Friday, April 04, 2008

Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers

I was inducted today into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers at Dr. King's alma mater, Morehouse College.

We started the day with a lecture by Dr. Lawerence Carter, Dean of the King Chapel at Morehouse, on the influences shaping King's life and ministry. The Chapel halls are adorned with oil portraits of spiritual leaders who have advanced God's Kingdom of justice and love in the world, and Dean Carter (photo) deftly connected all of their stories and contributions together in a wonderful reminder of our "single strand of destiny."


Then, we moved to the chapel for the induction ceremony. The massive pipe organ sounded the keynote of the day with an improvisation on the old hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." The renowned Morehouse Men's Choir sang an a cappella rendition of "Everytime I Feel the Spirit." The Rev. Billy Kyles (photo), who with the now deceased Rev. Ralph Abernathy, was the last person to see King alive before his untimely death 40 years ago today, preached a powerful message, "I Was There To Be a Witness." Indeed, the sermon was more prophetic challenge for the future than historical remembrance of the past. I wondered not only about my witness, but that of the young students in the congregation, some of them my own from Mercer University. How will we fulfill our Lord's prophecy and charge to be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the world? Read more about Rev. Kyles' sermon at:
http://www.morehouse.edu/news/archives/001299.html


It was an extra pleasure to celebrate this occasion with my San Antonio pastor friends, the Rev. Carlton Allen and the Rev. Thuman Walker (photo). We remembered together our collaboration in the citywide Martin Luther King Jr. worship service we were privileged to host at Trinity Baptist several years ago, as well as our other joint projects of racial reconciliation.

This recognition is perhaps the highest honor of my pastoral career. It is a most moving occasion for both Jana and me, and a tribute to the loving and inclusive faith communities I have been privileged to serve throughout my ministry.

22 comments:

MamaMia said...

Charlie, this is so incredible! We are so proud of you! Only wish we were there so we could congratulate you and Jana in person.

Much love to you all.

Unknown said...

Oh Happy Day Charlie! What an inspiration you are to those who know you and will know you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations dear friend! It is such a humble honor and you are so deservant of such praise. Enjoy and continue your good work!

Unknown said...

Charlie and Jana,

What a great honor to be acknowledged by Man in such an important endeavor. And it's just one more step on the road to hearing God himself say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." We are so proud of you and so honored to call you both Friend. We love you both.

Randi and Martin

Anonymous said...

Preacher! I finally found your blog. The Morehouse honor is richly deserved. We think of you and Jana often, and wish that we could spend some quality time with you. Now that I have your blog address, I'll be able to correct your musings. Keep writing. Have your written that book yet?

Randy Fields

Ajoyrenewed said...

Joyous and wonderful news about your honor and the blessings God is bestowing upon you and Jana!

Unknown said...

It's good to see someone else is asking about the book (there's at least one!) that's inside of you. Again, thanks for your prophetic voice and congratulations on such a high honor!

Anonymous said...

Charlie: What are you doing up at 3:30 in the morning? The adrenalin must have really been flowing--and for good reason. Congrats. Quite an honor.

Anonymous said...

What a tremendous honor that day must have been! If only we could have been there to help celebrate! We think of you often and miss your wonderful and inspiring sermons!! In Christ's Love, Anna

kc bob said...

Congratulations Charlie!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Charlie, a well deserved honor. I have had the privilege of listening to and being pastored by some great individuals, but none have been better that you. It was my privilege to call you my pastor, and I hope my friend. Keep up the good fight! I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Randy Crosland

Anonymous said...

You're writing a book? What a great idea!
Tony Privett

Anonymous said...

Charlie,WoW! It is wonderful to here of your well deserved honor.I always think of your inclusiveness to others in our community when you were here at TBC, seek first the kingdom God and all else will be added to you.I understand that well. Much love to you and Jana, Linda Kainz

Anonymous said...

Charlie,
Zowie! What a wonderful and meaningful honor to have bestowed upon you, my friend. Barbara and I were thrilled to read your posting regarding this wonderful event and just wish we could have been there with you. We send you and Jana our very best wishes and love in Christ.

Wayne

Anonymous said...

Charlie,
Congratulations again, this was a great honor. I'll always remember the MLK Class.

Keith Vaughn said...

My dear brother,
As I sat in the audience that day and viewed the events that unfolded on the stage, my heart was filled to overflowing. Your gifts of service and ministry are an inspiration to me.

Thank you for who you are in Christ.

Peace,
Keith Vaughn

Unknown said...

Somewhere in a small beautiful corner of Heaven, there is great rejoicing by a great many of your friends from West Point.

Meanwhile, we here are very proud of your honor and the life that has earned it.

Congratulations from Debby and I.

Mickey Smith

Bryan Dunham said...

Pastor,

I googled your name the other day and this blog popped up. How surprised I was! It's great to read how you are doing. I actually went back and read a sampling from the beginning and my heart just bled. Hopefully much healing has occurred for you and for TBC since your departure. The hand of the Lord clearly was(and I'm sure is) at work in that place directing it where it needs to go. Your courage and steadfastness is something I will never forget, nor will I forget our bi-weekly discussions over The Cost of Discipleship - I've recently picked it up again to give it another read. Your are in my prayers my friend.

Your son in Christ,
Bryan Dunham

Anonymous said...

Distinguished and proud...thats how you appear! Enjoy your honor!

Anonymous said...

I love the sermon links Charlie! Keep em coming!

Anonymous said...

My glory be, Charlie! I absoloutly love the sermons! Since I can't hear them in person this a wonderful alternitive!

Anonymous said...

Charlie,

I assume you are back in Texas. We will be at Possum Kingdom north of Ft. Worth. Is that any where near you? Drop me a line when you have time.

Elton