SPOTLIGHT

Charles Stanley Buys TV Network

Southern Baptists Sell FamilyNet Television to Prominent Pastor

A megachurch pastor known affectionately by thousands as “America’s pastor” announced in August his intention to purchase FamilyNet Television from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

After more than 50 years of ministry, Charles Stanley, 75, founder and chairman of Atlanta-based In Touch Ministries, was set to officially own the Christian network by the beginning of this month. The sale amount had not been finalized at press time.

“I am excited about this new opportunity to reach millions of people around the world,” Stanley told Charisma, “while also continuing the mutual goal of NAMB and FamilyNet, which is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Beyond his 17,000-member First Baptist Church in Atlanta, which he has pastored since 1971, Stanley’s impact has been both national and global. His sermons are broadcast over radio, TV and the Internet in more than 100 languages worldwide. He is also a New York Times best-selling author, with more than 50 books on Christian living in print. His latest book, Landmines in the Path of the Believer (Thomas Nelson), released in September.

Purchased from Jerry Falwell in 1991 by the NAMB, FamilyNet is currently available in more than 30 million homes nationwide. According to In Touch Ministries, all of FamilyNet’s current and future programming is “under review,” as Stanley’s ministry examines ways to grow the 24-hour network’s viewership.

Stanley, a former SBC president, hopes to build the network for the task he feels is urgently at hand. “I see this network acquisition as another important step toward my goal and purpose of reaching as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, as simply as possible, in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God,” he says.

Since August, all network operations have been in the process of moving to Atlanta from FamilyNet’s former headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jordan Rubin, dubbed “America’s Health Evangelist,” launched a second season of Extraordinary Health on TBN in September. The Bible-based health program is designed to help people abandon the “weight loss roller coaster” of “fad diets” by, among other things, eating more organic “living foods.” Also on the show, a fitness trainer teaches how to maximize a 20-minute workout and raw food chef Mandy Canistelle offers tips on preparing the “perfect snack.” Rubin, the New York Times best-selling author of The Maker’s Diet, will release Perfect Weight America (Charisma House) in January.

The PBS science program NOVA planned to air on Nov. 13 a dramatic courtroom re-enactment of a case that ruled teaching intelligent design in a public school unconstitutional, according to the York Daily Record of Pennsylvania. Titled Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, the original two-hour special relies on court transcripts from the 2005 showdown to recreate the compelling arguments from both sides of the debate.

Evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne, known for his emphasis on joy and revival, is now broadcast exclusively on GOD TV. Chronicles of Revival airs weekday mornings and features ministry events from churches across the U.S., including from The River, Howard-Browne’s church in Tampa, Fla. A revivalist originally from South Africa, he has been functioning as a missionary to the U.S. for more than 20 years.

My Turn

I enjoyed Julie Lyon’s story of deliverance from same-sex attraction (“My Secret Struggle,” May). Praise God for her courage in baring her soul.

Men and women—myself included—are being miraculously and undeniably delivered from bondage to homosexuality. In most instances there is a spiritual component associated with this problem. Those who walk out of homosexuality do so though the power of prayer along with faith in the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.

Further, I believe that some of the underlying factors in homosexuality include a rift in the same-sex parent relationship, in-utero rejection of the child’s gender and loneliness in childhood and adolescence. These can contribute to a propensity toward homosexuality.

Disillusioned and without God, these emotionally broken people begin to believe the lie of homosexuality. The popular mantra is, “I was born this way.” The Bible does indeed say that homsexuality is a consequence for sin (see Rom. 1:21-27), but the story doesn’t end there! The Scriptures go on to say that some of those same people were “washed and cleansed”—completely delivered from homosexuality. I praise God for Julie’s deliverance, for my own and for the freedom of those for whom I am praying.
Steve Rees
Longmont, Colorado

Reaching the Digital Generation

I really enjoyed your article about ministry on secular campuses in the United States (“God on Campus” by Suzy A. Richardson, September). Many rising freshman leave home unaware of the temptations and dangers that await them on campus, but I thank God for the ministries that reach out to our young people.
E. Johnson
Titusville, Florida

I was so excited to see the cover of the September issue. I almost ran for my scissors to cut it out, frame it and hang it on my wall! It was so refreshing to see nicely dressed Christian young people with smiles on their faces.

You see, I am very tired of the many pictures of the so-called worship leaders and Christian bands that look like they just crawled out from under a rock or out of the gutter. They look as if they are trying to compete with Hollywood and worldly bands. God forbid that they should ever smile.

I believe young people who are up front representing Christ should be role models. I know God saves us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. I know He looks on the heart, but a changed heart will also be reflected on the outside.
Curt Vieselmeyer
Boise, Idaho

God and the Apostate Church

David Kyle Foster’s article about the apostate church was refreshingly frank and focused (“The Judas Church,” September). However, I would like to have seen more attention given to the numerous individual evangelical churches within these openly apostate denominations.

Despite the statistically confirmed exodus of members from the denominations, there are many members who are reluctant to leave because their own pastors and congregations are staunchly biblical, and there are legal reasons why it is difficult for such churches to secede. They do, however, network with others in the same situation, as is the case with the Confessing Church Movement within the Presbyterian Church (USA).

I see in many Methodist churches strong signs of resistance to the denomination’s characteristic liberalism and instead, a faithfulness to the authority of Scripture—even accepting the reality of Satan. However many Methodists are still uncomfortable with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Richard H. Parvin
Clearwater, Florida

David Kyle Foster pulled no punches! He named names, he named denominations and he told it like it is. This is the kind of hard-hitting truth the body of Christ needs during these end times to awaken it from the lethargic spiritual stupor the devil has lulled it into.

I have family members who belong to the Episcopal Church USA, and I grieve for them. They know that what is happening in their church is wrong, but they are too comfortable.
name withheld
Jacksonville, Florida

David Kyle Foster’s description of the Judas church was right on. As a lifelong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a charismatic believer, I am appalled that the ELCA is moving toward inclusion of practicing homosexuals in the clergy.

At this year’s synod assembly, proposals to advance the acceptance of homosexual clergy were uppermost on the agenda—above missions or evangelism. I pray the Lord will open more people’s eyes to expose Satan’s deception.
Carolyn T. Linn
Fresno, California

Please keep publishing articles like David Kyle Foster’s exposé of the liberal, apostate church. It may make us a little uncomfortable, but if it lines up with the Word of God, we must hear it.

Because we are in a season in which God’s judgment is coming to the church, we must be willing to judge all things by His Word. My words are obviously worth nothing unless they line up with His.
Terry Walters
Gainesville, Florida

The Devil is Hiding

Your article on domestic violence was prophetic (“The Sin We Hide From View” by Marcia Davis-Seale, August). I am so grateful that Charisma is on the cutting edge spiritually. You go into the spiritual dark places where the devil has been hiding. Your article uncovered the terrible sin of family violence not only in the homes of the masses but also among church leaders.
Rev. M.C. Campbell
Victory Christian Center of Hollywood
Los Angeles, California

I too have been the victim of domestic violence. My husband and I were in the ministry, and my circumstances strongly affected my three sons.

I had to get a protective order from the court. The commissioner said to me: “Lady, it’s just a piece of paper. Protect yourself.” My husband was a backslidden preacher, and I can say that I am no longer in an abusive marriage.
name withheld

Superstar Christianity?

I am in total agreement with J. Lee Grady regarding his criticism of superstar Christianity (Fire in My Bones, September). These preachers who are ripping off parishioners need to refocus their attention on Jesus. They should sell their private jets, luxury cars and yachts and use the money to minister to the poor.
H. Charles
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania

I just finished reading about the appalling behavior of some preachers. Although I
have heard a few of these examples, I have never heard such egocentric tales of God’s servants. I cannot even imagine how this breaks the Father’s heart.
Lynn Mosher
Louisville, Kentucky

Thank you, Charisma, for honoring God. And remember when others don’t want the truth, you must still cry loud and spare not. Yes, we need love in the body of Christ, but we most certainly need truth that makes us free.
Helen Swift
via e-mail

Thanks for being a voice of scriptural reasoning in a time where human reasoning seems to be winning over biblical teaching.
Charles Venezio
Round Rock, Texas

Women in the Pulpit

I read your excellent article about women in ministry (“Make Way for the Women” by Maureen D. Eha, June). But I noticed that the feedback to the article from readers was mostly negative.

People have misinterpreted the Bible. History tells us the women of Corinth were loud, rude and disorderly—and that is why Paul said for the women to be silent.
Who tended to the Lord’s needs? The women who followed Him. Who went with the Lord to the cross and even to the grave? His women followers. More women need to take their place in ministry and listen to God.
Raymond Mestas
Durango, Colorado

When King Josiah needed to hear a word from God he went to a woman, Huldah (see 2 Kin. 22:11-14). Deborah was asked to go with the army when a man refused to go without her (Judg. 4:4). She left her husband at home, apparently. Phillip’s four daughters were evangelists.

Need I say more? Read your Bible! God is no respecter of persons.
Darlene Woods
Chamois, Missouri

Women received the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room in Acts 2. Why? So they could be better housewives and sexpots for their husbands? I admonish young women everywhere to be obedient to the heavenly vision—which has an eternal reward.
Lucie Shouse
Arleta, California

Isn’t it time for the church to set aside this argument about who has the right to equip others for ministry? If the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few, how can we plead for more workers and then disqualify some on the basis of gender?
Rev. Rosie Farnsworth
Kingston, Washington

We Need an Explanation

I’m disappointed by the recent divorce announcement made by pastors Randy and Paula White, and by the fight between Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III and his wife, Juanita Bynum. We all have problems. But to get a divorce and fight in public—how do you explain this?
C. Dennis
Perry, Florida

As a husband and father of two daughters, I was dismayed to read in our local paper that megachurch pastors Randy and Paula White are getting a divorce. Paula said she and her husband have grown apart in the pursuit of their ministries.
In your recent cover story on women ministers (June), you included a shorter article that contained advice for women. Step 15 said: “Don’t neglect your family. Take care of your husband, children and responsibilities at home.” Where in any of these steps is divorce recommended in order for a ministry to grow?

At a time when the family is treated with contempt, the church must raise a standard. I would rather see Paula step down from in front of the camera and stand with her husband. That would be a better example for the world and for other women in the church.
Brian Stembridge
Jacksonville, Florida

Turn Down the Volume!

Your readers have spoken out about the issue of worship and volume (Feedback, September). My wife and I have been to the last two Pikes Peak Worship Festivals and have truly enjoyed the experience of worship. It’s sad, but the churches just don’t get it. Worship doesn’t have to be loud to be anointed.

Remember that old song “God’s Not Dead—He’s Alive.” One could also sing, “God’s not deaf—He hears quite well.” The point of worship is to come into the Lord’s presence. I feel that music directed to Him gets His attention quickly.
Lenes Gomez
Port Allen, Louisiana

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
By Bill Johnson, Destiny Image,
softcover, 174 pages, $15.99.

We know that God has good thoughts and plans for all His children. But let’s face it; the devil and the flesh will try to thwart those plans and provide an unexpected end and dash our hopes. In Strengthen Yourself in the Lord, pastor and author Bill Johnson reminds us to fight for God’s plans and teaches us how to be strong and courageous through the storms that will come in this life. Johnson begins the process of changing wrong thinking by proving that the reality of the cross of Christ is stronger than the “inferior reality of our physical circumstances.” He goes on to establish the “superior reality” that the kingdom of God represents. The author traces this conclusion from the Scripture “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” When on occasion we feel as if we cannot take one more pounding, that is when we need to find strength and rise to face our situations. Johnson illustrates that as we spend time with God we will be victorious.
J. James Estrada

BOOKS

Why Good People Mess Up
By John Loren Sandford, Charisma House,
softcover, 224 pages, $14.99.

In the wake of public moral failings of prominent Christian leaders, many are asking, “Why do Christian leaders fall?” Why Good People Mess Up tackles the difficult question head-on. John Loren Sanford identifies the various causes of moral failings—personal, historical, theological and spiritual—and sets about offering practical ways to counter these pernicious influences through staying grounded in the Word, nourishing your marital sex life, learning to identify “defiling passions” and maintaining accountability. The emphasis is on sexual failings, but this isn’t your usual, simplistic “don’t look, don’t touch” treatment of the subject. Sanford digs deep beneath the problems that lead to illicit behaviors, offering an intriguing description of “spiritual adultery,” which he defines as when “we grant to another person other than our spouse that position of comfort and refreshment that belongs first and sometimes only to our spouse.” He names it as an inevitable prelude to physical adultery. This is a must-read for anyone confused by the failures of Christian leaders or for those who simply want to stem the tide of destructive temptations in their own lives.
Drew Dyck

Women in the Church of God in Christ
By Anthea D. Butler, The University of North Carolina Press,
softcover, 224 pages, $18.95.

In her new book, Anthea D. Butler introduces the reader to three giants among the great women pioneers in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC): Elizabeth Robinson, Lillian Brooks Coffey, and Arenia C. Mallory. These women along with others built ministries, schools, missions and congregations across the United States and in the Caribbean as well as in Africa. Mallory, she notes, in her expansion of the COGIC Christian academy in Mississippi to a Christian liberal arts college, became the second black women to serve as the president of an undergraduate institution in the United States. At the heart of Butler’s thesis is that early in their history COGIC women expanded holiness doctrine to include sanctifying the world. The entry of COGIC women into the civic arena led to their working with prominent American women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ethel Waters and Mary McLeod Bethune. During the 1930s, COGIC women joined Bethune in organizing the National Council of Negro Women. They also partnered with black sororities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha in teacher training and health care projects in Mississippi, and helped craft the denomination’s civic witness. Butler has achieved a great goal in this book by shedding light on the ministry of women during the first six decades of the 20th century.
David Daniels III

Save Me From Myself
By Brian “Head” Welch, HarperOne,
hardcover, 240 pages, $25.95.

Books on atheism have become New York Times best-sellers lately, as multiple humanists deride the very idea of a God. Then along comes someone like Brian “Head” Welch, former lead guitarist of the nu metal band Korn. Welch not only knows there is a God, he also describes his experiences with Him with a gut-level honesty that will shock traditionalists. But this book isn’t aimed at church audiences. It’s for those trapped in the drug-alcohol-and-sexual-perversion world in which Welch once lived. Because of its sometimes-coarse language and vivid descriptions of rock star bacchanalia, you aren’t likely to find it in many Christian bookstores. Yet it’s worth giving it to someone struggling with the things the world promises will bring fulfillment. For those who aren’t turned off by the idea of encountering this ugly environment, the book includes a chapter about Welch’s Spirit-filled experience and a solid endorsement of speaking in tongues.
Ken Walker
Read an excerpt from Save Me From Myself at charismamag.com/welch.

MUSIC

A Deeper Level
By Israel and New Breed, Integrity Gospel.

It appears that Israel Houghton has no signs of slowing down these days. Along with preparing to go on tour and promoting his new book, he has released his fifth album, A Deeper Level (also the book title). A Deeper Level, recorded live, opens with the heartfelt call to worship “So Come,” which begins with a beautiful violin solo that meshes well with Houghton’s vocals. Several praise tracks are likely to be replicated in Sunday services, including “Say So” and “Surely Surely.” Some of contemporary Christian music’s best are featured on various tracks: Chris Tomlin on “I Know Who I Am,” Hillsong’s Darlene Zschech on “Deeper Prayer” and rap artist T-Bone on the reggae-flavored “With Long Life.” No Israel and New Breed project would be complete without some standout worship tracks such as “If Not for Your Grace,” “Deeper” and the encouraging bonus cut “You Are Not Forgotten,” featuring fellow Grammy winner Jonny Lang. A Deeper Level is by far the most versatile, heartfelt and socially conscious album Israel and New Breed have done. They continue to redefine their sound, refusing to be categorized by normal standards and creating “kingdom music” to reach the world.
Twanna Powell-Green

All for Love
By Lenny LeBlanc, Integrity Music.

Recorded live at Faith Church in Florence, Ala., Lenny LeBlanc’s new project, All for Love, centers on the hope of revival. Just out from the veteran worship singer-songwriter known for songs such as “Above All,” “There Is None Like You” and “We All Bow Down,” the album is acoustic-based soft pop, with electric guitars creating emphasis on the opening anthem, “Ascend,” and the soaring “Breathe on Me.” On “The Rain,” LeBlanc expresses his expectation with pop-rock sounds, relaying his hope for revival. The same passion is present in the proclamation “Make Way for the King,” which focuses on the Second Coming. Other highlights include “Portrait of My King” and “Glory to Your Name,” a song of allegiance and dedication. LeBlanc is a marquee name in worship circles, and listeners will want to check out his newest collection. All for Love offers a soft, pop-worship experience and a new collection of songs easily incorporated into local church settings.
Dewayne Hamby

Paga’
By Kelly Willard, Autumn Records.

In 2004 Kelly Willard’s marriage failed, her parents died and her teenage daughter, Haylie, committed suicide. Out of such deep pain comes Paga’, Willard’s first studio album in 11 years. This album—a throwback to Willard’s Maranatha! Music days, when she was a featured soloist—is a meditative, egoless collection. Willard wrote most of the songs on the album, and all of them illustrate her journey. In “Charity,” Willard sings, “I am nothing / Jesus, reduce me to love.” In “‘Til I Desire Only You,” she sings, “Strip away all the substitutes.” One can’t help but assume that for Willard, these are not just songs, but “intercessions”—and Paga’, a Hebrew word, means exactly that. Although this album treads no new ground musically, Willard’s emotional sincerity makes it, at times, an exhilarating, worshipful experience. Overall, fans of ’70s and ’80s Maranatha! Music will enjoy this album, though uninitiated listeners might have too many musical hurdles to overcome. However, that Willard even put this album out in light of her recent tragedies is amazing and a true testament to her faith in God.
Cameron Conant

Christmas Songs
By Jars of Clay, Gray Matters

When an artist has been quietly making near genius music for more than a decade, it’s easy to start taking said artist for granted. Such is the case with Jars of Clay, who remind us of just how much they bring to the table with their first full-length Christmas album simply titled Christmas Songs. Some of the gems on this 14-track collection include a tasteful remake of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” an early ’80s Euro-pop translation of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Another sure-fire hit is “Hibernation Day,” a classic-pop number that displays the band’s full range of influence. For those burned out on holiday music, this early Christmas gift comes highly recommended for repeat (but never redundant) listening.
Chad Bonham

Fiction

SUSPENSE

Vanished
By Kathryn Mackel, Realms,
softcover, 304 pages, $12.99.

A bombing in working-class Barcester, Mass., cuts the residents off from the rest of the world. Police sergeant Jason Logan tries to keep order and wonders why help isn’t arriving. Soon it’s clear this situation is even more sinister than anyone can imagine. It’s as if the town has vanished. Their fight for survival has just begun.

ROMANCE

Bluebonnet Belle
By Lori Copeland, Steeple Hill,
softcover, 384 pages, $6.99.

It’s the late 1800s and April Truitt has good reason to distrust doctors—her mother died during an operation. Newcomer Dr. Gray Fuller admires April’s concern for her townspeople, but he can’t fully appreciate her herbal alternative approach. Can these two see beyond their differences and learn to work together?

CONTEMPORARY

After the Leaves Fall
By Nicole Baart, Tyndale House Publishers,
softcover, 350 pages, $12.99.

Julia DeSmit knows loss. First her mother leaves when she is just a young girl. Her father dies when she’s a teenager. And she loses her first love. It seems college would be a great place to start over. But one wrong decision changes everything. Returning to her grandmother’s farm discouraged, Julia learns that change comes in unexpected ways.

NEW ON DVD

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF HA’S
Big Idea, $14.99.
Only Big Idea could combine elements of the Wizard of Oz and the prodigal son parable and make it work. Darby (Junior Asparagus) wants to go to the Land of Ha’s. When his dad says no, Darby takes off on his own. On the way he meets three strangers and he invites them along. Although they have lots of fun, everyone begins to miss home. But Darby wonders how his father could forgive him. Children will enjoy this familiar Bible story with a new, fun twist.

INCREDIBLE CREATURES THAT DEFY EVOLUTION
Exploration Films, $49.95.
Jobe Martin believed in evolution. When some Christian dentistry students at Baylor College said he should prove the theory, he began researching animals, ultimately realizing that only a Creator could have designed them. This documentary, a limited three-disc DVD set available at explorationfilms.com, offers examples of God’s amazing creation and is appropriate for all ages.

A WOWIEBOZOWEE CHRISTMAS
Exclaim Entertainment, $12.99.
Boz the Green Bear Next Door and his neighbors are getting ready for Christmas. Join the fun with sing-along carols and hear the nativity story. Boz and friends show that the best gifts come from the heart. Bonus features include “Christmas Around the World,” which explores how people in Africa, China, Germany, France, Mexico and Sweden celebrate Christmas.

SPOTLIGHT

Fresh Winds

Micah Stampley says worships can bring miracles.

Micah Stampley has performed on projects recorded by T.D. Jakes, released two solo projects and founded his own record label. But the 36-year-old says what excites him more is hearing testimonies from people who say they were healed while listening to songs on his latest release, Fresh Wind, such as “I Believe,” which his wife wrote while reading a book about healing evangelist Smith Wigglesworth. “It’s always been my passion to see musicians and singers get back to a realm in the Spirit of God where we’ll see miracles, signs and wonders [happen] just by hearing the songs of the Lord,” he says. “We’ve seen the manifested power of God oozing out of that song.”
Adrienne S. Gaines

Prayer Point

Reports of divorce among ministry leaders is a reminder of the challenges married couples face—both those inside and outside the media spotlight. This month we encourage you to pray that:
»God would bring peace and healing in troubled relationships and homes
»Couples facing marital challenges would find wise counselors
»High-profile breakups won’t cause Christians to become disillusioned about marriage.

Number – Cruching

In its annual study measuring attitudes toward freedom of religion, speech and the press, the First Amendment Center (FAC) found that most Americans (55 percent) believe the Constitution established the U.S. as a Christian nation. The August survey of 1,003 people also found that 58 percent of respondents believe public schoolteachers should be allowed to lead prayers and 56 percent believe freedom of religion applies to all groups regardless of how extreme their views are, down from 72 percent in 2000. FAC scholars expressed alarm at the findings. Gene Policinski, executive director of the center, told USA Today: “People are applying their own values … rather than educated knowledge of the Constitution,” which he says “clearly establishes the U.S. as a secular nation.”

HEALTH

Temple Keeping

After dropping seven dress sizes and 85 pounds, former registered nurse Kimberly Floyd is now teaching others how to lose weight and develop a healthy lifestyle. “The struggle wasn’t in losing the weight,” says Floyd, who founded Fairburn, Ga.-based Take Back Your Temple (takebackyourtemple.com) in 2005. “It was in keeping it off and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Floyd teaches that healthy living is a matter of good stewardship. Through her faith-based workshops and book, MoneyWise Weight Loss: the Faith-Based Plan for Building a Better Body on a Budget, she offers tips for purchasing wholesome foods on a budget and encourages people to prioritize their health. “Losing weight is ultimately not about size, it’s about stewardship, she says. “It’s about making the most of all the resources God has given us, which includes our physical bodies. Achieving our optimal weight is one way that we can regain our energy, joy, and live the abundant life that we are called to live.”
Theresa Harvard Johnson

MARKETPLACE MINISTRY

The for-profit venture will help fund outreach activities

A charismatic megachurch in Jacksonville, Fla., has reopened an abandoned mall in hopes of generating jobs and hope in its community.

Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin and his Potter’s House Christian Fellowship spent $4 million four years ago to buy what was then known as the Normandy Mall. After millions more went to renovations and on-site construction—including a 4,000-seat sanctuary, a 1,000-seat children’s church, two indoor playgrounds, a teen restaurant, a recording studio and more—the church unveiled its Kingdom Plaza shopping mall.

“Our purpose was basically just to transform the community that we live in,” McLaughlin said. “It wasn’t retail just for business’ sake, but now with the mall and through our school, we’re employing more than 200 people. … It’s always been our vision to transform a community—educationally, economically, socially. That’s been our plan from day one.”

The for-profit venture formally opened in October and houses a 30-lane bowling alley, fitness center, restaurant and more than 20 retail stores. Located within steps of its sanctuary, the mall lacks some shops, such as lingerie stores, but houses numerous Christian-themed businesses such as Kingdom Kuts and the Rite 2 Life nutrition shop. McLaughlin hopes to allocate surplus income toward church outreach ministries. “We’re not finished yet,” he said. “We’ve got to continue to build and possess the land.”
Adrienne S. Gaines