The pastor you follow should enjoy scripture, preach about hardships, and gain knowledge of God. They should not have to use gimmicks to preach the truth.
"Money can’t buy joy but I wouldn't mind crying in a Rarri”
“Don’t know what I’m takin’ bout, tryna put my grandchildren’s children in a mega house”
“We gon’ have some problems but the money we ain’t worried bout”
The three quotes that I posted are song lyrics from a rap song. At first glance, they look like your typical rap song about cars, lavish lifestyles, and financial security. But these are Christian lyrics from the recently released “Overflow Remix” by Pastor Micheal Todd, and Christian rappers Dante Pride, Alex Jean, and Caleb Gordon. They state that what they are saying isn’t them talking “it’s the Holy Ghost” If you can find where the Holy Ghost led people to do those things in the bible, then do it. (surprise, surprise, you won’t)
If you don’t know who Mike Todd is, he is the lead pastor of Transformation Church, a mega church in Texas. He has been in multiple controversies such as spitting on someone’s face for a sermon example, pouring syrup on the bible, and many others ( I will post a link). Although those reasons are valid, my main reason for writing is to shed light on two issues;
Micheal Todd is afraid of theology
Micheal Todd uses Black culture and Black church to distract from himself
Micheal Todd is a classic example of a narcissist. Point blank. If you watch his sermons, his worship segments are incredibly flashy, along with his stage production. His outfits are usually bright, or outlandish, so your eyes are only on him. He never takes accountability for his mistakes When speaking, instead of relying on sermon notes, and biblical passages, you might notice that he eludes back to his worship team or his phrases. He dances on stage like he is performing a show. Or he might say phrases like “you don’t know what I’m saying” after a long pause. He also is quoted saying “I hate studying the bible.” Now you might think Leah, I don’t like studying, or reading, etc. Yes of course. But after becoming born again, you find joy in the things that grow you closer to Christ, even with the temptations. You will find solace in sola scripture. Once we place ourselves back into the world, we will not be comforted, but restless. Hearing your pastor say that he doesn’t like to study the bible, is like hearing your surgeon say “I didn’t do a lot of research for this surgery, because I hate to study” before they operate on you. Micheal Todd is leading a flock, therefore he is held accountable for the words he says. People rely on him to speak the truth, which you cannot do without studying the bible. If he were to study the bible exclusively, he would have to shed light on the darkness he possesses. If he quotes true scripture, he will have to live out what he says. So instead he talks around scripture and continues to live a flashy life.
The reason I quoted the lyrics at the beginning is because I wanted to show how Mike Todd's use of black culture, covers up his lack of theological knowledge. During his recent album release party, he informed us that he produced the album with inspiration from black R&B artists and musicians. Which wasn’t a problem, until he said he wanted to redeem the rap and R&B culture, so he sampled the likes of Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, and others. First, the argument of Christianity joining the culture has had a tight chokehold on the Black community. I have news. We can’t do both. You are either in one camp or the other. Christians are not supposed to look like the current culture, we are to be set apart. Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good and perfect will. We will not be able to see God’s will clearly if we are trying to look and sound like the world around us. Micheal Todd takes Black culture and twists it into looking like praise, and people follow it. This is because black culture is already rooted in charisma, and hype, and has banded us together as a race. Pentecostal worship can be in the same charismatic vein, with freestyle worship, and lively sermons. When the two are mixed, it can become a kind of club atmosphere where worship and the world are lost within each other. In my opinion, the capitalization of Black culture in churches is wearing thin, and I will be happy to see it go.
I normally would follow up by saying that it’s your choice on who you follow. But this time I’m going to be blunt. Please don’t follow Michael Todd’s teachings. I can’t in good conscience support it. The pastor you follow should enjoy scripture, preach about hardships, and gain knowledge of God. They should not have to use gimmicks to preach the truth. Remember, the use of the church is to study and do life with community, not to feel good on a Sunday morning. Throughout the week, we reflect on the teachings of the church to back up our studies at home. Lastly, whenever you search for the word overflow in the bible, it will always be about God alone, being enough in all things. It also will have God being honored in all things. Meaning, that an overflow is not always about prosperity. It can be anything honorable to the Father. Psalm 12:65(NIV) The grasslands of the wilderness overflow, the hills are clothed with gladness.
Well, friends, this was a long one, so If you made it this far thank you for reading! I will provide links below for personal research. As always leave a comment so I can know your brain thoughts. Until next time. Kyrie Eleison— Lord have mercy upon us.
LR Watkins
music more important than the word?
Black Christian Content Creators to follow
The Perry’s (I’m not like, fully on board but they do follow scripture)
Lecrae (Rapper)
nobigdyl. (Rapper)
Priscilla Shirer (Speaker)
Corey Minor (He is the creator of YouTube channel I shared)
Shama Mrema (Comedian)