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.
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Email: [email protected] or
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Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and
Twitter @StevenCarterNY
Blog: www.stevencarterny.com
Website: www.steven-carter.com.
Church Website:
www.mountararatchurch.com