‘Awe and Expectancy’
Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church invites the Los Angeles community to be a part of the one-day revival on Thursday, May 9. Worship begins at 7pm in the church’s sanctuary at 1177 W. 25th St. in Los Angeles. Onsite lots provide free parking and public transportation is nearby via bus and train.
The revivalist, a teacher/preacher/ scholar, is Rev. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr., senior pastor of St Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. “When Ward adopted its theme for 2023- 2024 – Harvesting Grace: A Season of Praise, we were fully aware of the challenge to teach and demonstrate our commitment to making a difference,” said Rev. Barry Settle, pastor of Ward AME Church. While pondering ways to provide the testimonial teaching on church spirituality with authentic healthy examples to consider, Pastor Settle remembered Pastor Pointer.
Prepared to serve, while engaging with the people, Dr. Pointer embarked upon ministry in the community that has led to outreach initiatives serving the entire Little Rock area via Tendaji Community Development Corporation and the people of St. Mark. The youth benefit from an after-school program for elementary students – Program IMPACT; and “Reclaiming Scholars” – an alternative suspension program for middle and high school students.
Adults benefit from the record expungement program, food fairs, and exposure to a trusted voice, when faced with essential topics requiring “real time” solutions. The community wins through the civic engagement of “St Markites” who were spotted in tee shirts recently commanding the line of waiting voters. The people gain an empowering and loving community.
When asked, what do I want to preach? You know, I think Romans 5, “Having been justified by faith, we have access into this grace in which we stand,” down into verse 8, “God commends his love, demonstrates his love for us, in that while we be yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.” Pastor Pointer concludes with a reminder that he must be faithful to the conveying the word of God.
Rev. Pointer’s early beginnings exposed him to the commitment and lifestyle of several dedicated preachers. For four generations, from his father’s and mother’s lineage, there have been Baptist preachers. Even with that grounding, this Washington, DC native sought excellence by earning a Master of Divinity Degree with honors from The Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia and continuing studies at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he was awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree. He currently leads a Doctoral Cohort at United for a collective of doctoral candidates.
Dr. Pointer resides in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife, Keya, and their three children: Gabriela, Phillip, Jr., and Elijah.
For more information, contact the Ward church office at (213-747-1367 or visit the website at www.wardamechurch.org.
