May 10, 2010 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Sacred Heart Church, Mount Holly, NJ …
Free Concert (Good Will Offerings Accepted)
New Itinerant Ministries Planned:
In the fall of 2009 we began an exciting new direction in JMT ministry! We are returning to my radical gospel roots. I am very enthused by the fruit we are seeing from this already. We are experiencing a fresh and powerful new wind of the Spirit in my ministry and community. I want to share that enthusiasm and joy with you!
Specifically this means that we are going to local regions and staying there for several weeks doing many events throughout the area. These events range from a single evening of Music, Teaching, and Contemplation, to three night missions, retreats, and teachings in a parish. The beauty of the three day ministry is that excitement builds from night to night, and more and more people come each night as the word spreads from person to person.
Our biblical model for this is St. Paul, who went to a local area a stayed there evangelizing and building up the local community before moving on to another region. The more primary model is from Jesus himself, who went from village to village in spiritual simplicity to preach the Good News to all God’s people. Of course, the example of the saints like St. Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscan preachers is also a great inspiration for this ministry. They went in gospel simplicity from village to village and church to church, preaching the Gospel of Jesus using music, art, and proclaimed words.
This model allows me to bring the full spectrum of my music and teaching ministry gifts to a local area. Often in the past, audiences may have only seen the music and more meditational aspect of my ministry. But I have also written numerous books and fulfilled a daily teaching role as Spiritual Father of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. As well as leading musical worship, this ranges from teaching to leading seated meditation. National audiences now get an opportunity to experience this aspect of my ministry. I am thrilled at this opportunity.
We are also using free-will offerings to financially support the ministry. This is in radical contrast to the ticketed events of the past. In past years of national prosperity ticketed events worked well for our ministry and sponsoring churches alike. But with the recent recession I want to offer these concerts and teachings to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This way all can come to an event that presents the gospel of Jesus Christ as a free gift. It also allows those who are able to give a little more. Between these two we are walking by faith that God will take care of our legitimate ministry needs. So far we have not been disappointed, though we are certainly not getting rich!
So we need your help! We need you to support these events by coming when we are in your area. We also need you to get the word out when we are close by. Lastly, we are open to ministering in your church. Ask your pastor to sponsor a John Michael Talbot ministry in your local area. We are excited about what God is doing in our midst! We want to share it with you!
In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder and Spiritual Father
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage
Come out for an evening of music, praise & peace … Franciscan style! I met JMT when I was an OFM Novice, he stayed with us while on a similar ministry tour. His music speaks to your soul.
Please support him along the way, especially in your prayers. -jdp
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