Meet Our Team

Tyisha Kleckley
  • Assistant Pastor
Henry Kleckley
  • Assistant Pastor
Jeremiah Clark
  • Assistant Pastor
From the Desk of BISHOP JAMES E. BOLDEN III, DD., Th.D., D.S.
As seekers of truth, we must understand that spirituality and religion are not the same yet they are not incompatible either.

From a Christian perspective, to be spiritual means to know and confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh and is King and Savior (1 John 4:2). Jesus Himself said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). His Word reaches into both realms spirit and life bringing truth that cannot be found anywhere else.

Spirituality is not based on feelings, emotions, or personal experiences. True spirituality is found in knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). And the only way to know the truth about God is for God Himself to reveal it through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-11).

Think of it this way: we cannot know another person’s thoughts unless they choose to reveal them. In the same way, no one can truly know God unless He reveals Himself to us through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Religion, on the other hand, is an organized form of worship rules, structures, and traditions established to guide us in honoring God. But religion without relationship means little to Him. In Scripture, we see that God gave Israel laws and commandments at Mt. Sinai after bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 19). Yet, what God desired most was not empty rituals, but their wholehearted devotion (Isaiah 1:13-14).

This does not mean religion is unimportant. It does mean that without a genuine heart toward God, religion can become what Paul described as “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Salvation is not found in rituals alone but in the blood of Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 10:9-11).

Christianity, however, is not without structure. God is building His church a living, breathing body guided by the Holy Spirit. As Peter wrote, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Paul echoed this truth, teaching that the church is like a body made up of many different members, each one needed, each one important (1 Corinthians 12:15-20).

So while religion provides structure, spirituality gives life. Together, they point us back to God’s design a people transformed by His Spirit, organized for His purpose, and motivated to serve Him.

Let us remain steadfast and continue to “Stay Motivated About Jesus.”

From the Desk of Dr. Cynthia E. Bolden, Th.D.
Why are we so tired and stressed these days? Somewhere along the way, we’ve picked up the idea that we have to “do it all.” (And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way!) But if we keep going without pause, something will always suffer.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 11:28 (AMP), “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.”
What a joy it is to know that our Heavenly Father cares so deeply for us that He even calls us to rest. We’ve all had seasons of being weary, overwhelmed, and desperate for change. If that’s you, I want to share a few points “from my desk” on how to experience God’s peace. It all begins with learning to get away … and get away with HIM.

Finding Rest in Him

Where did we even get the idea that we must constantly stay busy? Even our Heavenly Father modeled rest. Genesis 2:2 reminds us, “On the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested.” He didn’t want us so consumed with working and producing that we miss out on worshiping and enjoying His creation.

God shows us what life should look like a healthy balance of work and rest that’s only possible through Him. He longs for us to rest in His presence instead of trying to carry everything on our own. The truth is, God is tired of us being too tired for Him.

Everyone needs a resting place, a quiet moment where you can sit back, close your eyes, and allow God to refresh your spirit. In His presence, you’ll find the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). This is time set apart just for you and God.

I know life is busy. We all have jobs, families, and responsibilities. But even a few minutes can become holy ground. It might be in your closet, your car during a lunch break, or even in the bathroom. What matters is creating a space where you can slow down, quiet your heart, and focus on Him.

When you enter that place, listen. Ask God to still your thoughts, to shift your focus from your endless “to-do list” to the things above. Learn to rest in His silence and let His presence renew you.

Because no matter how overwhelming life feels, you do have time to rest in Him.