Approaching View of Royal Missionary Baptist Church
It’s a normal Saturday morning on The Royal Missionary Baptist Church campus. The main sanctuary is alive with the songs of Zion as the choir rehearses for Sunday morning service. The ballroom of the newly unveiled Life Center is filled to capacity with a host of red and white clad sisters, who have gathered for a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC breakfast. The educational building, with its many offices and conference rooms, bustles with a steady flow of individuals attending various ministry and organizational meetings.
As I await the arrival of Pastor Isaac J. Holt for our scheduled interview I cannot help but wonder how the sights and sounds I’m taking in compare to the vision this leader has had for this ministry, for this community even. Has the manifestation of what can easily be described as a “mega-ministry” exceeded his wildest expectations or has it yet to even scratch the surface? As I try to imagine what’s next for this self-proclaimed growing church, the visionary himself enters. It is apparent that even though barely 11:00 am, his day is far from just beginning. His fast-paced stride along with his intentional demeanor says there is much left to accomplish before this day is over. However, his face still bears the warm smile and genuine interest that makes each parishioner feel that special connection despite being one of over three thousand people to call him Pastor. His calm tone and relaxed disposition creates such comfortableness that any preconceived ideas of pretentiousness or aloofness quickly vacate. What is abundantly apparent, however, is the seriousness and passion with which this man walks in his calling. It is clear that he loves God and God’s people; and it’s that love that fuels this ministry and pours into this community.
A native of Atmore, Alabama, it was the United States Navy that landed Holt in Charleston, SC twenty-six years ago. Preaching since 1986, he remembers the knowledge of his calling came many years prior; “I must have been about eight years old watching Billy Graham when the Lord started to show me myself preaching” he recalls. As we settle into the interview, Pastor Holt speaks with candor and concern about the three C’s: Church, Christians, and Community.
Rev. Isaac J. Holt
In today’s world of “breakout” ministries, many of which are based solely on a single bible verse, it is certainly not uncommon for some to be skeptical of the motives of today’s church leaders. When asked what fuels his drive to lead the body of Christ, Pastor Holts answers without hesitation, “people.” “People are what I love most about pastoring. I love seeing lives change for the better. I love seeing the Word of God work on people and witnessing the impact it has on them. It is my goal to see to it that we {the church} influence a culture, a generation, and a community. If we don’t, we have lost our mission. The bible says we are the salt of the earth. Salt changes the flavor of whatever it’s added to. It enhances. If there is no change, it means we have no power.” He continues, “I believe the church is currently doing exactly what it should be. Sometimes it’s difficult to see as evil increases. Many times it’s that evil that is highlighted, but the church is standing as a very powerful opposition to that evil that exists.”
When presented with the topic of naysayers who may ask why it’s necessary for such expansion to take place in the church, Pastor Holt answers emphatically, “there will always be those who don’t get it, and it’s always those on the outside looking in. Unfortunately, they don’t understand the mission of the church. Our charge is to be fishers of men. No, it’s not about the buildings or the stuff. Those are things to simply better equip us to do the work. What we have to understand is that ‘community’ as we know it has changed. There was a time when the local church served basically those within walking distance of the building itself. Now, that isn’t the case. Royal’s congregation probably spans three or four counties. We expand because those we serve have expanded. Royal, like many other ministries, has been given an opportunity to impact education, politics, and entrepreneurship. I want to make certain that opportunity is seized, primarily for the sake of our children. It’s my desire that every child here at Royal dreams so big that regardless of whatever circumstances or trials life may bring their way, they’ll never be able to extinguish their fire to achieve.” Pastor Holt goes on to explain, “I want to ensure that as a church we are positioning ourselves to counteract the most pressing ills that plague our community: broken families, broken homes, and absentee fathers. It’s these things that bleed over into education. Education is the new currency and our children are lacking. What we are trying to do with the new buildings and resources that we have here, is fill that gap. We’ve got to bring back the strength of families to impact future generations.”
As our dialogue continued, I wanted to get Pastor Holt’s opinion on the current racially charged state our country seems to be in and what he feels is needed to combat the subsequent crime that seems rather rampant in our community. Again, his answers were swift and without minced words. “We must change our position. This is going to require that we dream differently. Instead of dreaming that we get a good job, we need to focus on creating jobs. Instead of dreaming of what we will buy, let’s dream of opening stores. I feel we are more divided by economics in this country than we are by race. We need to focus on being in a place of power versus asking people to be nicer to us. Economy equals power. Entrepreneurship equals power.”
Passing View of Royal Missionary Baptist Church
As we prepared to bring this most enlightening conversation to a close, there was one last topic I wanted Pastor Holt’s insight on. Historically the black community has made many advances through the work of the church, and organizations such as the NAACP. I asked Pastor Holt if he felt these groups were still effective or had we lost the fire and the drive we once had. His answer was indicative of the progressive minded individual he is; “there will always be a need for those who are willing to be vocal. I don’t think, however, we will truly be successful until we come together and engage in a multiracial movement. I just don’t see an all black coalition being accepted and activating the type of change that is needed. We witnessed the coming together of all races in Charleston with the Emmanuel 9. That unification was the catalyst of bringing down the confederate flag. Unfortunately it took a sad event to bring us together, but look at what we accomplished. Change will happen when EVERYONE in the body comes together and activates change. It requires each person. The question has to be not what is the church going to do, but what are you going to do? If people are not willing to invest they should not complain. “
Poignant, passionate, and progressive are just a few words to describe this man who has proven himself an asset to body of Christ and the community in which he serves. His faith fortifies his fearlessness to stand for what he believes is right and necessary. His genuineness is unquestionable and his commitment unwavering. He is the change he wishes to see in the world, and THAT is where it begins.
Submitted by Encounter, The Magazine
