“Of this Gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace which was given me by the effectual working of His power.” (Ephesians 3:7 RSV)
I grew up in a Christian home and as far back as I can remember I was active in the church, sang in the choir, and served as an usher, junior deacon, Sunday school student and teacher. I am thankful I grew-up during a time when attending church on Sunday was not enough you had to take-part once you were there.
On Sunday mornings, it was not a secret where our family would be, we were in church somewhere. Living in rural West Alabama farm country every church did not have service every Sunday, so we enjoyed a multi-membership status at two or three different local churches. Only severe illness could keep you away from Sunday school and Morning Service, my mother was quite insistent. She absolutely believed that it would make you a better person, and I am fully persuaded that she was right, as usual.
Over the years I have been on an interesting journey through and into my Christian-Faith. I have been in the church—active, out of the church—not so active, and all over the church—critical, but God is good and merciful. As previously mentioned, I grew up in the church and the church has grown within me, I thank God that neither one of us has ever outgrown the other.
My Christian roots run deep, but it is the branches that make a-tree-a-tree, and the Church Body of Jesus Christ is one big tree. The good news is that Jesus has no preference for one branch over the other, “One Father, One Son, One Spirit, all members of One Body.” As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Our Christ, my calling is to proclaim the whole counsel of God found in Old Testament Scriptures and the New Testament Gospel of Jesus Our Christ. I am committed to proclaim the Word of God to as many branches, twigs and leaves of this big tree as will hear and receive it.
I am a father of three, and a grandfather of five, as well as, a brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and associate. Please don’t let me be a stranger. However, the title I cherish the most is “Man of God” I take it seriously and I have no regrets. I invite you to visit with us often and when you are tired of visiting come join us, there’s room for another branch on this big tree. “And thou shall speak my words unto them. Whether they will hear, or whether they will forebear; for they are most rebellious” (Ezekiel 2:7).
Grady Norman Greene Minister of the Gospel The Third Cross Congregation of Jesus Our Christ
The Third Cross Congregation of Jesus Our Christ 