INTERVIEW | Dolphus Weary

Dolphus, describe yourself for our visitors.

Dolphus Weary,  African American, 65 year old male who grew up in Mississippi in the 50′s and 60′s. In 1967, I received a basketball scholarship to attend an all-white Christian College in California. When I left Mississippi, I remember saying “I Ain’t Never Coming Back”. In 1990, my first book was published entitled I Ain’t Comin’ Back.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I make time early in the morning, but I also always try to find quiet moments when I spend time alone with Him.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

My favorite Bible verse(s) are Proverbs 3:5-6, this is a constant reminder for me to trust God in ALL things.

Tell us about your current book.

Crossing the Tracks, Hope for the Hopeless and Help for the Poor in Rural
Mississippi and Your Community is a continuation of my first book, I Ain’t Comin’ Back… Coming back and living and working across the tracks can make a difference. It is the story of living out our Christian faith by intentionally working on practical ways of crossing over barriers. The barriers of poverty as well as the barriers of racism. It is a call for all who are believers to rethink what it means to carry this message of Christ’s Love across whatever barriers that may separate us.

 What influenced you to write this book?

In my first book, I Ain’t Comin’ Back, I talk about returning to Mississippi, living and working across the tracks, to develop a model ministry. This ministry and the book had influenced communities around the country. My wife, Rosie and I wanted to take what we had learned and challenge the broader Christian community to rethink how we relate to people who are different than we are especially racially and socio-economically.

 What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

One valuable lesson is that the Body of Christ is bigger than your world, and your Christian viewpoint. We want people to learn how to build relationships with those who are racially and culturally different from them. In reading the book people will learn how to better build relationships.

 Are you available for speaking engagements? What are some of your popular topics?

Yes, I am available for speaking engagements. I’ve had the privilege of sharing in several venues: churches, seminaries, chapels, as guest motivational speaker, and others.

Here are a few topics:

• Building Bridges of Reconciliation
• Is Our Gospel Strong Enough to Reach Across Barriers
• Lord, Help Me See the Poor through your Eyes
• Ministry in Our Own Back Yard
• The Power of the Gospel to Break Down Barriers

What’s next for you?

A major part of what’s next for me is to market our three books, -my wife, Rosie’s book is entitled -”Stepping Out Of the Shadows and my two books I Ain’t Comin Back and Crossing the Tracks, Hope for the Hopeless and Help for the Poor in Rural Mississippi and Your Community. These resources are being used to build a foundation my wife and I have started Rural Education and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) Christian Foundation in order to better serve rural Christian ministries in Mississippi.

Where can visitors find you online?

Visitors can go to our:

• Website: www.realchristianfoundation.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolphusweary
• Twitter: dolphusw
• Skype: dweary1
• Linkedin: Dr. Dolphus Weary