Jim Cymbala: Prayer Transforms Brooklyn Church

The Struggle Jim Cymbala and his wife, Carol, arrived at the Brooklyn Tabernacle to find a small congregation of fewer than 20 people, meeting in a rundown building in a poor area of downtown Brooklyn. Despite his successful early career in basketball and business, God called Jim to ministry, a calling that quickly tested his resolve. Faced with a failing church and overwhelming challenges, Jim admitted, "Carol and I had frankly admitted to each other that unless God broke through, the Brooklyn Tabernacle was doomed."

When Jesus Intervened Realizing the church's desperate need for divine intervention, Jim was impressed by God to focus on prayer as the key to transformation. Tuesday night prayer meetings soon became the cornerstone of the church. On an Easter Sunday, a turning point came when Jim encountered David, a homeless man. Initially judgmental, Jim soon discovered David's plea wasn't for money but for Jesus. "I don't want your money. I want this Jesus, the One you were talking about," David said.

God's Answer This encounter brought Jim to a moment of conviction and repentance. As he prayed, "God, would you please forgive me," he realized his spiritual need. Embracing David, who was living on the streets, Jim experienced a profound transformation. God's message was clear: "If you don't love this smell, I can't use you."

Life Transformed David's life was transformed by Christ. He found a home, memorized Scripture, and was hired by the church. Eventually, he became an associate minister. The Brooklyn Tabernacle grew, moving to a renovated theater, and continued its outreach to the marginalized, with prayer as its foundation. Jim's ministry, emphasizing prayer and dependence on God, has since impacted pastors and congregations worldwide.