In the News ... "Preaching from the heart"

OA Photo

• Rev. Flores emphasizes discipleship

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Ernest Flores says having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing a person can do because it will determine the rest of your life and, after you die, your eternity.

He started the Casa de Mi Padre Church 6 1/2 years ago at 1101 S. Crane Ave., where another of his principal teachings is the wisdom Christians show when they become disciples and begin to encourage others to be disciples.

The Rev. Flores is a 48-year-old Odessa native and Permian High School graduate who worked as a musician with his band, Los Aguilas (The Eagles). He also worked as a truckdriver and landscaper while building his ministry.

An average of 75 to 95 people attend his church at 10 a.m. Sunday with his son Ernest Jr. playing drums in the praise band and his daughter Elizabeth working as a leader and teacher. His wife’s name is Jackie.

“We stick to Jesus’ teaching and don’t waver from it,” Flores said. “Discipleship takes you back to the basics of what Jesus was teaching his disciples about making more disciples.

“When you are a disciple, you have been taught the word of God and are prepared to have the spiritual success that Jesus wants you to accomplish, to bring life instead of death to the world.

“I also like to preach about the Holy Spirit because he is the one who convicts the world of its sins in order for us to be forgiven,” he said.

Flores’ favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Casa de Mi Padre member Stephen Knight said Flores “does his best to shepherd the flock of God.”

“Ernest preaches the truth about Jesus Christ and him crucified, that Jesus is the savior of the world and the only way to Heaven,” Knight said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...