From the Pulpit: 'All I do'

The Rev. Timothy Wade Lee first came to the Pentecostal church at age 17 in North Carolina. After that service, he changed his ways and joined the church. He spent many years holding revivals -- including one at The Apostolic Promise Church in Cape Girardeau. Now, at 40, Lee has been the pastor at The Apostolic Promise Church for six years. Being a pastor "is all I do," Lee said.

How long have you been a member of the Pentecostal faith?

When I first came to a Pentecostal church service, I was in terrible shape spiritually. I was involved in a partying lifestyle that was leading to a path of ruination. I was turned off to religion to a large degree at this point. But in the first service that I came to I was awed by how real it was. I could feel God so strong. I couldn't believe it. Before the service was over I was at the front of the church crying and praying. It literally changed my life forever. That was when I was 17 years old. I still find myself in church services overwhelmed by how real God is in my life.

What drew you to serve the church in a leadership role?

I had preached for the church a few times while I was traveling as an evangelist. I enjoyed the ministry of an evangelist immensely. I was in a conference service in November of 2002 when God spoke to me strongly that I was going to be coming to Cape Girardeau. Through a series of miracle moments we ended up being elected to serve in this wonderful city.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor?

I was in my third year of college at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., when I began to hold revival services at a number of churches. This caused me to have to transfer to a university that offered distance learning classes. I transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. I received my bachelor's degree in religious studies from Liberty University. One of the greatest sources of training that I received was the opportunity I had to travel all over the world for 10 years as an evangelist. I was able to travel to 33 states and 12 foreign countries holding revivals and crusades. This experience gave me a lot of insight into how many successful churches operated. I was able to be influenced by some of the greatest leaders in our organization. It placed in me a vision to build a thriving Pentecostal Church in Cape Girardeau.

What do you think makes this church special?

The church services are filled with a powerful presence of God. The people in our church are some the hardest working, ministry minded people that you could ask for. The atmosphere feels like a family reunion every service.

What's your favorite verse and why?

Acts 2:38-39 contains the life transforming Apostolic Promise. These verses, when applied to my life, changed me dramatically.

What program have you done with The Apostolic Promise Church that you are proud of and why?

One of the underlining themes of our church is "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work." We have formed numerous teams in our church that work diligently to help impact as many people in our church and in our city in many positive ways. This concept helps anyone who becomes involved in our church to almost immediately get involved in a service ministry. We have found that most people want to be involved. They do not want to just come to church and listen to music and a message. This has been a great success. We also have enjoyed holding block parties in different areas of our city. We have had hundreds of guests at these events. It has been a great way to give back to our community.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up?

Our Christmas Drama is always a great event. It is scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 20.

What's your favorite day of the week and why?

I love Sunday.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor?

Being a pastor affords me a great opportunity to add value to so many people's lives. I am able to preach and teach concepts that cause people to excel in their marriages, in their business ventures, in their finances and many other areas of living.

What hobbies do you have?

I love to spend leisure time with my wife and our two children.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day?

Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."