Calling all Urban Ministry Interns

Posted on April 23rd, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

This is a short update to simply announce that we will begin taking applications immediately for our summer urban ministry internship program to be held for the whole month of July.  Rebirth International will be partnering with Centerpoint Church of Tallahassee, FL in conducting summer urban ministry programs and will be hosting no more than 8 interns to assist in this program.

The internship will mostly focus on the development of biblical and theological perspective and character that makes for effective urban ministry leadership.  So the internship has less to do with what you do for us - and more to do with what the Lord will do in you.

The internship will be led by Mo Leverett - who has over 20 years experience in urban ministry leadership.  Mo will conduct Bible studies, cross-cultural sessions and spend ample amounts of personal mentoring time with each individual intern and with the interns as a whole.  This will certainly be a life changing experience for those God leads to participate.

Please forward requests for applications to mo@myrebirth.org.

Individuals will need to raise their own support for the program.  The program costs are $2,500.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

0 comments.

The Criminal Within

Posted on April 10th, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I used to live in New Orleans.  I now live in Tallahassee.  The two towns couldn’t be any more dissimilar.  Tallahassee is such a slower paced place. EVEN the criminals are different.

For instance, yesterday there was someone who broke into our new church facility.  When I drove up I noticed the front door pried open and thought the worst.  I was sure that the new sound equipment we had purchased was gone.  I figured that the thousands of dollars of microphones and amps and speakers and other stuff would be missing.

When I walked into the building the scent of cigarette tobacco was pervasive.  To my surprise though, I found everything intact, nothing missing.  When I walked toward the stage, I noticed cigarette butts on the stairs and thought - Man, even the criminals in Tallahassee are laid back!

And trust me, a New Orleans burglar would have made more of the opportunity.

I wondered what this guy’s thought processes were while he was sitting in the sanctuary with his cigarette.  Was he cursing God?  Was he crying out for Him?  Was he looking for warmth from the cold?  I couldn’t help but laugh at that thought  - he must not yet know how cold it gets on the inside of a good Presbyterian church.

One thing’s for sure though, He’s not the worst criminal ever to stand on that stage.  Just the day before, I was there.  And despite the fact that I didn’t break a lock to get in - God knows my heart and I know the truth.  And even though they call me Pastor - I know better.  In the church of Jesus Christ it is not so much the criminals outside of the church that concern me…rather it’s the criminal within.

Sometimes the pace in Tallahassee is too much for my restless soul.  Sometimes the lack of intense need makes me wonder why God has me here.  I sometimes think up a program to address a particular community need and discover the city has already erected a well-funded program, making my idea pointless.

Nevertheless, I know that God called me here.  I have no doubt about that.  God has me in this location for a purpose.  And I believe that Centerpoint, the church that I pastor, is about to turn a corner toward significant growth and ministry development.  My children are prospering and we are in the process of considering building a home - and putting down our roots.

I continue to press the gospel inward - and discover the ongoing need for grace and healing in my life.  And perhaps that is what God mostly called me here to do.  For all the problems that the Lord in His grace allows me to confront - the greatest of all by far is that unique challenge I face in the mirror every day.

So God save the criminals without - and even more so, the more insidious one within.

2 comments.

Asleep in the boat, again…

Posted on March 14th, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I have to say that I think that the Lord is all too often asleep in the boat when I’m in the middle of a storm.  How many times have I found myself in a tempest - anxieties building to overload, sweating bullets, and ’bout to throw in the towel - then the Lord awakens and questions my faith?

He would probably say that I’m all too often sleeping when I should be praying…

But I do sometimes wish that I had one day where the Lord would show me on the front end, how he’s going to work it out on the back end.  That way, I might be able to periodically take a nap on the boat, too!

But that is not His style.

He’s come to the rescue so many times before, you would think that I would have learned to trust by now.

One psalmist said “I was young, and now I am old - and I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging bread.”  So why then do I find myself again and again, wondering if God is truly worthy of my trust?

The old hymn says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  Perhaps that’s why I find myself too often in the state of hapless misery.

I covet your prayers for me as I struggle to find faith in the storm of life.  Pray for me too that I might remember to awaken Jesus - the Lord of the storm.

0 comments.

Of Catfish and Conferences

Posted on March 4th, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I’m on the southside of Tallahassee waiting on my favorite breakfast in the city - fried catfish at Oleans, with cheese grits and eggs - oh my!  Nothing like fried catfish to get me to worshiping in the morning - THANK YOU LORD!  Oleans is a combination of soulful cooking and gospel music - an excellent pick me up and start to a day in the blessings of a great God!

I’m only 6 months into my leadership at Centerpoint Church - it seems longer - but in the best way.  While settling into Tallahassee as home is a process, the Leverett family is in a love affair with Centerpoint.  And together we’re making good progress here carving out pathways for the gospel in the life of the city.

Rebirth International is recovering financially one step at a time.  These past mission’s conferences and concerts have been a good shot in the financial arm.  One awesome Centerpoint church member has volunteered in administration for us.  As we suppress expenses we’re able to reduce our debt and begin to invest in ministry expansion.

And of course when I am granted to speak in a church during a missions conference or otherwise, the Lord has been faithful to stir the waters considerably.  The message the Lord has given to me is as challenging to the Christian status quo as it is rooted in God’s grace in my life.  And I’ve seen the most unlikely churches restore to their vision a gospel that includes Christ’s passion for the poor.  I have seen the development of church based outreach and community development enterprises in the most unlikely places.  Praise God!

The Lord always brings individuals and couples to me who are potential next-generation leadership for new urban ministry launches.  Pray for the Spirit’s continued movement in that area.  I don’t have any commitments to speak in colleges, college ministries or seminaries.  Pray the Lord would re-open some of those doors in the near future.

We intend to hold an urban ministry internship here in Tallahassee during the summer.  There is much to do to ensure that actually happens, not the least of which is finding interns.  But I will be leading a week-long urban ministry mini-internship in New Orleans next week.  Pray for that event in the lives of those young people.

For those of you who are asking about my music - like when is the next record coming out and stuff - I just don’t know.  I have plenty of music that I’ve written, I just don’t have the money to record it. I have some stuff already in the can - like a hymn project and a remixed version of Sacred Desires (my second release).  I just don’t have the resources to get it out…oh well, in God’s timing.

Well, I’m all done with my catfish now.  I better get to work.  Hope everyone is well.  I love hearing from you all.  Thanks for your prayers and support.

0 comments.

From Tallahassee to Fort Walton to Augusta and Dalton

Posted on February 17th, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

As you already may know, Rebirth International is a ministry focused on advancing urban ministry inititiatives in pockets of poverty stateside and worldwide.

We have three major initial objectives: 1. to REVIVE ministry in the city of New Orleans post-Katrina, 2. to RESOURCE the church with urban ministry consultation and 3. to REPLICATE urban ministry in other needy areas of the country and world by raising up next generation leadership and by forging strategic partnerships.

I also have had the opportunity to serve Centerpoint Church in Tallahassee, Florida as their lead pastor for the past six months. Our family is enjoying the sweet fellowship at Centerpoint and I am enjoying the unique challenges of ministry development through a center-city church module. I’ve appreciated the church’s willingness to share in ministry with me, not only here in Tallahassee, but also beyond.

This month I will advance the cause of Rebirth by speaking at three seperate churches during their mission’s conferences.  Please pray for me as I’m out and pray for our precious church while I’m gone.

Shane and Kristen Fast have officially relocated to East St. Louis.  Pray that the Lord gives Shane favor and precedes him triumphantly into this field of urban mission.  Shane’s temporary website is located at http://www.rebirtheaststlouis.blogspot.com.

Richard Johnson continues to minister faithfully at Clark High School in New Orleans with almost no outside support or resources.  Pray for Rebirth so that we can continue to advance the cause of Christ in the abandoned places with all the resources that we need to get the job done.

Our family is very encouraged.  We’ve sold our house in New Orleans and are looking for a more permanent location here in Tallahassee.  Continue to pray for us.  We are still passionate for Christ among the poor.

0 comments.

Heading to Dallas

Posted on January 22nd, 2009 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I will be in Dallas, TX on this Friday and Saturday - performing a concert and conducting a seminar at Park Cities Presbyterian Church.  I will quickly return to preach in my own church on the art of forgiveness.

I am in the midst of transferring our office from New Orleans to our new home here in Tallahassee.  Pray for strength and wisdom.  I will be the key note speaker at Westminster Presbyterian in Fort Walton Beach, FL in February at Westminster Presbyterian for their Missions Conference.  I will also be the key note speaker at First Presbyterian’s Missions Conference in Augusta in March as well as Grace Presbyterian Church in Dalton, GA.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Leverett’s in our ongoing work to advance urban ministry initiatives.

1 comment.

Planting Seeds

Posted on December 29th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I was near San Francisco recently and visited a Redwood Forest called Muir Woods.  Some of the oldest, tallest trees on the planet grow in that area.  Some of those trees pre-date the coming of our Lord.  As I walked down a path between these towering botanical giants, I was reminded that Redwoods begin as tiny seeds - akin to the size of a mustard seed.

In the growth process - there are enormous threats and obstacles - from wind, rain and fire.  There are similar challenges for ministries as well.  Most kingdom initiatives have humble starts - even that of our Lord.  And there are many threats to be faced.  From Herod to Pilate, there are those who would seek to destroy what the Lord plants.

Thanks be to God that through storm, hardship and persecution - the Kingdom of God advances.

Rebirth International is still a small plant - a humble beginning - but already is experiencing promising growth.  This next month our friends, Shane and Kristen Fast will be launching their new work - Rebirth, East St. Louis.  I hope you will pray for them as beginning a new work in an urban setting is always a challenge, but in the midst of an economic downturn it is doubly challenging.

There are other works in the plans.  I have various trips planned in the new year - concerts, talks, internships, workshops and retreats.  Pray that the seeds we plant in ‘09 will become a forest of new works.  We ask that you will continue to pray for us as we endeavor to see Christ’s Kingdom advance among the urban poor of America.  In many ways these neighborhoods are the best suited for planting vital works of the gospel, precisely because there is so much need.

The Leverett’s are well.  Our home in New Orleans, Lord willing, will be sold by the end of January.  This will ease up some intense financial pressure on us as a family.  But it certainly feels bittersweet, not only to be taking another financial loss, but also to experience the more permanent departure from the city we love so much.

We are transitioning well into Tallahassee.  The kids are enjoying their new schools.  We love the church we are pastoring and are looking forward to the many challenges of growing ministry initiatives here, while shepherding the wider movement of Rebirth.

I’ve been so busy planting seeds in both works that I haven’t had much opportunity to keep you all updated.  I’ll try and do better in the new year. 

Hoping you had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to much growth in grace in the New Year!  Stay in touch…

 

1 comment.

Taking the Hill Country

Posted on November 20th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Sir, do you qualify for the senior discount?

Dumbfounded, I struggled for words.  This is the first time I’ve ever been mistaken as a senior citizen.  And while I feel the physical limitations my compounding 43 years have placed on me, I never thought I LOOKED that old.

And inwardly, in my spirit, I’m still a young man - with much left to accomplish and much left on the call that God has placed on my life.  I hope, if the Lord grants me many years, to be like Caleb - taking the hill country in my old age!

It’s not news anymore - the economy has turned sour.  Non-profits suffer the most during economic downturns.  I’m running two of them - Centerpoint Church and Rebirth International.

But godly vision doesn’t die during economic downturns.  Callings remain intact when markets don’t.  We’re moving forward, despite the broader instability in the economy - and seeing the Lord at work.

Rebirth International is the expression and outgrowth of a calling God placed on my life in my youth - to advance urban ministry initiatives.  The first phase of that calling was fulfilled in the ministry I formed at Desire Street.  Much was learned there through seeing the Lord at work.  We’re now advancing that vision beyond Desire Street by coaching churches and ministries in their unique efforts and by replicating new works in places of extraordinary need.

I hope you will pray for us as we turn toward a new year.  Shane and Kristen Fast are moving to East St. Louis in January to launch Rebirth - ESL.  We’re so proud of them and are praying that the Lord goes before them with strength and wisdom.

And we’re settling into Tallahassee - enjoying the new church we’re pastoring!  I’ve also had the opportunity to do some speaking and concerting in various locations even in the first few months while I’m here.  We’re making plans for internships and workshops in ‘09.

Keep praying for us and keep giving as the Lord allows.  I need your help, now more than ever.  I’m getting older by the minute.

1 comment.

Car Abuse

Posted on October 23rd, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

My Toyota Corrolla is an ‘06.  I’ve owned it for a little over 2 years.  It’s about to bust 100,000 miles.  Some may call this car abuse.  I call it driving in the fast lane.  Thank God for the good gas mileage!

I’m on my way to do a concert in Titusville, FL for my dear friends Gary and Lori Ginn, their church and associates.  My life is split in three, maybe four, different directions.  I’m the proud Pastor of Centerpoint Church in Tallahassee, FL.  Rebirth International’s office and a house that I own and have for sale are in New Orleans, LA.  And I’m on the road periodically keeping the vision alive for incarnational ministry among the poor.  The fourth direction, if you can call it that, is the sharing of this journey with my amazing family - who occupy all of my most quality time.

Lindsay’s doing well at Tallahassee Community College.  She’s making good grades and aspiring to own her own car - oh my!

Lacey is at Godby High School - a majority black high school in West Tallahassee.  She is my family evangelist and gatherer.  She’s invited literally dozens of her friends to Youth Group, church, Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Maggie is in middle school - seems to be liking it - but she’s in that pre-teen mode where she doesn’t enjoy chatting with her Dad as much…

Manning is in the 4th grade and still creating home-made bows and arrows to shoot at his Dad.

Ellen, my dear wife of 22 years, is happy, contented and thankful.

I’m a little tired, but in the best possible way.  It’s the kind of tired that makes ya proud at night and eager in the morning.  It’s been a load of fun to enter into the lives of many here in Tally and inspire them toward Christ-centered missional living.

I’m falling behind in some of my obligations, need help and assistance, but am entirely committed to finishing the task.

Shane and Kristen Fast are a couple of months away from launching Rebirth: East St. Louis.  This is exciting.

I’ve been busy in the vacant spaces to speak at retreats, perform concerts, meet with prospective ministry leaders, teach classes and raise money for Rebirth.  We’re making plans for classes and internships this Fall, Spring and Summer.

Keep us all in your prayers as I’m putting a few more miles on this dusty wagon.  And thank you for continuing to contribute to the cause of Rebirth!

1 comment.

There’s nothing boring about that…

Posted on October 3rd, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I’m gonna miss you Manny Man, I said.

Where are you going, Dad, he responded in a frustrated tone?

I’m going out of town my buddy.

Aw Dad, can I come with you?  It’s Friday - my teacher won’t miss me on a Friday.

I don’t think you’d enjoy it buddy, it will be a long and boring trip.

Not if I’m sitting next to ya Dad. I’ll make it fun for ya…

Well…I didn’t cave, but I sure wanted to.  I’m all by my lonesome on the way to speak to a church who will be on retreat in the Carolinas.

In addition to reminding them of God’s passionate love for them, I will also remind them of some of His additional passions to join Him in.  I intend to sneak in a little bit of the opportunity to partner with impoverished communities through the work of Rebirth.

Things are going well, at least from my perspective, at Centerpoint Church in Tallahassee.  Ministry in this setting is a far cry from life in Desire - but I am enjoying being a pastor and believe the church is excited about the prospects for their future.  We’re beginning to lay the foundation for strategic initiatives in the urban, university, business, arts and government sectors of the city.

While I don’t think of myself as a pulpiteer, I am actually enjoying representing, as best I know how, the face and heart of God to this precious congregation.

I’m thankful as well for the opportunity to continue to give vision and leadership to Rebirth.  I have a number of newly scheduled concerts and retreats that I will be leading in the Fall.

I am still making every effort to gather resources for this vital work, even in these difficult economic times.  We will conduct a conference for Rebirth’s ministry leaders from East St. Louis, New Orleans, Mobile and Tallahassee, and other interested persons in the coming year.  We will do strategic planning and prayer regarding the passions of God for the poor.

We have a plan to plant incarnational works in the most challenged urban communities throughout the I-10 and I-55 corridors and beyond within the next 5 years.  We are maintaining momentum toward that end and are looking forward to all that God will do.  And there’s nothing boring about that!

Thanks for joining me on this trip and the many others I will be taking in the near future - my friendship with you makes every trip fun!  Please stay in touch..

1 comment.

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