If You Leave It Behind, Better Is Coming!" – New Year's Eve at Rockwell AME Zion

This video captures a profound and high-energy New Year's Eve worship service hosted by Rockwell AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC. Featuring guest preacher Reverend Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman from Greenville Zion Church, the service is defined by a deep sense of gratitude for the past year and an intense focus on spiritual preparation for the future, anchored in Philippians 3:12-16.

Key Service Highlights

• Reflective Worship: High-energy praise focusing on God's unconditional love and victory, acknowledging the tests and testimonies of the past twelve months.
• Scriptural Foundation: A deep dive into Philippians 3:12-16, emphasizing the apostle Paul's commitment to pressing forward.
• Prayer of Deliverance: A dedicated, interactive prayer segment for attendees to physically lay down their burdens and anxieties before the new year.
• A Strategic Message: Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman's three-part strategy for the new year: Let it Go, Learn the Lesson, and Live for Christ.
• Miraculous Testimony: A powerful closing story regarding the revival of Bishop Harry Cright, serving as a reminder of God's miracle-working power.

A Journey Through the New Year's Eve Service

Opening Worship and Musical CelebrationThe service ignites with intense, heartfelt worship music led by the praise team and congregation. Singing songs like "I Really Love You" and "Glory," the worship leaders encourage everyone to physically engage in praise by raising hands and singing loudly. Following this celebratory atmosphere, Pastor Jordan B. Boyd leads a reflective prayer. He invites the congregation to look back over the past twelve months, acknowledging both the trials faced and the testimonies earned, reminding everyone that they are wrapped in the bosom of God's blessing. The musical portion joyfully concludes with the ushers leading a celebratory march.

Scripture Reading and Corporate Prayer‍

Pastor Boyd officially welcomes the congregation and the special guests from Greenville Zion Church. He introduces the guiding scripture for the evening: Philippians 3:12-16 (New Living Translation), highlighting the call to forget the past and press toward the future. Greenville Zion Church's music ministry then leads the room in powerful renditions of "Lord, You Are Good" and "You Are My Peace." As the spiritual intensity in the room rises, a dedicated prayer segment begins. Attendees are invited to kneel or stand to lay down their worries, while Pastor Boyd leads a prayer of deliverance, boldly rebuking anxiety and declaring blessings over the incoming year.

Introduction of the Preacher

‍Referring to him as a mentor and confidant, Pastor Boyd introduces the guest preacher, Reverend Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman. Taking the podium, Dr. Shipman graciously acknowledges the leadership of both churches, his family, and the musicians before offering a prayer for insight and guidance.

The Message:

'If You Leave It Behind, Better Is Coming! 'Dr. Shipman delivers a stirring message centered around a powerful theme: "If you leave it behind, better is coming!" Drawing on a story about his high school football coach, Bobby Far, he explains how sports disciplines—defense, offense, anticipation, and strategy—apply directly to the game of life. Urging the congregation to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth, he shares the strategy: "If it is to be, it is up to me." He then outlines a three-part action plan based on the scripture:

• Let it Go (Forgetting): The congregation is challenged to forget the past—missing opportunities, dropped passes, and even past victories. He explicitly urges listeners to let go of negative personalities, "personal parasites," and bad attitudes that drain joy.
• Learn the Lesson (Reaching Forth): Asking if attendees are "smarter than a fifth grader," he urges the church to stop acting like children and step into the authority of Christ. It is time to stop repeating the same spiritual grades by running from lessons, and instead face them head-on.
• Live for Christ (Pressing On): Emphasizing that "to live is Christ," he encourages living entirely in the "now" rather than getting stuck in yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. He beautifully concludes that we should only look back to see where God has brought us, and then look up to lift Him up.

Benediction and Closing

‍Pastor Boyd returns to thank Dr. Shipman for the phenomenal word, noting the massive turnout and the incredible spiritual atmosphere. Before the final dismissal, Dr. Shipman shares a miraculous testimony about the new Bishop of the AME Zion Church, Bishop Harry Cright, who was pronounced dead for 45 minutes before being revived. This incredible story serves as a final, faith-building encouragement for the coming year. Pastor Boyd then offers a benediction, asking God to dismiss the congregation from the building, but never from His presence.

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