We recently connected with Nick Heyward and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nick, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Growing up my grandmother, Queen Esther Thompson, was my best friend. She taught me that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing. The more you share, from your excess, the more you will receive in return. My grandfather passed when my mother was young, and that left my grandmother to raise five children as a single parent. Everyone in Early Branch knows my grandmother, and they all speak about your generosity. She didn’t have money to give, but she freely shared her wisdom, prayed for others, and inspired her family to acheive greatness. My grandmother never moved away from Early Branch, but the lessons she taught and the generosity she displayed to me have been shared around the world as I work and make connections.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the Pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship located in Yemassee, South Carolina. I strive to share hope and encouragement with the community by guiding them toward Jesus with a message of freedom and redemption. I tell all that will listen that Cornerstone Fellowship is a hospital for the hurting, not a monument for the saints. I have the opportunity to show everyone that will listen that it has nothing to do with my title, it’s all about serving.
Cornerstone Fellowship is very unique. We are located in South Carolina, but we have members and supporters found all over the United States. We connect on Monday nights for #Plmprayertime via a conference call. On Tuesdays we connect via Facebook and Youtube for #Talkthroughthetext. On Sundays we share our Sunday Morning Worship Experience via social media for those that are unable to attend in person. It’s truly a blessing to watch the ministry grow in person as well as online.
I am very excited about United Christian Fellowship as well. United Christian Fellowship was formed when Cornerstone Fellowship joined with New Covenant Christian Fellowship of San Antonio, TX. The two ministries have come together not for Pastor Victor Barnwell and New Covenant to be a covering, but so that the two churches have an accountability to each other. Pastor Barnwell and I share a relationship much like that of Paul and Timothy. It has been a blessing to have someone to lean on for guidance, prayer and support.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Keeping a positive outlook has proven to be beneficial on this journey. With a startup church, you are building from nothing, and at times what you see can be discouraging. Always remember that death and life are in the power of the tongue. You have to speak positively about all situations so that you continue to see the end result and not the current situation. We know about how many people show up typically on Sunday, but we set out extra chairs because we want to be prepared just in case more come. When I pray for the ministry I thank God in advance for the new members, the praise team, the outreach opportunities, and even the obstacles that arise and keep me praying.
Take the time to study and prepare. I started preparing lessons for #talkthroughthetext about 8 months prior to starting the service. Many people say that I study too much, but I want to be prepared and I treat every lesson as an opportunity to share my conviction with a listening audience. All great things require a lesson of discipline and preparation.
Keep a spirit of grattitude. You must be thankful for all things. If the church never becomes a megachurch, you still have to be grateful for the ones you were given the opportunity to Pastor. Trust that God will provide all that is needed, and even when you disagree or do not understand remain grateful.
Early into your journey you will find many distractions, but if you keep your mind free of distractions you will always be able to hear God’s voice when He speaks to you. Stay calm, stay away from negativity and embrace your change and growth.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Cornerstone Fellowship welcomes all people that are hurting. We don’t have an ideal client per se because people find themselves in all types of situations. Instead of having an ideal client which would exclude some people, I have an ideal solution that fits all problems. If you are hurting, if you have need, if you have questions Cornerstone is the place for you. Cornerstone is a hospital for all that are hurting. I can confidently make this statement because the God we share loves us all. I want to be the bridge that reconnects people with him. I desire to live a life and share a ministry that points back to Jesus Christ, the cheif cornerstone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plmcornerstone.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/plmcornerstone
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-heyward-10988443/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/nickheyward1
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@plmcornerstone4215
Image Credits
JohannasJ photography
