The Power in the Local Church

By Kevin Wayne Johnson

Give God the Glory! is a nine-book series with a focus on putting God first and foremost in all that we do each day (1) In our personal relationships, (2) On the job, (3) Within our families, (4) In the local church, and (5) While at rest and recreation. This book focuses on the power within the local church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kevin Wayne Johnson
• Release date: Sep 26, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458126429

Kevin Wayne Johnson

With the fundamental belief that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, Kevin Wayne Johnson lives to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His passion is reflected through his national best-selling book series (Give God the Glory!) that have earned 17 literary awards since 2001, all published through his Christian-based publishing company – Writing for the Lord Ministries, as a former radio and television host, and in several leadership positions within the local church, the Christian publishing industry, and the National Association of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana).A native of Richmond, Virginia, Johnson was introduced to the Bible and the Christian doctrine as a child and active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. At the age of eight, his maternal grandmother (Granny), a devout Seventh Day Adventist, prophesied that he would preach the gospel in due season. From these planted seeds, Johnson, alongside his wife, Gail, confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior on May 2, 1993. This spiritual transformation occurred slightly less than two months after their marriage on March 6th.An active member and Pastor of Ministry at Celebration Church, Columbia, Maryland, he serves the congregation with responsibility for championing the Purpose of Ministry in Celebration Church (CC) and into the surrounding region by leading the Ministry Team in providing environments designed to help people experience the benefits of Serving Christ through participating in a ministry of CC (1 Peter 4:10). In parallel, Johnson serves as President of WIN (Bible) Institute, as a small group leader, and is a licensed minister by the Church of God (CDP district). On the national level, Johnson serves as Secretary, National Association of the Church of God Men’s Ministry. Johnson was initially ordained into the Christian ministry as a deacon at Shiloh Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, Christian Love Center, Somerville, New Jersey, with his wife, on May 21, 2000. While there, he served as Chair of the deacon board for three years and led the monthly “Hour of Power” prayer service on Friday nights. His ministerial training and experience includes: Evangelical Training Association (ETA) certified instructor (2000 to present), and adjunct professor at the National Bible College & Seminary World Outreach Center, National Church of God, Fort Washington, Maryland (2004 to present).Johnson is a professional in government as well as private industry. For 25 years, he has performed successfully in numerous middle and senior-level positions in the areas of workforce development, training, organizational change, acquisition/procurement, customer service, client relationships, and program management, to include the National Security Agency, Department of the Treasury, the Government of the District of Columbia, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Department of the Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and in the private sector at Vivendi Universal and Reuters America. He has testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, and has prepared testimony that was presented before the District of Columbia Committee on Government Operations. Johnson is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Graduate School’s Executive Potential Program (1996). During this program, he assisted the Office of Federal Procurement Policy with several procurement reform initiatives that were tied to the National Performance Review under the Clinton Administration. In 1999, he was awarded the distinction of “Fellow” by the National Contract Management Association Board of Directors.Pastor Johnson maintains an active involvement in community service and retains membership in several professional and civic organizations to include the National Contract Management Association, Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Association and African-American Alumni Council (founding member), serving on the School of Business Alumni Board of Directors from 1994 to 1996, the African-American Federal Executives Association, the Christian Small Publishers Association, and the Autism Society of America, Howard County, Maryland Chapter.Pastor Johnson is the eldest son of Ernest and the late Adele Johnson. He attended and graduated from the Richmond Public School system and Virginia Commonwealth University earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management/Economics/Finance. He also completed course work towards a MBA degree at Marymount University and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 2002, Johnson graduated from the True Disciple Ministries Bible Institute, Somerville, New Jersey, earning three Church Ministries Certifications (Foundational, Standard, and Advanced) through ETA, Wheaton, Illinois. Minister Johnson lives in Clarksville, Maryland, with his wife and three sons, Kevin, Christopher, and Cameron.

Book preview

Give God the Glory! ¶

The Power in the Local ¶Church ¶

Give God the Glory! ¶

The Power in the Local ¶Church ¶Kevin Wayne Johnson ¶

www.writingforthelord.com & www.writingforthelord.org

Give God the Glory! series of books and devotionals

The Power in the Local Church

Retail Price: $19.95 ©2010 by Kevin Wayne Johnson

ISBN: 978-0-9705902-5-1

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009943628

Published by Writing for the Lord Ministries at Smashwords

Written by Kevin Wayne Johnson Cover Concept by Kevin Wayne Johnson Cover Design by The Mazzocchi Group Graphic Design Zendra Mazzocchi-Manley, Three Rivers, MI USA 1 [phone]

Edited and Designed by Hallagen Ink Tanya Brockett, MBA, Crozet, VA USA 1 [phone]

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of any audio recording. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise copied for public or private use without prior written permission of the publisher, other than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Version of The Holy Bible, The New Open Bible Study Edition, Thomas Nelson, Incorporated, 1990. Other versions include the New International Version (NIV), Amplified Version (Amplified), New Living Translation (NLT), New Century Version (NCV), the New King James Version (NKJV), The Message, and New International Reader’s Version (NIRV). Some of the names used in Parts I, II, and III, are fictitious characters.

Endorsements

Give God the Glory! The Power in the Local Church (Book #7 in the series) has received testimonials from many local, regional, national, and international readers and book reviewers.

A revelation is unveiled after flipping through the first ten pages of this book. Awesomely written, filled with wisdom, power, and instruction. I highly recommend this book!

—Resa Mitchell, Resa Mitchell Report Gospel Magazine

Kevin Wayne Johnson has delivered a much needed and important look at this compelling issue. Bravo, Kevin! —Marilyn White, Publisher Precious Times Magazine

"Kevin Wayne Johnson delivers another powerful glimpse into his best-selling book series: Give God the Glory! A thorough look into the power that resides inside of the local church is clearly written and revealed in this book. A must read for all who sincerely desire to Give God the Glory while understanding the role of the local church in that regard."

—Willie Jolley, CSP, Best Selling Author and host of the Willie Jolley Radio Show

"Where two or three are gathered there is power! The Power in the Local Church will teach you about the purpose of church and our roles as Christians… Not only will this book inspire us, but it will allow our souls to grow."

—Linda Pate, Proprietor, Precious Memories Reading and Collectibles Bookstore

This book really made me wonder how many parents, grandmothers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and evangelists today are indefatigably sowing richly in the lives of our young people so they will not only grow up in the power and wisdom of God, but also write books like Give God the Glory! The Power in the Local Church to help others in their life-walk with God.

—C. Paschal Eze, preacher, author of eleven books including Prosperity Power Kit and Rebranding Race

Just when I think that you have surpassed excellence in your former work, once again I am awed by the soundness, the relevance, the depth of research, and the impeccable ability demonstrated to masterfully weave the spiritual and the practical together… My love and appreciation for the Church has deepened as a result of reading this great literary work. Thank you, Kevin, for your obedience and for sharing your gift with the world.

—Paulette C. Holloway, LICSW, LCSW-C

Director, Bethany Christian Services of Maryland

Once again, Kevin Wayne Johnson has penned an outstanding book! It clearly explains what the Church is, its role in the Kingdom of God, and the power it has been given to operate on earth. The wisdom revealed in this book should be mandatory teaching for every person at the time or before they join a local church. It provides understanding of God’s Love, purposes, and desires for the Church, thereby allowing for us to operate on a much higher level.

—Stephanie L. Jones, Survivor, Speaker, Author & Sexual Abuse Victim Advocate

Other Books by Kevin Wayne ¶Johnson ¶

Winner of seventeen literary/media awards since 2001; also available in Russian, Burmese, Falam, and Ngawn languages

As Principal Author:

Give God the Glory! Know God and Do the Will of ¶God Concerning Your Life, 2001 ¶Fifth printing ¶[Also available in print-on-demand, Amazon.com ¶Kindle, and e-book formats] ¶

Give God the Glory! Called to be Light in the ¶Workplace, 2003 ¶Second printing ¶

Give God the Glory! Let Your Light So Shine (a ¶devotional), 2004¶Fourth printing ¶[Also available in print-on-demand, Amazon.com ¶Kindle, and e-book formats] ¶

Give God the Glory! The Godly Family Life, 2005 ¶Second printing ¶[Also available in print-on-demand, Amazon.com ¶Kindle, and e-book formats] ¶

Give God the Glory! Your Role in Your Family¶(a devotional), 2006 ¶Second printing ¶[Also available in print-on-demand, Amazon.com ¶Kindle, and e-book formats] ¶

Give God the Glory! Know God and Do the Will of ¶God Concerning Your Life (STUDY GUIDE), 2008 ¶[Also available in print-on-demand, Amazon.com ¶Kindle, and e-book formats] ¶

Best Spiritual / Inspirational Book and Trailblazer Award 2010

International Best Books Award Finalist—Religion: Christianity USA Book News & JPX Media 2010

National Best Books Award Finalist—Religion: Christianity USA Book News & JPX Media 2009

Award for Literary Excellence 2008

¶Other Books with Kevin Wayne Johnson as Contributing Author:

The Book of Miracles: Up Close and Personal, ¶projected 2011 release date ¶

Blended Families, An Anthology, 2006 ¶[Christian Small Publishers Association 2008 Non-¶Fiction Book of the Year] ¶

The Secret: How His Word Impacts Our Lives, 2007

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. A-men.

—1 Peter 4:11 KJV

Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).

—1 Peter 4:11 Amplified

Foundational Scripture (emphasis added) for Writing for the Lord Ministries, LLC

In Loving Memory

As I did with the initial book in this series (2001), I dedicate this book—The Power in the Local Church— to the loving memory of my maternal grandmother, Granny. She was a God-fearing woman who professed that I would grow up to be a preacher when I was about eight years old as she touched me on my clean-shaven head one day in her home. It is a memory of her that I will never forget. I also vividly remember observing Granny on her knees praying to God consistently and persistently, giving me an excellent example to follow.

Thank you Granny for your Godly ¶example and loving memories! ¶I love you.¶

Contents ¶

Personal Reflections and Acknowledgements.

Author’s Note

Part I

What is the church?

Chapter 1. The Church Defined

Chapter 2. The Proclamation of the Church

Chapter 3. The Declaration of the Church

Section Notes

Part II

What is my role in the local church?

Chapter 4. Service to Others

Chapter 5. Enjoy God’s Blessings

Chapter 6. Your Role, Your Church

Section Notes

Part III

How do I glorify God by fulfilling my role in the local church? .

Chapter 7. Good Works

Chapter 8. Togetherness

Chapter 9. Stay in your Lane

Final Thoughts

The Establishment of the Local Church

—A Pictorial View

A Prayer for the Local Church by Kevin Wayne Johnson

Section Notes

A Reader’s Guide:

–A Conversation with Kevin Wayne Johnson Facilitated by Linda Pate

–Reading Group Questions and Topics for Discussion

Selected Bibliography and Recommended Reading

Index

Personal Reflections and ¶Acknowledgements ¶

am sincerely thankful for the awesome and privileged opportunity to share my gift at a time in history when the world needs to understand the power in the local church. First and foremost, I acknowledge my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, as my source of life, faith, strength, encouragement, wisdom, understanding, endurance, confidence, boldness, and biblical knowledge. Without Him, this book series would not be possible nor would they reach the thousands and thousands of readers, in many countries around the world that have chosen to support this ministry. When I think about His goodness, and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah, thank God for saving me!

I thank my late mom, Adele, and my dad, Ernest, his wife, Joyce, my wife, Gail, and my three sons, Kevin, Chris, and Cameron, for their family support, fun, and good times that we share daily. Your steadfast love keeps me going and going. Life is fulfilling because I am surrounded by a loving and caring family.

I want to thank several outstanding publishing industry professionals for their years of support with

book design, marketing, creativity, strategic thought, promotion, and advice.

In no particular order, they are: Zendra Manley (The Mazzocchi Group, Three Rivers, Michigan), Pam Perry (Ministry Marketing Solutions, Southfield, Michigan), Larry Carpenter (former President of Standard Publishing and former General Manager of Faithworks, Cincinnati, Ohio), Marsha Sumner (Radio Host—Heaven 1580AM, Lanham, Maryland), Lawrence Wayne (Director, Memphis Black Writer’s Conference, Memphis, Tennessee), and Marlene Bagnull (Director, Colorado and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference, Langhorne, Pennsylvania).

For negotiating rights to this book series in Russian, Burmese, Falam, and Ngawn, I thank Cindy Riggins (Owner, Riggins International Rights Services, Incorporated, Clarksville, Tennessee).

I also thank Dr. Eugene Williams (mentor, author, and educator), Ella Curry (Chief Executive Officer, EDC Creations Media, Suitland, Maryland), Tanya Brockett (Owner, Hallagen Ink, Crozet, Virginia), Darren Henry (Vice President, Publisher Services, STL-Distribution of North America, Johnson City,