We believe the local church is the hope for the city. I meet with pastors and leaders of neighborhood churches who are changing the world everyday. Each neighborhood has its own unique brilliance and challenges. I have found that small local churches are just the people who can appreciate each block and tackle the problems they face daily. As a Ministry Developer, one of my greatest responsibilities is to reach these local leaders and empower, encourage, and equip them with the resources they need to change the world one block at a time.
Let me introduce you to one world changer: Pastor Solomon Adair at Inspired to Live Church. Born and raised in my hometown, Wichita, KS, Solomon has pioneered a great church in Arlington, TX. I have had the privilege to speak at his church on Sunday mornings and serve with him as a leader during our annual Men’s Retreats. As a bi-vocational pastor, Solomon has invested many hours and opportunities to develop leaders in his church. One of the consistent conversations we have over coffee involves ways he can develop the men and women that help lead his congregation. Solomon understands that we cannot do it alone.
Inspired to Live Church just celebrated their 8th anniversary and what a celebration it was! Special guest Bishop Mark Gilkey of St. Mark’s Cathedral of Wichita, KS, delivered a timely message to the church. Bishop Gilkey reminded us that God has a specific people and times each of us are assigned to reach for God. Like Pastor Solomon and Inspired to Live Church, I want to be obedient to serve all the people God has assigned me to reach. It is my privilege to serve the local church in urban neighborhoods and find ways to help them celebrate and demonstrate God’s love in the darkest and hardest places in our cities.
