Everywhere we look there’s gospel music on television. The span and reach of this incomparable genre has become cosmic in recent years as well broadly appreciated on mainstream television shows. American Idol which has dominated American television for over nine years is becoming more “Christian Friendly”. In recent years American Idol has catapulted gospel singing newbie’s into stardom that may have never been reached without such exposure.

Stars like Season 5 contestant Mandisa (who you may remember braved Simon’s ridicule to sing “Shackles”) from Antioch, TN have experienced mainstream success on levels many artist only dream of. Jermaine Sellers who ironically made his television debut on BET Networks hit talent show “Sunday Best” made top 20 during the latest season of AI. While auditioning for AI Sellers performed Joan Osborne’s “What if God was One of Us”. When interviewed about his elimination from idol Sellers said:

“But you have to remember that God fights your battles, and that’s why I kept throwing him out there. And with us even making it this far, to the top 20, we haven’t taken the time to thank God for getting us through. We don’t acknowledge him enough.”

(Former contestant Jermaine Sellers brought back as audition judge for Sunday Best Season 3 along with gospel artist Latrice Pace and Associate Producer Chucky Jenkins take a listen to a contestant)

Sellers certainly made sure EVERYBODYYY knew about the goodness of God while on idol… which presents the question: Should gospel singers aspire to become an American Idol? Sunday Best showcases great singers who’s vocal abilities are in 99.99% of cases more capable to compete on a grand stage such as Idol. But is that what Gospel Music Lovers want??? We would love to know what you think!!!

(Titus 1:10-11) Black atheists state PUBLICLY “praying and churches is not the answer” .Now Receive Biblical Insight and Knowledge as Pastor Gregory B. Drumwright Unveils End Time Prophecy!!!

My friends:

I just read an article regarding a growing demographic amongst African Americas and I am appalled.  It reports that Black Atheists are a growing community in our country.  When I first started reading, I was like, ok, this is what the word teaches us about the latter days.  Then I was shocked by this statement:

“…churches can sometimes be part of the problem, not the solution. “We need clinics, jobs, and schools in black neighborhoods,” she said. “We need proactive solutions, and praying and churches is not the answer.”

Black churches are APART OF THE PROBLEM!! <–This demonic influence goes beyond casting the Lord’s Church in a negative light, but rather diminishing the church’s effectiveness to being problem starters in our communities.

We, the body of Christ, must go to work and “stay about a good work (Nehemiah),” as the word teaches.  Our own, those formerly of the church, are trying to tear God’s Kingdom down!  Even though these people, mentioned in the article, aspire to affect our community as it relates to social issues, they are leaving a great work to do a good work.  Great work– being the work of God, good work– being the work of man.

Nehemiah’s work, as aforementioned, was referred to in the word of God as good, but once he finished it, God made it great.  So even if you are apart of humble, small, seemingly less significant work that is being ridiculed, know that ANY work in the kingdom of God is MEGA-work even if it’s not attached to a mega-church.

We must teach our people that the institution of Christ’s Church is PERFECTION, not the people within it (though we strive).  There are those that purport messages of “church hurt” in a way of expressing their horrors and experiences of disappointment while attending church.  Be it true, we all have been hurt in the church. However, didn’t we arrive hurt?

( A Prolific Preacher and Pastor w/ over 15yrs of dedication to ministry it is not uncommon for God to grace Pastor Drumwright with spiritual insight into the current status of our world. What your presently reading is a email originally addressed to his ministers & closet colleges, other pastors that are serious about the guidance and well-being of their flocks.)

Would any of us deny that the hurt that we experience in the world and from the world, is greater and far more damaging? Didn’t the devil try to kill us behind, lies, drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships, the lusts of our flesh, generational curses, walking in darkness, etc?  Therefore it is not appropriate for Christians to embellish their “church hurt” above that of the LAMB OF GOD.  It was Christ who was ostracized, rumored, rejected and eventually SLAIN for the sins of the whole world.  So what makes our “church hurt” of any significance?

Friends, read this very alarming article and be informed.  The only thing worse than having to fight the fight, is not knowing what you are fighting at all.  As Paul said to Timothy, I say unto you, it is the “good fight of faith”. Let’s write sermons and songs to build all people (not only the black church) up in their FAITH!

In His Care,

P. G. D.

Pastor Gregory B. Drumwright

Citadel of Praise, Greensboro NC

Greg Drumwright Ministries Intl’

READ IT HERE:   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/24/blacks-mirroring-larger-u_n_587854.html

Let the Church Say AMEN!!!

What’s Good Fam? TiffanyB here your Gospel Entertainment Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief (OCT.com) bringing you a new series ‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Favored’ (Big Smile)Yaaaay ******Cheers&Hand Claps***** Pop the Sparkling Cider

‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Favored’ will be a new addition to OCT.com where we will explore all things fabulous and how God’s people enjoy lives of luxury. I think this will be a great addition to OuterCourtTalk and aid in our mission to provide intriguing media for the ‘Urban Christian Sophisticate’.

For this edition of ‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Favored’ we feature UK-based luxury gadget designer Stuart Hughes’s version of Apple’s “revolutionary” new tablet.

If your one of many that have been craving the new iPad, but looking for a way to distinguish yourself from the 1 million consumers that have already purchased one, then look no further. Check out the newest splurge released by Apple, the new Solid Gold Diamond Encrusted iPad!!!

This ‘Heavenly Robed Techno Dream’ is encrusted with a magnificent total of 53 individually set sparkling gems that dwell beautifully in their solid 22ct Apple logo. The rear and screen surround are made from a single piece of solid 22ct gold, weighing an immense 2,100 grams. Price you ask??? Pennies compared to all the cattle and hills your Father owns…..(Big Smile)…..Drumroll PLEASE ……$£129,995 or approximately $189,125 for the 3G iPad .

Even if you’re willing to dish out this much money for a tablet, keep its weight in mind — the device is 2.1kg, or approximately 4.4 pounds, due to all of that gold. Think of it as the most fashionable way to take notes during service. Live abundantly… it’s a promise John 10:10.1Tim6:5-6(balance)

(Bishop Eric McDaniel newly appointed Pastor of “The River”)

(Bishop Eric McDaniel & his wife Pastor Subriena McDaniel at their Bronx, NY Church)

Answering the call with obedience Pastor Sheryl Brady and her family have moved to Texas and she was introduced as the Pastor of the dynamic Potters House of Allen. She ran a revival with Bishop from April 7-9 and preached as a team on the 10^th. Apparently there will be other churches throughout the United States as well over the next couple of years. Don’t be surprised when there is a Potters House in your city the way Bishop Jakes is gaining ground! LOL

While The Potter’s House North Dallas (official name for the Allen, TX location) has only been open a few weeks, over 3,000 people have already joined. The massive influx is partly connected to numerous church attenders desire to be a part of the mega established, Potter’s House Fellowship of Churches, while experiencing more of a grassroots feel. No choirs have been established, members can look to see auditions for the mass choir in a few weeks. Currently the praise team lead by Pastor Brady’s daughter Psalmist Nina Simons is providing all music during worship services. Last week was Pastor Brady’s Birthday and to celebrate Bishop Jakes gave her the Sunday off and was Skyped in to preach the Service from the main location. Talk about ‘The Church of the Future’.

(Sheryl Brady newly appointed Pastor of The Potter’s House North Dallas)

This is not a bad move at all, especially since it heightens positive change for Pastor Brady and McDaniel. The Lord does all things well. As more information unfolds, of course the OC will keep you posted.