dr clarence sexton obituary dr clarence sexton obituary

He has desired to reach every age of people in every area of the world because he understands that this is Gods desire. They share two grown sons, Shannon Sexton and Matt Sexton. Crown Christian Publications is based in The Crown College, and is a ministry of Temple Baptist Church[21] in Powell. Not knowing how independent Baptistchurches functioned, he soon learned of the Highland Park Baptist Church, an independent Baptist church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Beginning in rural Blount County in East Tennessee, God has raised up and sustained a ministry that is taking the gospel message around the world. The burden of my heart is to enlist people in the cause of Christ, to train and equip them to continue in. Dr. Roberson described the time Clarence served with him as the greatest years in the history of the Highland Park Baptist Church. It was in Chattanooga that the Lord began to burden Clarence to start a Christian college to train people for the Lords service. Issues of Life Answered from the Bible Download the 40 Years of Ministry Book. Meanwhile, Mary Evelyn Rogers was born into the home of Alvie and Lucille Rogers in Maryville, Tennessee, on December 19, 1949. There has been no ministry of the church that has not felt the effects of Pastor Sextons devotion to Christ. View obituary. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Discipling New BelieversResources and accountability for those who have trusted Christ. Among these resources are over forty books that he has written to aid pastors and Christians in their church and personal Bible study. He was the oldest of four children, including Tommy, Katherine, and baby sister Sheila. Upon learning that Clarences mother had the sole responsibility of rearing her children, Mr. Davis, a godly Christian man, promised to help her. We are seeking to provide a Christ-centered breadth and depth to education. Shannon is married to his beautiful wife Kristi while Matt is married to Rhonda. More significantly, the overwhelming majority of those members were won to Christ and baptized under the Sextons ministry. Dr. Clarence Sexton was saved at the age of 14. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. He had been visiting a church family who had recently lost a loved one. Make a life-giving gesture. Charles Smith.. Who has not yet been reached with the gospel? You may sign the guestbook at www.gentrygriffeyfuneralchapel.com. Dr. Clarence Sexton is the pastor of Temple Baptist Church and the founder and president of The Crown College At that time, Paterson was one of the most densely populated urban areas in the nation. After much prayer and consideration, Clarence and Evelyn became increasingly convinced that God was leading them back to East Tennessee. People began to attend and join the church from places as far away as Oak Ridge, Lake City, and Strawberry Plains. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama. There has been no ministry of the church that has not felt the effects of Pastor Sextons devotion to Christ. Find the obituary of Clarence Ralph Sexton (1925 - 2019) from Batavia, OH. Elizabeth A. 23000 Rockside Rd. It was not long before people around the area began to hear of Clarences preaching ministry. Over two thousand people rode the buses to church each Sunday. His hope and prayer is that the Lord would continue to use him to encourage the family of like precious faith to take heart and to be, 2307 W. Beaver Creek Drive Powell, TN 37849. Clarence Sexton is the pastor of the Temple Baptist Church and the founder and president of The Crown College in Knoxville, TN. December 10, 2022 (99 years old) View obituary. Clarence himself brought new converts down the aisle almost every week. Sexton attended Maryville High School. During this time, their second son, Matthew Stephen, was born on April 13, 1971. They contacted him again. Under Clarences leadership, Highland Parks bus ministry experienced tremendous growth. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He served in many Baptist churches as a pastor before settling for Temple Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Forrest Cook; son, Joey Cook; granddaughter, Jordan Stalans & husband Daniel; 2 great-grandchildren, Kaylee & Noah. His influence had a tremendous effect upon Clarences life. At present, the Lord has blessed the church with over 130 acres at the main campus, 47 acres at the college campus, and over 110 acres at Mount Moriah Christian Camp, just four miles north. Autrey, God called Clarence Sexton into Christian service on July 27, 1967. A life lived for Jesus Christ will have meaning and purpose not just for time, but also for eternity. Thirteen years after the Lord first put the dream within Pastor Sextons heart to train men and women to serve Jesus Christ in local churches, The Crown College was founded without a faculty member, a curriculum, a building, or a single student. Dr. Clarence Sexton was saved at the age of 14. From this work, the graduates of Crown College have planted hundreds of churches and established extension campuses in Texas, Montana, England, and Nepal. We have one life. Beginning his freshman year, Clarence decided to transfer from Maryville High School to Everett High School. They contacted him again. Her son, Rex Yelton along with her two brothers and two sisters. "What Happens When a Person Dies" - Hebrews 9:27, "We are Comforted to be Able to Comfort Others", "Considerand the Lord Give The Understanding", "The Birth of Jesus Christ Was On This Wise". The interment will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Dr. Clarence Sexton, founder and President of The Crown College, said this of Jesse, "Jesse McBride was an outstanding Christian young man. At present, the Lord has blessed the church with over 130 acres at the main campus, 38 acres at the college campus, and over 100 acres at Mount Moriah Christian Camp, just four miles north. Subsequently, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee graduating with a bachelors degree in education. Gods Word says in Romans 14:12,Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.We have no cause of our ownwhen we truly follow the Lord Jesus Christ, His purpose will become our purpose. More significantly, the overwhelming majority of those members were won to Christ and baptized under the Sextons ministry. Thirteen years after the Lord first put the dream within Pastor Sextons heart to train men and women to serve Jesus Christ in local churches, The Crown College was founded. Clarence Sexton founded Crown College in 1991. His pioneering spirit has led to the initiation of hundreds of worldwide ministries including short-term and long-term mission works. Sherry graduated from the University of Alabama with an undergraduate degree in economics and a doctorate degree in education. After high school, he married Evelyn Rogers and, at the age of eighteen, he became pastor of his first church. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama, United States. In light of his convictions, he realized he could not remain in the Southern Baptist Convention. Clarence Sexton Height He is a man of average stature and stands at a height of 5 ft 7 in (Approx. He has served as a pastor at Temple Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved. Clarence Sexton founded Crown College in 1991. After high school, he married Evelyn Rogers and, at the age of eighteen, he became pastor of his first church. Decades later, Mr. Davis revealed to Clarence that he had prayed for Clarence and continues to pray for him every day. A short time later, Dr. J. William Harbin led Clarence Sexton to trust Christ as his own personal Saviour. A unique and . The Crown College is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II, and fields teams in men's basketball, men's soccer, and women's volleyball. Roger Hilliard and Rev. Please pray for the work of Crown College. Brewer. Some of his books include: The Christian Home [16] Student housing is available on the campus of Temple Baptist Church and at the North Campus just a few miles away.[17]. Mrs. Jean S. Yelton, age 98, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Where do I park? God's Word provides the only sure foundation on which to build the life of your family. In 1969, he became the pastor of Greenback Memorial baptist church. Two years later, on Easter Sunday morning, his father, Preston Thomas Sexton, died. Unknown to Clarence, a pulpit committee from the Greenback Memorial BaptistChurch attended a service in which he was preaching. Additionally, Sexton has also received his Doctorate of Divinity and a Doctorate of Humanities. In August of 1988, Dr. Sexton became pastor of Temple Baptist Church of Powell, Tennessee. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Since 1991, we have been training men and women to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Early on, he began to teach in the New York School of the Bible in Manhattan which would serve as a pattern for future Schools of the Bible. Welcome from Pastor Sexton. Family and friends will meet Tuesday at 2:45 pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 3:00 pm interment. Miss Lucy's son-in-law, Dr. Clarence Sexton, will . A short time later, Dr. J. William Harbin led him to trust Christ as his own personal Saviour. There is a blessed spirit of oneness in this placesomething for which only God could be responsible. April 11, 2022 April 11, 2022 7 minute read by Clarence Sexton. The school currently offers programs in Auto/Diesel, HVAC, and Welding for men, and Cosmetology for ladies, with future programs coming soon. In 1980, he accepted the call of the Madison Avenue Baptist Church, located eleven miles from New York City in Paterson, New Jersey. Dot grew up in Powell, graduated from Powell High School in 1962, married her high school sweetheart, Forrest Cook in 1963, and moved to their beloved farm in 1970. He has also received his Doctorate of Divinity and a Doctorate of Humanities. Upon Pastor Sextons arrival, the church purchased an additional seventeen acres just behind the original tract of land. On a Wednesday evening, after a youth choir practice, the director, Don Brakebill, asked Clarence if he was a Christian. Because the church had been without a pastor for over five years, it was only weeks away from closing its doors. It was in Lenoir City that God began to lead Clarence Sexton down a new path, in a direction that would require a great deal of faith and courage. Since that time, we have witnessed constant growth. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with the funeral service at 8 p.m. with Dr. Clarence Sexton officiating. When the Sextons arrived in Powell, Tennessee, the Temple Baptist Church was averaging less than four hundred people in attendance. From having only one college building in 1991, the Lord provided the Curtis Hutson Center for Local Church Ministries. She was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church and a member of the Friendship Sunday School class for over 50 years. In the fall of 2001, Pastor led the church to purchase fifteen new buses by faith. Clarences mother, Ruby Lee Sexton, had a profound influence on his life. Sexton met his wife Evelyn in high school after their wedding they attended Forest Hills Baptist Church, and God began a powerful work in Clarences heart. In Ecclesiastes 12:1 the Bible says, Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. In an effort to reach the next generation with this truth, Clarence Sexton has founded four summer youth camps located in Powell, TN, Pottsboro, TX, Heron, MT, and Droitwich, England. Paterson had been known as a graveyard for independent Baptist churches; however, God intervened on Clarences behalf. The Sunday School was reorganized, and numbers of new classes were begun to reach the lost and teach the saved. Radio & Television Broadcasts NEWWe invite you to listen or watch the live meetings of Temple Baptist Church. During a tent revival, while listening to the preaching of Dr. C.E. When Clarence was fourteen, he began attending the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Temple Baptist AcademyK4-12 and HomeschoolGive your children the foundation for life! In the meantime, God had been dealing with Clarence. Earnest prayer and planning began. Knoxville, TN 37920 for the graveside service Thursday, September 1st at 10am. Mr. Davis kept his promise. When she was only five years old, Evelyns father, a Baptist preacher, was killed in an automobile accident. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama, United States. When Clarence arrived in Paterson, the church had fewer than ninety members. The Christian life is the unending pursuit of Jesus Christ. -Pastor Clarence Sexton, 1700 West Beaver Creek Drive Powell, TN 37849 1.877.MYCROWN 865.938.8182BaptistFriends.org FaithfortheFamily.com TheCrownCollege.com. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at noon to 2:00 o'clock with the funeral to follow at 2:00 o'clock in the Berry Funeral Home Chapel at 3704 Chapman Highway. Praying in One AccordYou may call the prayer line (865.938.PRAY) for updates and to hear requests given by our church family and friends. Life in the Sexton household was turbulent, and Clarences parents divorced when he was twelve. Dr. Clarence Sexton and Rev. [citation needed] Located on this campus are classrooms, the Crown Bookshop,[15] the Crown Music Conservatory,[12] the Lee Roberson Christian Heritage Center, the Great Hall dining area, and the campus library. Obituaries 9:30 AM Facing Tomorrow, Tom Williams 9:45 AM Morning Message. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. July 4, 1925 - In 1988, the church facilities were located on approximately 25 acres of land bordered by Beaver Creek Drive and Adams Road. Clarence himself brought new converts down the aisle almost every week. When Clarence once asked Dr. Roberson what he could do to be more of a help to him, Dr. Roberson simply replied, More of the same, more of the same.. Questions & AnswersWhat can I expect? God Bless the President and God Bless. While serving with Dr. Roberson, God gave Clarence a great desire to pastor again. Meanwhile, Mary Evelyn Rogers was born into the home of Alvie and Lucille Rogers in Maryville, Tennessee, on December 19, 1949. Click here for more info , The high road is not choosing between the good and the bad but choosing between the good and the best and always choosing the best. Funeral arrangement under the care ofMoore Family Funeral Homes. 1,698 talking about this. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. SEXTON, Clarence Arthur "C.A." 87, of St. Petersburg, died March 16, 2010 following a 2-year illness. Gods Word says in Romans 14:12, Why has God has so singularly blessed their ministry, Thousands of men and women are serving Jesus Christ across the nation and around the world who have been influenced, encouraged, and trained under Dr. Sextons ministry. [2] by Dr. Clarence Sexton Experience the joy of going on the world's greatest journey: the intentional pursuit of Jesus Christ. Read More Go to the Visitor Center A Place of Service Submit a Prayer Request Confident that Clarence was the man God wanted as their pastor, the committee began earnestly praying. Crown Christian Publications is a small publisher that specializes in books on Christian living and devotionals. Why has God has so singularly blessed their ministry? The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. In the eight years he and Evelyn served in Paterson, the church grew to average over eight hundred people every Sunday. [3], Crown College is home to the one-of-a-kind Crown Christian Heritage Center. They were married on February 15, 1967. It was not long before people around the area began to hear of Clarences preaching ministry. His family, after moving nineteen times before Clarence reached the third grade, finally settled in Maryville, Tennessee, when he was eight years old. The newlyweds began attending Forest Hills Baptist Church and God began a powerful work in Clarences heart. On that campus is the Lee Roberson Christian Heritage Center, which contains hundreds of displays bearing witness to our rich spiritual heritage. Through more than half a century in Christian ministry, his spoken and written messages have benefited countless Christian workers. In the early years of his ministry in Powell, the Lord led Pastor Sexton to launch a Bible club ministry in local public schools. Dr. Roberson described the time Clarence served with him as the greatest years in the history of the Highland Park Baptist Church. It was in Chattanooga that the Lord began to burden Clarence to start a Bible college. [4], The college offers the Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree, with concentrations in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, missions, music ministry,[5] Christian education,[6] business,[7] trades and technology,[8] a Christian Life Certificate,[9] and opportunities for individual study through online programs,[10] the school of International Language Navigators,[11] and the Crown Music Conservatory. The week in politics: EV fees, medical pot and targeting Nashville. May God bless you as you seek to take the high road in life. While there, he began a bus ministry and saw God bless as the church grew. Dr. Clarence Washington Mixon was born on March 7, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Clarence Sexton had the opportunity to develop a relationship with him prior to his death. www.holleygamble.com, Copyright 2017 - 23 Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. In the many opportunities God has given him, Clarence has endeavored to commit what God has taught him to faithful men and women who shall be able to teach others also (II Timothy 2:2). A Home for Your FamilyRead what our people have to say about their church home. In the eight years he and Evelyn served in the greater New York City area, the church grew to average over eight hundred people every Sunday. Because as He has led them, they have been obedient to follow. Come Visit UsThe church campus is located only minutes from anywhere in greater Knoxville area. Temple Baptist Church has become a place to which thousands have come home, a place to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), a place to be equipped to reach a desperately lost and dying world. Pastor Sexton led the church to survey entire communities for miles around. Students trained at Crown College have, with the aid of the founder, carried the work of the college overseas to the United Kingdomand Nepal. In 2004, God made available a new college campus less than a quarter mile from the church. Founder and President, The Crown College. He is a man of average stature and stands at a height of 5 ft 7 in (Approx. Under Clarences leadership, Highland Parks bus ministry experienced tremendous growth. She leaves behind: 4 sisters & 2 brothers: Betty Lee of Fayetteville, GA, Jean Faison of Jonesboro, GA, Evelyn Lingerfelt of Fayetteville, GA, Helen Wynegar of Powell, TN, David Latham of Powell, TN, and Gary Latham of Temple, GA; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly but will remember her fondly. Play Tribute Video . In Addition to his pastoring, Sexton is also an author. From our dedicated nursery workers to the Seniors Saints, we extend an invitation for you to come home to Temple Baptist Church. Realizing that Clarence was lost, Mr. Brakebill took him to meet the pastor. His influence had a tremendous effect upon Clarences life. From the newborns to the senior saints, the mark of a pastors heart is undeniable. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church Bus Ministry. Pastor Hagans reply was, Im not surprised! Days later, Pastor Hagan gave Clarence the opportunity to preach on his radio broadcast. After the death of her father, Evelyn and her older brother Charles were raised by their godly mother, Lucille Rogers Caughron. The Lord had prepared the church family to follow their new pastor enthusiastically from the very beginning. He has conducted training sessions for pastors and Christian workers around the world and speaks in conferences through the United States. As a single parent, she reared the four children, often working multiple jobs. At that time, Clarence had no peace about responding to their request, and he had no desire to leave the thriving church in Paterson. Patricia B. Molnar. Dr. Roberson soon asked Clarence to join the staff as an assistant pastor. Temple Baptist Church has over six thousand members, but this does not detract from the blessed spirit of onenesssomething for which only God could be responsible. Mrs. Jean S. Yelton, age 98, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Samuel Max Yelton, whom she met and married in Monroe, Michigan on July 1, 1949. On Sunday, hundreds of young people are transported to the church and taught from the Bible how to live a principled life with Christian character. Jean is survived by four nephews, James K. Johnson, Lynn Stewart, Lloyd Stewart of Arkansas and Kenneth Stewart of Oklahoma; three nieces, Glenda S. Ayers, Linda S. Collins and TroyDean Graves of Arkansas and many great and great, great nieces and nephews. From our dedicated nursery workers to the Seniors Saints, we extend an invitation for you to come home to Temple Baptist Church. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Enjoy watching Bible preaching and music broadcasts from Temple Baptist Church by taking a moment to subscribe on YouTube. His heart is to edify, encourage, and equip Christian workers through Bible teaching, preaching, books, publications, live-streamed church services, and Crown Radio broadcasts. He worked in the steel industry as a brick mason for 38 years. These buses are used weekly to bring the boys and girls of greater Knoxville to hear the gospel of Christ. He instituted The Afternoon Sunday School, during which thousands of people placed their faith in Christ. His hope and prayer is that the Lord would continue to use him to encourage the family of like precious faith to take heart and to be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.. Friday 1/14, 10:30 am. The couple has two grown sons, Shannon Sexton and Matt Sexton, and six beautiful grandchildren. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Clarence was forced to be the man of the house, looking after his brother and sisters. Sexton and Evelyn are grandparents of six beautiful grandchildren. Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Lockett family. When we read the great stories of the Bible, we see how God worked in the lives of others and how He can work in us as we yield our lives to Him. After a youth choir practice, the director, Don Brakebill, asked him if he was a Christian. God brought the world to the churchs doorstep. Our name, Crown College, is a constant reminder of our purpose. The people were ready to trust God and to follow their pastor. Later, he preached his first message to a congregation at the Oak Street Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, where Ernest Condee was the pastor. After the death of their father, she and her older brother Charles were reared by their godly mother, Lucille Rogers Caughron. On August 17, 1988, Dr. Clarence Sexton became the pastor of the Temple Baptist Church. Crown College is a independent Baptist Bible college, trade school, seminary, language school, and music conservatory in Powell, Tennessee. */. The people were ready to trust God and to follow their pastor. In the meantime, God had been dealing with Clarence. Later, Sexton preached his first message to a congregation at the Oak Street Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. While attending the seminary, God brought Clarence into favor with Dr. Lee Roberson, pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church and founder of Tennessee Temple Schools. By the 2006-2007 academic year, over nine hundred students enrolled, representing more than forty states and several foreign countries. Confident that Clarence was the man God wanted as their pastor, the committee began earnestly praying. He is 73 years old. David Rosser officiating. While attending the seminary, God brought Clarence into favor with Dr. Lee Roberson, pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church and founder of Tennessee Temple Schools. Over two hundred missionaries participate in the effort of this local assembly to take the Good News to every creature. Clarence Sexton was born on Sunday morning, October 10, 1948, at the Baptist Hospital in Selma, Alabama. He distinguished himself with sterling Christian character. November 18, 2022 (87 years old) CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Clarence told the church that he would be leaving the Convention to become an independent Baptist. While it is true that the members of the Temple Baptist Church have given millions of dollars and labored thousands of hours for the college, it has been a labor of love every step of the way; not one minute has been spent in vain. Family and friends will. From having only one college building in 1991, the Lord provided the Curtis Hutson Center for Local Church Ministries. Temple Baptist Church was now a church on the move for God. When Clarence was fourteen, he began attending the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. In August of 1991, the doors of the college opened to sixty-nine students from fourteen states. Dr. Clarence Sexton officiating. At that time, Paterson was one of the most densely populated urban areas in the nation. Write your message of sympathy today. Later, he preached his first message to a congregation at the Oak Street Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, where Ernest Condee was the pastor. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com. What Every Child Needs to Know About Marriage October 27, 2021 October 27, 2021 10 minute read by Clarence Sexton. The interment will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 24, 2009 at Greenwood Cemetery. Dr Ralph Sexton (Mondays) Dr. Dan Reed (Tuesdays) Pastor CT Townsend (Wednesdays) Dr. Paul Chappell (Thursdays) Dr. Joe Author (Fridays) 1.72 m). Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Weaver Funeral Home 5815 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37921 Show your support Send Flowers Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Sign up for service and obituary updates. It was in Lenoir City that God began to lead Clarence Sexton down a new path, in a direction thatwould require a great deal of faith and courage. The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice, especially Stephanie, for their tender, compassionate, professional care of Dot over the past few weeks. There is no photo or video of Clarence Ralph Sexton.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. Jean is now united with her loved ones that have awaited her in heaven. He was born on Sunday morning at the Baptist Hospital in Selma, Alabama to his parents Preston Thomas Sexton and Ruby Lee Sexton. After surrendering to Gods call, he telephoned his pastor, Dillard Hagan, late that night to tell him the news. Dolores E. Howell. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Wednesday, August 31st with funeral service to follow at 7pm at Temple Baptist Church, 1700 W. Beaver Creek Dr. Powell, TN 37849. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Jean was born on January 21, 1925 in Dardanelle, Arkansas. Clarence told the committee that the church must understand that their vote to call him as pastor was also a vote to establish a Bible college. He served in. At that time, Clarence had no peace about responding to their request, and he had no desire to leave the thriving church in Paterson. Dr. Clarence Sexton (Wednesdays) Dr. Kenny Baldwin (Thursdays) . Beginning his freshman year, Clarence decided to transfer from Maryville High School to Everett High School. From the newborns to the senior saints, the mark of a pastors heart is undeniable. He is the founder and president of The Crown College which teaches people how to serve Jesus Christ.