Rev. Dennis Meredith
Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church
Rev. Dennis Meredith was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, he learned to appreciate and focus his life. As he fought and beat the disease, his life’s purpose was brought into sharp focus. “I had this epiphany,” says Rev. Meredith. “I wanted to make sure that my life counted for something.” For him, that meant launching the Faith and Community Alliance and being a leader for the community as pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Relating to the People
“We try to offer familiar forms of worship-hymns, gospel music, charismatic feeling and at the same time structure. We’re a non-traditional church, [but] if a person has come out of a Methodist church, Baptist church, or Pentacostal church they can feel some connection because we try to blend those worship identities. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from—you’re very much welcome here. We don’t judge people.”
The Realities of Economic Strife and Coping
“My consistent concerns with my congregation [has alrolling out UrbanStyle Weekly v.2.0ways] been jobs—before [America] got into this issue. There was a problem with joblessness in the African American community before this crisis. I always have people who send prayer requests, ‘Pastor, please help me get a job.’ Those who are affected have been consistently affected. For us to deal with this issue is nothing new to us. The struggle is still there. Our members work for hotels, our members work for McDonalds. I just call people and say ‘somebody needs a job.’ That’s what we’ve always done. There’s always been an economic crisis with us.
We offer hope–in a spiritual context.”
Scriptures That Offer Hope
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul.”
