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Recap: Tonex Preaches In Brooklyn
Published by Torrence Glenn on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:30 pm.
Sup folks.
Sunday evening, I saw a tweet from Sunday Best 3 background vocalist Anaysha Figueroa inviting people to her church, New Life Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY, to hear/see Tonex on Monday. I’ll admit, I had to re-read the message a few times to make sure I read it right. We all know the supposed “controversy” that has surrounded Tonex for the last year regarding his sexuality and his choice to discuss it openly. With that level of …. “disclosure,” it’s needless to say that Tonex suffered a considerable amount of backlash in the gospel and Christian community. (I even received quite a few attacks myself just for featuring new music from him on this blog after he had made his announcement.) I heardthat he still does a few gigs here and there but his acceptance within the church has come down considerably. So to hear that a more traditional and pentecostal church such as New Life, pastored by Bishop Eric Figueroa was inviting him to their church was a shock to me. Being the Tonex fan that I am, I decided that although it was short notice, I had to go! (Yeah, I don’t stop supporting people just because it’s not popular to. Not my style.) Once I arrived at the church on Monday night, I tweeted that I was there and MORE than a few people asked me to recap it, so here goes. (I originally intended just to go for myself, not necessarily to cover but I realized that more people than me were interested in seeing/hearing what Tonex had to say.)
The service was to begin at 8 p.m., and with NYC subways being what they are and me being who I am, I got there a little late (like always). Fortunately, Anaysha and her crew were still doing Praise & Worship and I didn’t miss much and was able to get a seat. (By the way, you MUST hear her do praise and worship at some point, she’s a beast!) But anyway, I was right on time. The service pretty much took the normal order of any other service. There was the prayer, the scripture, the welcome, offering, etc. etc.
*pause for the cause* There was this one moment where the MC decided to fuss at the audience and say “The Lord told me that some of y’all are here just to be nosy.” Uhhh, you think? You’ve got a controversial and famous public figure preaching at your church on a Monday night. Not sure if the Lord has to be the one to give you that revelation but “different stroke for different folks I guess.” (RIP Gary Coleman)
After the offering was taken and a guest choir sang a song, it was time for Tonex (or Minister Anthony Williams as he prefers to be called as a minister) to preach. He was dressed in a full liturgical preacher’s attire. He had on a navy blue robe with a light blue panel. VERY traditional. Before beginning to preach he sang a piece of Karen Clark-Sheard’s worship song, “God Is Here.” And when I say he sang it, he SANG IT! He made sure to remind the crowd that although Minister Anthony Williams was in the building to preach, the artist Tonex was still alive, well and capable!
I won’t go point for point on his sermon, because it would be too much too type and I could only take so many notes before my blackberry powered off, but I’ll try and give the overall gist of the thing. He preached from the familiar bible story of Gideon in Judges, chapter 7. His theme was “Less Is More.” As the story goes, Gideon had an army he was preparing to take into a battle and God told him that his army was too large and that he needed to downsize. So God tells Gideon to tell anybody who wants to leave that they can. The army got considerably smaller at this point. Anthony cleverly related this part of the story to not just his own life but a few general life situations. He explained how sometimes it’s good to lose a few people, especially if they’re willing to leave the minute they’ve been given a chance. They’re not for you. (Remember, I’m paraphrasing…) Then God tells Gideon that the army is still too large and that he needs to downsize further. So Gideon follows God’s next set of instructions and bring the remaining soldiers down to the stream for them to get water. Gideon is supposed to separate the men into 2 groups; those who lapped the water like dogs and those who who knelt down and drank from their hands. God chose the soldiers who drank from their hands. This was a part of the sermon where Anthony really went in for me. He discussed how important it was to “maintain spiritual dignity” even when you come against challenges or opposition. That was the *whoosh* moment for me. He had a dynamic way of once again, taking the principles of Gideon’s story and applying to real life situations.
What I was probably most intrigued and impressed by was that he didn’t stoke the “controversy” fire. He didn’t talk about “haters” at any real length. Didn’t address his particular issues as it pertained to the “scandal” and came in and out of progressive and traditional “speak.” Simply put, he was super duper churchy while being practical and modern all at the same time. He “hooped” and he spoke plainly. No matter what kind of person you were, he had a way of preaching in the way that would reach you. It was on point!
I was a little disappointed in one part of the service though. This may be my personal observation/opinion but it seemed the musicians on duty weren’t very willing to help or follow as the sermon came to it’s climax. I understand that some preachers don’t like accompaniment when they preach and many musicians will wait until the preacher instructs them to play for him/her instead of just flowing with it. Better safe then sorry I guess is their thought process. But this was a totally different thing. There were moments where Anthony had to tell them the chords to play and they hesitantly played the chord and then just stopped. (Imagine if someone told you to pick up a piece of paper and you did and just put it down instead of doing something with it.) It was as if they needed to be told every little thing to do. It was odd because they were seasoned musicians who “know church.” But I may be wrong, this is just my opinion, but it felt like they had to be forced to participate in the closing praise experience that followed Anthony’s message. So to all my musicians, if you feel some kind of way about who’s preaching, get off the instruments!
However, the musicians eventually fell in line and the church WENT UP! (I get so churchy talking about church, huh? Ha!) Although it was ridiculously late, it turned out great and I’m glad I went. I think the service was good for everyone there. The congregation all got something out of it, but I think Tonex/Anthony did too.
I’m looking forward to hearing him preach again, because I found out that evening that he’ll be back in Brooklyn, mid June.
That’s it for now, I’m out!
Torrence
Sir, if the donkey in the bible could give a word from the Lord, what does it mean if a person says that they can?
The word says that we are not to eat with someone who is sexually immoral much less exalt them to the position of teacher/leader.
This church should be shamed! They brought damnation to themselves and disgrace to the name of Christ…how is he ever going to improve and get healed if churches open their doors for him to minister, when we all know that he needs to be ministered to.
Tonex needs to really get himself together. Jesus did not call us to be an artist, he called us to be followers of him. So why not hang up the artist and minister thing? Why not just go for Christ and get a job in corporate or something?…man, I would get a job at McDonalds if staying in the limelight meant I couldn’t keep the walk I always preach; gaining the world to lose your soul is not worth it….
it is very clear that the mistakes in this scenario is due to lack of Godly counsel, as well as inability to hear the voice of God or rightly divide the word of God…and by the way, Tonex is not a Christian
@ Paul N….Do You feel better now????
Torrence, please make sure to let us know when Minister Williams will be returning to Brooklyn. You said Mid June….details please
Shugah, he’ll be at Institutional church of God in christ, intl. June 13.
I’m frankly appalled at some of these comments. For anyone who might want to lecture me about being “judgmental”, etc. let me say that yes, I know we all have sinned, and we all have weaknesses, yada, yada, yada. I understand that fully…
But this is beyond just a man who has “some issues” he’s trying to struggle with. This is a man who has chosen a path of sexually immoral behavior, and is totally unrepentant about it. Such a person does not belong in the pulpit, plain and simple — at least not until he repents, which he seems to be totally unwilling to do anytime soon.
The fact that people continue to “support” this man, who is a willfully unclean vessel, is a sad testimony regardign the state of the church world today.
I’m frankly appalled at some of these comments. For anyone who might want to lecture me about being “judgmental”, etc. let me just say that yes, I know we all have sinned, and we all have weaknesses, etc etc. I understand that fully…
But this is beyond just a man who has “some issues” he’s trying to struggle with. This is a man who has chosen a path of sexually immoral behavior, and is totally unrepentant about it. Such a person does not belong in the pulpit, plain and simple — at least not until he repents, which he seems to be totally unwilling to do anytime soon.
The fact that people continue to “support” this man, who is a willfully unclean vessel, is a sad testimony regarding the state of the church world today.
Shugah, God bless you.
You can ask when he is coming abck to bklyn, thats your right. You are in need of repentance just as he is as you have made up your mind to stand in the way of sinners.
My advice to you would be to read the scriptures that are posted. Now if either you or Torrence are above the standards that God has made then so be it. God will deal with you about it but mark this post, you both have told the truth and will have to give an account as to why you dismisssed sound biblical counsel.
There is no love void of truth. That would be is lies, deception and hypocrisy at the highest level.
God bless you!
My question is did anybody get delivered? Did anybody give thier life to Christ? Was anyone filled with the Holy Ghost? Anyone can preach a mighty word because gifts and calling come without repentance. And as far as the church going up bodily exercise profits little. If one came to church one way and didn’t leave changed then it was all in vain.
PEOPLE, WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS!!!!!! WHEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO COMPLETELY DISREGARD THE WORD OF GOD JUST BECAUSE IT SUITS YOU IS BEYOND SCARY!!!! TORRENCE AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO SUPPORTS MR. WILLIAMS, MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU. THE BIBLE IS CLEAR ON THE ISSUE. THERE IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAKING A MISTAKE AND CHOOSING TO LIVE A LIFE OF SIN. THE FACT THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG MAKING EXCUSES FOR THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR IS AMAZING!!!! THE WORD OF GOD IS TRUE!
I love the coverage and I applaud Tonex for being real. This is what is required of us as believers. God made him who he is and it’s a shame that we try to make him be what we think he should be! He is still a mighty man of God and he will reach the masses with his love and understanding. Accepting prevents us from resorting to judging. We don’t choose to live a life of sin, we choose to live the life that God gives us!
Dedikated, please do not lie on my God!
Dedikated, PLEASE BACK THAT STATEMENT UP WITH SCRIPTURE!!!!!!!! The word of God Is clear! STATEMENTS LIKE WHAT YOU JUST MADE IS WHY THE CHURCH IS SO WEAK. Because of so called believers who want to WATER DOWN the Gospel to suit their own desire to live a life contrary to the word of God. IT’S THE WORD OF GOD THAT IS GOING TO LAST, NOT OUR OPINIONS OR TWISTED VIEWS!!! LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US ALL!!!
Thanks for that recap Torrence!
I was in attendance, and MY LIFE WAS CHANGED….
God really moved in that place, and he was able to move because his AGAPE Love for was being shown….GOD is LOVE.
I’m so glad GOD is not like some of these people making these hateful, and judgemental comments
“Church people” have become so good at making scripture what they want in order to use it for HATE, na dto be judgemental…
but I’m soo glad that Pastor Williams has his own relationship with God, and has not allowed these church people to drive him to lose his mind, and to die.
but he has used this very thing to minister LOVE to all….GODS LOVE
I pray that God will not judge as hard as u have judged this vessel of God…if u dont agree just pray for him and ask God to deal with it,, but also ask him to deal with you 1st.
“Church people” have become so good at making scripture what they want in order to use it for HATE, na dto be judgemental…”
seriously!
The scriptures say what they say and mean what they say. So you talking about love dismiss Gods word and influenced by the devil try to take people down your slippery slope that leads to hell because you love sin?
Love is doing what Gods word says, not making it seem as if it is accepting of Tonex’s, sinful lifestyle. Agape love does not accept sin, it loves inspite of sin but if you think everyone is going to heaven because of Gods love you are sooo wrong. Homosexuals will not enter heaven. One more thing, if the Church loved Tonex they wouldnt have invited him to preach! in doing so give him some false idea that he is right with God. The Pastor shouldve rebuked him!
IKNOWGOD? if you did know God you wouldnt say what you did. You dont know God and God does not know you and He was not in that Church apart from convicting people of lsitening to an unrepentant sinner.
You were changed and you come spouting some unbiblical nonsense? trying to make people feel guilty for speaking truth. No way, this is not my blog but I am going to confront your lies as to not confuse someone who would read this blog.
That good feeling you had was straight from the pit of hell
I advise you to stop talking lies and repent of it now.
Be blessed!
One more thing is not about whether one agrees or not, its about what the bible says.
As far as you talking about judging.
1 Corinthians 5:12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.
It was blatant sin to make this man preach as he is a false teacher, a wolf in sheeps clothing, behaving as a believer whom the devil is using to infiltrate the church and you call it love!
Good evening Torrence,
I writing you out concerned of your analysis of a service you attended that featured the gospel singer Tonex. I am really saddened and appalled that he is still allowed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ without any fruit of repentance. There is nothing about this controversial brother he openly admitted his sinful lifestyle and then tried to flaunt it before the world as he misquoted the bible to in trying to justify himself. Then he blasphemed the Holy Ghost by saying that the saying He approved of Him and that He still is saved. From that point since the airing of that sad show he has never come back and publicly repented and renounced his ungodly lifestyle.
As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ we are charged by the Lord in His word to take heed therefore unto your selves, and to all the flock, over the which the hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. We do not pick and choose what part of the bible so that we can to justify our sins. To those that think he has courage, or keeping it real study the scriptures and you show yourselves approved unto God.
Read about Samson, King Saul, Judas, what happen to them after God called them and they turned backs on Him. They were judged and all met with certain death. You do not play with the holy things of God and still think you can operate in the gift he has given you. Light and darkness can not dwell together. It is written, Heb. 10: 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
WONDERFUL!!! preach on preacha!!! all i wana say!!
Man-oh-an I knew after reading this article that “some” folks on this blog would “go in” on Mr. Williams like like a pack of wolves. Oh well… Unfortunately, I missed the sermon. If I had new about it I would have been there with no hesitation ready to get my Word on. I, personally, don’t care what anyone thinks about me so please spare me the personal comments or scriptures – save them for someone else who wants to hear the love-less rhetoric. Torrence – My Brother, thank you for checking this out and giving us a report. I won’t miss the next event! Peace and blessings to you!
So Marcel, save the scripture but you wanted to get your word on? thats makes no sense at all. How can Christian say save the scriptures? well what is it that is your guide?
WOW!!!
“Pack of wolves?” funny because Jesus said false teachers are wolves in sheeps clothing and thats what Tonex is but you Marcel would prefer overlook Gods word and accept Tonex’s sin and bash those who want to stand on Gods word.
You know I can only come to one og two conclusions with you who are defending him, its either you are homosexual also or you a biblically ingnorant. One thing for sure is that you need to be saved becuase a saved person would NEVER justify such behavior and act as if a church letting him preach is ok. You are walkinh in hate as you think its kool to allow the deviil to use Tonex to bring sin into the church.
Who said it was only about Tonex? its about all of you who accept this situation as if it is right in the sight of God.
Its simple, this is sin before God!
Yep, many who are defending him are gay and he is the poster boy for your Agenda.
No sin goes unpunished! No sin!!! And the sin here is going against the NATURAL order God set up for union to be between man and woman!!! I pray for revelation and change!!! Please don’t use the fact that he ‘preached the power down’ to validate him (that is if he is still actively practicing sin…I dunno…so I don’t want to be judgemental). Another thing is, it does not matter who you are and what you are doing, if you are using the word of God, speaking it or singing it, it will be annointed…You know why it will be annointed because it is the WORD OF GOD, GOD HIMSELF for In the beginning was the word, the word was with God and the very word was God! God’s word is already annointed, annointed from it came out of God’s mouth and hit the pages of what we now know as the bible!!! The word of God is not conditional to people, places or things or lifestyles…IF YOU ARE WORKING THE WORD OF GOD, IT WILL WORK FOR YOU. So that annointing that was in the house came from the word of God, not Tonex. Please don’t be fooled! And the gifts are given without repentance, so your gift can still operate even with sin in your life…that is why it is necessary to have the GIFT OF DISCERNMENT so you can see through the emebellishments and the maybe even the fassaud. I pray that Tonex is walking in truth for I sincerely love him and the ministry he has inside of him…unlimited potential!!!
@ Paul N, Amen, Amen and Amen. People can’t stand when you knock upside the head with the word of God. The truth shall MAKE you free. GET FREE FAKERS EMBRACE THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD BEFORE IT’S EVERLASTING TOO LATE!!!!