Pastor Leonard A. Johnson's Blog Page --- Select a mesage below to read and feel free to respond to it.

Among the most delightful and joyful celebrations performed by a pastor is that of a wedding, as it affords him the opportunity “to minister in a joyful and spiritual celebration for couples and their families and friends.” However, it can also turn out to be most embarrassing and disappointing for the same should certain and key guidelines be ignored and not adhered to. Accordingly, I attempt to share the following suggestions. For a more comprehensive account, one may consult The Minister’s Ma… Continue

Praying with Your Eyes Open

Most of us grew up in homes where we were taught to close our eyes when praying. However, today’s topic is “Praying with Your Eyes Open.” Such a caption is bound to stimulate some reaction sparking some of you to ask, “Is it possible to pray with one’s eyes open?” In the local Adventist culture, it is not something that we practice. However, I hasten to explain that I am not referring to one’s literal eyes but instead the opening of the mind to God as one comm… Continue

Share your ideas. Ask your questions.

Given the significant response to last week’s update on Funeral Etiquette (which was also carried in one of the local daily newspapers --the Nassau Guardian), I thought to do an additional article related to funeral. Hopefully, it will address some of the suggestions and concerns noted by some of you.

Home Going
For some Seventh-day Adventists locally, the term “Home Going” is most repulsive and unacceptable when speaking about what ha… Continue

Very few experiences stress families as the passing of a loved one, especially if it was tragic or unexpected. It can demand unanticipated amounts of money, and, in some instances, it may require one to relate to several institutions inclusive of insurance companies, place of employment, funeral home, cemetery, family members, and in no way least a pastor, priest or elder, etc. And yet those visits and experiences do not constitute the end, as the service itself can take on the unexpected.

A… Continue

Healthful Living, Part II Read and respond at the end of the article.

Reactions to last week’s update coupled with an ongoing reading of Counsels on Diet and Foods have encouraged me to do a part two to healthful living. However, I make it clear that I feel in no way qualified to write regarding health reform, but at the same time, I find it difficult to excuse myself from such an assignment. Writing on the subject of health reform may convey the impression that the writer or prop… Continue