The Marben Bland Podcast

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An estimated four million Americans will celebrate their 65th birthday this year, and more people than ever are entering retirement. Thanks to advances in healthcare, retirement is no longer just a few short years. The Social Security Administration reports that the average 65-year-old can expect to live nearly two more decades, and many will enjoy retirement for 30 years or longer.

That raises an important question: What does God desire for this new season of life?

Interestingly, the Bible never speaks of retirement as an end to God's calling. Instead, it presents every season of life as an opportunity to serve Him. The late Marilyn Hickey, who faithfully preached the gospel well into her eighties before going home to be with the Lord at age ninety-four, captured this truth beautifully: "Whatever gifts and talents I've been given, I want to use them to the fullest. When it's my time to go, I don't want people looking at me and seeing all that unused talent in the grave. I want to give it all. Whatever that may be."

The Scriptures affirm her conviction. Moses was eighty when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Caleb, at eighty-five, boldly asked for another mountain to conquer for the Lord (Joshua 14:10–12). Anna faithfully worshiped, prayed, and proclaimed the Messiah in her later years, becoming one of the first witnesses to Christ (Luke 2:36–38). None of them viewed advancing age as a reason to step away from God's purpose.

Retirement is not God's invitation to retire from His kingdom. Rather, it is His invitation to redirect your time, wisdom, experience, and spiritual gifts toward the work that matters most. The Church needs seasoned believers to mentor younger generations, encourage the discouraged, teach God's Word, pray with perseverance, and share the hope of Jesus Christ.

So, don't measure retirement by the number of vacations you take or the years you spend at leisure. Measure it by the lives you touch, the people you disciple, and the legacy of faith you leave behind. Your greatest contribution to God's kingdom may not have occurred during your working years—it may still lie ahead. Finish your race with joy, hold nothing back, and let your final chapter become your finest chapter, all for the glory of God.

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God has always given His people what they need to fulfill His purpose. Ephesians 4 reminds us that Christ gave leaders to equip believers for ministry and build His Church. One expression of that gift is the African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded through Richard Allen's faith and courage. But our greatest treasure is not a denomination—it is Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. Our history inspires us, our worship shapes us, and our connection strengthens us, but all of it points to Christ. Today, thank God for your spiritual heritage, then ask yourself: How am I helping build God's Kingdom? Honor the past, serve in the present, and faithfully pass the Gospel to the next generation.

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What kind of revolution can truly change the world? Not one fought with bullets or ballots, but one transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Join Rev. Marben Bland, Pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, as he explores Jesus' revolutionary command: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Discover how God's love changes hearts, breaks the cycle of hatred, and empowers us to live with grace, forgiveness, and hope. Come and be challenged to embrace the greatest revolution ever known—the revolution of God's love through Jesus Christ.

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As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, remember that the greatest revolution began long before America, in the words of Jesus. In Matthew 5:44, Christ commands, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 

That challenges every human instinct. Start by honestly identifying those you consider enemies. You may find some that never belonged on the list. Then pray for those who remain—for their well-being, for changed hearts, and for God to give you wisdom to love them while exercising healthy discernment. 

God's love transforms hearts, breaks cycles of hatred, and accomplishes what revenge never can. With Christ, no command is too difficult, and no revolution is greater than love.

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Host: Marben Bland
Guest: Reverend Dr. Greta Fowler, Candidate for Bishop (2028)

What happens when God calls you to something you never planned to pursue? In this inspiring conversation, Reverend Dr. Greta Fowler shares the deeply personal journey that led her to become a candidate for bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Drawing from nearly 26 years of pastoral ministry, Dr. Fowler reflects on her calling to preach, her years as an educator and theological professor, and the mentors who helped shape her ministry. She discusses her upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, her educational journey through Mercer University, McAfee School of Theology, and McCormick Theological Seminary, and the influence of her mentor, Dr. Jeremiah Wright.

The heart of the conversation centers on Dr. Fowler's vision for the future of the AME Church, summarized in three powerful words:

• Return to the church's historic foundations of liberation, mutual aid, and Christian discipleship.
• Reclaim the church's prophetic voice by speaking boldly and collectively to the challenges facing today's world.
• Rebuild the church for future generations by listening to young people, creating more welcoming congregations, and embracing meaningful dialogue across generations.

Dr. Fowler also offers candid reflections on balancing the demands of pastoring while pursuing the episcopacy, emphasizing that faithful obedience to God's call is always accompanied by God's provision.

Whether you're interested in church leadership, discerning God's call, or the future of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, this thoughtful conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a hopeful vision for tomorrow.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Dr. Fowler discerned God's call to run for bishop.
• The experiences that shaped her ministry and leadership.
• The meaning behind her "Return, Reclaim, Rebuild" platform.
• Why engaging younger generations is essential for the future of the church.
• How faithful obedience opens the door for God's provision.

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Recently, the Southern Baptist Convention voted to move closer to a permanent ban on women serving in pastoral leadership roles. While I respect each denomination's right to interpret Scripture as it understands it, I reach a different conclusion based on the witness of God's Word.

Deborah served as a prophet and judge, leading Israel with wisdom and authority (Judges 4:4–5). Priscilla helped Apollos, an eloquent preacher, to teach more accurately in the faith (Acts 18:24–26). Paul commended Phoebe as a minister and servant of the church (Romans 16:1–2).

These faithful women remind us that God calls and equips people for ministry according to His purpose and gifting. Therefore, let us support, encourage, and pray for women who serve as teachers, preachers, and pastors. Human institutions may debate their calling, but when God places His hand on a life, no vote can overturn His voice, and no barrier can stop His purpose.

Yes, Women Belong!  

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Does your vote really matter? According to former Georgia State Representative Karen Bennett, the answer is a resounding yes.

In this insightful episode, host Marben Bland sits down with Bennett to discuss the power of voting, the challenges facing voter participation, and her new organization, the Alliance for Civic Engagement (ACE). Together, they explore how churches, community groups, and civic organizations can increase voter turnout, strengthen community influence, and ensure every voice is heard.

From voter education and mobilization to redistricting and the future of democracy, this conversation highlights why civic engagement remains essential to improving our quality of life.

Listen now and discover how your vote can help shape the future of your community, state, and nation.

Contact ACE: & Karen Bennet 

Phone: 470-709-7933

GOTV at gmail.com

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When Sarah heard God's promise that she would have a son in her old age, she laughed. The promise seemed impossible. After all, Abraham is ninety-nine years old, and Sarah is nearly ninety.

Yet God responded with a question that still challenges us today: “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).

God's promises are not limited by our circumstances, resources, or timelines. What He has spoken, He is able to do. When life presents obstacles, believers are called to trust His Word more than what they can see. God's promises invite us to believe boldly, pray confidently, and depend completely on Him. Don't let delay turn into doubt. Stand on His promises, seek His guidance, and trust His faithfulness. The God who promised is still able—and He never fails.

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What if the greatest leaders are not those who lead first, but those who learn to follow? In this powerful message from Matthew 9:9, Pastor Marben Bland explores Jesus’ call to Matthew the tax collector and reveals a timeless truth: leadership begins with discipleship.

Through the examples of Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Matthew himself, this sermon challenges us to follow Jesus even when it is inconvenient, costly, or uncomfortable. Jesus sees potential where others see failure and invites us to join Him in transforming lives.

Listen to this inspiring sermon and discover why the key to leadership is simple: Follow Jesus.

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In Matthew 9:9–13, Jesus does something remarkable—He calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Matthew was not considered righteous or respectable by society. Yet Jesus saw beyond his past and into his potential. With two simple words, “Follow Me,” Jesus offered Matthew a new life and a new purpose.

The good news is that Jesus still calls sinners today. He does not wait for us to clean ourselves up before inviting us into His presence. He meets us where we are and lovingly calls us to where He wants us to be. God's grace is not reserved for the perfect; it is extended to the willing. When we answer Christ’s call, our past no longer defines us—His purpose does.

Here is your living word for today: Listen for Christ’s voice and respond with a willing heart.

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