Real Life Real Faith Men of Faith September Issue | Page 27

Pastor Steven Carter also believe that if you do not have a personal mentor, you can still create your own mentors through reading books, attending conferences, and investing in yourself mentally. Whatever you lead will only grow as much as you grow, and without mentorship, your growth will be limited. Hurley: 12. What do you have on the horizon? Any new projects? Pastor Carter: Yes! I have a second book that I will release soon.I am waiting on God’s direction. I am also continuing to expand and invest in the ministry as we continue to grow to where we believe God is taking us. I am waiting on God’s direction. I am always open to listening to new ideas. We never know where God desires to lead us or the vessel he will use. Hurley: As you know the title of the magazine is Men of Faith. With all the challenges that men face, especially men of color, what words of advice can you give any man that may be going through something in their life right now? INTERVIEW Hurley: 10. You participated in the 18th Annual White House Day of Prayer. What was that experience like praying for the nation and its citizens right in front of the White House? Pastor Carter:It was a great experience to say the least. To be able to see Christians come from all over for a day of prayer and to be able to participate in it was surreal. While there I was able to minister to individuals and share my story. The greatest experience from that day was when a young Caucasian girl walked up to me and said, “Your book says “rejection”, if I purchase it, will it help me deal with my rejection?” I was so moved, I simply gave it to her trusting that my vulnerability would offer her what she desired. More importantly, we prayed together and asked the Lord to free her from her feelings of rejection and know that He accepts all of her. She smiled and gave me a hug and asked to take a photo. This is what I would consider the experience that made the event worthwhile for me. Hurley: 11. In your book you talk about having a mentor and the influence and support you received from him. How important do you believe mentorship is for young people? Pastor Carter: Mentorship is needed and necessary. When we read the Word of God, there was always someone pouring into the next leaders. Likewise, we as up and coming leaders must seek the wisdom and guidance from the ones who have already been and already accomplish that which we are seeking to do in our calling. The Word of God says He who does not seek advice is a fool. A leader who is not being mentored or guided by someone is a person who will soon meet destruction. I Pastor Carter: We have a ministry for our brothers called “Men of Valor”. I always encourage them to grow in the faith, address their real challenges, and learn how to be strong enough to lead their families and create successes in their lives; but always humble enough to hear and listen to the voice of God. I encourage my brothers to connect with other brothers who are serious about their faith, but vulnerable enough to talk about real men issues and struggles. I believe when brothers can find a space where they can be honest without being judged, it will give them the space they need to come into the purpose that God has created for their lives. We would love to be able to keep up with you in order to show support. Tell the readers how they can keep up with what’s going on with you. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @StevenCarterNY Blog: www.stevencarterny.com Website: www.steven-carter.com. Church Website: www.mountararatchurch.com