Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)
ON GOD’S BATTLEFIELD
DALLAS — Because of whom he is and because of the heaven-mandated calling on his life, it’s safe to assume arguably the biggest defining moment in Lamon Atkins, Sr.’s life transpired sometime, during which he was a college undergraduate.
“I received a spiritual awakening while in college as a result of my connection to the Campus Crusade For Christ ministry,” Atkins, Sr., during a recent interview with Making Headline News, said, recalling a rash of life-altering developments he appropriately describes as his ‘personal motivation for ministry.’ “I was discipled and nurtured by my peers who were committed to weekly campus worship, in-depth Bible study, and evangelism.
“My commitment to the campus crusade ministry afforded me an opportunity experience Christ in a way I had never experienced before, as well as the privilege to form very close and lasting friendships with people of like faith and passion. After college, I was inspired to return to my home church, the Greater Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church in Bastrop, Louisiana to organize a weekly Bible study, as well as to become a supportive member of a number of church ministries.”
As Atkins, Sr. vividly recalls, it wasn’t long thereafter — “several months after my graduation from college,” to put it precisely — that he steadily began to witness God strategically equipping him to steer His people.
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“I answered in the affirmative,” said Atkins, Sr., to what I believed was God’s call upon my life to preach his life-transforming gospel.”
And so it came to pass, Atkins, Sr.’s eventual elevation to what currently is his dignified ministerial calling as the Senior Pastor of Houston, Texas’ Progressive New Hope Baptist Church, a stint he’s held since October 1993.
Progressive New Hope is located at 3106 Paige Street.
GOD-ORDERED STEPS
A native of Bastrop — a rural Morehouse Parish, Louisiana establishment that is comprised of roughly 12,988 residents, according to the latest U. S. census — Atkins, Sr.’s rise to pastoral success comes amid humble beginnings.
In fact, after appearing at a few conferences with his pastor, the late Reverend Louie Wroten, Atkins, Sr. pledged to set a date sometime in September 1978, during which he would preach his first public sermon. Consequently, after receiving what he deems the “prayerful endorsements” of his pastor, his “loving parents, Roosevelt and Madie Sims Atkins, Sr., and a host of relatives, close friends, and acquaintances, Atkins, Sr.’s ceremonious journey as one of God’s beloved spokespersons had come full circle.
Just as God had revealed to him, especially during those memorable days as a college undergrad.
Nearly three decades removed from having been installed as the face of Progressive New Hope, Atkins, Sr. leads a church that has become a fixture for functioning as “A Ministry of Loving, Leading, and Lifting God’s People,” according to its slogan at https://www.pnhbc.org/welcome.
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“The most inspiring and humbling privilege I have consistently enjoyed in ministry for these 40 plus-years is that of connecting with people in ways that enable them to experience the love and power of Christ in a real and personal way,” Atkins, Sr. said. “I find it amazing how the Holy Spirit has empowered me, a basically introverted and reserved individual, to boldly relate to countless people, impacting their lives in unimaginable ways. From hardened criminals to people who were at their most vulnerable states, I still find it amazing how my gift has made room for me over the years and brought me before incredible people.
“Since the beginning of my ministry until now, I have always been inspired and fascinated by the earthly life and ministry of Jesus,” Atkins, Sr. continued. “His compassion for the poor and marginalized, the sinners and rejected, the children and Gentiles has always captivated me, and created deep within me the same desire to reach out to these same classes of people and encourage a sense of worth in their lives.”
Interestingly enough, Atkins, Sr. admittedly “do not know where to begin” when acknowledging those who have had an influential impact on his life and ministry.
“I am eternally grateful for each (one),” said Atkins, Sr., specifically naming a host of colleagues and mentors, most notably “Rev. Louie Wroten (of Bastrop), Rev. Jasper (Monroe, Louisiana), Rev. Rice (of Weslaco, Texas), and Rev. James Fortune, Sr. and Rev. T.R. Williams, Sr. (both of Houston). I think it is safest to name only those kindhearted pastors who allowed me to serve under them. I can only credit it to God’s grace that they each personally took me under their tutelage to not only teach me, but to also allow me opportunities to exercise my gifts within their churches.”
With his 66th birthday looming (August 26), Atkins, Sr. doesn’t shy away from the notion that he’s destined to continue to construct — and leave behind — an awe-inspiring legacy as he steadfastly leads God’s people.
“May Jesus Christ allow me to finish this course in life with the testimony that I fought a good fight, finished well, and kept the faith,” Atkins, Sr. said. “May I leave a legacy that assures people of faith that they can indeed live authentic lives by living to please God rather than people. Although I am not perfect, I do my best to acknowledge God in every aspect of my life and live to bring Him glory.”
SET ASIDE FOR GOD’S USE
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For more information about Houston, Texas Pastor Lamon Atkins, Sr. of Progressive New Hope Baptist Church, to inquire about worship opportunities, or to schedule him for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 713.523.6115 or connect with him via the following platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pnhbc/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/415610572/united-states/houston-texas/progressive-new-hope-baptist-church/?hl=en. Send email to: progressivenewhope@gmail.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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