Walk the Word helping
the comminity
These thoughts coupled with the coronavirus pandemic have furied a new wave of behaviors, Pettaway says. “Covid has made it easier for youth to go wayward.” The accountability that comes from attending church in person doesn’t translate to online church services. “Because so many places and activities are closed down right now, there’s just not a way for the kids to express themselves. They don’t really have anywhere they can talk about what they’re going through.” While discussing his perspective on some of the most prevalent issues that plague the community, the pastor referenced the mission of his church. “We want to leave the community better than how we found it.” Pettaway said he strives to make his ministry more purposeful about speaking with the youth in the church. “We’re actively trying to educate them on how detrimental drugs are and teach them it’s not conducive to them leading a productive life. Instead, we want to promote the spiritual side of life.” The pastor often tries to make his messages more relevant to the younger individuals of his congregation. “We need to find a way to use the Gospel to excite people in different ways,” he said. “God’s word never changes, but the way we deliver it can.”
“God’s word never changes, but the way we deliver it can.” of them have the drive, but they may also have family issues they’re constantly around or other factors pulling their attention away from just school,” Pettaway said. The pastor also recently purchased 18 acres of land to build a community center and is also helping revitalize the Frederick Douglas Center by spearheading a fundraising campaign. “We don’t have all the answers for any of this, but hopefully this will be a gateway to hope and prosperity for this community.” In an effort to further the church’s reach outside its four walls, the Walk the Word congregation started the Total Purpose Scholarship Foundation that has raised more than $200,000 in the five years since its start. Pettaway says the scholarships are primarily for students with low GPAs to aid in their ability to pursue post-high school education. “Many
-Tim Pettaway
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