Dr. L. Bernard Jakes

by Deacon Kevin Brockenbrough
(West Point Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL)

God made this world, this universe and all that lives within it. And in Pastor Jakes, God made a man worthy of trumpeting the Word of God. God is Love, and you'd be hard pressed to find a man with a bigger heart than Pastor Jakes. His willingness to serve food to those who were living in the project housing behind our church touched me but his energy in finding new housing for the families living in them (when the city was preparing to tear those projects down), impressed me to the core. His work in preventing abuse - child, spouse, elderly - is inspiring. But his sermon using the movie "Precious" was an experience (not just a sermon, an experience) because you didn't just hear it - you FELT it. It was raw and earthy and tear-stained, and you could hear God's voice in it. I could see God looking down from Heaven during that sermon and saying "That's my boy. Tell it!!"

Many preachers use the pulpit as a grandstand but don't put action to their faith. They're just a bunch of noise you'll see waving a welcome sign outside the gate to hell.

But Jakes is like David: a servant God loves because he doesn't pretend to be perfect and puts every atom of his essence into praising God.

A great singer, a loving husband, and a passionate father who can break down seminary-level theology and hard knock street life to "neighbors of all flavors" (all colors, all incomes, all people).

Every church may think they have a great pastor and God Bless them if they do, but I don't have to think - I know. "Because I tried him for myself..."

Pastor Jakes, you are a blessing and I can't wait to see what comes next as you bring your vision to reality and to God's glory.

- Deacon Kevin Brockenbrough