I can’t believe 2022 was my last post here. I want to share some great news, but unfortunately, I can’t. I’ve actually been at a loss for what to write every time I come here and attempt to write a new article. Let me explain by sharing some context about what’s been going on behind the scenes here at Project Corinthians 9 (PCOR9).
The Past
Back in 2016, I was inspired to create a youth movement to equip young people in Apostolic Pentecostal churches. The goal was to provide a network where young people could get help raising funds for various youth events, no matter what church they attended. These events, like North American Youth Congress (NAYC), were primarily run by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). Since these events often required traveling and tickets, they could be expensive if the local church didn’t help pay (and not all churches did). So I wanted to create a place where we could connect with churches from all over that would help send young people to these events. If a church lacked the finances to help, it would still give their young people a chance to go.
PCOR9 also began online apologetics via YouTube videos and Facebook posts. While we gained several hundred followers and, at times, thousands of views, it never really went beyond that. However, that spurred the creation of the knowledge base, which focused on answering questions about the Bible and providing materials to help those reaching out and discussing the Bible with people around them.
In addition to apologetics, I tried to create gospel postcards and other materials that young people could download, share, and use to evangelize in small ways. I started a small online course site where members could access free courses, but it never launched. I tried to expand into publishing, primarily because Pentecostal Publishing seems to require an author to work with a pastor to get their approval, which alienated non-UPCI members. I even tried to acquire OnenessMatch.com, but I ended up letting the UPCI take over because I felt they had the funds to do it better (considering that, at the time, I was broke and in-between jobs).
Some personal things also happened between 18 and 21. I got a bachelor’s in Theology. I attempted to do a few mission trips and lasted 2 weeks; I also got locked out of one church, with another church insulting me and accusing me of sin for calling them out on the pastor’s behavior toward sinners (and I use that word lightly). Oh yes, I also got my heart broken during that time. But onward!
I faced preachers and pastors getting angry; I faced exclusion; I faced dishonest and dishonorable leadership. And while some might justify the toxic behavior by claiming I am simply disgruntled and angry, those people don’t know me.
But yes, I wanted a place where not only I was heard, but also the others around me who wanted to preach, teach, and be part of something greater than sitting on a pew and attending church every service. I suppose most young people get that Isaiah moment; they feel God wants them to do more within the church, but there are very limited, if any, opportunities to do anything. Isaiah answered the call when the opportunity was offered. Young people aren’t always given opportunities. So PCOR9 became a place where young people could network and work on real discipleship, disciples making disciples.
Isaiah 6:8 NKJV
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Essentially, I wanted young people to come together and build a place where our voices were heard, even when older adults tried to stifle them. That may sound harsh, but that was the reality I faced when I started building PCOR9. That reality continued up until 2022. I would go further and say the same reality exists today, although I don’t deal with it as much. Or perhaps, I deal with it every day but do nothing about it anymore.
The Present
I think most of us can say “if I had done this or that, I’d be in a different place,” and that statement is mostly true. We could be in a different place if things had gone differently. But we’re not guaranteed that things would’ve gone differently. I’ve always said that God has a determined plan for us all, from point A to point B, but that we (humans) often stray from that path, and God gives us many chances to correct our direction. I suppose I can say the same thing about Project Corinthians 9. Do I believe God pushed me to do it when I was younger? Yes. Would I say I still have the same vision as back then? I really don’t know anymore.
I haven’t been involved with online apologetics for a while now. I have been involved with some in-person apologetics teaching over the past few years. Still, I’m even more secluded these days because of the environment around my family and me.
What I do know is that since 2022 my focus has naturally shifted. I worked a factory job doing around 40-80 hours a week. I taught Sunday school in the adults’ class and became co-assistant pastor for a small church. I also married my wife.
During my time at the factory, I learned a lot about how people operate, the lies they tell, the drama they start, etc. I also learned that some people are hurt and broken and want someone to listen to them without trying to “tell them the truth” or convert them. I met a lot of those people. People who might even feel like life isn’t bad, but that deep down they know their life has a void and realize that sometimes when we think we are close enough to God, we might need to be a little closer.
The Future
However, at this point, you might be wondering about PCOR9’s current direction. To be upfront, I have no idea. I have ghosted old friends who I hoped would help me build PCOR9, not because of them, mostly because of the work I was doing these past few years. Project Corinthians 9 was paused while I worked the crazy hours that I did, and now the original members have mostly moved on.
I’ll say again that I still believe young people ought to have more opportunities to be part of the Church and carry out the Great Commission. The question is: how do we accomplish that? What can I do to make that happen? I have found that, in reality, people aren’t willing or accepting of such a mission. The UPCI has, at times, humored me, and while I’m grateful that a few were willing to work with me at those various times, I realize that we have drifted apart in many ways. My core beliefs doctrinally still align with Oneness, but I disagree in other areas, especially regarding values and behavior.
Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Project Corinthians 9 has been my pet project for many years now. It may not have reached my original vision, but it gave me something else. It gave me experience, a voice, and I hope it gave a few other young people the confidence to raise their voices and be heard. PCOR9 also provided a few free and paid materials over the years, allowing us to network with people in Africa, Asia, and South America. So, was PCOR9 a waste of time? Not at all. We still accomplished a little, even if the mission never hit the end goals.
So where does that leave PCOR9 now? Well, the story isn’t over, but it may change shape. While I still believe the movement has a place, I’m still discerning what direction to pivot towards. Often, God pushes us in certain directions. For me, God has been pushing me toward teaching lately. So for now, PCOR9 is paused while I consider options. I don’t know how long it will be. I’ll keep the site up and running, and you may see changes here and there. Since my personal ministry and life in general have been more offline lately, I haven’t really focused on adding new content or keeping up with the site. But I do want to revamp the site and keep what originally inspired Project Corinthians 9.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NKJV
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; [20] and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; [21] to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; [22] to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. [23] Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.