No greater Investment than in equipping and connecting Christ’s leaders

I tearfully celebrated the life of a spiritual giant this week. Rev. Dean Nelson (pictured above) went to heaven just before Christmas and hundreds of pastors, government leaders, and others gathered at his funeral to recognize one “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb 11:38).

For me it was emotional because I also had the privilege to be his pastor when he was a university student in the late 1980s. Although a relatively young African-American man in his 50s, at the time of his passing he served as the vice president of government relations for the Human Coalition, one of the largest pro-life organizations in the United States. He also served as the founder and chairman of the Douglass Leadership Institute, an education organization advocating for human dignity, strong families, and limited government. He was also a bishop with Wellington Boone Ministries and had served in campus ministry in early years.

He perhaps was one of the most influential black leaders in America. Some might have read his articles in World magazine or saw him on Fox News or in some interview, but most of his work was quiet and strategic behind the scenes. He would fight cultural battles as fierce as anyone yet be as kind and respectful to all people at the same time (a rare ability). At his passing praise came from diverse sources such as the presiding bishop of the largest black denomination and from a former U.S. President. He was a connector and humble servant. He had also served for many years as a board member of and advisor for organizations and movements I have led.

I had the privilege to help him a little as well. As a college student and church member under my pastoral care he was deeply impacted by the pro-life activity our church did. We brought Miss America 1990 Debbye Turner to speak at the University of Virginia (which especially impacted hundreds of black students) and to be part of a pro-life rally we organized. Dean from that point forward was committed to the cause of pre-born humans especially to stop of the genocide of African-American babies. He helped lead a significant revival on the campus, and as he was about to graduate from the University in 1990 he could do anything career-wise and make a lot of money doing so, but asked for my counsel. I told him I believed God was calling him into ministry.

Although later he would often tell others that I had been his pastor, it would be inappropriate to claim credit for his 30+ years of incredible impact. I was only a brief influence. My friends Wellington Boone, Garland Hunt and others had much more impact. But I am grateful when he did so. We all are shaped by many important people. One of the major impacts in my own young adult life was Bob Weiner. He helped make me the man of God I became. Today I have the privilege to serve alongside mentors such as Dennis Peacocke.

These are truly giants in God’s kingdom. All are flawed, imperfect human beings, but as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” The incomparable Christ uses us humans for His glory. He has a plan. I can’t understand why He would take Dean Nelson to heaven at this point. I think the Kingdom still needed him here, but apparently Jesus has many more giants rising up.

This past year, in addition to the writings I do such as with this blog, I have helped lead the Global Transformation Network around the world. In this year alone I and Dennis Peacocke traveled to 15 countries in every continent and held summits for high-level Christian leaders like Dean Nelson from every sphere of influence. The purpose is to bring the King’s giants together in common strategy around the world. Dennis Peacocke especially is working to connect many more African-American leaders across USA in common strategy. We are holding a private strategy meeting in Washington, DC on Jan 31 for invited guests (if you want to be part of it you may inquire by email at this link).

It is not too late to make a generous end of the year donation to support this global and U.S. ministry. See our website at GlobalTN.org or donate at this link https://give.cornerstone.cc/globaltransformationnetwork

You can also help by becoming a paid subscriber to this blog. A founding subscriber donation is just $200.

Invest in the King’s giants. And pray as I do: Help us Lord to find, equip and connect your giants this coming year for your glory. Happy New Year!