My Philosophy

To Whom It May Concern, In the church, we have the opportunities to touch lives that few others have. What we do with those opportunities tell much about us as pastor. In this high-tech, fastpaced world, the duties of a pastor are multi-faceted and continually changing, and we must be willing to meet those responsibilities. Each of us has our own special God given talents that we bring to His ministry, and we should use those talents to challenge the people to aim for, and hopefully achieve success in Christ. In that endeavor, I must always keep in mind that the roads to Salvation vary, as do the individual strivings for that Salvation; therefore, my methods for teaching Gods people must address those differences. Regardless of my methodology, one stand should always remain. that each person has the right to Salvation and my demeanor should reflect that right. We must never forget that each person has value and should be treated with respect. In doing so we will hopefully instill in them one of the foundational steps in achieving Salvation. Whether or not each individual achieves Salvation is up to that individual. I would be short-changing them if I did not give Gods people my best. After all how can I expect their best if I am not willing to give them my best.

I believe that children of God can be whatever they want to be if they would put their minds to it. I feel that every person is born with the desire to learn. As a pastor it is my responsibility to ensure that this desire never diminishes, even in the field of Bible study, which many people would just as soon forget. Structure and simplification enhances understanding of concepts, thereby maintaining enthusiasm for the subject and fueling the desire to learn. I believe that knowledge is the key that unlocks doors for Gods people and is the path that leads them to become productive contributing members of society. Through knowledge and wisdom from Gods Word, they gain respect for themselves and their belief as well as others people and their belief. I love Gods people and they are one of the reasons why I choose pastoring as a lifelong pursuit. I value and respect their individual differences and capabilities, but at the same time I expect and demand a maximum effort. I want Gods people to experience the best life has to offer; I want doors to remain open for them. So I encourage them to seek a static position, a position that allows them the greatest number of choices for the future. I am there whenever their need me, whether for Bible study, as a teacher, as a friend, as a confidant or as a surrogate parent. I try to be a caring, energetic role model, reflecting self-esteem and a positive attitude. I try to instill in Gods people to always do their best, to take full responsibility for their actions, and to always maintain a zest and a thirst for knowledge from the Word of God.

I love teaching Bible Study and I strive to make my Bible Study one that Gods people look forward to attending. I want to make learning Gods Word both fun and interesting while never losing sight of the wisdom and challenge they needed for intellectual development. I want to be the type of teacher to whom the saints can always come to, regardless of the problem or concern. I attempt to make each Bible Study one that will benefit every one to some capacity; keeping in mind that, while every person may not learn at same level, each will come away with some skill or knowledge from the Bible Study which they will profit. I desire to be the type of Bible Study teacher who is challenging, flexible, compassionate, and enthusiastic. I feel that it is essential for us to model the traits we would like to see in Gods people, as we cannot expect from them what we ourselves are not willing to give.

Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Dr. Arthur Prioleau