James R. Riley Ministries

05/24/2026

One of the most impactful messages I’ve ever heard!!

Listen to the dynamic teachings of Reverend Terry K Anderson, Senio...

05/01/2026

04/29/2026

Can I be transparent?

Nine years ago, my life was turned upside down. I was trying to find my footing in ministry, but instead I felt judged… tolerated… excluded… and more than anything, discouraged.

If you listen to this video, you’ll hear it. I hadn’t found my voice yet. I hadn’t learned how to transition my thoughts or handle the weight of the text with clarity. I had passion. I had zeal. But I was broken.

And maybe that’s where you are right now.

But hear me clearly: it won’t always be like this.

Growth is coming. Clarity is coming. Strength is coming. You’ve got a future ahead of you that is brighter than your present pain—and God is not finished with you yet.

So keep preparing.
Keep praying.
Keep worshipping.
And whatever you do… don’t lose your praise.

Because God is near to the brokenhearted. And if you trust Him, He’ll carry you through what tried to break you.

Rest in His arms. He’s still working on you.

1 like. "Good Friday James Riley"

04/21/2026

Why Men Are Leaving the Church: A Hard Truth We Don’t Want to Face

The conversation around men leaving the church has gained traction in recent years. Content creators, church leaders, and cultural commentators have all weighed in, offering a variety of explanations—some pointing to the church, others to shifting societal norms.

But what if the real issue is more uncomfortable than we care to admit? What if the problem is not simply that the church needs to change—but that men do?

The Crisis Beneath the Surface

At the core of male disengagement is not just preference—it is identity. Many men today are navigating life without:

* Clear models of manhood
* Healthy emotional frameworks
* Spiritual formation rooted in discipline and accountability

The rise of single-parent households, generational trauma, and the absence of consistent male mentorship have produced a generation of men who may be financially stable, but internally unsettled. And that internal instability shows up in spiritual spaces.

When the Pastor Becomes a Problem

One of the most overlooked dynamics in this conversation is the subtle tension some men feel toward church leadership—particularly the pastor. In many congregations, the pastor is:

* Honored publicly
* Trusted spiritually
* Respected by families

For a man who is already struggling with identity, this can create an internal conflict.

He sees his wife listening.
He sees his children admiring.
He sees the pastor leading.

And instead of interpreting that as alignment under spiritual authority, he interprets it as comparison.

The result? Disengagement.

Not because the pastor is wrong—but because the man is wrestling with who he is.

The Misdiagnosis of the Church

It is easy to say:
“The church is too emotional.”
“The messages don’t reach men.”
“The environment isn’t masculine enough.”

But those statements often mask a deeper truth: Men who have not been discipled will struggle in any environment that requires humility, growth, and submission. The issue is not always the environment—it is the lack of formation.

Accountability Before Critique

Real transformation begins when men shift their focus from external critique to internal accountability. Instead of asking:
“What is the church doing wrong?”

We must ask:
“Have I truly submitted my life to Christ?”
“Am I growing spiritually?”
“Am I leading in my home?”
“Am I engaged in the work of the ministry?”

Because biblical manhood is not passive—it is participatory.

The Role of the Church (Let’s Be Clear)

This is not to suggest the church is without responsibility.

The church must:

* Create intentional pathways for male discipleship
* Provide environments for honest conversation and growth
* Address mental health, trauma, and emotional development
* Equip men not just to attend—but to lead

But even with all of that in place, men must choose to engage.

Reframing the Narrative

The goal is not to shame men—but to call them higher. Men are not the problem—but unformed men are. And the solution is not entertainment, accommodation, or cultural adaptation. The solution is discipleship.

Final Thought

Until men see themselves as followers of Christ first, they will continue to:

* Compete with leadership
* Resist accountability
* Disengage from responsibility

But when that identity is established, everything changes.

They become:

* Present in their homes
* Engaged in their churches
* Grounded in their faith

The church doesn’t need to become something different to attract men. It needs men who are willing to become something different in Christ. And that is where the real work begins.

04/11/2026

Pastors are not CEOs.

A Chief Executive Officer answers to shareholders. Their responsibility is to maximize satisfaction, protect interests, and respond to a board that ultimately has the authority to hire or fire them.

But a Pastor answers to the Chief Shepherd.

A Pastor is not elected by preference—he is called by God, anointed by God, and accountable to God. His assignment is not to please people, but to shepherd souls, preach truth, and lead with divine conviction.

Yes, wise Pastors collaborate with leaders, boards, and ministries—but their authority and direction do not originate from people. They come from God.

When we confuse these roles, we create churches that may look structured and successful on paper—but lack spiritual power and real community transformation.

So the question is not about titles or positions.

What kind of Pastor will you be?
A CEO… or a Shepherd?

04/08/2026

Let’s chat ……… We’ve all attended conferences and heard prominent preachers talk about how they’ve cut out “whooping”. Yet, in every revival, every conference, every city wide meeting, they are captured “whooping”. If whooping is said to be a hinderance for up and coming preachers, why not for those who are already established? We recognize that the contents of the sermon are more important than a whoop, but if your blueprint for effective preaching include a whoop, those who follow you will by virtue of your instructions consider whooping a necessity.

04/05/2026

Resurrection Power—Lift Him Up!

To the Pastors, Ministers, and Churches of the Emmanuel Baptist Church Aid Association,

Grace and peace to you in the powerful name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we stand in the sacred rhythm of Resurrection Season, we are reminded that the foundation of our faith is not built on tradition alone—but on a living, victorious Savior. The tomb is empty. Death is defeated. The grave has lost its grip. And because He lives, we have hope, power, and purpose.

“He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6)

This is more than a historical proclamation—it is a present-day mandate.

I want to encourage each Pastor and every church in our Association:
Lift Him up boldly. Preach Him clearly. Proclaim Him unapologetically.

In a time where our communities are burdened, where families are searching, and where hearts are heavy, the message of the Resurrection is still the answer. People do not need another performance—they need the power of the Gospel.

Let us declare with clarity:
• Jesus died for our sins
• Jesus was buried
• Jesus rose again on the third day
• And Jesus is coming back again

This Resurrection Season, let us:
• Fill our pulpits with Christ-centered preaching
• Fill our churches with intentional invitation and evangelism
• Fill our communities with hope, healing, and the love of God

Pastors, this is our moment. Churches, this is our assignment.

If there was ever a time to lift the name of Jesus, it is now.

Let us move forward together—by faith—proclaiming that same power that got up early Sunday morning is still at work in us today.

May your Resurrection Sunday services be filled with souls saved, lives transformed, and God glorified.

He got up—so we can stand up and speak up!

03/30/2026

The March Toward Calvary

Every step Jesus takes this week is intentional:
• He knows betrayal is coming… but He keeps walking
• He knows suffering is ahead… but He keeps walking
• He knows the cross is waiting… but He keeps walking.

Don’t quit in the middle of your assignment.
If Jesus kept walking toward Calvary… you can keep walking through your situation.