Moderator’s Address 2025

Introduction & Greetings

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2, KJV).

It is with joy and gratitude that I welcome each of you to the 151st Annual Session of the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. To all of our pastors, officers, delegates, and guests, thank you for being here.

Allow me to extend greetings to our distinguished leaders:

Moderator Emeritus Rev. Samuel R. Seales, Jr. (Johnson Chapel Baptist Church)

Vice Moderator Rev. DeWayne McBride (St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church)

Vice Moderator Rev. R.J. Hines (First Missionary Baptist Church)

Congress of Christian Education President Dr. Tyrone A. Blue (First Missionary Baptist Church)

Laymen’s Auxiliary President Dea. Joel DeCoursey (St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church)

Women’s Auxiliary President Sis. Gloria J. Simmons (First Missionary Baptist Church)

We are also honored by the presence of our denominational partners, and other state and national leaders who continue to strengthen the wider Baptist family.

Thank You & Acknowledgments

The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3–5 (KJV): “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Tonight, I thank God for every one of you who labors in this great association. To our Vice Moderators McBride and Hines; Dr. Blue (Congress President), Dea. DeCoursey (Laymen’s President, Sis. Simmons (Women’s President), Rev. James Morris (Board Chairman), Sis. Heather Porter (Budget & Finance), and Rev. Jerome Jones (Facilities Manager)—your work is seen and your sacrifice is felt.

Special gratitude belongs to the pastors of our district, most of whom serve bi-vocationally, carrying the weight of church, family, and work responsibilities. You serve without complaint, often without benefits, but with faithfulness. We honor you tonight.

I must also express my heartfelt gratitude to the church the Lord has allowed me to serve for the last twenty years of my life, the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church of Gainesville, FL, for your prayers, patience, and generosity. And I deeply thank my family: my wife, Dr. Courtney Taylor, my daughter Alexis Taylor, and my mother Cynthia Taylor. You share me with this association, and I could not serve without your love and encouragement.

Accomplishments & Progress

Since 1874, our Association has stood as a witness to God’s sustaining power. Born out of the ashes of slavery and Reconstruction, we have endured wars, segregation, and cultural upheaval, yet remained steadfast in advancing missions and education.

Over this past year, by God’s grace, we have seen:

Building Improvements: Rev. Jerome Jones has continually helped us make improvements to the Jerusalem Center, removing several trees that were threatening to fall on the building, and other upgrades to keep the Jerusalem-Tillman Center functioning for our uses and for rentals.

Fifth Sunday Fellowships: The Vice Moderators have organized two impactful fellowship times for the Association. We have enjoyed great turnout along with a Spiritually enriching time.

Practical Support: Financial support, bookkeeping support, connections with Prestige Insurance Group (Mrs. Joanne Robinson), Protect My Ministry, and Logos Bible Software.

Missions Impact – Our churches supported the building of housing for widows in Africa, Our Women’s Auxiliary continues to support both local and foreign missions, raising funds and sending supplies abroad including blood pressure monitors, and blood-glucose meters.

Christian Educational Growth – Under the leadership of Dr. Blue, our Congress of Christian Education has increased the number of certified teachers and expanded our offerings in preaching, teaching, church administration, and evangelism.

Leadership Development – Vice Moderator Hines has advanced the Leadership Pipeline Initiative, preparing the next generation of pastors and church leaders. We recognize that many of our senior pastors are approaching retirement, and we must intentionally equip men and women who can step into leadership roles with courage and competence. This will include encouraging more pastors to seek formal education, which will be critical for ministry effectiveness among younger and more inquisitive members.

Denominational Representation – Our leaders have stood faithfully at the State Convention, National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, and the National Baptist Convention, USA, representing Jerusalem with excellence.

Recommendations & Vision Forward

As we look toward the future, I offer several recommendations:

Church Support Network – Our Association must continue shifting from a fellowship-driven model to a church-support model. This means creating practical systems to help churches lower costs, strengthen finances, and improve operations while focusing on evangelism and discipleship.

Insurance: We helped one church save $2,000 on their insurance.

Air Condition: We helped another church save $6,000 on their air condition repair costs.

Funding: We helped yet another church gain access to additional funding opportunities for construction projects.

Church Advancement Workshops - Offer quick training packed with actionable strategies to advance the ministry. We will address the issue of church security, financial strategies for growth, improving guest follow up systems, communications planning, proper annual event planning, and ministry development.

Ordination and Credentials Committee – We must re-establish a standing committee to assist churches in preparing candidates for ordination, ensuring that ministers and deacons are examined, trained, and set apart in accordance with Scripture.

Encouragement & Exhortation

Beloved, this work has not been easy. Changing systems, shifting mindsets, and building new structures has been uphill labor. But we are encouraged by the words of Nehemiah, who declared: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3, KJV).

The headwinds of change will make it increasingly difficult for churches as we move forward. Changing attitudes about church, and faith leaders is eroding. Moreover, false teaching and lack of doctrinal faithfulness is leading to culture influencing how people view the Scriptures, instead of the Scripture changing how people view the culture.

There is a Baptist Distinctive that should be maintained. We are not like other groups. We are baptists. The naive statement, “Denominations do no matter,” is a clear indication of our lack of appreciation, respect, and understanding regarding the distinctiveness of Baptist Doctrine.

We are not like the Campbellite (Church of Christ) — We are Baptists!

We are not like the Russellite (Jehovah Witness) - We are Baptists!

We are not like the Smithite (Mormons) - We are Baptists!

We are not like the followers of Mary Baker Eddy and later, L. Ron Hubbard (Church of Scientology) - We are Baptists!

We are distinctive from them because as Baptists…

We are not like the Campbellite (Church of Christ) - We reject the baptismal regeneration heresy. We believe men are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

We are not like the Russelite (Jehovah Witness) - We reject the idea that Jesus was a created being. We believe that He is co-eternal, and co-equal with God the Father. John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

We are not like the Smithite (Mormons) - We reject the teaching that the Book of Mormon is on equal standing with the Holy Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

We are not like the Church of Scientology - We reject the teaching that Jesus death was insufficient to redeem men from hell. Hebrews 10:12 “12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

What we believe still matters because we are Baptists!

We believe in the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and eternal word of God.

We believe God is the sovereign ruler of all things, who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, one true and living God.

We believe humanity was created different from the animal kingdom, by an intelligent creator; who created the first man Adam, and from his rib, he fashioned a woman, to be uniquely different by design from the man, as his complement and help meet.

We believe that sin entered the world by that man’s willful act of disobedience, and so every man born after him by generations is born with a sin nature and is in need of a savior.

We believe Jesus is the Son of God, born like none other of a Virgin, lived like none other (Sinless, without sin or imperfection in act or thought), and died like none other (a sacrificial, atoning, agonizing, and vicarious death on the cross).

We believe that Jesus is man’s only hope of salvation, and that there is no other way to come to God except by Him.

We believe the Holy Spirit is the third-person in the triunity of the God-head, who has come to lead mean into repentance and obedience to God in daily living.

We believe the church is the bride of Christ, a local, and visible body of baptized believers in Christ Jesus, called together to cooperate, contribute, and collaborate with one another.

We believe in the judgement to which every soul must stand and give an account of the deeds done in these bodies.

Onward Christian Soldiers

Onward Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,

with the cross of Jesus Going on before!

Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe.

Forward in to the battle See His banner go!

And now for the message.

Acts 3:1–11 KJV 1900

1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

Text: Acts 3:1–11 Theme: The name of Jesus transforms what charity can only temporarily comfort. Thesis: When believers carry Christ’s presence, proclaim Christ’s name, and practice Christlike compassion, God moves people from sitting at the gate to shouting in the sanctuary.

Introduction

Beloved, there is a difference between passing by a problem and pastoring a problem. Some of us have learned how to step over brokenness and keep our clothes clean. But God is calling the church to kneel where life has fallen and lift in the name of Jesus. Acts 3 opens like a Sunday morning at a familiar church. It is the hour of prayer. The ushers are at the door. The choir is warming up. And there, laid daily at a gate called Beautiful, is an ugly situation. A man who has never taken a step is parked at the entrance to worship. He is close to the sanctuary, but he cannot get into the song. He has proximity without participation, nearness without newness, a cup in his hand and a cry in his heart.

Two preachers, Peter and John, do not schedule a meeting. They seize a moment. They do not take up an offering. They take him by the hand. They do not rehearse a program. They release the power of the name. And by the time the benediction would have been given, a man who was carried in every day is now carrying a testimony through every aisle. That is what the Lord still does when the church walks in apostolic authority and Christlike compassion.

Context and Setting

Acts 3 stands in the fresh wind of Pentecost. The Spirit has fallen. The church has formed. The Word has been preached. Three thousand have believed. Now Luke shows us that Spirit power is not just for shouting, but for serving. The miracle happens at the “hour of prayer,” reminding us that heaven’s power travels on the rails of prayer. The man is laid at the gate called Beautiful, likely the Nicanor Gate, a grand bronze entrance between the Court of the Gentiles and the inner courts. His condition is congenital. He has never walked. Medicine could not fix him. Money could not free him. But the name of Jesus can transform him. That is the theology of this text.

I. The Predictable Routine and the Pain at the Gate

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.”

A. Common Place

They went “up together.” Church, there is a blessing in going up together. Unity is not a luxury. It is a conduit. Psalm 133 says the oil flows where brethren dwell together in unity. The hour of prayer shaped the schedule of the saints. James 5:16 reminds us that effectual fervent prayer still avails much.

B. Constant Problem

While the church is faithful in prayer, the city is faithful in placing problems at our gate. This man is “laid daily.” Brokenness keeps office hours. Poverty has a calendar. He is at a beautiful gate with a broken body. That contradiction is the world we serve. Isaiah 35:6 promised that the lame would leap. The temple had a gate of beauty, but only the name of Jesus would make that promise live.

C. Conditioned Petition

He asks for alms. Not because he lacks ambition, but because life has taught him to ask small. Many in our communities are not disinterested. They are disappointed. They have learned to lower expectations to survive the day. He asked for coins. God planned to give him capacity.

Application:

Guard your rhythm. Keep the hour of prayer. Power flows where prayer is practiced.

See the people at the gate. Do not let a beautiful program hide a broken person.

Expect God to answer beyond the ask. Ephesians 3:20 still stands.

II. The Penetrating Look and the Pronounced Name

“Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us… In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

A. Focused Attention

“Fastening his eyes.” Compassion looks long enough to love well. Jesus saw people. He did not just scan crowds. The church must recover a ministry of focused attention. Presence is often the first miracle people experience.

B. Faithful Acknowledgment

“Silver and gold have I none.” That is not an excuse. That is an admission that philanthropy without the power of Jesus is not enough. Resources are good. Revival is better. Peter announces both his limitation and his Lord. Philippians 2:9–11 affirms that the name of Jesus is above every name.

C. Fearless Authority

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Authority is not volume. Authority is alignment. Peter speaks what heaven is ready to perform. Mark 16:17–18 promised that signs would follow believers. Luke 5:24 shows Jesus healing to prove He has authority to forgive. The church speaks and serves by that same delegated authority.

Application:

Give people your eyes before you give them your answer.

Be honest about what you do not have, and be bold about who you do have.

Speak the name of Jesus with conviction. Acts 4:12 declares that salvation is in no other.

III. The Practical Touch and the Public Testimony

“He took him by the right hand and lifted him up… and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple.”

A. Compassionate Touch

“Peter took him by the right hand.” Some miracles wait on a touch. Ministry moves from the pulpit to the pavement when we are willing to make contact. Mercy is not a concept. It is contact.

B. Creative Strength

“Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” God does not halfway heal. The power that raised Jesus raises joints. Isaiah 40:29 says He gives power to the faint. When God strengthens you, the parts that never worked begin to work.

C. Contagious Praise

“He leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” Praise is the proper posture of the newly lifted. He was carried to a gate to ask for coins. He walks through a gate to give God glory. When the church lifts in Jesus’ name, the city gathers to see what God has done. Psalm 122:1 finds its echo. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Application:

Touch people with tangible help. Benevolence joined to the gospel becomes deliverance.

Expect immediate and incremental change. God can do a work in a moment that medicine cannot do in months.

Let the healed become heralds. Testimony fuels evangelism.

Pastoral Moves for Today

From Pity to Partnership: Do not just donate. Disciple. Take hands, lift lives, walk with people into worship.

From Programs to Presence: Keep good systems, but deliver a living Savior. The hour of prayer must meet the hour of pain.

From Coins to Christ: Meet needs, but make sure every gift points to the Giver. 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us God is able to make all grace abound.

Illustrative Witness

A congregation adopted a block plagued by poverty. At first, it was grocery cards and gas money. Then they added job coaching, prayer circles on the sidewalk, and Bible study under a shade tree. One day a man who had stood outside the church for years walked inside. He said, “Your help kept me alive. Your Jesus made me live.” That is the difference our text declares. Charity can carry a man to a gate. Christ can carry him through it.

Gospel Lift

The greater lameness is not in legs but in souls. Sin sits us down and keeps us from entering the presence of God. At Calvary, Jesus took us by the hand. At the empty tomb, He stood us on our feet. If you call on His name today, He will not only forgive you. He will fix you and fill you.

Celebration and Close

Church, I see him now. He came begging at Beautiful, but he leaves blazing with beauty. He came carried, but he leaves leaping. He came asking for silver, but he leaves shouting about a Savior. What made the difference? Not Peter’s pockets. Not John’s reputation. It was the name that hell fears, that heaven honors, and that hope answers. There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to pick you up. Power to plant your feet. Power to put a praise in your mouth. If He ever took you by the hand, you ought to lift your voice right now and say, “Thank God for Jesus.”

Call to Response:

If you need salvation, come.

If you need strength, come.

If you need a church family to walk you through the gate, come.