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Friday, October 3, 2025B Sectionindianapolisrecorder.comORDER OF SERVICECONTACT US: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PMOffice: (317) 591-5050 | easternstarchurch.orgROCK CITY MONDAYSAges 12-18 | Main Campus5-8 PM | Registration requiredNOONDAY BIBLE STUDYMain CampusWednesdays | NoonFAMILY WORD NIGHTMain Campus | Wednesdays7 PM | Classes for everyoneJOIN US FORROCK FRESH MARKET HOURS: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 6 PMSaturday and Sunday 11 AM - 4 PMSenior Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. & Lady Sharon A. JohnsonONE CHURCHTHREE LOCATIONSFishers Campus: ........................9:15 AMCooper Road Campus: ...............10:45 AMMain Campus: ............................12:15 PMVisit our website or ESC App and click Watch Live.%u2022 Live stream Sunday services at 9:15 AM, 10:45 AM & 12:15 PM%u2022 Sermons on demand anytime%u2022 Sermon Rebroadcasts: Thursdays at 7 PM and Saturdays at 11 AMTo give, click the GIVE button on our website. Download via Google Play, Windows Phone, and Apple App Store.TUNE IN Life-changing broadcasts available via:WTLC-AM 1310/92.7 FM (Radio) SermonsTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9:15 AMAPPLE TV, ROKU, AMAZONConnect for live stream or on demandFishers Campus8850 E. 106th St. Fishers, INCooper Road Campus5805 Cooper Rd. Indpls, INMain Campus5750 E. 30th St. Indpls, INONE CHURCH THREE LOCATIONSFriendship Missionary Baptist Church1302 North GoodletIndianapolis, Indiana 46222Pastor, Rev. Ronald Covington Sr.Sunday Morning ServiceFulfillment Hour (Sunday School) 9:30a-10:30areMorning Worship 10:45WednesdaysMorning Prayer Meeting & Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.Prayer & Praise on Purpose/Bible Study, 6:30p.m.Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church1202 Eugene St. Indpls, Indiana 46208phone 925-4382 fax 283-5615Sunday Worship10:50 amSunday School9:15 amMonday Morning Prayer6:00amWed. Bible Study12:00 noon & 7:00pmThurs. Family Living7:00pmFri. Victory Over Addictions7:00pmPastor Nello A. Holman and First Lady Kay HolmanVisit our website!www.indyrecorder.comVisit our website!By JOHNSON BEAVEN%u201cI have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.%u201d Psalm 17:4-5 NLT October is a special month for appreciating pastoral leadership. Pastors play a vital role across communities nationwide. Their commitment to faithfully follow God%u2019s direction is not merely a matter of personal conviction %u2013 it%u2019s a calling that shapes and transforms entire communities, uplifting countless lives. As someone who has served as a pastor for nearly four decades, I write this in honor of pastors who follow God%u2019s path.As we celebrate them and acknowledge their contributions, it%u2019s essential to recognize the weight and significance of their journey. A pastor%u2019s life can be deeply rewarding, yet it comes with unique challenges. They stand at the crossroads of spiritual guidance and community leadership, tasked with making decisions that impact not only themselves but also those who look to them for support, encouragement and guidance.Psalm 17 is a prayer of David, of which verses four and five encapsulate this journey. Most Bible versions read as the New Living Translation (NLT) of David, asserting he hasn%u2019t deviated from God%u2019s way. Verse five in the King James Version (KJV) reads %u201chold up my goings in your paths, that my footsteps slip not.%u201d This supplements verse four subtly stressing our need for God, specifically through His word, to direct us (Psalm 119:133). Why is this essential? Because every step matters. The direction of our steps not only determines our destination but also shapes our fulfillment of our destiny.Psalm 17 emerges from a time of uncertainty and danger. Faced with opposition and adversity, David%u2019s prayer is not just for protection and deliverance but vindication of his righteous integrity in following God%u2019s path. In this, we find a truth that resonates not only with biblical figures, but also with those who shepherd today%u2019s congregations. Pastors face criticism, antagonists, exhaustion and even moments of doubt when called to navigate challenges and make difficult decisions, while setting an example for those they lead, striving to keep their footsteps firm and steadfast to God%u2019s way.To illustrate this commitment, imagine a tightrope walker crossing high above the thunderous, roaring waters of Niagara Falls. Each step is deliberate, focused and purposeful. The walker cannot afford distraction or hesitation, for a single misstep could be fatal. Their eyes remain fixed on the destination, not the swirling rapids below. Similarly, pastors must walk intentionally, ignoring distractions and staying focused on their divine calling. Their path is not always easy, but their steadfast movement inspires.Another analogy comes from the image of a wagon following a well-worn track. Over time, the wheels carve out a reliable path, making it easier for others to follow. Just as a wagon stays on course by following these ruts, pastors find stability and direction by adhering to God%u2019s established path (Psalm 37:23). Their consistent example helps their congregations stay grounded and secure, even when the road ahead is unclear.For pastors, this journey is marked by perseverance and faith. It is a daily commitment to lead, teach, and care for their communities in the face of criticism or hardship. They are determined to %u201ckeep steppin%u2019 in the right direction.%u201d Pastors demonstrate that faithful leadership is not about perfection, but persistence and perseverance %u2013 choosing to move forward on God%u2019s path, step by step, with integrity and hope.This month presents an opportunity for congregants to reflect on and highlight the value of pastoral leadership and guidance. Appreciating your pastor is more than a gesture. It acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices that entail genuine spiritual leadership. Encourage your pastors, celebrate their milestones and walk alongside them in prayer and partnership.As we celebrate them, let%u2019s also reflect on our own journeys. Let%u2019s join them in following the path God has laid out for each of us. After all, each step brings us closer to the destination and destiny God intends.Rev. Johnson Beaven III is a speaker, theological educator, and ministry mentor. For more information, view linktr.ee/johnsonbeaven. Contact him via email at jb3ministries@gmail.com or on X @jbeaven.Pastor, keep steppin%u2019 in the right directionBy Wilson Casey 1. Is the book of Ecclesiastes (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?2. Which book could be summarized, %u201cGod will hold us accountable for all our actions%u201d? Daniel, Hosea, Zephaniah, Haggai3. From Genesis 28, who had the vision of angels going up and down a ladder reaching into heaven? Joseph, Ahab, Ehud, Jacob4. What does Paul say is the supreme gift of the Spirit to believers? Faith, Love, Holiness, Eternity5. From Genesis 19, where did Lot encounter an angel? Wilderness spring, City gate, New temple, Tent door6. Where did Jesus turn water into wine? Bethany, Nazareth, Cana, GethsemaneANSWERS: 1) Old, 2) Zephaniah, 3) Jacob, 4) Love, 5) City gate, 6) CanaMore than 1,200 brand-new trivia questions in Wilson Casey%u2019s latest book %u201cQuest for Bible Knowledge%u201d available in bookstores and online.(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.BIBLE TRIVIA