So, What Did You Think?

Did you watch Detroit 1-8-7 last night? Guess what, I did! Yep that's right I watched the show. And, guess what else? I liked it!! That's right, I really did. I loved the writing, the acting, the set-up and I believe that i'm hooked. LOL! My revelation is significant because I was one of the early skeptics who had great reservations about a crime drama based on the city of Detroit called "Detroit 1-8-7." I thought that this would only serve to contribute to the already growing negative image that has plagued our city for far too long. I even wrote an earlier blog post expressing my concerns regarding the show entitled "Image is Everything" . Check it out and let me if you still agree with some of things that I said. But there were two things that happened that I believe has contributed to my change of heart; first I saw the 30min Special that Channel 7 filmed on the "Making of Detroit 1-8-7" and the second thing for me was the writing.

First off, when I saw the special that ran on Channel 7; giving viewers a behind the scenes look at the making of the show, I have to admit I was intrigued. I wanted to see what other Detroiters felt about the show, I wanted to know what kind of impact has the filming of the show in our city already made. And, so far so good. You can get a sense that those that are directly involved with the project understand the sensitivities of the people of Detroit, and they are trying their best to portray us in the best light possible. On the special that aired on Saturday right before the MSU v Notre Dame game (Go Spartans!), it showed how local area businesses are already benefiting from the taping of Detroit 1-8-7. From caterers to consultants, Detroiters are being used as extras, consultants, clothiers, production assistants and much more. So, at least from an economic stand point, this city should get a bit of an economic boost because of the filming of this show.  It was also good to see how the city's leaders are beginning to change their opinion of the show as well.

Here's a clip from the behind the scenes taping of Detroit 1-8-7



So, you can get a sense of the optimism and the potential for this show to really do some great things. However, one thing I will point at as we've talked to people who are still critical of the show, let's be realistic in what our expecations are for this show. Some people I've spoken to want Detroit painted in a different light; a more positive light. And, from them I get the feeling that their looking for more of a "Norman Rockwell" painting when what we're use to seeing is more "Alfred Hitchcock-ish." And, it seems what some Detroiters are asking the show's producers to do is for art to NOT imitate life. They want art to be purely art thus qualing their concerns about image, but creating a fictious and phony depiction of our city in the process.  But, art imitating life is the nature of Hollywood and it is also the nature of art itself. And, we should want to see the reality of our city fashioned and shaped through the lens of the small screen.  Some Detroiters want a more sugar-coated, candy filled depiction of city which will allow them to digest the show a little better. But, the producers; I believe, are going to give us a mixture of positive as well as negative images and in that we will get a honest and true depiction of the city we call home.

The second thing that has helped to change my perception of the show is the writing. As a writer myself, I look for how well the script is written, the plot, the characters, and the story. All of these help make the show more believable to me. For me, the sucess of a show is determined by its writers. How well are the writers capturing the essence of their enviroment through the stories they choose for the show. And yes,  yesterday there were some minor hiccups here or there. Some people made mention of the use of "soda" verses "pop" in some of the of the detectives conversations during the show. And, based their like or dislike of the show solely on the dialogue. I say, let's give it a chance. Yesterday, was just the pilot, which for the most part was filmed in Atlanta. But, all of the subsequent shows will be filmed directly in our city. Some chose to use that as a reason not to like the show as well, because they saw a few areas they didn't recognize. But, I say again, let's give the show a chance to develop. Let the characters, the stories, and the direction of the show grow and the develop. I strongly believe that the positive impact of this show for our city is limitless. I see more businesses, and local establishments possibly being featured in the show. More opportunites for Detroiters and even local Detroit celebs to get some cameos in this show. The possiblibities are endless.

Lastly, I believe that some of the criticisms that show has received from the public are largely based on the negative perceptions that have already plagued our city. And, they see this show as way to escape that reality for an hour once a week. But, that's not real change, that's television. Real change is rolling up your sleeves and gettng into the trenches to change the problems that will ultimatley change the negative perceptions of our city. So, let's not use this show as an escape from reality and nor should we use it an excuse not to deal with reality as well. However, we can use it a catalyst for change that can spark a movement that will bring REAL CHANGE to our city. Let's Go Detroit!

Your thoughts?

(P.S. dont' forget you can post your comments right to your facebook profile to start a discussion about the topic right from your Facebok page.)

Pastor Michael S. Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Remembering 9-11

Twin Towers In New York City

Today marks the 10 yr Anniversary of the most horrific attack on this country since Pearl Harbor known simply as 9-11.  This was the day where our entire country was brought to its proverbial knees as we watched in shock as 4 United Airline planes were hi-jacked and 2 were flown into the Trade Center Towers in New York City, 1 crashed into the Pentagon and 1 seemingly in route to the White House went down in a field in Pennsylvania. The Twin Towers as pictured above which was once a symbol of power and strength were toppled in this national disaster that took place in the heart of New York City.

I personally remember this day as extremely surreal, as it was only a few months after I had started working a new job as an Analyst for the State of Michigan. Working on the corner of WoodWard and the Boulevard in what was known as "The Labor" building. I remember listening to sports radio 1130AM "The Fan" while at my desk and as the show was wrapping up one of the host mentioned seeing a huge gaping whole in one on the Twin Towers on television.

And as I was listening I thought he was joking as I was use to hearing this particular radio show periodically practical joke their listeners. And, I thought this was just another one of their routines. But, then I heard him say he was serious and my curiosity got the best of me and I turned the radio to News Radio 950 AM only to  hear a barrage of voices and interruptions from their CBS News affiliate breaking into their local news  station to broadcast what had just happened in New York City. At the time it was believed to have been an accident or an isolated event that had taken place, where one plane had flew its way into one of the Trade Center Towers. But, what we later discovered that this was all apart of the plan from this mysterious group only known as Al Quaeda. The plan was for one plane to hit Trade Center Tower to capture the attention of the national and international media across the globe and then 15 mins later to capture the 2nd plan as it flew into the 2nd Tower.

I remember the feeling of tremendous fear that I felt after that 2nd plane flew into that 2nd Tower, and wondering to myself what was happening. Were we experiencing the beginning of the end? There was a tremendous amount of confusion not just around the country in the world, but right in our tiny little office where my co-workers were huddled around their radios trying to take in the gravity of what was happening in our country. Once it became clear that this was a terrorist attack on our country, I remember wondering how many cities were targeted for the attack and was Detroit one of the cities targeted. This was a legitimate question to ask especially given that Detroit is a border city with a bridge and tunnel to Canada; our neighbor, thus making us a target as well. The city was put on watch, our building along with other city, state and federal building were locked down due to security concerns. And, then after the 2nd plane flew into the Trade Center Tower, we continue hearing about planes flying into the Pentagon and then one going down in Pennsylvania. I remember just wondering when was this going to end and who was behind all of this? There was a great sense of uneasiness and worry that overcame everyone that watching these events unfold whether it was on television, radio or even first hand.

The events of this disastrous day that took place 10yrs ago have been en-grained in the minds of every American. The families of those whose lives were lost due to this enormous tragedy will never forget this day. Their lives have been forever changed by this. But, what did come of this was a resiliency and courage that has helped this nation pick up this pieces from this attack and helped us to regain our national natcomposure. The unity and solidarity that the people of this nation showed during this critical time demonstrated our national resolve. I've gained a greater respect for all areas of law enforcement, firefighters and the like who shouldered the burden of search and rescue and then recovery of the thousands of victims whose lives were lose due to this tragedy.

This picture above really illustrates the unity, strength and courage that was shown by those rescue workers, firefighters and other law enforcement personnel that contributed to the massive recover effort in what is now referred to as "Ground Zero." The unity that was shown here is an outward expression of the poetic words of John Donne; the poet, "No man is an island entire of himself. Every man is apart of the man. If a man dies it diminishes me for I am involved with mankind. Therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." This disastrous event revealed a cosmic interdependence of the human spirit that says what happens to one happens to us all, what effects one effects us all. That this terrorist attack planned for New York & Washington, D.C. respectively effects everyone in this country and the  rest of the world. And, the response to this disasterous event will be a collective not just from New Yorkers but from citizens from the entire world. A quote that I believe summed it up best came from President George W. Bush. During an impromptu speech at Ground Zero he said to a city and a nation of mourners, "I can hear you, the rest of the world can hear you and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all us soon." This spirit of unity and strength should be the prevailing themes that move our nation forward. What is unfortunate is that amidst the healing process that our nation has undergone and trying to build the bridge to emotional and spiritual recovery, we hear of more terrorist attacks and other acts of violence. We also hear expressions of hatred and intolerance towards the Islamic faith by other so-called Christians. Pastor Terry Jones, who pastors a small church in Florida planned to burn Qurans on this day in response to a plan to build a Islamic Mosque on the "Ground Zero"site in New York City.  While the U.S. Constitution protects this act of "Free Speech" it paints a very bad picture of the Christian Faith, which is a faith deeply rooted in love and tolerance. I'm glad that this event was canceled. And, hopefully we as a nation can move on from this and continue in the healing process.

Pastor Terry Jones

My question to you is where were you on this dreadful day in our nation's history? I would like to hear your stories that stem from what happened on September 11, 2001.What lessons have you learned during all of this? Please feel free to share you stories of truimph as well as tragedy in this forum with us. As we are all in this together, and who knows how your story may  help someone else get through a time of tragedy themselves. Let us never forget; let us never forget!

YASC STARTS BACK MONDAY, SEPT 13TH

That's Right! Young Apostolic Students for Christ starts back on this Monday, Sept 13th. And, we are looking for YOU, YOU and even YOU to join us for this powerful and anointed semester of teaching, fellowshiping and sharing the Word of God.  This semester is going to be even more power packed.  We are going to start off teaching a 5-6 weeks series entitled, "THE 67th Book!" This is going to be a life changing bible class. You definitely do not want to miss this series of lessons dealing with this subject. This is just a teaser, so we want go into the context or the background of the lesson in this blog, but we are extremely excited about what God is going to do through this campus ministry this year.

For the benefit of those who might have not ever heard of the acronym YASC before or the campus ministry, allow me to give you a little bit of background in this blog post. Young Apostolic Student For Christs is a campus ministry that started back in the late 80's early 90's at Michigan State University. A group of college students got together and wanted to develop a bible class as a home away from home campus ministry. Under the guidance of Bishop Ira Combs; pastor of Greater BibleWay Temple (GBWT) in Jackson, MI, this campus ministry was created under the auspices of his leadership and tutelidge.

To learn more about this campus ministry's humble beginnings check out this video right here;



Click here for more from the YASC Documentary



Back in April of 2009, YASC at Wayne State University was started, and God began to do a tremendous work right from the very start. Here's a video excerpt from one of our earlier lessons on "Understanding the Textbook."

YASC is one of 300 ministries at Greater Grace Temple, where our pastor is Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.  17 souls were saved during our first year of  YASC at WSU and we're believing God for many more souls to come into the kingdom through this powerful and anointed campus ministry. YASC meets every Monday from 7-9pm on the campus of Wayne State University in State Hall in Room 116.   Each week God truly meets us as we teach His Word and endeavor to empower and equip today's young people with necessary spiritual weapons to fight against our adversary the devil. (St. John  10:10)  This year we have got a lot exciting things in store for YASC and we're constantly looking for new ways to reach even more young people. One thing we're excited about is we plan to stream our YASC Bible Classes through our website www.MichaelNimmons.com.  Keep your eyes and ears opened for more details about this new development in the ministry.

Again, we are endeavoring to reach this generation of young people "By Any Means Necessary." And, we are attempting to use every area of technology possible to do just that.

I pray that you will be able to share in what God is doing through this campus ministry. We will be periodically sharing with you the Praise Reports and the Great Things that God is doing for us and through us. We are inviting you to come out and share in what God is doing. For more information about this awesome campus ministry feel free to e-mail us at pastor@michaelnimmons.com and we'd be more than happy to give you all the details.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue this work for the lord!

The Past 2 Weeks

Pastor Nimmons driving a Corvette

Its been at least 2 weeks since we wrote our last blog and that is because we have been heavily involved in ministry work in the vineyard. We begin on ministry trek on August 20-22 at Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ in Chicago, IL; pastored by Bishop Jerry Jones. This was their Youth Revival Weekend and we were the keynote speaker. During this weekend there was a Friday evening Youth Service, a Saturday Afternoon Car Show and the weekend's activites culminiated with us ministering in both the 12noon and 5:30pm Sunday services. We want to send a special thanks to Bishop & First Lady Jones for opening up their church to us as well as Eld Sam Reeves for the invitation. We enjoyed ourselves immensely!

Here's a few pics from the weekend.

Eld Sam Reeves Jr. emeecing the weekend's activities

Psalmist Tiffany Nimmons glorying the Lord through song

Pastor Nimmons ministering during Sunday Morning service

Car enthusiasts enjoying the show

Buick Lacrosse

Tiffany Nimmons relaxing in a Corvette

Joe Miles - Vice President Chicago Crossroads Corvette Club

Here is a clip from my first ever drive behind the wheel of a Corvette


Here's a clip from our Sunday Morning message entitled, "A Peculiar Praise."

We had a great time in Chicago last weekend, God tremedously blessed! Shoutout to the church family of Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ. They showed us some great hospitality and we truly appreciated their welcoming spirit.

Then this weekened we were invited to do a couple of workshops at Messais Temple Youth Camp at Michindoh camp site. This camp began on Thursday August 26th and concluded on August 29th. Myself & Eld. David Hollis were the two speakers for the camp.

The two workshops that we taught dealt with the evils of the music industry. These two sessions were an extension of our "Sleeping With The Enemy" Bible lessons we taught during our Young Apostolic Student for Christ bible classes. The youth were really intrigued by the information that we provided, and many referred to our session as "life changing." The services were just as powerful as well. The Friday night service in particular was so highly annoited that it went from 7:30pm until well after Midnight. Two young people were filled with the holyghost as well.

Here is a clip from a song that sung during the Friday evening serice called "Heal Your People"



We truly thank God for these ministry opportunities and we pray that the what was shared over these past few weeks were a blessing to these two churches respectlvely.  I also pray that you are blessed by the photos and videos of these past two weeks. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to minister and are grateful to be able to share what God has been doing in our lives.

Stay tuned, because God definitely has more in store!


Pastor Nimmons
http://www.michaelnimmons.com/

The N' Word

Dr. Laura Schlessinger

The latest in the saga of the N' word leads us to popular radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger. According to reports, Talk radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger has issued an apology for saying the N-word several times in an on-air conversation with a caller who she said was "hypersensitive" to racism. When a caller asked if the N-word was offensive, Schlessinger said "black guys say it all the time." She did not direct the epithet at the woman, but said she used it to suggest how often she hears it, and that it should not automatically be cause for offense. Schlessinger said on her website Wednesday that she was wrong in using the word for what she called an attempt to make a philosophical point. She said she "realized I had made a horrible mistake, and was so upset, I could not finish the show."  I'm not here to question whether Dr. Laura's apology was sincere or not, only God knows that. But, what concerns me is how as much and as often a controversy this word has caused for other ethnicity's that have used it, why hasn't anyone wised up? I mean why do we still see talk show hosts, comedians, entertainers, politicians and the like still "slip" up and use this word given the ignorance of their peers? One would think that after Michael Richard's tirade in a comedy club a few years back and the backlash he received behind it, white America would never evoke its presence again. By the way, has anyone heard from Kramer lately? The careers that this word has ruined should be enough evidence to remove its use from the vocabularies of ever race and ethnicity's in the world.

Actor, Michael Richards -"Kramer"

   

But, was Dr. Laura right that because she's heard it said so much by black people that the sting of its use has somehow been removed? Is she right in  saying that because she's heard black folks call each other the N' word for so long; if nothing but for a term of endearment, that the venom of the word has forever been neutralized? I wonder is there is any truth to that statement? Could this be the reason for her Freudian Slip on her radio show? I always believed that we-as Black Americans, were just as culpable for the use and the mis-use of the N' word. Using it in songs, among friends, or whatever way we choose to use it as a community would prove detrimental to the overall perception of this blatantly derogatory word. Our constant use of this word is perceived by many as an open invitation for everyone to use it, thereby causing more controversies like this to arise. However, I still wonder about the frequency of this and how the backlash hasn't created more of an impression with those who might potentially use this word in open forum? To me this speaks to a more systemic problem rather than a racial one, inasmuch as it seems that the venom of this word has not reached the masses and this could be the reason for these slips ups in public view.

The venom or the sting of this word is tied directly to its origin. The roots of the N'word date back to slavery days and it was always considered derogatory. White slave masters called their black slaves by this word. It came to be known as someone who is "lazy, trifling, and shiftless" which is became unduly associated with "black people." Which is completely ironic, seeing as though this country was built on the backs of the very people this word was used to describe. So you can see how the sting of this word would still resonate with black people today, many of whom were not privy to its use on the slave plantations of the South in the early 1800's, but still find this word offensive. This definitely speaks to the power of the word as well, because even though it is now used as a term of endearment amongst blacks internally within their own circles, whenever it is used by someone outside of the black race the same venomous history that it is attached to rises up all over again. So what are we going to do?

Back in November of 2007 the NAACP came up with an initiative to "Bury the N'Word." This march was held in Detroit, MI. Thousands of people joined together to help bury this historically derogatory word. Here's a clip of the ceremony:



Out of this ceremony was suppose to come a solidarity and unity on the elimination of this word from our vocabulary. This ceremony sparked a nation-wide debate about the N'word and its use not just from people outside of the black race but even from within our own race of people. A young man by the name Jonathon McCoy; who I had the pleasure of meeting a few months ago, started a campaign to eliminate the N'Word from the vocabulary of Black America. Understanding that the only way that we can see real change as a community is for us to eliminate its use and then every other ethnicity and race will follow suite as well..

Here is a clip of his speech called "The Petition"



This clip has gotten over 1 million hits on YouTube and this should become an affirmation for us as a people. I agree with Jonathon that if we want to truly see this word eliminated from the vocabulary of other races than we have to commit to not using the word ourselves. Although, this obviously is not an easy thing to do, because again this word is used quite often within our own community. From Hip Hop artists to comedians, even though the intent of its use may not be entirely negative but its always in "poor taste." One such comedian who is notorious for its use during his comedy shows, was taught an important lesson on tolerance when he was removed from a performance because of audience intolerance of his use of the N'word. Comedian Eddie Griffin; during a 2007 performance in Miami Florida for Black Enterprise Magazine, was booted by the magazine's long time publisher Earl Graves for using the N' word. According to reports Earl Graves received a standing ovation for the comedian's removal, which could have been an insight into the black community's rising intolerance of the N'word.

Comedian Eddie Griffin

Are we nearing the end of its use? Not sure. No one knows what the future holds for this word. But, I was always taught as a child that it's not what you're called, but it is what you answer to! So, you can be called alot of things by people, but it only matters what you answer to that makes the difference.  I choose to completely ignore its use, inasmuch as not only do I not answer to it, but I don't believe it defines who I am. So, my interpretations is and has always been that any derogatory word is only offensive to those who are insecure enough to  feel they are identified by it. It is a matter of personal preference, which is really what it boils down too. Because in the grand scheme of things, it is only when we make the individual and personal choice to eliminate this word from our vocabulary then and only then will be start to see a change. Mahmta Ghandi said something quite remarkable regarding this subject of change; he says, "we have to be the change we want to see in the world." This simple statement makes everyone accountable for making the change we want to ultimately see in the entire world.

My question is what personal changes are you going to make in order to see change on a much larger scale? What ways are you trying to eliminate the use of this word from your vocabulary? Or do you feel that it doesn't need to be removed at all? 

Your thoughts?



Pastor Michael S. Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

A Special Thanks to @MaxExpoRadio

I know this is weekly blog and I don't normally include two posts in one week, especially considering the magnitude of our last post entitled "Congratulating Bishop" and saluting our pastor Bishop Charles Ellis on his elevation to Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. But, I wanted to send a special thanks to a group of people that we've recently partnered with in ministry work in the kingdom. 

I want to offer a special thanks to @MaxExpoRadio (twitter lingo) and Maximum Exposure Magazine for having us last night as a guest on their blogtalkradio program. We would like to give a special shout to Jamillah Herbet Lewis & Yuade Moore the CEO's of @MaxExpoRadio & Maxium Exposure Magazine as well as the two host Divine & Praiz. We had a great time last night sharing the word of God over the airwaves with our new partners in the gospel. And, we just wanted to write a special note to you all letting you know to keep up the great work you're doing for the kingdom.


  

Listen to internet radio with Maximum Exposure Mag on Blog Talk Radio

For the benefit of those who didn't not hear the show last evening, yesterday's topic was about subliminal messages in music particularily from such artists as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rhianna, Kanye West, Enimem and the list goes on and on. The show itself dealt with a recent blog post that we wrote entitled is "Jay-Z a Mason?"
and in this blog post we addressed the question of Jay'Z Masonic affiliations.  In our post we asserted that we believe Jay-Z has already answered the question for myself and others regarding his Masonic affliliations in his music, videos, and clothing line which all appear to have incorporated the signs and symbols of Freemasonry within its subliminal messages. And, we still wonder why the question hasn't been answered by millions more or maybe it has and they just refuse to accept it? While at the same time Jay-Z continues to either evade or avoid the question of whether he-himself is a Mason. Well I learned a long time ago that if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then guess what...it's a duck!  And, what continues to concern us regarding critics of this or lets just call them "Jay-Z fans" is that they believe that all of this is coincidental or accidental that all of these signs point to Jay-Z being a devil worshipper of sorts. But, as I said on the show last evening at the very least if none of the Masonic or Illuminati stuff is true about him, the content of his music should be appalling enough never to listen to him again. And, for him to have the boldness to include in the song "Empire State of Mind" that "Jesus can't save you. Life starts when the church ends." That should be enough for him to have lost the sum total of his following from that statement alone. But, instead what many have done is defended this statement or attempted to rationalize away wrong, which in of itself is wrong. And, this shows you the kind of negative impact his music is having on the world, but what is even more disturbing the impact Jay-Z music is having in the church.

What is dangerous is how young people in the church are coming to Jay-Z defense. Subsequently, it causes us to wonder about the credibility of the youth defending this man.  We often attach "in the church" to those who we believe are "in the church" or when we want to make the differentation from the church and the world, but the question really becomes "is the church in them?" Because if the church was really "in them" then there could be no way that Jay-Z would be romaniticized after an indefensible and blasphemous remark like "Jesus can't save you!" The church of old would have publically condemned Jay-Z and artist like him who dare to take the Lord's name in vain, thus causing a ripple effect in the world and maybe their star wouldn't shine as bright. But, today is definitley a different day and wrong is seen as right and right is seen as wrong. All signs point to Jesus Christ return. Needless to say, there is still yet more ground to cover on this subject and we look forward to coming back on and continuing this ongoing topic with our friends @MaxExpoRadio.

We encourage you to check out their awesome website www.maxexpomag.com. This is a great Christian website, youth orientated, relevant, trendy as well as substantive. Check this website out there is a lot of great information for you to access when you log on. We definitely need more Christian sites that cater to the needs of today's young Christians, and Maximum Exposure Magazine is definitely one site which should be emulated by everyone.

Thanks again for the invitation and I look forward to partnering with you and your magazine in the very near future! Be Blessed!


Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Congratulations Bishop!!

What a great way to return from a week hiatus of writing for our weekly blog the Pastor's Perspective, with some great news to share with our readers. We are very pleased and excited to announce that our pastor Bishop Charles H. Ellis III; pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, MI, is now the newly elected Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. We wanted to take this opportunity to send a special congratulatory message to our pastor Bishop Ellis, and at the same time bring you; our readers, up to speed on our pastor's elevation to the leadership of this historic pentecostal organization.

Our pastor Bishop Ellis; who was formerly the Asst Presiding Bishop of the P.A.W., was unanimously voted and elected by the general body of the P.A.W.inc. on Sat, Aug 7th 2010. On Thursday, Aug 12th he will be officially consecrated into this position and will become only the 10th Presiding Bishop in the 85yr history of this pentecostal organization. We are excited and privilege to be the first to announce this historic elevation at our Sunday Services on yesterday morning at Greater Grace Temple where are pastor received a chorus of cheers and a standing ovation for rising to this lofty position of leadership in the P.A.W. God has truly blessed him and we pray God's continual blessings upon him as he embarks upon this new chapter in his life.

To offer some context to this congratulatory message. Our pastor Bishop Charles Ellis is the son of Bishop David L. Ellis, who is a former Asst Presiding Bishop in this organization. Bishop David L. Ellis was a powerful and anointed vessel of God, and who's dedication and commitment to this ministry brought it to national prominence before God called him home in March of 1996. Much can be said about the tremendous legacy of this great leader, but unfortunately time would not permit us to chronicle his life in this one post. However, you can visit www.greatergrace.org for more info about this great man of God.

Here's a brief clip of Bishop Ellis singing one of his favorite songs.


Our pastor Bishop Charles Ellis became the pastor of Greater Grace Temple back in 1996 and he has been on a fast track ever since taking this church from one level to another. I have always been a great admirer of Bishop Ellis, because of his many talents and vision for the kingdom of God. He is a man of  business, enterprise and entrepreneurship. In February of 2002, 6yrs after his father past; Bishop Charles Ellis ushered in a new era for Greater Grace Temple when we entered a brand new state of the art edifice on the City of David property at our new location on 7mile & Shaiwasee. This new edifice seats 4000 in the main sanctuary and is complete with a banquet facility, conference center and administrative wing. In just a short time he has re-energized this new community where our church is housed with Back to School Festivals, Gospel Fest & Car Shows, Thanksgiving & Christmas Give-A-Ways just to name a few.

Bishop Charles Ellis is also a great preacher in his own right. Here's a clip of him ministering the gospel during a Sunday service at Greater Grace Temple.

I am truly thankful for my pastor, he is someone that I admire and hold in very high esteem.  It is an honor and privilege to serve him as one of his assistant pastors at the church I grew up.  I feel very honored and humbled to have both Bishop David L. Ellis & Bishop Charles Ellis as role models. Men of God, who I believe have help mold and shape me into the minister of the gospel I am today. I can remember when he and his wife First LadyCrissette attended my graduation at MSU back in Dec of 1998. I truly appreciated them both taking time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us. He also officiated the marriage of my wife and I 6yrs ago; the first marriage he officiated after becoming the Asst Presiding Bishop back in 2004.

I am tremendously thankful and grateful for my pastor, and that I have a window seat to witness history unfolding right before my very eyes. I just wanted to take this opportunity to salute our pastor Bishop Charles H. Ellis III in his elevation and to offer our continued support of the ministry and the people of God at the church that I call home, Greater Grace Temple.

Congratulations Bishop!!

(Feel free to leave your congratulatory message to Bishop Ellis on our blog as we plan to post this on his facebook profile as well.)

Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com