred to me, I guess if he was into, you know, prosperity or whatever, chances are that's what I would have learned and gotten into my heart. And so leadership is really what's going on inside of you. And it takes a lot of focus and energy to stay privately healthy. And so you got to you got to really pray. You got to surrender to God's will. You got to have a sense of mission. You've got to live your week like a real steward, and then you got to keep growing. You got to learn, change and grow. Those four things are indispensable to continually growing in the Lord and staying privately healthy.

Because the nearness of God should be new all of the time, and that's, that should be flowing out of you. And you know I at our church we have a big emphasis on prayer because the church that I went to, the pastor led us and taught us to really pray. And so because that what was that. That's what was in his heart. That's what was transferred to me, I guess if he was into, you know, prosperity or whatever, chances are that's what I would have learned and gotten into my heart. And so leadership is really what's going on inside of you. And it takes a lot of focus and energy to stay privately healthy. And so you got to you got to really pray. You got to surrender to God's will. You got to have a sense of mission. You've got to live your week like a real steward, and then you got to keep growing. You got to learn, change and grow. Those four things are indispensable to continually growing in the Lord and staying privately healthy.

Lead, change and grow.

Lead, change and grow.

Yes, you learn, you change, and you grow.

Yes, you learn, you change, and you grow.

Learn, change and grow. Yes, change has been something the Lord has really been dealing with me about lately. Because the world is constantly changing. The gospel will never change. The essence of God will never change. But God will do a do a new thing in a new season. And so I really appreciate that. I want to thank you for encouraging us along those lines. So here's here's the challenge. As a leader, as a leader, sometimes you're leading people who don't want to change. Yes. So you got any practical tips?

Learn, change and grow. Yes, change has been something the Lord has really been dealing with me about lately. Because the world is constantly changing. The gospel will never change. The essence of God will never change. But God will do a do a new thing in a new season. And so I really appreciate that. I want to thank you for encouraging us along those lines. So here's here's the challenge. As a leader, as a leader, sometimes you're leading people who don't want to change. Yes. So you got any practical tips?

You know, it's an interesting thing. I think that when we really pray. Yeah. And when we stay steady. I think that's why he told Timothy. Persevere in them. Watch your life and your doctrine. Persevere in them. Because if you do, you save both yourself and your hearers. I can't change people. My sermons can't change people. There's nothing I can do to change people. Um. But the power of the Holy Spirit upon my life can. And so I just trust God. Um, to and try to be steady and keep doing what the Lord is telling me to do. And then over time, I mean, it's been amazing to see all of the miracles that he's performed in the lives of the people of our church. And it's still going on today. I, I'm just blown away by the people that he's raised up, um, at Chicago Tabernacle, you know?

You know, it's an interesting thing. I think that when we really pray. Yeah. And when we stay steady. I think that's why he told Timothy. Persevere in them. Watch your life and your doctrine. Persevere in them. Because if you do, you save both yourself and your hearers. I can't change people. My sermons can't change people. There's nothing I can do to change people. Um. But the power of the Holy Spirit upon my life can. And so I just trust God. Um, to and try to be steady and keep doing what the Lord is telling me to do. And then over time, I mean, it's been amazing to see all of the miracles that he's performed in the lives of the people of our church. And it's still going on today. I, I'm just blown away by the people that he's raised up, um, at Chicago Tabernacle, you know?

Yeah, absolutely. It's a powerful thing to talk about. Chicago tab in just a few minutes to give people a chance to call in. Right now, the number is 87754836758773538775483675. We've got Al Toledo in studio. We're talking about leadership. We're talking about prayer. And we're going to talk a little bit about the church as as well. I want to go back a little bit. You were shooting for professional baseball. The Lord changes your mind and somehow you end up in Brooklyn and you meet a wonderful young lady there. Talk about the the Brooklyn experience. And then also your beautiful wife.

Yeah, absolutely. It's a powerful thing to talk about. Chicago tab in just a few minutes to give people a chance to call in. Right now, the number is 87754836758773538775483675. We've got Al Toledo in studio. We're talking about leadership. We're talking about prayer. And we're going to talk a little bit about the church as as well. I want to go back a little bit. You were shooting for professional baseball. The Lord changes your mind and somehow you end up in Brooklyn and you meet a wonderful young lady there. Talk about the the Brooklyn experience. And then also your beautiful wife.

All right. Well, I well, I grew up in Brooklyn, okay. And when I got saved, I was 17 years old. It took me a year before I actually went to a church.

All right. Well, I well, I grew up in Brooklyn, okay. And when I got saved, I was 17 years old. It took me a year before I actually went to a church.

Huh?

Huh?

And because it took me about six months to meet a Christian, I was saved. I was reading the Bible, but I had never heard the gospel. Never met a Christian. And finally somebody said to me, hey, you should go to this church. The church over there. And that church was the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

And because it took me about six months to meet a Christian, I was saved. I was reading the Bible, but I had never heard the gospel. Never met a Christian. And finally somebody said to me, hey, you should go to this church. The church over there. And that church was the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

And so it was about ten blocks away from my house. My wife and I were always about ten blocks from each other since childhood. We just didn't meet for a while. Right. And so, anyway, I went to Brooklyn, to Abe, and the Lord really got a hold of my heart. But that's where I met Chrissy.

And so it was about ten blocks away from my house. My wife and I were always about ten blocks from each other since childhood. We just didn't meet for a while. Right. And so, anyway, I went to Brooklyn, to Abe, and the Lord really got a hold of my heart. But that's where I met Chrissy.

Huh? Huh?

Huh? Huh?

And. And when I met her. You know, her story's been told all over the world. We met, we became friends. But she went on this journey, and she ran from the Lord, and. And we would stay in touch from time to time. And then I was in the prayer meeting when someone handed past symbol a note and said, Tonight is Chrissy's night. and we cried out to God. It turned into this giant labor room. And after she had been running from God for three years and her parents had no idea what was what she was doing and where she was. But that night we cried out to God and we we reached the throne of grace. And in two days she came home. She repented. She was transformed. And then, you know, we started dating a little a little after that. And and here we are 32 years later.

And. And when I met her. You know, her story's been told all over the world. We met, we became friends. But she went on this journey, and she ran from the Lord, and. And we would stay in touch from time to time. And then I was in the prayer meeting when someone handed past symbol a note and said, Tonight is Chrissy's night. and we cried out to God. It turned into this giant labor room. And after she had been running from God for three years and her parents had no idea what was what she was doing and where she was. But that night we cried out to God and we we reached the throne of grace. And in two days she came home. She repented. She was transformed. And then, you know, we started dating a little a little after that. And and here we are 32 years later.

32 years.

32 years.

Three kids, six grandkids.

Three kids, six grandkids.

Wow.

Wow.

And two on the way.

And two on the way.

Wow. Yeah. All right, I want to go back just a little bit. Jim Cymbala is is world renowned. Everybody knows him, loves him. Um, what fascinated me about that, that book, as I'm reading it, I'm looking at Pastor Symbol and I'm thinking, there are so many Christians and leaders in particular who say, hey, I've got a lot of followers, I've got a lot of people who listen to me, but I've also got a thorn in my side. I've also got some serious pain and so I'm preaching through my pain. Yes. Um, how how have you persevered as you've gone through different things? How can we persevere when on one side it looks like everything is rosy, but in reality, um, there's a lot of hurt that's that's happening in our lives.

Wow. Yeah. All right, I want to go back just a little bit. Jim Cymbala is is world renowned. Everybody knows him, loves him. Um, what fascinated me about that, that book, as I'm reading it, I'm looking at Pastor Symbol and I'm thinking, there are so many Christians and leaders in particular who say, hey, I've got a lot of followers, I've got a lot of people who listen to me, but I've also got a thorn in my side. I've also got some serious pain and so I'm preaching through my pain. Yes. Um, how how have you persevered as you've gone through different things? How can we persevere when on one side it looks like everything is rosy, but in reality, um, there's a lot of hurt that's that's happening in our lives.

Well, you know, it's interesting because since I was friends with Chrissie. Yeah. Um, pastor Cymbala, when she was running, he would call me occasionally and say, have you heard from her?

Well, you know, it's interesting because since I was friends with Chrissie. Yeah. Um, pastor Cymbala, when she was running, he would call me occasionally and say, have you heard from her?

Interesting.

Interesting.

Because she would, like, check in with me once in a blue moon. And I watched Pastor Cymbala. I watched him cry in the office. Go and step in the pulpit. Preach like a lion. Mhm. Lead the people, be faithful. And. And that season really marked my life because I. I watched how if you stay close to God, God will make you a blessing, even in your brokenness.

Because she would, like, check in with me once in a blue moon. And I watched Pastor Cymbala. I watched him cry in the office. Go and step in the pulpit. Preach like a lion. Mhm. Lead the people, be faithful. And. And that season really marked my life because I. I watched how if you stay close to God, God will make you a blessing, even in your brokenness.

Wow. Wow.

Wow. Wow.

And a lot of times we we run from brokenness, but we don't realize that there's something. There's a fragrance that comes from our lives when we cling to the Lord, even in our seasons of brokenness. And I saw that firsthand. And honestly, I tried to practice it because, you know, if you're in the ministry for 30 years, there are seasons of heartache, seasons of disappointment and discouragement. Mm. And people say, how do you preach when you're discouraged? And I said, you know, I've learned that the Bible is always true regardless of how I feel.

And a lot of times we we run from brokenness, but we don't realize that there's something. There's a fragrance that comes from our lives when we cling to the Lord, even in our seasons of brokenness. And I saw that firsthand. And honestly, I tried to practice it because, you know, if you're in the ministry for 30 years, there are seasons of heartache, seasons of disappointment and discouragement. Mm. And people say, how do you preach when you're discouraged? And I said, you know, I've learned that the Bible is always true regardless of how I feel.

Amen.

Amen.

And so our feelings go up and down. But Christ remains the same. and and and God. Maybe someone needs to hear this today, but he will never waste your suffering.

And so our feelings go up and down. But Christ remains the same. and and and God. Maybe someone needs to hear this today, but he will never waste your suffering.

Amen.

Amen.

He doesn't do that. He's not like that. And we become more like him. Through it. We discover things about who he is through our hardship and our disappointments. In other words, there are it's like in Isaiah when it says, I'll give you the treasures of dark places. There are treasures in moments of sadness and disappointment. And and when you emerge from that, you're stronger, you're clearer, and you are more equipped to minister to the brokenhearted. Because, he says, we comfort others with the comfort we ourselves receive. Mm.

He doesn't do that. He's not like that. And we become more like him. Through it. We discover things about who he is through our hardship and our disappointments. In other words, there are it's like in Isaiah when it says, I'll give you the treasures of dark places. There are treasures in moments of sadness and disappointment. And and when you emerge from that, you're stronger, you're clearer, and you are more equipped to minister to the brokenhearted. Because, he says, we comfort others with the comfort we ourselves receive. Mm.

Powerful. Powerful. Powerful. Hey, we're talking with Al Toledo today, and so grateful for his ministry. And he's going to come back, hang out with us for another 30 minutes or so. I want you to hang out with us as well. Our number to call is 87754836758775483675. I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks. And this is a special special time of fellowship. Don't you touch that digital dial. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for joining me here on equipped I'm Roy Patterson I've got Al Toledo in studio with me. And it's been a sweet time of ministry. Hey, Chris Brooks wants to revitalize your prayer life. That's why he chose praying the Bible as our impact gift this month. Did you ever sit in a place where you felt like, ah, I just don't feel close to God? Do you find your mind wandering while you pray? Or do your prayers seem lifeless and routine? Praying. The Bible teaches you how to pray through scripture, guiding you to focus on one line at a time. This approach keeps your mind engaged and allows God's Word to shape your prayers. It's simple, yet profound. It's an amazing way to reignite your prayer life. And it's our gift. It's our gift to you. When you support equip this month, call (888) 644-4144. That's (888) 644-4144. Or you can go online to equip radio.org that's equipped radio.org. We're only about $1,800 away from our goal. Your gift of any size matters, so please stand with us as we move forward. again. I'm Roy Patterson. Thank you so much for hanging out with me. I'd love for you to give us a call and talk to Pastor Al Toledo. The number is 87754836758775483675. All right, so there's a church in Chicago. Uh, that that was birthed back, I think, in 2002. Uh, tell me about that process. How did the Lord lead you and and how did you guys get started?

Powerful. Powerful. Powerful. Hey, we're talking with Al Toledo today, and so grateful for his ministry. And he's going to come back, hang out with us for another 30 minutes or so. I want you to hang out with us as well. Our number to call is 87754836758775483675. I'm Roy Patterson sitting in for Chris Brooks. And this is a special special time of fellowship. Don't you touch that digital dial. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for joining me here on equipped I'm Roy Patterson I've got Al Toledo in studio with me. And it's been a sweet time of ministry. Hey, Chris Brooks wants to revitalize your prayer life. That's why he chose praying the Bible as our impact gift this month. Did you ever sit in a place where you felt like, ah, I just don't feel close to God? Do you find your mind wandering while you pray? Or do your prayers seem lifeless and routine? Praying. The Bible teaches you how to pray through scripture, guiding you to focus on one line at a time. This approach keeps your mind engaged and allows God's Word to shape your prayers. It's simple, yet profound. It's an amazing way to reignite your prayer life. And it's our gift. It's our gift to you. When you support equip this month, call (888) 644-4144. That's (888) 644-4144. Or you can go online to equip radio.org that's equipped radio.org. We're only about $1,800 away from our goal. Your gift of any size matters, so please stand with us as we move forward. again. I'm Roy Patterson. Thank you so much for hanging out with me. I'd love for you to give us a call and talk to Pastor Al Toledo. The number is 87754836758775483675. All right, so there's a church in Chicago. Uh, that that was birthed back, I think, in 2002. Uh, tell me about that process. How did the Lord lead you and and how did you guys get started?

Well, Christi and I were on staff at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Okay. Uh, in, let's say about 2001. And we had been there for 3 or 4 years. And, you know, the Lord just kind of spoke to us and said, hey, your time is up. But we weren't exactly sure what we were supposed to do.

Well, Christi and I were on staff at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Okay. Uh, in, let's say about 2001. And we had been there for 3 or 4 years. And, you know, the Lord just kind of spoke to us and said, hey, your time is up. But we weren't exactly sure what we were supposed to do.

Interesting.

Interesting.

And so, um, someone I actually met someone at a conference and he said, hey, you should come check out Chicago and and we came here for a weekend. Um, and it was amazing because at the hotel, at the restaurants, we just kept connecting with people. And people were opening their hearts to us. We were like doing these mini counseling sessions all over the place. And the at the end of the weekend, my wife said, you know, um, I think this is the city that we belong in. And she said, we ought to start a church. And my first response was, I think you're crazy, lady.

And so, um, someone I actually met someone at a conference and he said, hey, you should come check out Chicago and and we came here for a weekend. Um, and it was amazing because at the hotel, at the restaurants, we just kept connecting with people. And people were opening their hearts to us. We were like doing these mini counseling sessions all over the place. And the at the end of the weekend, my wife said, you know, um, I think this is the city that we belong in. And she said, we ought to start a church. And my first response was, I think you're crazy, lady.

But.

But.

But but we started to pray about it and we took a step of faith. We didn't know anyone here and we didn't have any situation. We just kind of picked up the kids and moved, but in short order, literally. In less than a month, we met a small group of people who had tried to launch a church and it never took off. And I started to preach for them and in less than a month, Chicago Tabernacle was born. And we were in a little basement of a building that I didn't know at the time was condemned.

But but we started to pray about it and we took a step of faith. We didn't know anyone here and we didn't have any situation. We just kind of picked up the kids and moved, but in short order, literally. In less than a month, we met a small group of people who had tried to launch a church and it never took off. And I started to preach for them and in less than a month, Chicago Tabernacle was born. And we were in a little basement of a building that I didn't know at the time was condemned.

Wow.

Wow.

And talk about a unique start. And.

And talk about a unique start. And.

Right.

Right.

And so we started to look for buildings and we prayed and and honestly, our we built our church around the prayer meeting. The Bible says, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. And there's a lot of things that we do in church that we should do in church. But what we should always do in church is pray together and pray for one another. That is emphatic.

And so we started to look for buildings and we prayed and and honestly, our we built our church around the prayer meeting. The Bible says, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. And there's a lot of things that we do in church that we should do in church. But what we should always do in church is pray together and pray for one another. That is emphatic.

You say that the most important meeting of the week should not be missed by congregants. What? What is that meeting? And what do you mean?

You say that the most important meeting of the week should not be missed by congregants. What? What is that meeting? And what do you mean?

That's the prayer meeting. Mhm. And and it goes back to what I was saying. Like priests, like people. I learned this from pastor symbol. They said that at Brooklyn Tabernacle every Sunday and every Sunday of our of the our church's existence, I believe we've never missed announcing the most important meeting of the week, which is the prayer meeting, because the best things in God happen when we seek him.

That's the prayer meeting. Mhm. And and it goes back to what I was saying. Like priests, like people. I learned this from pastor symbol. They said that at Brooklyn Tabernacle every Sunday and every Sunday of our of the our church's existence, I believe we've never missed announcing the most important meeting of the week, which is the prayer meeting, because the best things in God happen when we seek him.

Amen.

Amen.

And the greatest transformation of a person's life is when they actually have face time with God. Uh, seeking God changes people. Seeking God helps us, even releases his miraculous power in our midst to meet all of our needs. Nothing does that more than when we pray. He invites us to pray. Um, and there's such a gift and blessing that's released when we do. We. You know, the Bible says, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.

And the greatest transformation of a person's life is when they actually have face time with God. Uh, seeking God changes people. Seeking God helps us, even releases his miraculous power in our midst to meet all of our needs. Nothing does that more than when we pray. He invites us to pray. Um, and there's such a gift and blessing that's released when we do. We. You know, the Bible says, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Yes.

Yes.

The secret to all nations? Economic differences, or the secret to all of that being erased is we pray together. Because when we pray together, when our spirits connect people, you know, if your baby is sick and somebody is praying for you, you don't care if they're green.

The secret to all nations? Economic differences, or the secret to all of that being erased is we pray together. Because when we pray together, when our spirits connect people, you know, if your baby is sick and somebody is praying for you, you don't care if they're green.

You really don't.

You really don't.

Right. You just you just you just are so grateful. And powerful things happen when we seek God together. And it's kind of marked our church. And with a handful of people, we prayed at the very beginning, and literally in one week we got like a special gift, like $60,000. And in and we we made a bid on a building and then a bank gave us a miracle. We had no money in the bank, but they gave us a mortgage like God did 3 or 4 miracles in one week off of a prayer meeting. And then we bought a little building and the church was born. And so our church really has existed from one prayer meeting to another. And the Lord always meeting our needs as we cried out to him.

Right. You just you just you just are so grateful. And powerful things happen when we seek God together. And it's kind of marked our church. And with a handful of people, we prayed at the very beginning, and literally in one week we got like a special gift, like $60,000. And in and we we made a bid on a building and then a bank gave us a miracle. We had no money in the bank, but they gave us a mortgage like God did 3 or 4 miracles in one week off of a prayer meeting. And then we bought a little building and the church was born. And so our church really has existed from one prayer meeting to another. And the Lord always meeting our needs as we cried out to him.

It's it's an amazing experience to go to Chicago Tabernacle. As you said, God's house is a house of prayer for all people. You go there and you see black people and white people, Latino people, Asian people, you just all kinds of people. And I guess Jesus is the common denominator.

It's it's an amazing experience to go to Chicago Tabernacle. As you said, God's house is a house of prayer for all people. You go there and you see black people and white people, Latino people, Asian people, you just all kinds of people. And I guess Jesus is the common denominator.

And none of that matters because we all have Jesus.

And none of that matters because we all have Jesus.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You know, and and something, something very special happens when people join together as a body and cry out to God. There's a there's a spiritual not just a synergy, but there's a connection, a deep connection that makes the love of God flow between us. Mhm. And it's wonderful. And people should I think I always, I always pray my dream has always been and continues to be, that when people walk through the doors of our church, that the love of God would meet them and that they would experience it through his presence and then through his people. And that happens if you pray for it.

You know, and and something, something very special happens when people join together as a body and cry out to God. There's a there's a spiritual not just a synergy, but there's a connection, a deep connection that makes the love of God flow between us. Mhm. And it's wonderful. And people should I think I always, I always pray my dream has always been and continues to be, that when people walk through the doors of our church, that the love of God would meet them and that they would experience it through his presence and then through his people. And that happens if you pray for it.

Absolutely. It really, really does. And I've had that experience in so many people around the city have. Um, I remember preaching there one time and this was, I guess, at the was at the first building that you had. And so Christie is leading the choir, and I think they did a Richard Smallwood song. Um, come on, let's go. And so after they finished preaching, after they finished singing, I felt like I don't really need to preach because if there were any demons on this block, they just sang them all out of this area. That's the power of God at Chicago. All right. So, so, so talk about the prayer meeting. What what happens at this prayer meeting?

Absolutely. It really, really does. And I've had that experience in so many people around the city have. Um, I remember preaching there one time and this was, I guess, at the was at the first building that you had. And so Christie is leading the choir, and I think they did a Richard Smallwood song. Um, come on, let's go. And so after they finished preaching, after they finished singing, I felt like I don't really need to preach because if there were any demons on this block, they just sang them all out of this area. That's the power of God at Chicago. All right. So, so, so talk about the prayer meeting. What what happens at this prayer meeting?

So when when someone will walk in our building on Tuesday night, they will get a prayer card. We people send in prayer requests now from all over the world, and the minute that they walk in, they get an individual prayer request which lets them know why they're there.

So when when someone will walk in our building on Tuesday night, they will get a prayer card. We people send in prayer requests now from all over the world, and the minute that they walk in, they get an individual prayer request which lets them know why they're there.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

We're here to pray. We're here to intercede.

We're here to pray. We're here to intercede.

Yes.

Yes.

And and we have a season of worship. And then after that, our what we try to do is respond to the best light that we have in terms of how the Holy Spirit is wanting to lead us. Sometimes we go right to the prayer request cards. Um, sometimes we'll go right to the word. We always have the word. We always have worship. Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Right? Enter his courts with praise. Yeah, I do believe that a major part of a person's prayer life is worship. Yeah, because it's the way you should draw near to God. And and I believe that, um, you know, my prayer for the people in our church is that they they don't need a worship service to worship God. I dream about them worshiping God, you know, at the kitchen table and, and and that draws the Lord near to you. So we worship God and and then we, we, we have a little bit of the word because faith comes by hearing and hearing of the Word of God. And then we pray, we we respond and we pray. We pray a lot. Mm.

And and we have a season of worship. And then after that, our what we try to do is respond to the best light that we have in terms of how the Holy Spirit is wanting to lead us. Sometimes we go right to the prayer request cards. Um, sometimes we'll go right to the word. We always have the word. We always have worship. Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Right? Enter his courts with praise. Yeah, I do believe that a major part of a person's prayer life is worship. Yeah, because it's the way you should draw near to God. And and I believe that, um, you know, my prayer for the people in our church is that they they don't need a worship service to worship God. I dream about them worshiping God, you know, at the kitchen table and, and and that draws the Lord near to you. So we worship God and and then we, we, we have a little bit of the word because faith comes by hearing and hearing of the Word of God. And then we pray, we we respond and we pray. We pray a lot. Mm.

I love that. I love the fact that God is, is meeting the needs of the people and and the exciting thing for me when, um, I get a chance to attend there. Um, this the fellowship with God. It's the fellowship with others. And I believe there is not just a synergy, but there's the deep fellowship that you see God's love from heart to heart and breast to breast. And so thankful for you. Got Al Toledo in studio. Give a call, will you, please? 5483675. Would love to talk to you and you'll enjoy talking to him as well. I'm Roy Patterson, you're listening to equipped with Chris Brooks.

I love that. I love the fact that God is, is meeting the needs of the people and and the exciting thing for me when, um, I get a chance to attend there. Um, this the fellowship with God. It's the fellowship with others. And I believe there is not just a synergy, but there's the deep fellowship that you see God's love from heart to heart and breast to breast. And so thankful for you. Got Al Toledo in studio. Give a call, will you, please? 5483675. Would love to talk to you and you'll enjoy talking to him as well. I'm Roy Patterson, you're listening to equipped with Chris Brooks.

Do you want to deepen your prayer life but you don't know where to start? Praying the Bible. By doctor Don Whitney shows how anyone can have meaningful prayer times using Scripture as our guide. This transformative book reveals how the Bible, especially the Psalms, can fuel your prayer life with fresh language and God centered thoughts. Get your copy today. When you give a gift to equip, call 888644 4144 or give online at Equip radio.org.

Do you want to deepen your prayer life but you don't know where to start? Praying the Bible. By doctor Don Whitney shows how anyone can have meaningful prayer times using Scripture as our guide. This transformative book reveals how the Bible, especially the Psalms, can fuel your prayer life with fresh language and God centered thoughts. Get your copy today. When you give a gift to equip, call 888644 4144 or give online at Equip radio.org.

Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks I'm Roy Patterson sitting in really grateful to God for our guest today. It's Al Toledo of Chicago Tabernacle. Um, when I think of Chicago Tabernacle, I don't just think of a place to pray and see my friends. But I think a transformation when you think of what God is doing in that place. Uh, you got any stories of lives that have been changed? You don't necessarily have to mention names, but any stories come to mind?

Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks I'm Roy Patterson sitting in really grateful to God for our guest today. It's Al Toledo of Chicago Tabernacle. Um, when I think of Chicago Tabernacle, I don't just think of a place to pray and see my friends. But I think a transformation when you think of what God is doing in that place. Uh, you got any stories of lives that have been changed? You don't necessarily have to mention names, but any stories come to mind?

You know, one of my favorite things that happens at the church is we do a lot of office weddings. We call them.

You know, one of my favorite things that happens at the church is we do a lot of office weddings. We call them.

Okay.

Okay.

And people, they come to church, they live together. They they recognize me. And I really got to get right with God. Sometimes they have Children and they get baptized. And then sometimes we're like, look, get right with God, and they get married in the office. And it's really sweet and wonderful. They set it up real nice. And then if they want, they go on and do a big ceremony. But just people coming and saying, look, I've had a real revelation of Christ, and I want to honor him with all of my life. And it just happened. You know, we just we've got a baby church now in Philadelphia.

And people, they come to church, they live together. They they recognize me. And I really got to get right with God. Sometimes they have Children and they get baptized. And then sometimes we're like, look, get right with God, and they get married in the office. And it's really sweet and wonderful. They set it up real nice. And then if they want, they go on and do a big ceremony. But just people coming and saying, look, I've had a real revelation of Christ, and I want to honor him with all of my life. And it just happened. You know, we just we've got a baby church now in Philadelphia.

Okay. Yeah.

Okay. Yeah.

And I was there a number of weeks ago, and, and I just I met a young man who who had just got baptized and was just got married. And, um, transformation is happening in so many different ways there and so many unique stories. There's a story I've been telling around the country.

And I was there a number of weeks ago, and, and I just I met a young man who who had just got baptized and was just got married. And, um, transformation is happening in so many different ways there and so many unique stories. There's a story I've been telling around the country.

Okay.

Okay.

Um, so a gentleman came to our. This might have been 5 or 6 months ago. I can't remember. But he was literally he was very sick and he had lived a really this guy lived a really bad life, and he came to church to pray so that he could see his son, and his son was just getting out of prison. And he came and seeking God. And he just I think he had he was really close to giving his life to Christ. And so he responds to the altar call, and one of the brothers in the church goes and ministers to him, and the guy gives his life to Christ. And yes, he indeed did get to see his son. All of these things came to pass. But what was so powerful was that the man who was ministering to him was actually shot by him years ago.

Um, so a gentleman came to our. This might have been 5 or 6 months ago. I can't remember. But he was literally he was very sick and he had lived a really this guy lived a really bad life, and he came to church to pray so that he could see his son, and his son was just getting out of prison. And he came and seeking God. And he just I think he had he was really close to giving his life to Christ. And so he responds to the altar call, and one of the brothers in the church goes and ministers to him, and the guy gives his life to Christ. And yes, he indeed did get to see his son. All of these things came to pass. But what was so powerful was that the man who was ministering to him was actually shot by him years ago.

Oh my goodness. Wow.

Oh my goodness. Wow.

And the man who was ministering to him is such a man of God. Mm. He's so. He's so wonderful. He's so full of the love of God. And you know, only Christ could do those things.

And the man who was ministering to him is such a man of God. Mm. He's so. He's so wonderful. He's so full of the love of God. And you know, only Christ could do those things.

That's right.

That's right.

And so, you know, I'm always getting, like, the most unique stories, you know, that's just one of many.

And so, you know, I'm always getting, like, the most unique stories, you know, that's just one of many.

So that's incredible transformation right there. Okay. So you can't stop right there. So he prays for the guy. Anything else happen after that.

So that's incredible transformation right there. Okay. So you can't stop right there. So he prays for the guy. Anything else happen after that.

Well you know it's so funny. I believe that the guy gave his heart to the Lord. And he went on to actually talk to his son. I don't know the story with his son, but he went home to be with the Lord right after that.

Well you know it's so funny. I believe that the guy gave his heart to the Lord. And he went on to actually talk to his son. I don't know the story with his son, but he went home to be with the Lord right after that.

Isn't that something?

Isn't that something?

Yeah. So it's real.

Yeah. So it's real.

God's power is is just amazing. I'm. I'm amazed by that story. And I thank God because I can see that happening at that church. You know, whether that's a Tuesday night or on Sunday. Now, you guys went from, um, a building that was condemned. You didn't know that. Um, to a beautiful facility that you're in right now. Um, so, so talk about the facility and how God is using it and some of the ministries that are flowing out of it.

God's power is is just amazing. I'm. I'm amazed by that story. And I thank God because I can see that happening at that church. You know, whether that's a Tuesday night or on Sunday. Now, you guys went from, um, a building that was condemned. You didn't know that. Um, to a beautiful facility that you're in right now. Um, so, so talk about the facility and how God is using it and some of the ministries that are flowing out of it.

Well, you know, we we went from that little building to another little building, and then we went from that little building to the theater that we're in right now. We had to we renovated this theater that was built in the 20s. Yeah. And and we have, um, wonderful, wonderful children's rooms. And we also have a becoming center now where, um, people from the community are learning English as a second language. I love that, and the kids are and they get in finance, financial training and, uh, karate and cooking and all of and all of this is under the the love of God and the Bible. So our community is starting to come in, and it's become a real way of us sharing the gospel. Kids are coming from our elementary schools and some very, very powerful things are happening. And that's a dream come true for me because I grew up in the hood. Yeah. And yeah. And my dream was that, um, you know, the kids would walk by the church and say, That's God's house, but that's my house, too. Mhm. And that's what we emphasize. And, and so lots of transformation is taking place as we keep using different avenues to bring the Bible to people. And so.

Well, you know, we we went from that little building to another little building, and then we went from that little building to the theater that we're in right now. We had to we renovated this theater that was built in the 20s. Yeah. And and we have, um, wonderful, wonderful children's rooms. And we also have a becoming center now where, um, people from the community are learning English as a second language. I love that, and the kids are and they get in finance, financial training and, uh, karate and cooking and all of and all of this is under the the love of God and the Bible. So our community is starting to come in, and it's become a real way of us sharing the gospel. Kids are coming from our elementary schools and some very, very powerful things are happening. And that's a dream come true for me because I grew up in the hood. Yeah. And yeah. And my dream was that, um, you know, the kids would walk by the church and say, That's God's house, but that's my house, too. Mhm. And that's what we emphasize. And, and so lots of transformation is taking place as we keep using different avenues to bring the Bible to people. And so.

That's beautiful. One of the things that's deep in my heart right now is looking beyond the immediate and seeing beyond. And I just feel like God is saying we need to really be about it. We need to harvest. We need to go beyond our comfort zone, go beyond the typical, the familiar, and reach out. Are you sensing that in the spirit, too?

That's beautiful. One of the things that's deep in my heart right now is looking beyond the immediate and seeing beyond. And I just feel like God is saying we need to really be about it. We need to harvest. We need to go beyond our comfort zone, go beyond the typical, the familiar, and reach out. Are you sensing that in the spirit, too?

Absolutely. Well, first of all, listen. Jesus is coming back, brother. Yes. And we have to do everything that we can to be ready for that. He's coming back. And so we've got to we got to preach the gospel more than ever before. We we keep talking about give and go at the church. You got to give and you got to go home. And we we're called to raise up the next spirit filled generation. So we got to invest in our children and we have to take the gospel outside of our walls.

Absolutely. Well, first of all, listen. Jesus is coming back, brother. Yes. And we have to do everything that we can to be ready for that. He's coming back. And so we've got to we got to preach the gospel more than ever before. We we keep talking about give and go at the church. You got to give and you got to go home. And we we're called to raise up the next spirit filled generation. So we got to invest in our children and we have to take the gospel outside of our walls.

And I agree with that.

And I agree with that.

It's a it's a mandate upon the body of Christ. And there are lots of different ways to do it. Every ministry can be an outreach at the church.

It's a it's a mandate upon the body of Christ. And there are lots of different ways to do it. Every ministry can be an outreach at the church.

I like what John Maxwell said. He said that leadership really is dealing with influence and helping people to do what they're called to do and what they're called to be. Um, are you reaching out to the community along those lines with leadership as well, helping people to sort of develop into who they ought to be.

I like what John Maxwell said. He said that leadership really is dealing with influence and helping people to do what they're called to do and what they're called to be. Um, are you reaching out to the community along those lines with leadership as well, helping people to sort of develop into who they ought to be.

Well, so the Bible says to them that believe he gave them the power to become.

Well, so the Bible says to them that believe he gave them the power to become.

Yes.

Yes.

And the way we present ourselves to the community is Chicago. Tabernacle is a place of becoming and becoming. Doesn't mean just that you get born again. It means that you become everything that God has predestined for you to become. And in every, every way that we reach out, whether it be youth ministry or reaching out to our senior citizens every way, there's always an opportunity to help someone find the will of God and grow in the will of God and make an impact from where they are. What's so amazing about the Body of Christ is that every individual has been gifted in a special way, and they're gifted to make an impact. And so when that when that blossoms in a person's life, it's amazing to. My favorite thing is to stand by and watch what God is doing through people because it's amazing.

And the way we present ourselves to the community is Chicago. Tabernacle is a place of becoming and becoming. Doesn't mean just that you get born again. It means that you become everything that God has predestined for you to become. And in every, every way that we reach out, whether it be youth ministry or reaching out to our senior citizens every way, there's always an opportunity to help someone find the will of God and grow in the will of God and make an impact from where they are. What's so amazing about the Body of Christ is that every individual has been gifted in a special way, and they're gifted to make an impact. And so when that when that blossoms in a person's life, it's amazing to. My favorite thing is to stand by and watch what God is doing through people because it's amazing.