“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” ‭‭Matt. ‭25:29

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The Parable of the Talents challenges us to improve upon that which is entrusted to us by our loving Heavenly Father. For one thing, the talent not ours; it is ours to improve. This is stewardship. Therefore, neither you nor I have the right to bury God’s talent. He has put in our care, but He maintains ownership.

This parable also reminds us to humble ourselves. “God is too wise to make a mistake.” We utter this phrase at funerals. But do we really believe it when it comes to being used by Him for the upbuilding of His Kingdom? Friends, He knows the capabilities of each of his earth-born children. So if God gives an individual five talents, it is because the Omniscient One knows that she or he has the ability to multitask and improve all five. If God gives a person one talent, it is because God knows that that individual is well able to improve that one. 

But here's the thing we often miss when reading this parable. And I must admit that this truth makes me uncomfortable. Jesus says in verse 29, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. And they will have abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” (NLT). 

On the surface that seems to be unfair. Why do the so-called “haves” get more, while the ones with a little (who don't improve it) lose the little they have in their possession? 

The answer lies in the fact that the one talent isn't yours any more than the five are another individual’s. They all belong to God. And when we talk about the economy of God it is absolutely critical that we understand that the Kingdom is unapologetic about being strengthened and expanded. That can't happen when Kingdom citizens bury their God-given talents.

So how about you? What talent have you buried far too long? The Spirit of God is calling you to put it to use and watch Him multiply it for His glory. I know you're nervous. But go ahead and just try anyway ... for God's sake.

The mission of the Ephesus Education Department is to provide Christian and secular educational tools and resources to the members of Ephesus in addition to providing financial assistance (in a limited way) to our students. Our major goals are:

When the pandemic happened, it made us look at programming in a different way. Our committee members were determined to still do ministry because we accepted these positions, and we knew that God would be with us as we planned and executed. We ended up planning activities for every age and every member, not just students.

We will be looking for presenters and people to volunteer for an upcoming College/Career Fair to share their expertise and provide giveaways. We are also seeking information about graduates for the upcoming graduate recognition.

Q. Thank you for consenting to be my first interview for the 2021 Ephesus Newsletter. First things first: I think your name is Whitley, but some people call you Whitney. Which is correct?

A. It's Whitley, but many people call me Whit.

Q. Got it! It is my understanding that your grandparents (or great-grandparents?) were founding members of Ephesus. Please tell me your family history and connection to the church.

A. My great-great grandmother, Virginia Taylor, began going to Ephesus back in the 1910's. She then brought along my grandfather, Willard Hawkins, Sr., when he was 3 months old, and also his three brothers. My grandfather stayed in the church where he would eventually meet my grandmother, Vernell Warren, and would go on to have three kids, one being my father, Wesley Hawkins, Sr. My father and mother, Eva Hawkins, raised my brother, Wesley Jr., and I in Ephesus. All of us have been involved in some type of ministry whether it was being a deacon, deaconess, choir member, or ministry leader. Ephesus holds a special place in our hearts and are proud to call Ephesus our home church.

Q. Being raised in Ephesus, what advice would you give the membership on how to relate to, address and encourage the youth and young adults of this church?

A. Transparency and involvement. We are asking a lot of questions, whether it's about the Bible or the church, and simply want transparency. Also, give the youth and young adults free will to plan something or be a part of something within the church. We want our voices to be heard as well because we're just not the church of tomorrow, but we're the church of today.

Q. Well said. What is your profession? What are your hobbies?

A. I am an Early Head Start teacher as well as a real estate investor with my dad. My hobbies include cooking, decorating, bowling, and basketball.

Q. What is the one thing you'd like your church family to know about you?

A. I am a clown, lol! (I was actually voted class clown in high school.) I may come off as a shy person, but my friends say that I'm a funny person. It's true what they say, laughter is good for the soul.

Q. I certainly believe that as well. So, tell me, is there anything else you'd like to share?

A. I love history, especially the Civil Rights era. So when I had the opportunity to go to Atlanta, I had to visit the [Martin Luther] King Center and his church and childhood home. It's one thing to see the artifacts on TV or online, but it gives a different meaning when you see it in person. So if you're into Civil Rights history, I would recommend going there.

Thank you Whitley for taking the time to talk with us today. Blessings upon you and your family.

Over the past several months, a lot of work has been occurring in the church building. Here are some of the initiatives that have taken place.

Praise God that even during this pandemic, we were able to invest in improving His house!

3650 Sunbury Road, Columbus, OH 43219