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When considering whether to book Mike for a presentation,
there are several things you should be aware of. He
feels it is critical for him to stay rooted in the
life of his own church and home groups. For this reason
he prefers to not be away from his church for more
than two weeks in any month unless his family is with
him. While there may be exceptions to this they are
rare. Mike believes it is critical to not only receive
the supervision and support from his church but it
is also critical for him to contribute to the life
of his church from his involvement in ministry. He
also feels that he has much more of a responsibility
than just speaking at a particular location. He wants
to have the opportunity to spend time in the ministry
of the church or the activity of the organization
he is speaking at. Unless you can find ways for him
to spend time with the individuals he is sharing with,
the results and blessings will not be as effective
for your group.
Mike has suggested times on his presentations. While
they are structured, he feels it is essential to be
open to deal with specific needs his host organization
shares with him. Mike believes his presentations are
effective because he is open to the needs his audience’s
needs.
Mike was the first person in more than 70 years of
operation to be licensed into the Ministry at Ninth
Street Baptist Church in Erwin, Tenn. He has been
blessed to see results when given the opportunity
to speak. He spends a great deal of time in prayer
and fasting when preparing for any presentation, but
especially when given the opportunity to share his
faith, life story, and Biblical teachings with others.
Below you can find suggested costs for Mike’s
speaking services and ministries as well as a list
of topics and styles he is familiar with and qualified
to speak on.
Costs:
- Motivational
Cost is $500 for a three-hour presentation. This
can be broken up to one, two, or three presentations.
It should also be noted that Mike will request spending
a minimum of one hour with event organizers to become
familiar with specific organizational needs. These
presentations require pre-event planning to get
the most out of the event for the host organization.
- Church events
Cost is $200 per day or 75 percent of a love offering,
whichever is greatest. This is a recommendation,
and churches interested in using Mike for ministry
should contact him to work out other arrangements
if necessary.
- Non-profit events
Cost is $200 a day.
Speaking styles and topics:
- Evangelistic
Mike sees evangelism as much more than just preaching.
It is about making disciples and letting everyone
know God loves them. Mike starting doing evangelistic
type messages in the 1970s. He has a passion for
seeing people learn about and understand Jesus.
His method of evangelism is unique in that while
speaking for a church or organization, he feels
obligated to spend time with the church helping
it prepare for the event. The ministry should continue
after he leaves as it’s important to give
new Christians the tools necessary to live vibrant
and exciting lives. Mike has had the opportunity
to share before thousands and is noted for his sincerity,
dynamic style and loving spirit while he speaks.
He always spends time with people who make decisions
to make Jesus their leader and forgiver.
- Motivational
Mike’s gifts for effective public speaking
are not relegated to Christian settings. He has
had several opportunities to speak in non-Christian
venues and businesses. While in Tulsa, Okla., Mike
was the most requested speaker for the Tulsa Area
United Way. He is open and direct when sharing his
life story of abuse, drugs, the occult, and transformation.
Mike draws from these experiences to motivate people
to reflect on their own lives and care about what
they can do for others. Mike’s audiences also
have included employees who have been able to find
purpose and value in their jobs by focusing their
energy in the right direction. In these situations,
people often begin to have a greater sense of self
worth and purpose, increased productivity, and improved
professional relationships.
Only when asked directly does Mike make the connection
to his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ
as the catalyst for change in his life. When this
happens, Mike strives to be warm and non-threatening.
He also has worked with Islamic and Jewish groups
in sharing a universal message of hope and purpose.
He has presented at such national organizations
as Citgo, Amoco, Avis, State Farm, The Williams
Company, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, American
Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and numerous other national
company headquarters and staff meetings.
- Faith in Film / Using the Culture to
Address Spiritual Truths
Since 1999, Mike has written for one of the most
visited movie review websites on the planet, Hollywood
Jesus. Hollywood Jesus as of 2006 averaged between
7,000,000 and 10,000,000 hits a day on its website
www.hollywoodjesus.com
. Next to the original developer of the website,
David Bruce, Mike has been on staff at Hollywood
Jesus longer than any other person. His reviews
are estimated to be read by millions of people each
week.
With the use of film and other media, Mike uses
this presentation to teach others how they can identify
spiritual truths in their surroundings and be able
to use those truths to reach their culture. This
presentation has been incredibly effective at teaching
innovative ways to incorporate the culture to reach
those in the culture. The Bible says, that: “Jesus
never taught them anything without first telling
them stories.” This presentation teaches how
to use contemporary stories to tell people about
the spiritual truths that come from Jesus.
- Mental Health
Mental illness is a disease that is all too real
to Mike and his family and one that he has made
the commitment to try and help in providing understanding
to others and society for the duration of his life.
For more than 14 years, Mike was one of the most
respected authorities in the field of Mental Health.
He served on the International Faculty for Clubhouse
Programs and provided education and assistance to
programs worldwide in the training and education
of the Clubhouse approach to rehabilitation for
the mentally ill. He has spoken at numerous conferences
including international clubhouse conferences, National
Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Innovative Approaches
to Psychiatric Rehabilitation, International Association
of Psychiatric Rehabilitative Services, National
Consumer Groups, and others.
Mike was instrumental in setting up programs for
the mentally ill in Mississippi, New Mexico, Indiana,
Ohio, Hawaii, Oklahoma and other states. He has
also assisted in states where services already existed
like, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina,
and Massachusetts. Mike helped train pioneers in
research and services from countries such as Japan,
Australia, Belgium, and Russia. He has been sought
out internationally for his knowledge in this area
of mental health, and mental illness.
- Revival
Mike is upfront and honest about the joy he receives
from getting to do revivals. Few things are as rewarding
as helping a church or community began to seek after
God and His ways. Mike has a revival series that
can be done in three-, four-, or five-day increments.
He is open to booking longer periods of time for
revival services when time is required. For revival
purposes Mike open to doing less than three days
with specialized target groups, such as youth or
couples.
- Conference / Retreats
Mike is available for presentations at conferences
and retreats. He can be a guest speaker, keynote
speaker, or retreat presenter and lead. He has worked
with various church groups and non religious organizations
for these types of presentations.
- Wrestling Related
Mike is available to share in various ways regarding
wrestling related messages. Mike worked with young
Tyler Graebner who had a short battle with cancer
before passing in March of 2005. Tyler garnished
the recognition of the global wrestling community
including world champions, United States Olympians,
and Olympic champions. His story also was relayed
in multiple forms of media including television,
radio, and print. This included a feature on ESPN.
Mike led this work, and there are many lessons for
fans of wrestling and others as to the difference
one person can make, and how those differences can
affect the world around us.
Mike is also available to present his Wrestling
with God presentation that has been published and
printed in multiple publications. This presentation
looks at the Biblical aspects and lessons that we
can learn from wrestling. From Jacob to the Apostle
Paul, wrestling is a popular metaphor used in the
Bible that can teach life lessons. This presentation
has been used at both National and State level tournaments.
Mike also does presentations on demonstrating appropriate
wrestling skills and techniques. In this presentation,
discussion takes place on what it requires to be
a state and/or national champion. Mike’s own
son has become recognized as one of the top wrestlers
in the United States. Mike also knows what it takes
to get that college scholarship or opportunity based
on his experience as a high school coach. During
many of the presentations of this nature, Mike brings
his son to assist. Mike also does variations off
of this including Mental Preparation, Gym Preparation,
Dietary Preparation, and more.
- Occult
Mike is open to sharing on this often times misunderstood
topic. He has done extensive research and involvement
in the occult and presents a unique, honest, and
real approach to this serious topic. While this
is a serious topic, Mike is convinced misinformation
often is presented. He addresses the real dangers
of the Occult and Satan on the Church and Christianity.
This topic can cover from a one to three day time
frame. If using a one day format, the church needs
to schedule a minimum of a one to one-and-a-half
hour presentation. There needs to be some forewarning
in this presentation. Mike will present a view not
often held as being popular within the church. It
does not change the reality of the truth of the
presentation. Please contact Mike prior to scheduling
this particular presentation. It should be noted
that Mike’s method of addressing this topic
has led to the development of friendships with many
within the Occult and involved in Satanism. The
reality though, is that the approach is effective
and is making a difference.
- Music
Mike has been involved in music ministry for most
of his Christian life. He has worked with some of
the top names in music in both the Christian and
non-Christian market. What is the history of Christian
Music? What about Contemporary Christian music?
or Christian versus non-Christian music. This is
an enlightening and enjoyable format. While this
topic is best suited for a teaching series it can
be used in a sermon format. Mike has a unique history
in Christian music because he has worked with many
of the early pioneers of contemporary Christian
music and legends in the secular market as well.
Some of his comments on this topic will surely enlighten
and possibly shock you. One thing will be certain:
you will look at music differently as a result of
hearing someone who has actually worked in both
markets.
- Testimony
Mike is moved every time he has the opportunity
to share what God has done for him. He will never
forget the life God delivered him from. It’s
a transformation that went from abuse, gangs, drugs,
loneliness, sorrow and more to a life of love, joy,
and hope. This presentation is best when given between
45 minutes, minimum, and one-and-a-half hours, maximum.
The story is moving and one that God has always
blessed. The story has been shared internationally
in the media and nationally on television and radio.
Mike has a story that many only read about, but
he makes every effort to be able to verify that
the events in his life actually took place. There
is no exaggeration in the story, and this presentation
has never been given where someone didn’t
respond in a favorable way, with life changing actions
and decisions. In some situations, when churches
work at having the appropriate people present, it
is not unusual to see a response by 25 percent or
more of those attending the event. Many, upon hearing
Mike’s story, have commented that the story
should be made into a movie or written as a book.
If looking for a life-changing event, this is it.
- Christianity versus Other Religions
Many times Christians are afraid of sharing their
faith with persons from various faiths. Using a
tradition and style similar to Josh McDowell, and
Lee Strobel, Mike looks at the facts and basis of
our Christian Faith. When compared to other beliefs
one would have to be foolish to walk away from this
presentation not accepting the Christian principals
of our faith as truth. On this topic Mike is very
conservative but draws those conservative beliefs
from looking at historical and faith facts, alongside
Biblical truths.
- Abuse in the Church
This is one of those topics that Mike wishes churches
and groups would schedule more often. As a result
of the abuse Mike received as a child he turned
from Christian principles and teachings for much
of his early life. It wasn’t until hearing
David Wilkerson speaking about the “Real Jesus”
that Mike understood the need to look at Christ
as an example instead of the men and women in the
church. Many, if not most churches, have abuse among
members of their congregations, both physical and
sexual. It is a sin that must be addressed in the
church. So many within the boundaries of the church
suffer from sexual and physical abuse, yet it goes
unnoticed. In this presentation, Mike shares much
of his own story. It deals with topics that need
to be addressed but may contain information that
will be difficult for some within the church to
hear. Mike believes that the lack of addressing
this topic is one of the sins of the Contemporary
Church.
- Prayer
Every great revival and spiritual awakening throughout
the history of Christianity has started with Prayer.
“Prayer as a Prelude to Revival” is
a sermon that has taken hundreds, if not thousands
of hours, of preparation and study. There has been
great response from this sermon when presented in
the past. Prayer is coming into the presence of
and communicating with God. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
said, “There is no greater honor for any man
than to come into the presence of God in prayer.”
This message should be a prerequisite for any church
considering revival.
- Jesus and His Ministry to the Poor and
Urban Communities
Mike thinks it’s amazing and enlightening
to look at the ministry of Jesus and consider the
amount of time and energy he spent with the poor
and marginalized. What is the call of the Church
today? Why are there so many tax dollars spent on
social services? What is our obligation as Christians
to those in need and living below the poverty line?
These and other questions are highlighted in this
topic that addresses the life and action of the
Church today. In this presentation, you not only
get guidelines, but you hear examples of how Mike
has actually done this, from housing a young man
struggling with homosexuality, to having a drug
addict live with him who later overdosed and died.
Mike and his family have actually gone the extra
mile to live in neighborhoods and have people live
with them that the church often ignores and refuses
service to.
- Christian versus Non-Christian Music
This is a more direct response to the question of
Christian versus Non-Christian Music as is addressed
under the topic of “Music.” This message
can be condensed into a sermon format lasting between
30 minutes and one hour. The sermon format actually
challenges Christians to look at all areas of their
lives, not just music. This is not a message that
condemns secular music but is more about the way
we as Christians perceive and listen to music and
other outside sources of information in our lives.
- The Urban Church and the Failure of the
Church
This is a challenging look at the specific needs
of the Urban Church. Mike has worked at, lived in,
and been a part of the Urban Church. He sees the
needs of the inner city in a different light because
of his and his family’s involvement. The truth
is the Urban Church is the forgotten mission field
of the Church in America. In the meantime, the Church
is forgetting about and losing in quite possibly
the greatest and potentially most productive mission
field on the planet. From experience, Mike provides
this presentation using Biblical proofs of God’s
desire for the Church to reach into and care about
the urban community. Mike has spoken at various
conferences on this topic and interacted with many
noted urban leaders, such as John Perkins. This
is not a message for the church looking to have
its appetite tickled. The church will be challenged
to carry out the message of Jesus.
- Others upon Request
Mike is very much aware that churches and other
organizations may have individual needs to address.
He knows it is possible groups knowledgeable of
his ministry may want a more specific focus for
their presentation. It is also possible that churches
and organizations he has shared at in the past may
have additional needs in relation to the follow
up of his or their ministry and/or work. Feel free
to contact him for specific needs and desires.
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Mike is available for various ministry services such
as funerals, weddings, and counseling. Those services
are provided on a personal basis and vary in price.
Mike recognizes this is a ministry and sees ministry
availability as a part of his responsibilities. If
you need one of these services, contact Mike directly
to set up costs for services. Many services, such
as online counseling, will be made available on an
as-needed basis and as Mike is available at no charge
to members of The Virtual Pew. Costs for members of
The Virtual Pew will differ from costs to non members.
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Mike is a noted magician. Mike has been performing
since he was 12. He has used magic to share the Gospel
and entertain groups as small as seven at a birthday
party to crowds with thousands at festivals and other
events. Performance styles are available including
Birthday parties, Platform, Walk-Around, Mentalism,
and Stage shows. Details on each are listed below
with rates. Mike can travel with props that will fit
into a suitcase when traveling via air. He also can
have larger items shipped for performance when enough
time is included or he is touring in your area.
When Mike is unavailable, his daughter, Marathana
also is willing to perform at birthday parties and
for small groups. She began learning magic when she
was 5.
Mike and Marathana have entertained and ministered
at numerous non -Christian events including, Avon
National Convention, Biltmore House in Asheville,
N.C., regional SYSCO parties, Ronald McDonald House,
and numerous others.
- Birthday parties: A 30 to 45
minute show costs $125 and includes a gift for the
birthday child.
- Platform shows: A 45 minute
to one-hour show costs $175 and includes some smaller
illusions.
- Walk-Around magic: This is $100
for every one-hour segment and includes close-up
and minor hand-held illusions.
- Mentalism: A One hour show costs
$150 and debunks mentalist techniques and fortune
telling.
- Stage Magic: The cost is $500
for a two-hour show and includes illusions, including
stage productions, levitations, and mentalism, in
the style of David Blaine, David Coperfield, and
Kevin James.
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While Mike has worked in music as a promoter, musician,
and songwriter, his wife, Mary Jane, also has a special
gift for music. Mike’s performances feature
a number of original songs written and recorded with
a definite Christian Worldview message. His most recent
band was Route 66, which had a definite rock feel
more suited for non-Christian formats. Mike still
plays with bands as well as with a Worship Band. Mike
plays Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica and sings.
Mary Jane specializes in Folk Style music with Christian
messages. She plays guitar and sings. Her performances
are suited for churches and other venues where Christians
are gathered. However, she also does children’s
and folk oriented programs. Mary Jane plays guitar
and has sung in various venues for most of her adult
life. She continues to perform and has recorded “Comin’
Around Again” a compilation of spirituals, folk
rock and original contemporary Christian songs. To
hear tracks from “Comin’ Around Again,”
click here.
Suggested costs for music:
- Mary Jane
Cost is $200 or 75 percent of a love offering, whichever
is greatest. This is for a one-and-a-half hour concert.
- Mike
Cost is $200 or 75 percent of a love offering, whichever
is greatest. This is for a one-and-a-half hour concert.
- Mike and Mary Jane
Cost is $300 or 75 percent of a love offering, whichever
is greatest. This is for a one-and-a-half hour concert.
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Mike’s rates for travel vary in price for multiple
reasons. For non-profits and church groups the following
are just that, requests. Mike asks these groups to
consider the minimum request or 75 percent of a love
offering, whichever is greatest. He also has negotiated
with some non-profit and church groups to attend functions
at a low- or no-cost rate. Mike makes these decisions
after the requests have been made and he has spent
time in prayer about the specific request. The following
prices are required for individuals and for-profit
organizations. Mileage costs will be reduced is Mike
already is in or touring your area.
Please note the following requests for each
presentation:
- When traveling more than 50 miles from Wichita,
travel reimbursement of .47 a mile. When traveling
greater distances than either touring or is cost
feasible, air or train-fare is requested.
- One or more of the following beverages: bottled
water, diet soda, or low-sugar fruit drinks, such
as Crystal Lite. A meal is requested for every four
hours spent at a location, not to exceed three meals
a day. When at church activities, Mike is willing
to eat at church member homes. If at a business,
he is willing to use the meal for employees if one
is available.
- When at a location more than 150 miles from Wichita
one night’s lodging for each day at the event.
Mike is willing to stay in homes for church events.
- One table with volunteer to operate concessions
of T-shirts, music, books, etc. Mike never charges
for items at church events but makes them available
on a donation basis. The volunteer will be given
items for helping.
- When there is a fee for the sale of concessions,
the agent holding the event will be responsible
for the fees.
- Any insurance liability is the sole responsibility
of the event organizer.
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