Small Church Faces Impossible Odds
In the early 1970s, Jim Cymbala and his wife Carol took on the daunting task of leading The Brooklyn Tabernacle, a small church in a struggling area of downtown Brooklyn, New York. At that time, the church had fewer than 20 members and was housed in a rundown building. Despite their efforts, Jim and Carol faced overwhelming challenges, including financial struggles and a lack of formal theological training. Jim admitted, "Carol and I had frankly admitted to each other that unless God broke through, the Brooklyn Tabernacle was doomed."
Pastor Heard God Speak in Desperation
In a moment of desperation, Jim cried out to God, overwhelmed by the needs around him. He shared, "Lord, I have no idea how to be a successful pastor; All I know is that Carol and I are working in the middle of New York City, with people dying on every side, overdosing from heroin, consumed by materialism." It was then that Jim sensed God speaking to him, promising that if they led the church in prayer, God would provide all they needed and bring growth beyond their imagination.
Prayer Changed Church Growth Dramatically
Following this divine encounter, Jim and Carol prioritized prayer, transforming the Tuesday night prayer meeting into a cornerstone of their ministry. This gathering grew to attract between 1,200 and 1,500 people weekly, all uniting in prayer and worship. Under Jim's leadership, The Brooklyn Tabernacle saw remarkable growth. They expanded into a historic theater, turning it into a 3,000-seat sanctuary, and became a beacon for thousands of diverse attendees each week.
Global Ministry and Family Restoration
The church's influence extended beyond its walls, impacting global evangelical circles and planting missionary stations in places like Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jim's emphasis on prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit became the hallmarks of their ministry. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, directed by Carol, won six Grammy Awards, further spreading their message of hope and renewal through music.
Jim's faith journey also touched his family deeply. When his daughter Chrissy rebelled, Jim turned to prayer. God intervened, and Chrissy returned home, changed and reconciled. Jim's testimony of embracing a homeless man, despite his initial repulsion, further illustrates the transformative power of God's love.
Through prayer and divine intervention, Jesus transformed the Brooklyn Tabernacle, turning it from a struggling chapel into a thriving ministry. "If you and your wife will lead my people to pray and call upon my name, you will never lack for something fresh to preach," Jim recalls God saying—a promise that God faithfully fulfilled.
