Prodigal Pastor PSA: The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ

 

Obviously, you have seen my post about my ordination with the FHMCC, The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ.  Some people may have thought: I already thought he was ordained or isn’t he a pastor already?  First off, an ordination does not make you a pastor or a preacher.   Being ordained just means you can marry people, etc. What makes you a pastor (preacher) or a shepherd, which is what you really are and what I preferred to be called, is your heart.  Do you have a heart for God and His body?  When He sees your heart, because that’s what He looks at, He will call for you (1 Sam. 16:7, Is. 6:8 & 1 Sam. 3:9).  If you are called to preach, you are called to preach. 

However, I am not dismissing being ordained.  Being ordained helps to further your ministry within the context of the laws of the land.  Which is important.  Furthermore, it was a goal and a vision of mine ever since I rededicated my life in January of 2022. ( I’ve been born again since February 23rd 1991 and started doing youth ministry in 1995.  I became a youth pastor in 1998.)  Being ordained can also help to open doors for whatever ministry the Lord may have in store for you in the future because some things you may want to do for His kingdom may require you to do so.  Things you may want to do in your town, city or state.  

That being said, I have been involved with the First Heavy Metal Church of Christ (FHMCC) since April of 2024 and it has been a major blessing.  I am happy and proud to “officially” be a shepherd with this church.  The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ is not affiliated with the Church of Christ denomination.  It’s not affiliated with any denomination.  The term “heavy metal” is not associated with the genre of music heavy metal even though a good majority of our members love that type of music, it is still not attached to the genre.  We are called that according to the scripture Ephesians 6:10-18 which talks about putting on the full armor of God.  Thus “heavy metal” because we all know armor is heavy and it's made out of some type of metal.  Granted it is cool that we can in some ways connect it with heavy metal music, especially Christian metal.  Furthermore, if you have been by our facebook page or our website, yes we do use skull imagery.  Why you might ask?  

Matthew 27:33 (KJV): "And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,"

John 19:17 (KJV): "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:"

Mark 15:22 (KJV): "And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull."

Where they crucified our Lord is called Golgotha, a place of a skull. This is why our church uses this imagery, which helps us in our ministry actually. 

FHMCC is a place for prodigals.  It is a place for those who aren’t necessarily accepted when they walk through the doors of the church due to where they’ve been, come from, what they may or might have done or may currently be doing; and due to how they may dress, etc.  No one goes to see the doctor when they’re well.  We go when we are sick and sin is the sickness that we are ALL afflicted with.  The only person who can cure you is Jesus.  Only His blood is the anecdote.  So, when you come to Jesus you come as you are and He does the rest.  The clean up is not YOUR responsibility so stop trying to do His job.  This is what FHMCC is about and why I love this church.  And, I love the people who fellowship here.  FHMCC is not just in one state but multiple.  It’s not just statewide but international.  There are chapters all over so if you’re interested you can get involved where you are.  Just check out our website or facebook page.  

Feel free to reach out to me here or my Prodigal Pastor page.  Remember He loves you right where you are and so do I.  Remember you are never too far gone:  Luke 15:11-32.  

One last thing:  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, Matt. 6:21 & He must become greater; I must become less, John 3:30.

When you become less, He becomes your treasure.

John Downing, Shepherd aka Prodigal Pastor, FHMCC Dallas TX