Spiritual Greatness Through Godly Service: Finding Our Purpose in Community Service. Mark 10:43-44.

 

Spiritual Greatness Through Godly Service: Finding Our Purpose in Community Service. Mark 10:43-44:

: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Fierce Advocacy. By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

Pastor, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Community Service 




True greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured not by power or position, but by the willingness to serve others. This principle, given in Mark 10:43-44 — “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all”— has shaped our life, ministry, and purpose. Our journey to finding and living this purpose has been deeply influenced by faith in Jesus Christ, the legacy of Carol Ann Tatum, and formal training in community service. 




A Legacy of Service: Nurtured in Compassion




From the earliest days, we were nurtured by a woman whose hands were full, yet whose heart was never too busy to care for the least among us. Carol Ann Tatum embodied fierce advocacy and unconditional love for the vulnerable. In the inner-city of Fort Worth, Texas, she championed the needs of the less fortunate with tireless dedication, ultimately earning recognition from Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe for her unparalleled commitment to community service. 



Her example planted the seed of service in our hearts and taught us that community service is not merely an act but a way of living, deeply rooted in faith and compassion for humanity. 





Planting the Seed: A Formal Path


Building on this family legacy, enrollment in 1986 at the School of Community Service at the University of North Texas became more than an academic pursuit — it was spiritual preparation to carry forward the mantle of service. Courses in public administration, criminal justice, sociology, and public health deepened our understanding of the complex needs communities face and equipped us to respond effectively. Education met vocation, and knowledge became a God-given tool for service. 




Training for Crisis: Faith Meets Function


When the world faced the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 pandemic, our training and faith prepared us to act decisively. In addition to addressing critical health concerns, our work expanded into behavior analysis, criminal justice outreach, and holistic community care. In those moments, service was not just professional duty — it was living out the compassion of Christ in real time. 



Standing in the Gap: Fighting Inequality Where It Hurts Most


Our ministry remains steadfast in commitment to the people of Fort Worth’s 76104 zip code— an area marked by poverty and home to the lowest life expectancy in Texas. Here, alongside social work students, emergency management teams, and community partners, we engage in battles against homelessness, disability, and systemic inequality. 


This mission is a continuation of Carol Ann Tatum’s legacy — standing on the front lines for those society often overlooks. This is ministry to the heart of Jesus: loving and serving the least among us. 




Leading with Faith: The Church as a Service Hub.


At New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, community service flows as a natural expression of faith. With public administration guidance, we help leaders steward resources wisely, mobilize volunteers effectively, and transform the church into a beacon of hope and action for the neighborhood. Worship is coupled with tangible, life-changing outreach. 


A Deep Love for Children: Building the Future.


Our passion for community service shines brightest when investing in children. We view them as the cornerstone of our collective future. This commitment has inspired the creation and support of charter schools, community centers, and innovative youth programs, including: 




-Rube Foster Pitch Hit & Run Invitational– cultivating discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence in youth athletics. 

  

-Little Miss Six Triple Eight– honoring the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion while inspiring young girls with leadership and service values. 

  

-Young Buffalo Soldiers– teaching history, discipline, and courage through active community engagement and mentorship. 


These initiatives not only educate but also empower our youth to lead and serve in ways that honor God and community heritage. 





A Journey of Faithful Service: Forty Years and Counting


For over four decades, this faith-driven mission has been rooted in the heritage of the Black Church and inspired by the fearless advocacy passed down through generations. Our goal has always been to make community service joyful, approachable, and deeply fulfilling— transforming it from an obligation into a life-giving calling. 


A Vision for the Future: Inspiring a Culture of Service


The vision is clear: every believer should fall in love with serving others as passionately as they love Jesus Christ. The future depends on building Godly service teams in every congregation, forming partnerships between faith communities and civic organizations, and sharing stories of service as testimonies of God’s purpose in action. 


When service becomes the highest honor and most cherished lifestyle in a community, transformation is inevitable. 





Embracing the Call: Service as Spiritual Greatness


The message of Mark 10:43-44 is timeless: spiritual greatness is found in servant leadership. Through education, family legacy, and divine calling, we learn that the intersection where the world’s deepest needs meet our God-given passions is the very place where purpose is fulfilled. 


Inspired by the fierce advocacy of Carol Ann Tatum and this shared journey, we extend the invitation to all: 




Join us. Serve with us. Build with us.


May this ignite a movement of faith-driven community service, where every act of love and every moment of sacrifice works together to build a better world for generations to come. 


For more information on how to connect, volunteer, or support this purpose-driven mission, reach out to New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, the Church of Community Service— where faith meets action, and service changes lives. 


Contact Pastor Tatum at 817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com, newmountrose.com


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