MY NEW AIM SCREEN NAME ...
ThePiercedPastor
A little about me:
First and foremost I am an Apprentice of Jesus Christ. I am learning from Him how to live my life the way He would live it ... right here, right now. I'm not quite there - yet!
I am also the head pastor and founder of The Gathering International, Inc. I'm probably not like most pastors - or Christians - that you've met. (Actually, I've been told that numerous times - and I like it!) I'm not into religion or institutional Christianity. I believe that what many call "the church" has failed miserably ... but the story's not over yet! God is working deeply in the lives of those who will but listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking today. He is calling His people back to genuine purity and simplicity ... back to being Apprentices of Jesus for the sake of the world He loves!
My highest calling is that of being a Spiritual Father, which I approach humbly and seriously. Due to cancer in my young adult life, I cannot father children, but God has graciously given my numerous Spiritual Children that I couldn't love any more if they were my own flesh and blood! They are amazing and I am so proud of them!! Wait until you see what they accomplish in the world.
I try to take Jesus at His word - even the hard sayings - and try not to explain them away. One of the things that He said that I have come to grips with is that the Kingdom of God is here. Yes, here. Right here. Right now. As His followers, we need not wait until we die to experience eternal life ... for us that life has already begun! For that reason, and numerous others, I have founded The Gathering. Our purposes in The Gathering are:
To ENCOUNTER GOD through the investigation of His Word as well as through contemporary and heart-felt celebration and worship. Jesus promised us "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" ... and we believe Him!
To EXPLORE HIS KINGDOM (the rule and reign of God) as it emanates from the First Community (The Triune God) and continually and lovingly flows throughout Earth's history and future, touching every aspect of life and culture.
To ENJOY COMMUNITY WITH FELLOW JOURNEYERS. We understand that spirituality is deeply personal, and yet quite empty when we are not connected to others in an intimate, personal way. The joys and sorrows of life are meant to be experienced together, in community. Alone we are incomplete; together we can experience wholeness. We need each other. Those who experience a close relationship with God become a family whose purpose is to grow, care for others, share life together, and tell people their story.
To EXPRESS THE LOVE OF JESUS through sacrifice and service. Jesus didn't visit our world to start a religion. When He returned to the Father He didn't leave us here to form a religion either! The reason for His becoming human is found in His own words: "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." We, the Body of Christ, carry on His mission until the day He returns. We are called to lay down our lives - figuratively, and sometimes literally - for those in need. This is the depth of His love for the humanity He created, and the heart that beats in our chests.
If I, or The Gathering, can be of any help to you on your spiritual journey, please let us know! That's what we're here for. You're welcome to get to know us .. or in person in Youngstown, Ohio or Madisionville, Kentucky.
If you would like to discuss what it means to not just become a Christian, but to actually learn to be an Apprentice of Jesus, we would love to share with you what we've learned along the way. Join us as we make a difference in the Kingdom of God and in the world!
WHICH LOTR CHARACTER DOES YOUR PERSONALITY MATCH?
Gandalf
You match Gandalf. You are very wise, and you know more than most will ever begin to understand. You have close friends and although what you do is to protect all, you always have them at the back of your mind. You make a great and powerful leader and your guidance is sought by many.
