Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Conversations In Focus with Pastor Denell Howard of Evolve International

Bryan Hudson, DMin. hosts an insightful conversation with Denell Howard on Conversations In Focus.
Pastor Howard is the founder and director of Evolve International, Inc. The letters E.V.O.L.V.E stands for "Educating for Victory Offering Leadership Vision & Empowerment."
Evolve International Inc. is an organization developed solely to grow and develop leaders. Our goal is to inspire African American males to intentionally lead in areas of education, entrepreneurship, civics, and mentoring. The challenges within the Black community are vast and multifaceted, yet we believe we can articulate the solution in one word: leadership. Their work of Evolve International is to engage in the development of the next generation and to empower leaders to evolve by creating supportive environments through the five "C's" of Coaches, Conferences, Clubs, Camps, and The Evolve Education Center.
Denell Howard is also Pastor of the Hovey Street church of Christ in Indianapolis, IN. He and his wife, Keisha, have three children and reside in Indianapolis.
What I find remarkable and refreshing about Pastor Howard is his authenticity, consistency, and clarity of purpose. He is a man who does not compromise concerning the assignment the Lord has giving him, maintaining a laser focus on empowering young black men, and bringing people from all walks of life together to fulfill that purpose.
Learn more about Evolve at www.evolveleaders.org

Live in the House of Wisdom - Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

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Sermon Summary: "Live in the House of Wisdom" by Dr. Bryan Hudson
Pastor Bryan Hudson delivers a powerful and practical message rooted in the wisdom literature of Scripture, particularly the book of Proverbs. The central theme of the sermon is an invitation not merely to admire or visit wisdom, but to live in the house of wisdom—to make it our dwelling place and guiding principle.
Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1–3)
Proverbs is given to teach wisdom and discipline, to understand wise insights, and to help people do what is right, just, and fair.
Discipline is emphasized—it's not what others do for you, but what you choose for yourself.
Discipline leads to order, consistency, and purposeful living.
The Structure of Wisdom (Proverbs 24:3–4)
Wisdom builds the house
Understanding establishes it
Knowledge furnishes it with pleasant and precious thingsThis creates a metaphorical structure: Wisdom = the house, Understanding = the foundation, Knowledge = the furniture.
This priority counters worldly assumptions—knowledge is not enough; it must be applied through wisdom and guided by understanding.
Illustration of Wisdom with Cooking
Knowledge is like having the recipe and ingredients.
Understanding is knowing how to use them.
Wisdom is putting it all together effectively and appropriately.
Path Principle and Decision-Making
Proverbs teaches to ponder the path of your feet (Proverbs 4:26).
Life is about the paths we walk, not merely our intentions.
Just as walking on a moving walkway takes you in a fixed direction, so do life choices—you arrive where the path leads, regardless of your good intentions.
Living in God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Lack
There is both abundance and lack in the world—not only materially but spiritually.
There’s a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord (Amos 8:11), despite abundance all around.
True abundance is not material wealth, but spiritual richness, rooted in wisdom and relationship with God.
Warnings and Encouragement
Covetousness is a danger—desiring something just because someone else has it.
Jesus was not poor, but He lived simply. True wealth is in wisdom and purpose, not possessions.
Don't lower yourself or dilute your wisdom to fit in—let others rise to the level of truth and light.
Mind of Christ
God’s ways and thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:8–9), but they are not unattainable—we must rise to them.
Believers have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), giving access to divine wisdom.
Final Call: Choose Wisdom Daily
God's wisdom is a path, not just an idea.
Living wisely leads to stability, fulfillment, and God-directed success.
Don’t just visit the house of wisdom—live there.
Closing PrayerDr. Hudson ends with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to help believers live in the house of wisdom and guide others into the same.
Summary Phrase:"Let’s not just visit the house of wisdom—let’s live in it."
This message is both instructional and deeply spiritual, calling believers to a lifestyle rooted in God’s wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

"Your Tomorrow Begins Today" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #171 for May 28, 2025

All of what we hope for tomorrow, begins today.Joshua prepared Israel to cross the Jordan River. This was the second time they faced a barrier of water. First was the Red Sea after their exodus from Egypt. They miraculously crossed over with great joy, but they soon fell into bad habits. By the time Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy, which was the last of his five books called the Pentateuch, he was very aware of Israel's failure after the Red Sea miracle.
In that last book, Moses wrote about people focusing on God and doing His will "today" over 160 times. Looking back, I think Moses realized that the people's hope for tomorrow was not met with preparation today.After Moses died, God raised up Joshua. As Israeli faced their second barrier of water, the Jordan River, we find Joshua giving them instructions today, before crossing over the next day. Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5)God has prepared you for every challenge and opportunity in front of you. Today is your tomorrow because what you do today determines your success tomorrow.
 
God Bless and be encouraged!~ Bryan Hudson, DMin

SPECIAL EDITION – "The Path Principle" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #170 for May 21, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, May 18, 2025
God's People in the City
 
"The Path Principle"   Bryan Hudson, DMin
I want to talk to you briefly about gun violence and something called "The Path Principle." 
This morning on May 20, I received an email from Anthony Beverly who is the founder and director of Stop the Violence Indianapolis. In this message, he communicated the tragic story of a 17 year old young man who died of gun violence at 29th and Dearborn here in my city of Indianapolis. First of all, I grew up six blocks from 29th in Dearborn. I'm in this neighborhood almost every day as my 88-year-old father lives in the vicinity of 34th and Dearborn. 
The tragedy of the young man who died of gun violence is a story that we've heard before, but it's very important that we do not become desensitized to hearing the stories. Because each young person who dies of gun violence is a person who will not get to fulfill his or her purpose in life. 
As someone who with my wife raised four children, including two sons, have worked with youth over the course of 46 years of ministry, including running a Media Camp each summer for 20 years, these stories of tragedy always strike me as being close to home. While gun violence has not touched my family directly, like you, I know someone who has been touched by it.
The first thing I want to say is do not make the mistake of painting all young people, particularly young, black men, with the same broad brush. The vast majority of young people want to do the right thing, and are doing right things. I don't think of young people as being “at risk,” I think of young people as being “at promise.” This was the case with the young man whom Anthony Beverly highlighted in his communication. May and June should be a season of commencement, not a season of tragic conclusions and death.
I don't know all the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man, but we do know he was attending a party. 
Let me talk about "The Path Principle.”
There is a story in Proverbs 7:7-15 that you can read later. It starts this way, and I will paraphrase it:
“At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment He was going down the street near a corner, walking along in the direction of a house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a person to meet him, and took hold of the youth and said, So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!’
Trouble is literally looking for all of us, but especially young people because their whole life is ahead of them.
Here is the Path Principle:It doesn't matter what your intentions are, it doesn't matter what you say you want to do, it only matters what path you are on. You might say that you want to go to Cincinnati, but if you're on the path of I-65 north or 1-70 west, and not I-74 east, you're not going to get to Cincinnati. Your intentions do not matter, it only matters what path you're actually on.
Anthony Beverly and Stop the Violence Indianapolis has many programs to empower young people. I know many others who have programs and opportunities for young people. Many churches, including our church, New Covenant has done a lot of work to empower young people. I have supported organizations like Children's Policy and Law Initiative, Evolve with Pastor Denell Howard. Three of my children are alumni of The Center for Leadership Development, which was led in the beginning by the late Henry Bundles, Jr. and currently by Dennis E. Bland, esq.. 
All these are not simply programs. These are paths.
Let me say this, a party is also a path. Simply “hanging out” is a path. Too many young people have lost their lives while attending a party or hanging around. No one intended to go to a party and get shot or die from gun violence. Not all parties end in violence, but youth need to consider their path. 
This problem of gun violence is persistent and there's not one solution. But let me offer this one insight to parents, youth, and anyone listening: 
It is always your direction that ultimately determines your destination.—it is not your intentions, not your hopes, not your dreams, not your prayers, not your beliefs.
Every path leads somewhere. Your path determines your destination.
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 

God's People in the City - by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Summary of Message:
“God’s People in the City” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
This message focuses on God's call for His people to commit to long-term ministry and outreach, especially in the urban context, under the theme “Each One, Reach One.” Drawing from Acts 18, Pastor Hudson reflects on Paul’s ministry in Corinth, emphasizing that God told Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city.” This refers not only to current believers but to those who would be saved.
Key scripture Text:
Acts18:9, Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 
Key Themes:
God Knows Who Will Be Saved—We Don't
God, in His foreknowledge, knows those who will respond to the gospel.
Our responsibility is to share the message with everyone—we are not told who will or won’t respond.
Romans 8:29–30 outlines the process: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.
The Power and Necessity of the Gospel
Romans 1:16: “The gospel is the power of God to salvation.”
Programs and outreach are good, but they must be vehicles for presenting the gospel.
The Concept of “Locus” as Ministry Focus
"Locus" means the central area of activity.
Paul’s “locus” was preaching and teaching where God sent him, even staying for long periods to build impact.
We each must identify our personal ministry locus and stay committed.
Faithful Commitment Bears Fruit
Ministry impact takes time, consistency, and sometimes suffering.
Like Paul, we may face opposition, but God can shift us to nearby, fruitful places (e.g., Paul moved next door when rejected at the synagogue).
Being planted and focused leads to long-term results.
Salvation Process is God’s Work—but Requires Our Obedience
God does the calling, justifying, and glorifying.
Our job is to preach, share, and position ourselves so others can hear and respond.
Don’t Be Distracted or Discouraged
Ministry requires resilience. Not everyone will receive the message.
Even if we don’t see results, we may be sowing seeds others will water.
Christ Is Our Everything
1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
No one can boast—salvation is fully God’s work.
Final Challenge:
Recognize that God has people in your city who haven’t heard yet.
Be intentional about your focus and committed to your calling.
Share the gospel faithfully—through outreach, in relationships, and wherever God places you.
Conclusion:The city is full of potential believers waiting to hear. Our role is not to figure out who they are, but to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will do the work of salvation. As Pastor Hudson put it: “Get a real locus—something you can take to heaven with you.”

God's People in the City - by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Summary of Message: “God’s People in the City” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
This message focuses on God's call for His people to commit to long-term ministry and outreach, especially in the urban context, under the theme “Each One, Reach One.” Drawing from Acts 18, Pastor Hudson reflects on Paul’s ministry in Corinth, emphasizing that God told Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city.” This refers not only to current believers but to those who would be saved.
Key Scripture Text: Acts18:9, Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 
Key Themes:
God Knows Who Will Be Saved—We Don't
God, in His foreknowledge, knows those who will respond to the gospel.
Our responsibility is to share the message with everyone—we are not told who will or won’t respond.
Romans 8:29–30 outlines the process: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.
The Power and Necessity of the Gospel
Romans 1:16: “The gospel is the power of God to salvation.”
Programs and outreach are good, but they must be vehicles for presenting the gospel.
The Concept of “Locus” as Ministry Focus
"Locus" means the central area of activity.
Paul’s “locus” was preaching and teaching where God sent him, even staying for long periods to build impact.
We each must identify our personal ministry locus and stay committed.
Faithful Commitment Bears Fruit
Ministry impact takes time, consistency, and sometimes suffering.
Like Paul, we may face opposition, but God can shift us to nearby, fruitful places (e.g., Paul moved next door when rejected at the synagogue).
Being planted and focused leads to long-term results.
Salvation Process is God’s Work—but Requires Our Obedience
God does the calling, justifying, and glorifying.
Our job is to preach, share, and position ourselves so others can hear and respond.
Don’t Be Distracted or Discouraged
Ministry requires resilience. Not everyone will receive the message.
Even if we don’t see results, we may be sowing seeds others will water.
Christ Is Our Everything
1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
No one can boast—salvation is fully God’s work.
Final Challenge:
Recognize that God has people in your city who haven’t heard yet.
Be intentional about your focus and committed to your calling.
Share the gospel faithfully—through outreach, in relationships, and wherever God places you.
Conclusion:The city is full of potential believers waiting to hear. Our role is not to figure out who they are, but to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will do the work of salvation. As Pastor Hudson put it: “Get a real locus—something you can take to heaven with you.”

"How You Overcome" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #169 for May 14, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, May 14, 2025
"The Song of Mary: What is Your Song?"
 
Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

The Song of Mary: What is Your Song? by Bryan Hudson, DMin.

Summary of the Message: “The Song of Mary: What is Your Song?”By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin. (Generated by OpenAI)
Download Worksheet: “Developing Your Song”
What is this kind of “song?”
It is a testimonial, a joyful and faith-filled declaration of God’s mercy, faithfulness and power in fulfilling His purpose through chosen vessels. 
Luke 1:46, And Mary said:“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.   48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.  49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.   50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.  He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.   52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.   53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.  54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,  55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Pastor Bryan Hudson explores Mary’s Song, also known as The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), as both a biblical testimony and a model for personal reflection. Mary’s declaration of praise to God was not merely a song in the musical sense but a profound testimony of God's mercy, power, and covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes of the Message:
Your Song is Your Testimony:Like Mary, every believer has a “song”—a personal testimony of God’s work in their life. This song is meant to glorify God and bless future generations, not just recount personal experiences.
Five Elements of Mary’s Song:
Rejoicing – Worship and joy in God (v. 46-47)
Regarding – Humility in recognizing God’s favor (v. 48)
Reflecting – Acknowledging God’s legacy and mercy through generations (v. 49-50)
Revealing – Understanding divine purpose and justice (v. 51-53)
Recognition – Remembering God’s covenant and faithfulness (v. 54-55)
Application to Our Lives:
Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own song using these five elements.
Worship is more than singing; it is how we live and respond to God.
Testimonies should include humility, legacy, purpose, and an awareness of covenant relationship with God.
Mary's experience is uniquely maternal, highlighting the vital role of mothers in God’s redemptive plan.
Broader Biblical Context:Dr. Hudson compares Mary’s song to other biblical songs—such as those of Moses, Miriam, Deborah, David, and the redeemed in Revelation—to show that songs often arise from deliverance and divine encounter.
Call to Honor Mothers and Recognize Their Role:
The message honors the spiritual and physical significance of mothers, encouraging all to show gratitude while mothers are still present.
Birth, both physical and spiritual, is tied to God's greater plan and purpose.
Final Charge:Dr. Hudson encourages listeners to reflect, write, and live out their own song, as a testimony of God’s mercy and purpose in their lives. Mary’s song, born of deep spiritual insight and humility, is a pattern for how believers today can shape their impact on the world and future generations.

"Lean the Right Way" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #168 for May 7, 2025

Proverbs 3:5-10 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

The 3Ds of Leadership & Indispensable Ministry – Dr. Jerry M. Williams

The 3Ds of Leadership & Indispensable Ministry Values
Instructor: Dr. Jerry M. WilliamsAudience: Ministers and LeadersHost: New Covenant Church
I. Opening Remarks
Greetings and opening inspiration
“This is the day the Lord has made…”
Yesterday = History; Today = Reality; Tomorrow = Destiny
Personal reflection and honor for Dr. Bryan Hudson
42 years of friendship and ministry partnership
II. Reflection: Four Lessons in Power and Purpose (Shared by Dr. Williams’ Son)
Adam – Passive man who lost paradise
Lesson: Passivity costs purpose
Power Principle: Don’t outsource decisions to avoid conflict
Samson – Strong man who gave up his edge
Lesson: Don’t trade your mission for momentary comfort
Power Principle: Guard your source; protect your vulnerability
Job – The unshaken man under fire
Lesson: Don’t take advice from quitters
Power Principle: Discipline speaks louder than desperation
Lot – Man who moved forward without looking back
Lesson: You can’t lead people emotionally tied to the past
Power Principle: Don’t negotiate divine direction—execute it
III. The 3 D’s of Local Church Leadership
Based on Romans 12:1–2
Living as a sacrifice = reasonable service
Leadership must be demonstrated, not just titled
1. Dedication
Definition: Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty
Jesus as the model: Isaiah 53:5, Hebrews 12:2
Practical example: Leaders arrive early, not “on time”
2. Diligence
Definition: Steady, earnest, energetic effort
Proverbs 27:23 – Know your flock
Proverbs 12:24 – Hard work leads to leadership
3. Discipline
Definition: Orderly conduct and self-control
Includes:
Regular attendance & punctuality
Positive example & submission to authority
Lifestyle evangelism
IV. Vision Ownership Process
4 Steps to Vision Implementation:
Assimilation – Understand the vision
Integration – Make it part of you
Articulation – Speak it consistently
Demonstration – Live it in action
V. CSI³ Evangelism Model
Caring, Sharing, and Involving:
Caring enough to…
Share enough to…
Invite, Introduce, or Instruct at least three people
Based on Romans Road (Rom 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9–10)
Focus on lifestyle evangelism rather than event-driven outreach
VI. Indispensable Values of Ministry (8 Values)
Faith
Commitment
Obedience
Integrity
Excellence
Responsibility
Accountability
Confidentiality
 
VII. Seven Attributes of Poor Ministry Values (Who Not to Be)
Inconsistent
Slothful
Unaccountable
Irresponsible
Uncommunicative
Unteachable
Unorganized
 
VIII. Five Leadership Styles
Bureaucratic – Rule-bound
Autocratic – Dictatorial
Laissez-faire – Hands-off
Permissive – Tolerant of all
Participative – Engaged and consultative (ideal model)
 
IX. Best Fit Leadership Model
Can Do – Based on skills & training
Will Do – Based on desire & passion
How Fit – Based on personality, values, and spiritual gifts
Intersection = Best Fit
X. Leadership Readiness Pre-Flight Checklist
(Must answer “yes” to all to serve in leadership)
Born again
Spirit-filled
Regular prayer/devotion life
Priorities in order
Consistent worship attendance
Consistent midweek attendance
Punctual to meetings
Faithful tither
Serving in ministry/helps
Household in scriptural order
Free from addictions
XI. Closing Charge
“Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.”
Stay the course with dedication, diligence, discipline, and faithfulness