A Conversation with Pastor Michael Henderson: Standing Firm in Faith
As the host of "Coffee with Conrad," I recently had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Michael Henderson, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Springfield, Illinois. Our conversation covered his inspiring testimony, his new book "The Sifted Generation," and his passion for apologetics. Here's a recap of our enlightening discussion.
An Unexpected Journey to Faith
Michael's story begins not in a Christian home, but at a small vacation Bible school in Kansas. There, he first encountered Jesus through a mural depicting Christ gathering children around Him. This image sparked a curiosity that would eventually lead to a life-changing encounter with God.
It wasn't until he was about 20 years old, working at a printing plant, that Michael had his true spiritual awakening. Feeling lost and searching for meaning, he went outside during a break and fell to his knees in prayer. "God, if you're real, please come into my life. I can't change myself, but I'll turn my heart completely over to you if you'll just touch me and give me hope," he prayed.
The response, as Michael described it, was immediate and overwhelming. The Holy Spirit hit him "like a ton of bricks." He started shaking and stuttering, overcome by the presence of God. This moment marked the beginning of his passionate pursuit of Christ, leading him to read the Bible through four times in just 90 days.
Standing Firm in the Workplace
Michael's newfound faith was soon put to the test in the workplace. One of his first challenges came when he was asked to print Playboy magazine at a printing company in Boulder, Colorado. Faced with this moral dilemma, Michael knew he had to take a stand for his beliefs, even if it meant risking his job.
He went to the back of his press, fell on his knees, and prayed for God's guidance. When he returned to the front of the press, his boss was waiting, demanding to know why the job wasn't running. With trembling voice but unwavering conviction, Michael quoted Acts 5:29: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The confrontation that followed was intense. Michael was sent to the production manager's office, where he faced angry outbursts and the threat of being fired. But just when it seemed all hope was lost, God intervened in a miraculous way. A well-dressed man Michael had never seen before entered the office and, upon hearing the situation, calmly reassigned him to a different press.
This experience taught Michael a valuable lesson: when we stand firm in our faith, God will always come through for us, often in ways we least expect.
The Impact of a Faithful Witness
Michael's commitment to sharing the Gospel, even in hostile environments, had a ripple effect that he couldn't have imagined. Months after leaving one printing plant where he had consistently shared his faith, he received a call from a former coworker. The coworker told him that almost everyone on their shift had started attending church somewhere.
This revelation was both humbling and inspiring. It showed that our faithful witness, even when it seems unappreciated or ineffective, can plant seeds that God will nurture and grow in His perfect timing.
The Sifted Generation: Facing Modern Challenges
As a pastor in Springfield, Illinois, just blocks from the state capitol, Michael is on the front lines of the spiritual battle in our culture. He's witnessed firsthand the breakdown of families, the moral decay in our communities, and even the compromise within some churches.
These observations led him to write his book, "The Sifted Generation: Tested, Tried, and Found True." In it, he explores how God is allowing circumstances in our world that will prove the mettle of our faith. We're living in a time of great sifting, where believers are being called to make a stand for Christ in increasingly challenging situations.
From the redefinition of marriage to the erosion of religious liberties, Christians today face pressures that test the authenticity of their faith. But Michael believes these challenges are also opportunities for us to shine brightly for Christ and to demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.
Equipping Believers for Spiritual Warfare
One of Michael's passions as a pastor is equipping believers with the tools they need to defend their faith. That's why he's implemented an "apologetical moment" in his Sunday services, where he provides a brief lecture or video that gives reasons for why we believe what we believe.
He's also created a free ebook called "25 Reasons to Believe," which offers solid, biblical arguments for the Christian faith. This resource has been downloaded over 20,000 times and is being used by missionaries, schools, and individuals around the world to strengthen their faith and share the Gospel effectively.
A Call to Stand Firm
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Michael to pray for those facing trials and persecution for their faith. His prayer was a powerful reminder that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). He encouraged believers to hold fast to the promises of God, trusting that He will be with us and carry us through every challenge we face.
Michael's testimony and insights serve as a powerful call to all believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity. His new book, "The Sifted Generation," and his free ebook, "25 Reasons to Believe," are valuable resources for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and effectively share the Gospel in these challenging times.
To learn more about Pastor Michael Henderson and access these resources, visit his website at TruthInspires.Com. And don't forget to check out his latest book, "The Sifted Generation," for a deeper exploration of how we can remain faithful to Christ in these challenging times.
Remember, as believers, we are called to be the light of the world. Let's stand together, encouraging one another and shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.
