About

MISSION
I work with church leaders and teams who love serving the local church and have a desire to live out their calling in authentic and powerful ways but may be finding the demands of ministry – the long hours, working with difficult people, & working inside dysfunctional systems – have led them into seasons of frustration and fatigue. These men and women want to experience growth in their personal lives and professional relationships but they just need a little HOPE, CLARITY, and STRENGTH.

I help leaders and teams find HOPE so that they may gain confidence in themselves and in one another.

I help leaders and teams get CLARITY around their goals so that they can move forward with focus and unity.

I help leaders and teams build STRENGTH in the most important areas of their lives so that they may experience new levels of growth and health.

Support for the Journey

My name is Micheal Felker and I have been in full-time ministry for over 15-years. In that time, I got married and worked with my wife for the first 3 years of ministry work. We moved to Texas and started a student ministry at a small church in the DFW metroplex. Our family served this church for over 15years as the Youth and Family Minister and as the Lead Minister. 

Professionalism and Experience

As a professionally trained and experienced coach, I have the tools and understanding to help you to create the life you imagine and get a renewed sense of self. Over the years, I have faced numerous professional struggles – everything from church mergers to bad staff relationships to the entire board resigning at once! I’ve also had to work through my fair-share of personal issues such as personal growth, physical health/well-being, wrestling with depression/anxiety, learning to deal with difficult people, earning a Masters degree with 2 small kids at home, and trusting God to complete the good works He started – including me!

Ministry is tough… you cannot and should not go alone! That’s why I want to help you reach your God-given potential and help you navigate through whatever issues, practices, and decisions currently facing you in life and in ministry.

Taking the Steps

Committing to a healthier lifestyle is just that – a commitment, and it’s a big one that will take a lot a dedication.  My commitment is to provide you with accountability, understanding and support.

BIO

Micheal Felker is a 40something year old husband, dad, pastor, writer, music enthusiast, and disciple of Jesus Christ. Kicking at the Darkness is about my experiences as a  pastor in transition and focuses on what I’m learning in relation to leadership as a young pastor, husband,  father, disciple, and writer. I write for other young leaders to help encourage and equip them to live lives of significance and impact.

Why I Blog:

In 2011, I transitioned from the role of Youth and Family Pastor to Lead Pastor in the church I have served in since 2006. I have a passion for helping people develop a dynamic, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and I also have a desire to help pastors make transitions and lead in greater capacity.In an effort to clarify the vision for my life, I believe that I am called to the following three things:

To WORSHIP GOD in my life and through my family.
To INSPIRE PEOPLE to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ>
To EQUIP OTHERS to serve, lead, and love their people and communities.

This site is a collection of my thoughts, writings, notes, and tips that will help you make a dent in your world for Jesus Christ.

If you have questions about faith, join us here on the journey. If you find yourself wondering how faith and following Jesus impacts your life day in and day out, join the conversation. If you are a fan of music, this is your site. If you, too, are trying to find your place in the world, then read on.

FAQs:

What does “Kicking at the Darkness” mean?
The phrase “Kicking at the Darkness” comes from one of my favorite U2 songs “God Pt 2.”

I don’t believe in the ’60s
In the golden age of pop
You glorify the past
When the future dries up
I heard a singer on the radio
Late last night
Says he’s gonna kick the darkness
Till it bleeds daylight

I believe in love

(Of course, the singer Bono is refering to is Bruce Cockburn, a telented singer/songwriter in his own right.)

Steve Stockman, author of “Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2.”, writes, “It is a behavioral manifesto. This is a clear code of biblical living. It is close to being a sermon against the world’s vices that the Kingdom of God opposes. In the end, there is more frightening talk against the devil and his rule against the world: “I heard a singer on the radio late last night/ Says he’s gonna kick at the darkness/ Til it bleeds daylight.” What a wonderful motto for the kingdom builder.”

That is the motto for this site. Week after week, I will strive to kick at all kinds of darkness. First, at the darkness in my own life. Confusion, pain, sin. Secondly, I will kick at the darkness around me. This is the main thrust. I’m tired of just waiting around. As MLK said, “Time doesn’t ever take care of things like that. Time doesn’t take care of racisim. Bold moves by convicted people bring about change, not time.” I’m ready for some change.

The Goal Is Soul