We live in challenging times. How can we effectively represent Jesus Christ in post-modern New York City, where absolute truth and morality are either ridiculed or ignored? And how can we be the Church to a post 9/11 culture that lives with the ever-present threat of terror?
As the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (CBC) since 1997, it continues to be my greatest privilege to lead this congregation in impacting this great and vulnerable city for Jesus Christ. Our overall strategy is to help every Christian who worships here to become all he/she can be for God; to become tough-minded, tenderhearted disciples, speaking the truth in love to our "lost generation."
My particular role in this effort is five-fold:
1. To preach and teach the word of God in our worship services, radio ministry, and various Bible and Missions conferences. In recent years at CBC, we have preached through the Books of Genesis, Daniel, Romans, Philippians, First Timothy and James. We have also had special series on 9/11 and Ground Zero; A Biblical Look at Islam; Prophecy; The Life of Christ; Happiness; and The Family.
2. To work with and encourage the Pastoral Staff, Administrative Staff, Elder-Deacon Boards, Missions Council and New York School of the Bible Staff.
3. To be available to our congregation for prayer and counsel.
4. To encourage missions and evangelism in every way possible. Over the years, I have ministered in Israel, England, France, Greece, and India. Presently at CBC, we are also developing initiatives to support the persecuted church, to assist in the AIDS crisis in Africa, and to plant a new church in New York City.
5. Finally, to partner with other evangelical ministries in reaching New York City. We work closely with Concerts of Prayer, New York City Relief, Billy Graham Ministries, Child Evangelism Fellowship, International Students, New York City Rescue Mission, InterVarsity, Christian Mission to the U.N., Campus Crusade for Christ, Jews for Jesus, Chosen People Ministries, Word of Messiah Ministries, Greater New York Sunday School Association, Abraham International Ministries, and Urban Youth Alliance.
For many years I was a college professor of Biblical Studies and History, and so now as a Pastor, I have a strong desire to impact both the mind and the heart so that every Christian will be as "wise as a serpent, and innocent as a dove." A strong biblical world-view plus a loving heart is a powerful force unleashed by the Spirit of God.
If you are a Christian who desires to experience an evangelical church known for its racial, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity, we invite you to Calvary Baptist Church; and if you are a seeker desiring to check out the claims of Christianity, you are always welcome here.
Please join us as we grow together and impact our city and generation for Jesus.
