The Broken Pulpit

By Ralph Graves

The main objective of this book is to heighten the
awareness of the reader, both preacher and congregant, to the serious struggles each minister encounters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365041020

Book preview

The Broken Pulpit

The Broken Pulpit

RALPH D. GRAVES, B.S., M. DIV., D. MIN.

Special Thanks to:

Cynthia Y. King

Valerie A. Harris

Eric A. Pugh

Nicole Fontaine Pugh

Denise Ward

Raynard R. Sumpter, II

A very special thanks to Reverend Sheila Bowens Kelsey for inspiration and collaboration in the formation of this book.

Art Cover by: Reginald Chandler

Copyright © 2016 by RDG Ministries

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2016

ISBN 978-1-365-04102-0

RDG Ministries

P.O. Box 1711

Rocky Mount, NC 27802 www.bishopdonniegraves.org

Ordering Information:

Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, educators, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the above listed address.

U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers: Please contact RDG Ministries

Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone] or email

[e-mail]

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Back Office of Ministry

Chapter 2: High Expectation & Undesired Pedestalization

Chapter 3: Too Much to Handle

Chapter 4: Generalization Ministry

Chapter 5: Inexperienced Zeal

Chapter 6: Family & Ministry

Chapter 7: Lords or Servants?

Chapter 8: But What Do We Do When?

Chapter 9: Called but Struggling

Chapter 10: It’s My Vocation

Chapter 11: The Abused have tendency to abuse

Chapter 12: The Church Abuse Comedy Hour

Chapter 13: Distorted Mentoring

Chapter 14: Old Practice of Honored Pedophilia

Chapter 15: This Is Not New

Chapter 16: The Broken Environments of Preachers

Conclusion

Introduction

Episcopal garments, made for a representative of divine government and authority on earth, elaborate jewelry from gold chains and crosses to astounding ornamental rings are all a part of the garb worn by preachers today. Then there are the expensive custom made suits that cost from $800-$2,000 worn by some preachers, adorned with $300 silk neck wear and $800 shoes while a newer attire involves a pair of jeans with an open collared shirt or even a Polo Shirt. All are a part of stage decorum to present a message from the influence of the Christian faith.

My primary objective in writing this book is to heighten the awareness of both the preacher as well as the congregant to the extreme polarization of the internal life of the preacher who proclaims life to the congregation while his or her life reeks with the smell of demise. As we observe the diverse wardrobes conducive to different types of ministry, it is clear that most who preach suffer with internal struggles hidden from the people they serve. I want to clearly portray the spiritual, relational, financial and emotional state of many preachers who serve from a Broken Pulpit.

Chapter 1: The Back Office of Ministry

My experience with preachers and preaching did not begin when I delivered my first official sermon. I was born into a musical, preaching and church going family. My beloved grandmother, the late Dr. Lettie Cohen, my dear mother, the late Evangelist Annie Cohen Graves Hairston, two uncles, Bishop Harry Cohen and Dr.

James Roland Cohen, two aunts, Bishop Mary D. Lawrence and Pastor Carol Robertson and my uncles by law, the late Bishop Billy Harbor and Elder Bobby Robertson were all visuals of the life of a minister. What also enhance my perspective of the back office of ministers was that our home was the place that Bishops, Pastors, Prophets and Evangelists came for accommodations. Prior to desegregation, African Americans were not permitted to lodge in hotels; therefore, our home was an unofficial bed & breakfast.

Conversations were sometimes extremely spiritual while other times they were comical. What was most interesting were those days and nights that preachers came to my grandmother to vent, to lament and/or confess their indiscretions over concerning experiences in their lives.

Indiscretions were diverse, from sexual improprieties to the misappropriations of church funds and the list was extensive.

Although my grandmother was a very strict holiness