Fred Luter, recently elected Southern Baptist Convention President, continues to inspire many Christians with his ideas of diversity and initiatives to create positive change. As a proponent of using faith for good works, Rev. Andre Allen, responds to Luter's vision with enthusiasm.
Wheaton, Illinois (PRBuzz.com) August 24, 2012 -- Although Christianity in America has faced a tumultuous history, the recent election of Rev. Fred Luther as the first African-American Southern Baptist Convention President, has encouraged many to embrace religion in a new way. A recent article from The Shelby Star uses Luter's sermons as an example of how his faith is based on beliefs that man can change to become an empowering Christian. In addition, it notes how many religious leaders are responding to Luter's passion; these leaders believe that Luter's involvement will reshape America's interpretation of Christianity to become more diverse. Rev. Andre Allen has preached many of the same values as Senior Pastor at Illinois-based New Beginnings Ministries Worldwide, and is proud of these recent developments made by Luter.
The article highlights many of Fred Luter's statements that have empowered many Christians. In one sermon, Luter states, "The Gospel can save a gangbanger. The Gospel can save a crack addict. The Gospel can save a child abuser. The Gospel can change you and the Gospel can change me. How do I know it? At one time I was too mean to live and not fit to die, going to hell and enjoying the ride. But one day I heard the Gospel and the Gospel changed my life." Rev. Andre Allen notes that looking at Luter's transition from hard times to becoming SBC President truly demonstrates how much faith can improve one's life. Although many believe that Luter has already made great strides throughout his life, he continues to urge people to reach out and turn people to Christ.
In the article John Houze, pastor of People's Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC, discusses how deep the changes will be in the community in response to Luter's positive attitude and spiritual encouragement. Houze states, "I believe he will remove a lot of stereotyping and negativity that the convention has received in the past and we can truly say this is a new day and we have opportunity to show the world that there is no division in the body of Christ. Those familiar with Luter's story realize that he is Christian first, then Southern Baptist, and that is the spirit that this nation of Christians need." In response, Rev. Andre Allen concludes, "Rev. Luter's life is a powerful testimony to the transforming message of the good news of Jesus Christ. God is able to bring about a positive change in anyone's life. The more we trust God the better our lives become."
ABOUT:
Rev. Andre Allen is the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Ministries Worldwide located in Carol Stream, Illinois. He has served in ministry for nearly 40 years. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity from the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Rev. Andre Allen worked as the associate minister of Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Andre Allen lives with his wife and has five daughters and twelve grandchildren.
Michael McGarety
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