What’s Going On?

”Twas the night before the election and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring even the mouse!” 

NEVER in my life have I seen such a level of anxiety, fear, and frustration for an election like I am now. I’ve been relatively silent publicly concerning my particular viewpoint, but I do feel it is important to provide a word of caution for the those who blatantly refuse to vote. I am personally not enjoying the banter on either sides of the aisle and have become vehemently disappointed by both the religious right conservatives and the liberal progressives. 

As a pastor and community advocate, it is appalling to see the fights on social media between everyone especially those of the cloth. I have the unique opportunity to sit in settings where there are multiple viewpoints and some of the rhetoric I’ve heard is frightening: 
This is a battle for the soul of America.

The Cyrus ANOINTING rests on this candidate.

A woman doesn’t have stamina to lead a nation.

If you vote for one person, the judgment of God will come upon us all.

Unbeknownst to many of us, the judgment of God on our nation is evident just by our choices of who’s running for the highest office in the land! Period. 

Either way, we are going to need Jesus more whether Hillary, Donald, Jill or Bernie are elected. This is a lot BIGGER than a person. This is a principality and we’ve seen the spirit of murder, racism, and bigotry rising up more in recent months than ever. It’s even more challenging because the media has helped this become a battle of personalities instead of principles and platforms. Hardly anyone even knows what either of them truly represent besides the sound bites we’ve seen. 

I really feel that the Church in America needs to repent. 

We need a solemn assembly. 

We need to repent for thinking that one person is going to solve the mess we’re in. 

We need to repent because we think only we’re supposed to be GREAT and God is an imperialist who only promised to bless the nation of America and not the nations of the earth. 

We need to repent for believing that our nation is stronger than everyone else’s and that the deeds done in the last 10 years in the Middle East do NOT affect us. 

As the grandson of sharecroppers, and family members who fought for freedom, this election is disgusting. I shudder to think what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would say or DuBois or Malcolm X. Even in the Black community, we’ve become lazy, disconnected, and self absorbed. We spend more money than we keep, don’t own anything in our communities, have access to education, and don’t even seize it. 
Growing up, I listened to my ancestors stories of picking cotton, their hands still hard from the grueling experiences. I couldn’t even fanthom doing that or not knowing how to read. I’m afraid technology has made us oblivious to the challenges of our times. 
The next President of the United States will be the head of a multi-polar world, a world that is quite different than any kind we’ve ever faced. I do not know if anyone could be quite prepared for the days ahead. 

With that being said, in a hostile environment like what we’ve seen, we need to invest our attention back into our local communities, to inform them, coach them and guide them. There’s a lot at stake tomorrow. Besides the president we elect, we have congressmen, and senators who need to be elected and must be held accountable for our local municipalities.  

So for me, staying home is NOT an option. Even if you have to write someone’s name in be PRESENT. GO Vote, then after Election Day make a conscious decision to be apart of the solution. 
Speak truth to power, minister to those who are broken, empower our brothers to stay outside of the prison system, and partner with organizations committed to reducing recidivism, start a business, build a non-profit, write a book, do something that helps bring solutions! 

If not, all we’re doing is spreading hot air which amounts to nothing. 

My prayer is that after this is over, the Church in America re-examines itself and understands that our loyalty is NEVER to Caesar, but to Christ. Regardless of who wins, He reigns forever! 

May the God of all grace comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable! 

For more information about us living in a multipolar world, watch this TED talk, Click here. 
If you’re in New York City, we’re hosting a special prayer meeting at our church in Brooklyn on Election Night. You’re welcome to join us! 404A Willoughby Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11205, 7:30pm. 

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the prelate of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently released his new book, Color Outside The Lines this year. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com. 

Justice or Just Us: Where Do We Go From Here?

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 

All this week, I’ve been wrestling with the complexities of this moment. As a student of history, my mind wanders back in time as I recalled my Grandparents stories from the sixties and the blatant hatred and anger ignited during that era. This week, countless people all over our cities saw the video of another Black man killed ruthlessly in front of our faces. Other reports have continued to come in and now millions are frustrated, angry and some unfortunately, violent. 

Unlike years ago, because of technology our world has become a village and our cell phones a microphone. Giving us access to these atrocities first hand and not just through traditional news outlets. We have become instantly apart of the trauma and grieve instantly while grabbing our young men and praying for their safety and survival. While there are many solid, respectable officers in our nation, this issue of injustice makes me nauseous as I ask myself, “Are we really any different today than my Grandma’s generation? Was not the blood of Emmett Till enough to allow us to see the disparity that exists amongst our own people?” 

This past February, our church hosted a Justice Summit. Our theme was, “Black Lives Matter or Do They?” I was shocked by the response. We received threats, brutal hate messages on social media and ridicule. Shockingly, although the event was impactful and thought provoking, our attendance wasn’t near what we had anticipated. We hosted several community organizers and leaders who contributed to the discussion and have their insights. Unfortunately, it is not until something massive happens that everyone wakes up to something that many are fighting on a regular basis. Mass media is big business and strategically knows how to sell a story. Therefore rather than us knowing the truth of how many lives are lost regularly, we are lulled to sleep by entertainment than speaking truth to power. 

Every night I tried to go to sleep, I woke up thinking about some of my worst incidents dealing with the police here in my neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn. 

The first, was taking out of my garbage while letting the handyman out of my house. I had on a bathrobe, pajamas and slippers. Before I could throw my trash into the can, the cops walk up to me on my porch, say that they’re doing questioning around the neighborhood and stop and frisk me with my hands up in front of my porch. I couldn’t get my ID because it was in my house! And my neighbors started walking towards my house to tell them I’m a young pastor and an author and don’t get into any trouble. I DID NOTHING WRONG.

The second, when my grandfather was ill I preached three services almost every weekend and ran home in between my morning services to grab one of my Bibles. A cop pulls up to my house and starts screaming about a garbage can being too close to the curb when it was CLEARLY next to my house. He starts yelling in my face while I have a full collar on and a coat and says, “You trying to get smart with me?” I pleaded with him that it was a misunderstanding and he threatens me and writes me a ticket. I had a good relationship at the time with my precinct and I called immediately and they said they didn’t send any cars out that Sunday and did I get badge info. Of course I didn’t. I wasn’t going to attempt to pull out a piece of paper or pen with a screaming officer in my face. I prayed ran back to church and preached, NEVER heard back again concerning that officer.

Third, I’m coming off of the L train and walking home minding my own business and walk into the park. The sun was going down and it was a small neighborhood park so I quickly walked in to get out and go across closer to my side. I’m walking in and these cops stop me. Stop me, ask for my ID, and begin questioning. “What’s in your bag?” Books. I just came from Barnes and Nobles. “What do you do?” I help people, I replied. What are you doing around here? I don’t live far from here sir. Really? Yessir. I am a reader and I’m going home to enjoy these books. Okay. Well have a nice night then. And I walked off while I knew they were still watching and at first following me. I began to pray and walked straight home.

What am I saying?

Yes I understand that things do happen and I’ve heard all the political answers. Bottom line, Black men in America are an endangered species and if you’re doing the right thing you’re constantly questioned and almost given a strange look for living right! I NEVER expected to get stopped and frisked outside my house. And now as I’m older could only imagine what would have happened if I had resisted. This man was a father and had a family and to see their dad murdered on every screen in America will be something etched in their memory forever.

We have a responsibility to inform empower and educate our men to fortify themselves in an environment that does NOT see them for who they really are.

Anyone who cannot see how serious this is, I question if you really care about life. We’ve seen nothing but bloodshed in recent weeks and it is time for the men to RISE UP, Be BOLD and embrace their identity. MEN, ARISE! Stay Woke! 

The following are a few ideas to get the conversation started on how we can move from anger to action at a very local. We are going to host a Town Hall meeting at our church within the next week discussing some of what is outlined here. I would also love to learn and hear from you as well. 

Heal the Land Campaign (HTL)™

2 Chronicles 7:14
A. Gatherings 

“Where there is agreement, there is power.” 

-Prayer Rallies

-Strategic Access Points, hosting open prayer meetings throughout our city, where blood has been shed and lives lost. 

We could also band together and host a Solemn Assembly, where we repent for the atrocities of our nation. First of all, repenting for the hatred and killing of ourselves and the brutality of the present genocide by others killing us. 

B. Discussions

-Open Town Hall meetings.

People are hurting, angry, and wounded. They need to be heard, listened to and understood. We’re going to host several at our local church and with other pastors and community leaders. 

Encourage those in your network to write letters and create dialogue and relationships with: Congressmen/Senators, City council representative, State Assembly, Mayor/Governors, and others with municipal influence. 

If you cannot reach the individual, build a relationship with someone in their office and ask for a meeting or a contact email to voice your concerns as a constituent under their administration.

C. Execution/Retribution

If we want to really show were not playing, STOP feeding into it! STOP buying high priced sneakers, unnecessary items and supporting companies that do not advance your interests.

Economic Disruption through Reading and Listening. I’d recommend reading and watching the following: 
Dr. Claude Anderson, Powernomics 

Keith Cameron Smith, The Ten Top Distinctions between Millionaires and the Middle Class 

Thou Shalt Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin.

We have to understand that Blacks consume over $1 trillion in spending and OWN nothing.

Which is a major contributor to gentrification and other major social dynamics. We own nothing in the community and expect them to agree with us just because we patronage them.

We must create systems of wealth and recirculate the dollar beyond our present liquid money ideologies.
This will cause an economic disruption.

We can also host Spending fasts and 

Boycott major surplus holidays. Instead, teaching our people to contribute to their own community and the needs that they see in front of them. 

We must also teach budgeting, investing, and saving for rainy days. 

Another critical component is the 7 Mountain or Channels Strategy. Developing Millennials to understand worldview, our responsibility to influence culture: religion, business, education, arts and entertainment, government, family, and media. Check out Change Agent by Os Hillman for this. 

We have to Challenge the people to think and become agents of transformation in their communities, cities and nation.
We also have to have HONEST conversations between the community, the clergy, and the officers. Where they can hear the TRUTH about they feel and then they can also hear their heart. People need to be able to express how they feel. This trauma is overwhelming! 

Teaching our citizens to get to the POLLS and host Voters Registration drives and emphasize community involvement with local Community boards and their block association besides just hosting a Block party.

These changes cannot happen overnight but with effort and coming together, we can do SOMETHING and SOMETHING is BETTER than NOTHING!

To every Mother, don’t LOSE HOPE! For every Pharoah, God raises a Moses and for Herod, God sent his Son. Be not dismayed at what we see, God always has a plan! Speak life over your sons and daughters and model a life of character and integrity. 

These are just ideas. I’m open to anyone’s suggestions and I salute everyone for not being SILENT in a moment that matters! 
D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). 

Where Has All the Music Gone? Lessons from Prince

“It’s time for new education. The former rules don’t apply. We need a power structure that breeds production Instead of jacks who vandalize.” -Prince, Dance On Lyrics (1988)

Last week, I was blessed to attend the Q Conference in Denver. Before I could settle in my chair, my Twitter feed buzzed, “Sources confirmed Prince has died.” I couldn’t believe it. My first tweet in shock and response was, “Is it true, Prince died?” My mind couldn’t fathom that someone so iconic would leave us so soon. Although I’m a Millennial (born 1980-2000), I cannot deny the impact and influence that Prince Rogers Nelson had on ALL of us! Growing up, my parents would watch the Purple Rain movie and it was awkward learning that he was my Mom’s first childhood crush. Prince was a musician’s musician, and a BOLD artist, making his presence known wherever and however he could. With all of the news filtering in, the question now comes: where do we go from here? 

In an age of click tracks, auto tunes, and vulgar lyrics, where is music headed? Just as Philosophy claims as its greatest Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the Big 3 of our lives have been Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and now Prince. Prince was a LEGEND, and was not afraid to stand firm in what he believed. There’s a lot of lessons his life has taught me and I’m sure you can attest that we can all learn from the Purple Prince himself. 

1. You are called to someone, not everyone. Prince espoused this principle in everything he did. He was a musician, an artist and a humanitarian. He didn’t care who didn’t agree. He was himself! One of the most frightening things about our fast paced, social media generation is that we subtly become people pleasers, worrying more about what people think then being who we are! Prince knew who he was and what he stood for and boldly declared it to the world, no matter how strange it may have seemed to anyone. Are you authentically being yourself?

2. Never forget the people who believe in you. I was stunned by how many parties he hosted at his home and invited the public. He didn’t just treat his fans like fans, he HONORED them. He made them feel valued. You can see that he was just as excited as they were to create music and experiences that they would enjoy. Today’s narcissistic culture almost breeds entitlement. Too many artists and leaders forget how to walk amongst the people. Prince honored his tribe and they respected and admired him for it. Do you HONOR those who believe in you?

3. Fight for what you believe in. Prince was an artist. A real one. He didn’t take that art lightly. When he announced to the world that albums still matter, just like books and Blacks lives he meant it. He fought hard for his copyrights. I mean REALLY hard. He championed his cause and understood that the artist was still entitled to their fair share. It is unfortunate that he wasn’t able to work out deals across all of the streaming services, but you can see his passion in fighting. Our world is insanely singles driven. Most people just listen to one or two songs and toss out the concept of an album. However, Prince brought his best to the table and inspired new generations of artists. Do you have a cause BIGGER than yourself? 
In the middle of a hugely contested Presidential election, where Establishment and Anti-Establishment values are at war, Prince’s example rises amongst us. He boldly defied his critics, and created music that had meaning. 
Although I was not a huge fan, I respected his work ethic and contribution to our world. He was radical, even changing his name as a symbol. He knew the power of a brand and mastered it for all those to watch. 

As a Christian, his life challenges me. It is a clarion call to champion the symbol of the Cross to a world that is hungry and hurting and in need of a Savior. 
Somehow, I know music will rebound from this loss. His death will inspire a new generation of musicians and artists. He will NEVER be forgotten. But even for so, I pray that new voices would awaken who aren’t ashamed to speak truth to power and embrace the weight of criticism that comes with taking a stand. 
To the music world, I grieve with you and I hope that this lights a spark to capture authentic music that touches the heart and brings us all together again. 

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). 

Spring Cleaning: The Power of Exposure!

“The illiterate of the 21st century are not those that cannot read or write but those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” -Alvin Toffler 

Wow!

This has been an explosive season of learning, growing and stretching for me. Ever since I was a little boy, I made the commitment to be a life long student. Growing up, my grandfather would tell me, “Your life is a university. Every day, take a class.” As a result, I’ve always started each year with a few attainable goals that challenge me spiritually, financially and socially. 

One of my goals for 2016 was to invest in personal development. As a pastor, I prepare content weekly to preach to a growing congregation. In addition, I teach two classes during in The Equipping Center (TEC) ministry school, as well as countless private messages for insights, problem solving and ideas. This is taxing and I find that the more I feed, the more I must be fed! With this in mind, I specifically looked up events and conferences that I’ve never been to and don’t know anyone. This forced me to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to find out what else is out there. 

Although it’s only the first quarter of the year, my heart is racing and my vision has been reinvigorated. I wanted to share a few highlights from some of the public and private events I’ve attended recently. These 10 nuggets have made a tremendous impact on my life!

Project Gideon – Dallas, TX 

A mentoring program by Bishop T. D. Jakes 

1. “In ministry, there will be fluctuations. Your ability to understand fluctuations determines the depth of your leadership.” -TDJ

2. “Every idea needs a strategy. If there is no strategy, there is no stream.” -TDJ

3. “Always be interested and not just interesting.” -Sundra Ryce

4. “I coach the masses, I mentor the few. I can coach a person that I don’t see. Mentoring is when I take a portion of my life and invest into that particular person.” -Holton Buggs 

5. “The power is in the WHY. Teaching tells you the WHAT. Mentoring tells you the WHY.” -TDJ

6. “Mentoring is MEN TOURING each other’s lives.” -TDJ

Q Commons – New York City 

A faith and culture event hosted by Gabe Lyons. 

7. “It’s not an easy to be a leader and it’s not an easy time to find a leader you can trust.”

8. “A leader increases others flourishing by their own vulnerability. The challenge of leadership is the proper stewarding of vulnerability.” -Andy Crouch, Strong & Weak

CAP Retool – Atlanta, GA 

An association of pastors hosted by Bishop Dale Bronner. 

9. “Let the changes you make be evolutionary and not revolutionary. Know your pace.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

10. “There are three types of people you need in your life to accomplish your mission. Doers, Donors and Door openers. Doers have time but no resources. Donors have resources but no time. Door openers have the ability to take you to the next level. Evaluate your life and see who is who.” -Bishop Dale C. Bronner

Spring Cleaning: The Power of Exposure!

Spring Cleaning
*“The illiterate of the 21st century are not those that cannot read or write but those that cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” *-Alvin Toffler 

Wow! 

This has been an explosive season of learning, growing and stretching for me. Ever since I was a little boy, I made the commitment to life long learning. I’ve always challenged myself every year with a few attainable goals that challenge me spiritually, financially and socially. 

One of my goals for 2016 was to invest in personal development. As a pastor, I prepare content weekly to preach to a growing congregation. In addition, I teach two classes during in The Equipping Center (TEC) ministry school, as well as countless private messages and calls for insight, problem solving and ideas. This is taxing and I find that the more I feed, the more I must be fed. With this in mind, I specifically looked up events and conferences that I’ve never been to and don’t know anyone. This forced me to meet new people, learn new ways of doing things and to find out what else is out there. 

Although it’s only the first quarter of the year but my heart is racing and my vision has been revamped. I wanted to share a few highlights from some of the public and private events I’ve attended. These 10 nuggets have made a tremendous impact on my life!

Project Gideon – Dallas, TX 

A mentoring program by Bishop T. D. Jakes 

1. “In ministry, there will be fluctuations. Your ability to understand fluctuations determines the depth of your leadership.” 

2. Every idea needs a strategy. If there is no strategy, there is no stream. 

3. “Always be interested and not just interesting.” -Sundra Ryce

4. “I coach the masses, I mentor the few. I can coach a person that I don’t see. Mentoring is when I take a portion of my life and invest into that particular person.” -Holton Buggs 

5. “The power is in the WHY. Teaching tells you the WHAT. Mentoring tells you the WHY.” 

6. “Mentoring is MEN TOURING each other’s lives.” 

Q Commons – New York City 

A faith and culture event hosted by Gabe Lyons. 

7. “It’s not an easy to be a leader and it’s not an easy time to find a leader you can trust.”

8. “A leader increases others flourishing by their own vulnerability. The challenge of leadership is the proper stewarding of vulnerability.” -Andy Crouch, Strong & Weak

CAP Retool – Atlanta, GA 

An association of pastors hosted by Bishop Dale Bronner. 

9. “Let the changes you make be evolutionary and not revolutionary. Know your pace.” 

10. “There are three types of people you need in your life to accomplish your mission. Doers, Donors and Door openers. Doers have time but no resources. Donors have resources but no time. Door openers have the ability to take to the next level. Evaluate your life and see who is who.” 

Who’s Next? The Power of Asking Questions

“With great power comes great responsibility.” -Spiderman 

 

Growing up, I attended a lot of funerals. Looking back, I now realize how powerful and prolific some of the people were who passed. Although I was young, my family would take me to watch great leaders speak and iconic artists perform. They believed that there was something about mastery that could never be duplicated. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell asserts that it takes 10,000 hours to achieve mastery. This means that it requires over 7-10 years to become exceptional in a particular field or industry. 

This often explains why we all get a numb feeling when a Master dies, we grieve the lost of such art. No one will ever forget the day Michael Jackson died, it’s as if time stood still. However, I’ve noticed that when someone great dies, we often hear people ask, “who’s next?” It immediately becomes a contest in which people try to claim the person’s mantle, influence or position. 

Nevertheless, I’ve been wondering if that’s even the right question to ask. In his book Zero to One, innovator Peter Thiel describes the difference between technology and standardization. Technology he says is doing different things. When we do the same thing, we move from 1 to n, but when we do something fresh, we go to 0 to 1. All major innovation in our world occurred not from standardization but from innovation, trying new ideas and creating new pathways. Every generation contributes something significantly different than the last. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates changed our world with hardware through Apple and Microsoft. However, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey are changing our lives through software with apps for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Square. They were all effective but they accomplished it differently.

Maybe instead of asking who is the next ___________? We could ask what is the Spirit saying right now? Where are we? What is the best response to our times? Honestly, no matter what we think, what makes people iconic and irreplaceable is their ability to comprehend their moment in time. What made Billy Graham “Billy Graham” was his ability to passionately preach the Gospel, use television and build political and ecumenical relationships. However, Rick Warren and Joel Osteen have an even greater measure of influence and achieved it in totally different ways.

When Bishop Carlton Pearson started the Azusa conferences in the 1980s, no one predicted that they wouldn’t exist in the early 2000s. Nobody could conceive that MegaFest by Bishop T. D. Jakes would trump the Azusa conference meetings! My point of the matter is maybe we should be asking what’s happening right now? Then ask the Holy Spirit for a strategy to effectively steward our moment in time. Not just stand around using someone else’s formula in an entirely different time. 

For example, in the 1950s, tent meetings were the next big thing. People would gather and build strong churches from tent meetings. Today, because of urban renewal, tents are almost impossible to do in certain cities. Some cities zoning laws have changed drastically because of gentrification. Is it possible that what made some of the greatest preachers like Gardner Taylor, G. E. Patterson, R. D. Henton, and William Bonner so great was their compassion and care for souls? If that is the case, then our methodology must match the times we are in. How do we grapple with a world that is now blatantly Post-Christian and insanely narcissistic? How do we preach to a generation that sees the church as antiquated and irrelevant? Are we supposed to wear Saul’s armor and do it how he did it? Or will we be like David and slay our Goliath’s with a rag and smooth stones?

I don’t have any answers. I’m just asking questions. I remember attending Myles Munroe’s memorial in the Bahamas. It was absolutely incredible. I felt such a profound sense of loss and a moment of inspiration. I was grieved because such a brilliant mind was gone but inspired because his life is a testimony for me to run my own race. 

My grandfather passed away three years ago, he was my pastor and mentor. However, I’d be crazy to use some of the methods he used in our times today. Why? Because they just don’t work. Our city has changed, our demographics have changed and our culture has changed. Maybe we need to start asking, Lord, what are you doing right now? Where do you want us to go? What’s on your heart that’s not on ours? I think when we start asking questions concerning where we are headed, we will appreciate the past but anticipate the future. I pray that God will raise up a generation in our time not just trying to be good copies but great originals. There will always be resemblances to the past, but the future is much brighter and more glorious.

May we be the ones who serve our generation and, “turn the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6). 

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently wrote his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). 

World Gone WILD: Politics and the Presidential Election

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
-Charles Dickins, A Tale of Two Cities

WOW!!! 

It’s election year again! 

And yet the excitement and the buzz is just not there… Unlike eight years ago or even sixteen years ago, there’s a lot of trepidation concerning the 2016 Election. As Millennials are getting older, there is a level of expectation that is arising which is clearly being ignored by the establishment. The recent upheavals stemming from the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, and recent Black Lives Matter movements signify that many are tired of humdrum politics and broken promises. However, media has created a circus with all of the candidates being summed up by sound bites and personal stabs at each other. 

From the outside looking in, we’re in an entirely different world today than ever before. As technology continues to advance, people are becoming smarter and the old tricks that once worked are no longer impressive. This year’s election cycle has caused me to reflect on the last eight years of our present administration. Our world has changed dramatically. Once upon a time, the Westernized worldview prevailed as dominant. Today, we are now immersed in a global borderless village, in which one tweet can cause a fire that even the evening news cannot extinguish! We are witnessing politics gone VIRAL, which has both benefits and consequences. 

Despite which view or candidate you’re looking at, it’s quite frightening that a nation which has prided itself on diversity and freedom is isolating its own foundational principles. For the most part, it appears to seem that if you’re a Democrat, you’re “progressive”, pro-abortion, believe in rights for the underprivileged and have a passion for the poor. However, if you’re Republican, you’re “conservative”and anti- everything. These views couldn’t be farther from true! Think about it. We are living in a world that’s moving from black and white to a real gray. There aren’t any candidates who can exactly pinpoint what we believe in, and also simultaneously stand against what we’re against! This fact alone is what makes this election cycle so challenging. We are realizing that not one candidate has the power to deliver on what we want. However, a choice still must be made and the mud slinging ensues. 

Interestingly, all of the candidates from both sides have made me think deeply. How do we deal with where we are headed? How do we handle issues of which we have no script? Once we were geographical, now the world is at our fingertips, how do we handle this? With the growing threat of terrorism both domestic and cyber, how do we navigate the terrain? With the rapid pace of technology, are degrees necessary? Before you fight me, think about it. Is classical education advancing at the pace of technology? We are living in an time of major upheaval. Corporate conglomerates are becoming bankrupt overnight and the once secure cushioned job is becoming obsolete. 

I was recently invited to participate in Career Day at a public elementary school. I was astounded by the questions the group of fourth graders asked me. Several of them inquired how do they find their purpose in a time with so many options. It’s almost hard to believe that for many ten year olds their jobs don’t even exist yet! Which raises the question, what do we do? How do we function in a world that no longer fits the container we thought it did? 

My objective is not to provide answers or to endorse anyone. I’m just asking questions to provoke thought. We’ve got a lot of issues both at home and abroad and it will require us to think deeply and strategically concerning next steps. As a pastor, I find my comfort from the Scriptures: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) 

In spite of all of these caucuses, candidates and sound bites, we must learn how to TRUST. Not one candidate can provide all of our answers. Christ is the ultimate redeemer for mankind. Candidates come and go but He is our refuge. Let’s try to look at things from both sides and allow wisdom to dictate our decisions this Election cycle. 

I have much more to say in the days ahead. Till then, Expect Greater! 

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently released his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). 

Still We Rise! Highlights from the Justice Summit

“There is but one coward on earth, and that is the coward that dare not know.”                     -W.E.B. Du Bois, Dusk of Dawn

This year, Black History month has taken on a new depth of meaning. I’ve always endeavored to try new things but there are moments in your life that bring clarity to your calling and bring awareness to what you’ve been called to accomplish. Anything of significance was never accomplished with the masses but with a small group. Facebook was conceived in the dorm of Harvard. PayPal was an idea to play around with currency and Apple existed to make computers a necessity. They didn’t exist for the masses, but a few dedicated and passionate people. All of this comes to mind when I ponder about our gathering from last night. 
Around mid-2009, I began to pray and think about what’s next. I noticed that we were approaching a tipping point in culture and everything was changing swiftly. During my time of prayer, I began to draft a set of ideas concerning the future of the church. We were on the verge of the second decade of the second millennium and I sensed that there was a need to have more of a conversation that just wasn’t happening in my context. 

In 2010, our ministry launched something called the Kingdom Summit, which was a way to bring various thinkers and leaders together in a forum format and discuss ideas. Over the years, we brought College professors, pastors, emerging leaders and thinkers together to see how we grapple with faith and culture. This initial launch also resulted in the genesis of the Global Alliance, our network for ministry and marketplace leaders committed to cutting edge leadership and innovation. 

Last year, my team and I rebranded these sessions into The Summit Series, a gathering of thinkers. What we envision is a village where we share ideas, concepts and strategies that affect us from the neighborhood to the nations. When we first started GLOBAL, I was given the following mandate, “Your assignment is not to build a church in the city, but to establish a community in the world.” This catapulted us into maximizing the most feasible means of technology to touch the world. Today, the world is a global village and social media has enabled us to be in all the world at the click of a button. 

Yesterday, we hosted our first Justice Summit and our response was overwhelming. We were able to live stream our sessions and engage in Q&A via social media, providing equal opportunity for anyone to share from anywhere. Our theme was, “Black Lives Matter or Do They?” We used this as a canvas to discuss a myriad of issues pertinent to the times. We knew instinctively that we wouldn’t have all of the answers but we would provide our audience with questions, causing them to think critically about the times we’re in. This resulted in a powerful exchange of ideas and the ability to touch on issues in our every day life. What touched me was that over 90% of our audience were Millennials, under 35, engaging in thoughtful conversation. This blessed me as we embarked upon distinguished thought leadership. 

Here’s a few highlights from last night: 

“Your STATUS doesn’t change the status!”

“It’s time to ACTIVATE our Activism!” 

“As Millennials, we are self absorbed, self centered, and self driven.” 

“We have issues with Authority. What we need is a change of culture and to be a PROACTIVE community rather than a REACTIVE community!” 

“Progression has made us punks. We’re too busy on the treadmill. Moving fast, but going nowhere. The Gospel has to be social.” 

These are just a few tweets from our gathering. You can watch some of the footage here: http://youtu.be/ItbbzANODXE

We’ll be doing a follow up this Spring. 

Would love your thoughts, comments and suggestions! 

  
D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently wrote his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/).

The Power of Mentorship

The Power of Mentorship
“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15)

Today would’ve been my Grandfathers 77th birthday. He was a senior statesman, a prolific preacher, and a devoted family man. He and I my grandmother were married over 50 years. But most of all, he was my hero and taught me so many things that have matured me into where I am today. Three years ago, he transitioned into Heaven and am so grateful for his Impartation in my life. His life and legacy lives on in my life and ministry, as I proudly teach the principles he embedded me since my inception. This year, I decided to dedicate a post in honor of his birthday. 

Sometimes you don’t realize how blessed you are until you look back. Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Life is lived forward, but only understood backward.” Three years ago, I had no idea I would be where I am now. My grandfathers swift transition brought a swarm of challenges and struggles that none of us thought we’d be able to endure. However, by God’s grace we are now stronger than ever! Our ministry has emerged from the ashes and we are positioning ourselves to make even progress in the days ahead. Many people today watch my sermons and have no idea how I got where I am. I’m a fifth generation preacher and I remember climbing on my grandfathers lap as a toddler telling him, “Grandpa, one day I’m going to be the pastor.” He’d smile and laugh and we both watched in awe as that seed began to germinate. 

In 2002, at 10 years old I was licensed as a minister. This resulted in him driving around town and in the South conducting three and five night revivals. He always pushed me, nurtured me and cultivated my gifting. At 12, he encouraged me to take my studies even more seriously and challenged me to write a sermon a day. This task was grueling at times but by my 17th birthday I had written dozens of messages and had even began publishing books. We’d be up for hours and he would work with me on my timing, how to pronounce my words and to develop cadence in my delivery. Every weekend, we would “burn the midnight oil” as he would call it and watch CNN and other news outlets to watch how they would speak. He’d often remind me, “The call to preach is the call to preparation.” With that, if I scored under 80 in any class, my engagements were cancelled! This set me on a path to graduate high school a few semesters early and even enabled me to tour Europe as a student ambassador my junior year. 

In 2006, at barely 15, he called me in the kitchen one night and said, “The conference wants to ordain you.” I had NO idea that would happen and began another season of grooming and preparation to be tested for ordination. I passed and my entire council was over 65. Those seasoned men invested in me, encouraged me and pushed me in all of my ministry endeavors. After ordination, he sent me to Coney Island to aid a pastor who had cancer and wasn’t able to come to church. I became the pulpit supply pastor there and preached regularly, resulting in the growth of that church within a span of a few months. After that, he sent me to another church a few years later and I plowed there while helping him at home in Brownsville. In 2008, I sensed the Lord calling me to embark upon something different. At the time, I had no idea that it would result into a church. I just knew that I had a passion for media and wanted to share the gospel and my sermons online and through social media. This was unheard of in my context and although many were reluctant, he supported me. Eventually our meetings grew into services and he constantly supported and went everywhere I did. He pushed me to do what God called me to do and never neglected to say how proud he was. He spared no expense to sow into my ministry, sending me to conferences, classes, and seminars to enhance my gift. In 2011, he summoned me back home and asked me to be closer, ultimately resulting in me preaching for him full time until his demise. Out of that 11 year apprenticeship, I grew tremendously. Each time we sat, he would pour wisdom into me that carries me till this day. 

I remember when he was in the hospital and I knew his time was coming to a close, he told me to get my oil and anoint him and to pray over him. I was so humbled that I cried as I poured oil over him and prayed for him. That had never happened before. He taught me what a real ministry father is like. He modeled what integrity was like and he showed me what to do and what not to do. 

This June, I turn 25 years old and celebrate over 15 years of ministry. I’ve spent almost 10 years in a pastoral capacity, and I have been preaching since I was a toddler. I would NOT be where I am if it were not for his wisdom and mentorship. His wisdom has taught me so much and has guided me during a season of major change and transition. 

In honor of his legacy, I’m launching a new project specifically targeted for those with a calling to preach or to study scripture at a deeper level. We will share ideas, grow together, read books and develop a community. My grandfathers greatest gift to me was his library. I’ve found refuge and strength from reading his preaching notes, and learning from some of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. Mentorship is so important on this journey. His wisdom, insight and legacy live in me and in the lives I lead at GLOBAL. I am indebted to his sacrifice and because of it, his ceiling has become my floor. 

  If you’d like more information about The Masters Class, contact us directly at http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). We’ll be hosting our first Live Conference Call on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7:00PM. Contact us for more details. Let’s learn together! 

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently his new book, *Color Outside The Lines* this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/). 

What Would Martin Do?

“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

By now I’m pretty sure that we can all agree that there hasnt been a greater voice in the last 100 years than that of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His prophetic proclamation, brilliant oratory and exceptional leadership are hallmarks for every African American in the United States. In fact, today he is heralded as a hero and a champion for civil and human rights. However, his birthday has another level of significance for me this year. In November, I was blessed to study at The King Center in Atlanta for an M.Div. course with Alliance Theological Seminary. Growing up, there were two name I heard about ALL the time: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legendary C. L. Franklin. King shaped the moral and social consciousness of a nation marred by the trauma of Jim Crow segregation and the oppression of Willie Lynch. Franklin, was the golden voice preacher that preceded our modern day televangelists and heralded his sermons  and music to the masses in the 20th Century. Both of these individuals shaped the hearts of countless homes in the latter 60s and beyond. 
While studying in Atlanta, I became obsessed with learning about Dr. King’s origins. Unfortunately, our world knows Dr. King through sound bites and pictures, sometimes totally oblivious to his radical stances that had him feared from the very institutions that celebrate him today! His stances on civil disobedience, economic disruption through boycotting, and public opposition against the war in Vietnam, made him a threat to the status quo and ultimately cost him his life. As the grandson of sharecroppers from Alabama and an emerging millennial theologian, I always wondered what it would’ve looked like if Dr. King had lived past 39? What policies would have been enacted? What political offices might he have ran for? Who would’ve been his next crop of leaders? These questions plagued my mind while researching his papers at the Research Library in Atlanta. Looking through his notes, I felt a sense of compassion and a sense of profound conviction. I was shaken out of my complacency and injected with a fresh dose of righteous indignation. As a Prophet, Dr. King often stood not at the center of culture but on the edge. I think he would be greatly surprised by how he is revered today. Furthermore, I think he would have a lot to say at the conclusion of the Obama Presidency and the recent spike in mass shootings of young, Black lives. In a sense, I was awakened to his struggle but also was grieved that his life was cut so short. Because as James Cone points out in, “Martin and Malcolm and America”, Martin saw a dream but Malcolm internalized the nightmare. All we have to do is look at the recent crisis in Flint, Michigan and see how we’ve come a long ways but have a long ways to go. 

Although I left Atlanta with clarity in my calling, it also made me aware of how ignorant my generation is concerning the struggle of civil rights. We’ve almost swept it under the rug. Nevertheless, the list keeps getting longer: Trayvon, Tamir, Eric, Sandra… I believe King would have a lot to say about that and I don’t think it would be pretty either. This has caused me to ask, “What’s happened to prophetic voice of the Black Church in America?” Have we gotten too comfortable in a culture that is mired against morality, integrity and character? Where are the Martins, Malcolm’s, Adam Clayton Powell’s, who address the issues of our times with strategy and finesse? 

Today, as we reflect on Dr. King’s Legacy, I salute Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. He has become a voice in the wilderness for the care and concern of an oppressed people. He is both a statesman and a scholar, bridging the role of Prophet and Priest along with a sense of swag and resilience. As a pastor of a church in Brooklyn, New York, I know the challenges of the urban community. I live in Brownsville, Brooklyn and my heart bleeds for the young men that I see everyday. Every year on King Day, we gather groups of young leaders and ministers and community activists and march down the streets of Brooklyn praying BOLDLY. We minister to youth, the elderly and other onlookers reminding them that they too have a responsibility to speak and prosperity over the city. Looking forward, it won’t be the money chasing antics of Hip-Hop stars and celebrities that brings systemic change but the blood, sweat and tears of people at the forefront of struggle, pain and oppression. As Kirk Franklin says in his new album, “This Revolution WILL Be Televised!” 

Checkout the highlights from last years Heal the Land Walk here: https://youtu.be/JdBORXtlj48

D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/).