5 questions with the Rev. J.H.Flakes III: Pastoring with his father offers 'spiritual and leadership growth opportunities'

It’s the day after Easter. What are you doing today?

Resting, taking my daughter to school, picking my daughter up from school and attending our youth ministry.

Last year, you spoke to Columbus Council and were critical of the way the mayor handled the Parks and Recreation investigation. Now that the case is over and there have been guilty pleas, what role do you think race played?

As I emphasized to the council, we were not there to defend Parks and Recreation or particular individuals in Parks and Recreation; we were committed to let the judicial system take care of that, and it did. Our primary objective for going to council was to challenge the process and what was perceived as a double standard used, in contrast to the Columbus Fire Department. I believe there were various contributing factors that played a role in influencing the approach taken; race being one of them.

What are the challenges in following a community icon, especially when that icon is your father?

I am very grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to work with the icon pastor of the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus and Goodhope Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City. He is my biological father and spiritual father in the ministry. I tend not to perceive them as challenges but as spiritual and leadership growth opportunities. The opportunities I have been afforded I would have never been able to get from any seminary. The opportunity to discuss ministry from various contexts -- biblical, theological -- within the past and current culture has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. To discuss various leadership styles and models related to changing congregations has challenged me to examine my own leadership style for the present age. My father has encouraged me not to be a carbon copy of him but to glean from his wisdom and experience and be available to the Holy Spirit’s leadership to shape and mold me to serve this present age, according to the will of our Heavenly Father.

Has the role of the church changed in our community in the past 10 years?

I believe the role of the church from a biblical, theological point of view in this culture is the same as it was when it was given the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. I believe what has happened to some churches over the past 10 years to increase attendance -- they have adapted to the culture, which makes them culturally driven. And there are churches that are sensitive to the culture; however, they stay true to what the church was called and established for within the culture. These churches become a change agent within the culture, making a difference in the culture spiritually, socially, politically, morally, educationally and economically, and actualizing what the Bible teaches in Roman 12: “Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

What’s the best-kept secret in Columbus that you don’t mind others knowing about?

The people! Columbus really does have loving and kind people from all backgrounds who really care about our community.

This story was originally published April 25, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "5 questions with the Rev. J.H.Flakes III: Pastoring with his father offers 'spiritual and leadership growth opportunities'."