Jacques Demolay Memorial Church
The Reverend Glenn Thomas Carson, AA, AS, BFA, MDIV, THD, PHD
Senior Minister
About Us
Our Church
Jacques Demolay
Seeking Light
Ours is an online Church celebrating the life, faith, and sacrifice of Jacques Demolay.
Seeking Light
Jacques Demolay
Seeking Light
We're not your only church. Traveling Men and others seeking Light gather here.
Jacques Demolay
Jacques Demolay
Jacques Demolay
Jacques Demolay was the final Grand Master of the Knights Templar.
about the senior minister
Glenn Thomas Carson, AS, BFA, MDIV, DCS, THD, PHD
An Ordained Christian Minister, Glenn has had a number of careers - both corporate and nonprofit. He has worked in broadcasting, banking, real estate, insurance, public relations, fundraising, and management. He has also served in every expression of the Church (national, regional, local, and higher education).
He has studied at: College of Coastal Georgia, Valdosta State University, Southwestern Seminary, Providence Theological School, Master's International University of Divinity, Brite Divinity School, and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The books Glenn has written include, Histories: Voices from the Past Still Speak; House on the Rock: The 7 Building Blocks of Christianity; and The Eternity Principle: Finding God in this World and the Next.
The seminars he has developed and presented include, Communing: A History and Theology of Communion; Radical Faith: The Sermon on the Mount Decoded; and Take It or Lead It: Memorandums on Faithful Leadership.
He is the Founder and First President of the College of Coastal Georgia Alumni Association.
Learn more at www.glenncarson.com
When one comes to the realization that there is more than meets the eye, then he knows to keep searching. Is the reality that presents itself to our five senses actually reality? Or is it an illusion that has been propped up to keep us from discovering the Truth? Are we to cower away from the Real? Or embrace it? Turn our backs on what we suspect to be True? Or turn to face what we now know? The faint of heart need not apply. But for the true Traveling Man, the choice is automatic. We insist on Truth. -GTC
musings
Servant Leadership
Servant Leadership means being both a servant and a leader. On the one hand, the needs of the organization and its people must be weighed and met; on the other, the dreams of the organization and its people must be seen and inspired. GTC
Our Job
Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. THOMAS MERTON
WHAT IS MYTH?
Myth: a traditional story that serves to unfold the worldview of a people. -Merriam-Webster
Myth is an epic story with the purpose of conveying Universal Truth. Every culture and religion is founded upon Myth. These stories are not concerned with Fact, only Truth. While there may be some factual basis to the stories, Fact remains in the background, with Truth as the focus. The universals are on display: Good vs. Evil; Light vs. Darkness; Life vs. Death. In the western world, all cultures and religions descend from ancient Egypt. It is there that gods and rituals and eternal life had their beginnings. The civilizations of the ancient Levant borrowed freely from the ideology and theology of Egypt and then passed them on to succeeding generations. The great mythologist Joseph Campbell said, "Every person readily sees the Myth in every religion on earth, except his own." Humans are programmed to believe that the religious tradition they were born into is Factual, while all others are Fictional. All are established on Myth. And that's a good thing. Because it is not Facts we are after, but Truth to apply to our worldviews, our problems, and our hopes.
When God Comes Calling
by Glenn Thomas Carson, AS, BFA, MDIV, DCS, THD, PHD
Introduction
In the cacophony of modern life, it is easy to miss the still, small voice of God. Between the demands of work, relationships, and personal aspirations, our days can blur into a rush of activity, leaving little space for divine communion. And yet, throughout history, God has consistently sought to communicate with His creation. From the burning bush that caught Moses’ attention to the gentle whisper that guided Elijah, God’s voice often comes in unexpected forms. The question isn’t whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening.
This book is an invitation to explore five practical ways to tune our hearts to hear God’s voice. Each chapter will delve into a specific way that God communicates with us, illustrated with real-life anecdotes, biblical insights, and actionable steps to cultivate a listening spirit. By the end, you will have the tools to discern God’s guidance and walk more confidently in your faith journey.
Listening to God is both a privilege and a discipline. It requires humility, patience, and an open heart. But the rewards are immeasurable: peace in uncertainty, clarity in confusion, and the profound joy of knowing we are not alone. Let us embark on this journey together, learning to hear and respond to the One who calls us by name.
Hearing the voice of God is one of the deepest desires of the human heart. Across cultures and traditions, people yearn for divine guidance—a whisper of reassurance, a call to purpose, or a sense of being deeply known and loved. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of modern life, hearing God can feel elusive, even impossible.
This book is a journey to rediscover the art of listening to God. It’s not about grandiose visions or miraculous signs, although those do happen. It’s about tuning into the subtle, everyday ways God speaks to us—through silence, Scripture, community, creation, and the quiet stirrings of our souls. These methods are timeless, rooted in scripture, and accessible to anyone willing to pause and pay attention.
Why This Book Matters
The idea of hearing God often feels reserved for prophets or saints. We assume it’s for the spiritually elite, not for ordinary people like us. But the Bible tells a different story. God spoke to fishermen and shepherds, to kings and children, to those who felt unworthy and unprepared. God’s voice is for everyone. The question is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening.
The Challenge of Listening
In our fast-paced world, noise has become the default. Social media, work pressures, and constant notifications crowd our minds, leaving little room for reflection or connection with the divine.
Yet, God’s voice often comes in whispers, requiring us to slow down and create space. Listening to God demands intentionality—a willingness to set aside distractions and open our hearts.
A Moment of Awakening
A few years ago, a friend of mine shared a story that changed the way I think about listening to God. She had been praying for guidance about a major life decision but felt nothing but silence. Frustrated, she decided to take a weekend retreat in the mountains. On the second morning, as she sat watching the sunrise, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It wasn’t a loud proclamation or a specific answer, but she knew in her heart that God was with her and guiding her. That moment of stillness transformed her decision-making process and deepened her faith.
Each chapter includes real-life stories, practical exercises, and timeless truths to help you cultivate a listening heart. By the end of this journey, you’ll have tools to hear God more clearly and the courage to respond when He calls.
An Invitation to Listen
Listening to God is not about perfection; it’s about relationship. It’s about drawing closer to the One who knows you completely and loves you unconditionally. As you read this book, I invite you to approach it with an open heart. Try the exercises, reflect on the stories, and spend time in prayer. My hope is that you’ll not only hear God’s voice but also experience His presence in new and transformative ways.
So, let’s embark on this journey together. When God comes calling, may you be ready to listen.
Chapter 1: Through Scripture — God’s Living Word
The Bible is often referred to as God’s love letter to humanity. It is through scripture that God’s voice becomes most accessible to us, offering wisdom, encouragement, and direction. But reading the Bible isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about transformation.
Sarah, a busy mother of three, found herself overwhelmed by life’s demands. One evening, as she sat in bed with her Bible, the words of Psalm 46:10 leapt off the page: “Be still and know that I am God.” In that moment, Sarah felt a profound peace wash over her, as if God Himself was reassuring her that she wasn’t alone.
Practical Steps:
- Daily Reading: Dedicate a specific time each day to read the Bible.
- Meditation: Choose a verse or passage to meditate on, allowing its meaning to sink into your heart.
- Prayerful Reading: Ask God to reveal His message for you as you read.
God’s Word is living and active, speaking directly to our circumstances when we approach it with an open heart.
Chapter 2: Through Prayer — A Two-Way Conversation
Prayer is not a monologue but a dialogue. While we often focus on presenting our requests to God, true prayer involves listening as much as speaking.
Marcus struggled with a major career decision. He spent weeks praying for guidance but heard nothing. One day, as he sat silently in prayer, he felt a gentle nudge to revisit a dream he had abandoned years ago. That nudge led him to a fulfilling career he had never imagined.
Practical Steps:
- Silent Prayer: Spend a few minutes in silence during your prayer time, listening for God’s voice.
- Journaling: Write down your prayers and any impressions or thoughts that come to mind.
- Discernment: Test what you hear against scripture and seek counsel from trusted spiritual mentors.
In the stillness of prayer, God often speaks in whispers, guiding us toward His will.
Chapter 3: Through Circumstances — God’s Providential Hand
Life’s circumstances, both good and bad, are often instruments through which God communicates. While not every event is orchestrated by God, He can use any situation to reveal His purposes.
When Laura lost her job unexpectedly, she was devastated. But through a series of unlikely events, she found herself working for a nonprofit organization that aligned perfectly with her passions. Looking back, she realized that God had closed one door to open another.
Practical Steps:
- Reflect: Consider how God might be using your current circumstances to shape you.
- Seek Patterns: Look for recurring themes or opportunities that might indicate God’s direction.
- Trust: Even in difficult times, trust that God is working for your good.
God’s hand is often most evident when we view our lives through the lens of faith.
Chapter 4: Through Other People — The Voice of Community
God often uses others to speak into our lives. Whether it’s through a friend’s encouragement, a mentor’s wisdom, or a stranger’s timely words, the voice of community can be a powerful way God communicates.
David was on the verge of giving up on his dream of becoming a writer. Then, a colleague unexpectedly told him, “You have a gift with words. Don’t give up.” That simple encouragement reignited his passion and led him to publish his first book.
Practical Steps:
- Be Open: Be willing to listen to advice and feedback from others.
- Seek Counsel: Surround yourself with wise, godly individuals who can offer guidance.
- Discern: Pray for discernment to recognize when God is speaking through others.
Community is a gift, and through it, God often provides the encouragement and direction we need.
Chapter 5: Through the Holy Spirit — God Within Us
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter, and Guide. When we cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we become more attuned to His promptings and guidance.
Lydia felt a sudden urge to call an old friend she hadn’t spoken to in years. When she did, she discovered her friend was going through a crisis and desperately needed someone to talk to. Lydia knew the Holy Spirit had prompted her to reach out.
Practical Steps:
- Cultivate Awareness: Spend time in worship and prayer to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
- Respond Promptly: Act on the nudges you feel, even if they don’t immediately make sense.
- Test the Spirit: Ensure that what you sense aligns with scripture and God’s character.
The Holy Spirit is a constant presence, guiding us into all truth and helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey of Listening
Learning to listen to God is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that evolves as we grow in faith and understanding. It requires intentionality, humility, and faith. Each of the ways we explored—through scripture, prayer, circumstances, community, and the Holy Spirit—offers a unique avenue to deepen our connection with the Creator.
The Beauty of Continual Discovery God’s voice is never static, and neither is our relationship with Him. As we move through different seasons of life, His methods of communication may shift, challenging us to seek Him with fresh eyes and an open heart. Whether in moments of joy or through trials, God’s desire to commune with us remains steadfast.
Encouragement to Persevere
There will be times when hearing God’s voice feels easy and others when it seems elusive. In those moments of silence, remember that God’s presence is never absent. Often, He uses such times to strengthen our faith, teaching us to trust Him even when the way forward is unclear.
Perseverance in seeking God is an act of worship and a declaration of our dependence on Him.
Practical Reflection
As you close this book, take a moment to reflect on what you have learned. Consider:
- Which of the five ways to listen resonates most with your current spiritual walk?
- Are there specific practices you feel called to adopt or strengthen?
- How can you create more space in your life to listen for God’s voice?
A Final Blessing
May your journey of listening to God be marked by profound moments of clarity and quiet whispers that transform your heart. May you find courage to act on what you hear and experience the peace that comes from walking in His will. Above all, may you come to know the depths of God’s love and His desire to speak with you daily.
Listening to God is both a discipline and a delight. As you go forth, may your ears be attuned, your heart receptive, and your spirit willing. When God comes calling, may you always be ready to listen.
Author’s Note: If this book has inspired or encouraged you, I would love to hear your story. May your journey of listening to God be filled with His blessings and presence.
FROM OUR MEMBERS - email reverendcarson@yahoo.com to submit
Get Inspired
The life and work of Demolay is inspiring. I encourage you to do a bit of research. And if you are a young man in your teens, check out joining the Demolay fraternity through a Masonic Lodge. -Josh M.
Seeking Light
Seeking Light is the journey, or should be, of every person on earth. We have a choice to live our lives in darkness or in light. Since we are here for such a short time, the journey must be started as soon as possible. Light is drawing us. We only need to turn our minds and hearts toward it. -Kristin C.
Finding Home
When I found Demolay Church, I knew I had found home. While many concentrate on gathering in person, for me coming here and reading and sharing ideas on faith and reality in general is refreshing. Thanks to this site, this Church, I am finding my way more clearly. -George D.
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To learn more about membership, contact reverendcarson@yahoo.com
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