August 2011 In this issue Young Pastors Give Their Take Young Pastors Give Their Take on the of on the Church of God By Carl Stagner God, 1 Macro Missions in Micro- nesia, 2 he Church of God Leadership Summit 2011 Put is rich in diversity. Faith into Action, 3 The spectrum of Tbackgrounds, cultures, Social Media Keeps the Church Connected, 4 perceptions, and ages is Tear ‘n’ Share Permeates broad. I asked Jonathan Local Eateries During NAC Frymire (30), Erin Taylor 2011, 5 (30), and Chris Denney Jonathan Erin Taylor Chris Denney Choosing Unity, 6 (34), a series of questions to Frymire 55th In Service Training get a sense of the Church of Institute Convenes in God from the perspective stand the call to follow Christ as both Leader Anderson, 7 of young pastors. and Forgiver until high school. While attend- Martha Black: E-mail ing college, we were part of a significant Encourager, 8 CGM: How were you called into ministry? revival in our college town, and it was during MACU to Launch Worship Frymire: My calling came gradually. The that time that God called me to a deeper walk Certificate Program, 9 first nudges toward ministry probably came with him and also to a life of ministry. For Leaven’s Sake: Targeting in high school; however, I was extremely Our Own Kind, 12 reluctant to follow that path. With so many CGM: What are your specific ministry passions? Subscribe pastors in the family, I didn’t want to go into Frymire: When it comes to , I ministry just because it was what I knew. By am a pretty passionate guy across the board. To subscribe to this e-newsletter, please go to the time I actually accepted my calling, I had I have a real passion for preaching—I love to www.chog.org/chognews. already graduated with a BA in /religion, preach, to hear really good preaching, and Your news and had started on my master of divinity at even to talk about preaching! I also have a the AU School of Theology. passion for Christian education. I enjoy teach- To submit news items regarding your church, ing people about the Bible, theology, church district, state/regional Taylor: I began praying about a potential call history, and more. I think that Christians are assembly, or organization for to ministry in my early teens. At age fifteen, I hungry for spiritual depth. possible use in CHOGnews, attended the International Youth Convention send an e-mail to [email protected] in Phoenix, and one of the speakers talked Taylor: My heart and ministry commitment along with a short about what it meant to be called to ministry. It is to the local church. I have a passion for summary, including contact was a crystal-clear moment for me as I heard teaching the Word of God and helping people information. the Spirit confirm that I was called. work it into their lives. I’m also passionate about leadership. If God calls us to lead in the For the most Denney: I initially entered college studying local church then we must lead with excel- up-to-date news, to go into legal practice and probably into lence—this is of utmost importance! go to www.chog.org politics at some point. I had made a salvation decision at age eight but didn’t really under- continued on page 10 CHOGnews 1 August 2011 Macro Missions in Micronesia By Gary and Gwen Bistritan want to know more!” said ten-year- old Toetu. “Please pray for me so I can stop drinking,” requested anoth- Ier young man named Suda. These were comments heard at our Maundy Thursday , and Communion and Footwashing Service— comments that affirm the potential of our present location. Though at one time we felt it would be better to move to a more visible property, God has been opening up a new ministry for us right here in our neighborhood. This area, once known for its jungles and small ranches, has in recent years been cleared, making way for entire new subdivisions with a diverse array of people from Gary Bistritan conducts a baptism service in Micronesia. Micronesia, Guam, and the Philippines. Now imagine a household of twenty-four been several years since he and his fam- Annalyn, is a brand-new Christian and living in one duplex just down the street! ily have been able to visit Guam, and it brings a heightened sense of quest and This is the very “family” (originally truly has been a blessing for all of us to exuberance. Also, it’s been great to see from Chuuk) that has been drawn to make this connection. When they come our ladies become more organized and our fellowship to receive love, nurture, to Guam, we are somehow reminded of involved in ministering to each other fellowship, and teaching. While most all we have and all they have given up to and the community. of the adults do not attend, many of the return to their home island to minister. First Church of God is doing very well children do; and this past Sunday they Gary and I were back in Yap in Febru- under the capable leadership of its pas- brought three visitors with them. We ary and March with a work team from tors. Our recent joint service with them were told that nine more relatives have Alberta, Canada, (what an amazing was held outdoors near a beach and recently moved to that very household. group that was!) and will be returning was a blessed time of sharing together. Yes, we have a real mission field right at again at the end of June to help with Included in that service was a ministry our doorstep! another one, this time from Cottage team from Pacific Islands University (a We recently hosted our annual faith Grove, Oregon. Excitement is already in Bible school, primarily for Micronesians) promise Sunday with Pastor Robert the air regarding their plans for minis- specially invited to share “culture” with Kotmay from Yap as the speaker. It has try: putting a roof on the second story of all of the Church of God missionaries the new building, leading vacation Bible who had just arrived on Guam for an school, and sharing Bible studies with Asia–Pacific missionary retreat. The the women. retreat itself was a great time of connect- In recent months, some changes have ing with most of the missionaries in our been made to the leadership structure Asia–Pacific region. at Touchpoint, and this has brought a new sense of ownership and involve- Gary and Gwen Bistritan are your career ment to the people. One of our elders missionaries to Micronesia. If you would has even been volunteering to preach like to financially support their ministry, you and is doing a great job (a teacher by may contribute online by clicking here. Or profession). Several groups have formed, checks can be mailed to Church of God Minis- and one particular joy to us is the young tries, PO Box 2420, Anderson, IN 46018-2420. people’s cell group, which meets every Write Project 42.10042 in the memo line to A Maundy Thursday footwashing service week in our home. One of the members, assign your gift accordingly. CHOGnews 2 August 2011 Leadership Summit 2011 Put Faith into Action By Lainey Priddy

hat happens when top leaders within the Church of God movement are Wplaced in the same setting as the next generation of leaders? The answer is life change. Leadership Summit stretched all those who attended in ways they had Eric Reeder with two students at the community block party never experienced before. There were two events in particular that made the packed full of hard work, a little bit of and residents of the community were greatest impact on the lives of students pain, humbled hearts, some laughter, able to come enjoy themselves and and of those with whom they came in abundant hope, and plenty of sharing experience the loving outreach efforts of contact: cardboard testimonies in down- Christ’s love. their local church. The block party was town Indianapolis and a community On Friday night, Celebration Church, located on the west side of Anderson, block party in Anderson. led by Pastor Mike Thigpen, hosted where many kids get themselves into On Thursday, students were loaded a community-wide block party. The trouble because they don’t have any- into buses and sent down to Indianapo- Anderson chief of police said that this thing to do during summer break. This lis, where they met with Brandon Mott was the largest block party that Ander- block party provided a fun, safe envi- and Kim Shuessler to find out how son has ever seen! Free music, food, and ronment to hang out with their friends they would minister to the residents games were just some of the highlights. and learn about the love and mercy of of downtown Indianapolis. They were Over ninety students manned game Jesus. Whether it was a conversation or each given markers and a piece of card- booths, registration tables, and refresh- a simple smile, the people of Anderson board to share part of their testimonies. ment stations. Many families, children, couldn’t deny that they are loved. Lives On one side of the cardboard, students continued on page 4 wrote down a word or phrase that described them before they knew Christ, such as lost, broken, or fearful. And the on other side of the cardboard, they wrote a word or phrase that described them after discovering Christ’s love, such as loved, empowered, or free. After that, the team leaders led the students to where they would stand on the streets, hold- ing their signs, and witnessing to anyone and everyone who walked past. Much of the time, passersby only glanced at the signs, but many conversations, and even friendships, were started. Teams were even given an additional challenge to invite a new friend to join them for dinner that night. It was three hours CHOGnews 3 August 2011 Social Media Keeps the Church Leadership Summit continued from 3 Connected By Derek Kramer were touched, and joyous celebration took n the midst of the social media able to reconnect with friends she had place that night. explosion, the Church of God ref- lost contact with,” said Sharon Skaggs, Leadership Summit is effective because ormation movement is right in the assistant coordinator of Global Mis- students not only hear how they can be a Ithick of things with pages on Facebook, sions. “She was a former pastor’s wife better leader, but they also get the oppor- Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as the with a deep love for the Church of tunity to put what they’ve learned into Church of God’s very own social net- God and had always stayed connected practice. Students learned that they are working site, MyCHOG. through camp meetings. She knew called to lead, love, serve, and change the “Social media allows us to bridge people from all over but was no longer world. The worship services, lead by Alan- time and space,” said David Farlow, able to travel. It gave her the chance to na Story and Myron El, were consistently chief of strategic communication, “so re-establish relationships.” great times of genuine praise and oppor- that we can be together and enhance MyCHOG allows each member tunities to draw close to God. One-on-one our relational connectiv- to blog, discuss topics in time with the Lord was especially inten- ity. It allows someone forums, ask for prayer, give tional this week, and students benefitted in India to connect with praise, and share upcoming from spending time in God’s Word and someone in Iowa and events. “It also provides the journaling their thoughts and prayers. All share with someone in opportunity for collabo- in all, God’s presence was made known Indiana.” ration,” said Farlow. “For in Anderson this week, and students and These sites have instance, there’s a group of leaders alike have now gone back to their enabled the church to pastors of small congrega- homes scattered across the nation filled up tackle problems like isolation in ways tions that get together on a frequent and empowered by the Holy Spirit. that weren’t possible before. “One basis through an interest group on of the great things that it does is that MyCHOG to share and encourage one helps overcome isolation,” said Farlow. another. They have a like challenge “We may have a congregation in South in different places and now have their Dakota and the nearest other Church own support group online.” Many other of God congregation could be hundreds interest groups exist on MyCHOG of miles away. For that pastor or mem- involving ministry and life with Christ. ber of the congregation, they’re able to Facebook and Twitter give the reach out across time and space in fel- church another way to get the news lowship with others.” out there and, more importantly, give MyCHOG has been joining mem- the people a place for their voice to be bers of the Church of God in fellowship heard. “These media are powerful in for about a year and a half and now has that they allow those in the Church of nearly two thousand members. “We God to have a voice and to share with us wanted a safe place for those who call what they’re thinking,” said Farlow. “It the Church of God home to share with gives the opportunity for connectivity one another, to have discussions with at a multitude of levels.” one another, and to debate issues with Church of God Ministries can be fol- one another,” said Farlow. “All of this lowed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ was designed to help us wrestle with CHOGMinistries and on Facebook at the issues that the church faces, to www.facebook.com/ChurchofGod. encourage, and to connect.” LinkedIn also gives Church of One story of being able to connect God members another place to share, with past friends in the church comes encourage and connect. “It becomes from an eighty-year-old woman living a networking place for those who are Leadership Summit students Sarah Hurst and in a retirement center in Washington. seeking employment and those who are Justin Blackwell host a game at the community “She was absolutely thrilled about being seeking encouragement,” said Farlow. block party.”

CHOGnews 4 August 2011 Tear ’n’ Share Permeates Local Eateries During NAC 2011 By Carl Stagner and hospitality during the North Ameri- “What a simple r. Duncan voiced the chal- can Convention of the Church of God.” yet outstanding lenged to the church at each Above the removable card, readers were way to not only evening service: “Pull out instructed to include the card with a gen- pray for and Dyour tear ’n’ share, leave a really good erous tip of “at least 18 percent when you share with, but tip, and show our host community of eat out during NAC.” But the act of love invite into the Anderson the love of God.” He added, did not end with the prayer of blessing body of Christ,” said Brenda Berry, of “Now if you’re not going to leave a good and the generous tip. On the reverse side Owensboro, Kentucky. “We used our tip, then don’t leave the card!” of the card was a listing of local Church tear ’n’ share while at NAC, but we also Each day during the North Ameri- of God congregations so that the com- made our own version for our folks here can Convention of the Church of munity of Anderson could know that to share and put it in our worship bul- God, Church of God Ministries pub- there are loving, caring people who live letins. Thanks for a wonderful idea to lishes a daily newspaper. It’s called the in Anderson year-round. The words, share the love of Jesus!” NACroundup. It provides news about the “Visit one of these churches to learn “What a great idea!” Marcia Thomp- convention, conferences, worship ser- more about the love of Jesus,” adorned son, of Holland, Ohio, echoed. “We vices, and special events. This year—for the top of the reverse side of the card. used it in a restaurant, and now we’re the first time ever—the NACroundup Candida Schendel, of Pleasanton, going to make up some to use at home included a special two-sided card in each Texas, witnessed the effect of the card when we are out and about!” edition. put to good use. “The people sitting next NAC 2011 attendees did more than The tear ’n’ share was not meant to to us at the restaurant also used it. The preach the love of God; they put it into remain in the pages of the newspaper— waitress thanked them, and I watched practice. NAC 2011 was all about empha- hence the name. Convention-goers were them all gather around her in prayer! I sizing Strategic Value Two: “Permeate! encouraged rip the card out and take it would like to see it again next year.” Engaging every individual, church, and with them when they ate out during Who knew that such a simple idea agency in the Great Commandments NAC. The card read, “With this tip, I could make a powerful impact on the (Matt 22:37–39).” In addition to the tear pray a blessing over you and your fam- community? Local churches are now ’n’ share, NAC 2011 attendees shared the ily.” The card also read, “Thank you, using the concept and adapting it to love of God through three community Anderson, for 125 years of friendship their specific needs. service projects and one blood drive.

CHOGnews 5 August 2011 Choosing Unity By Carl Stagner

A church on the brink of closure. An going.” Several struggles lay before the could gift the property to the Hispanic enticing opportunity to take the easy congregation as they tried to determine congregation and simply attend the new road. A diverse community with many a way forward. Initially, selling the prop- church. A second choice outlined the needs. For Mountain View Fellowship erty seemed to be the only viable course possibility that the Hispanic congrega- Church of God in Reading, Pennsylva- of action; careful consideration, howev- tion could “buy in” as owners for more nia, a major decision had to be made that er, concluded that the upside-down real than $130,000 and then both congrega- would ultimately test the endurance of estate market would hinder a profitable tions could pay half the expenses. The their congregation, change the direction sale of the property. With guidance from church decided that this option was not of their ministry, and make an impact on Church of God Ministries, the church fair to the Hispanic congregation. The the community around them. Their final was able to identify the helpful options. continued on page 9 decision would testify to the unifying On Sunday afternoons, a Hispanic power of Jesus Christ. congregation had been using the facil- “Our attendance dropped down to ity for worship services. Based on between twenty and thirty,” Bill Hunter, Mountain View’s relationship with the lay leader, explains. “We were down to afternoon crowd, Church of God Min- only two or three in each istries identified three choices that the class and just could not afford to keep church could consider. Mountain View

Many cultures worshiping together as a merged congregation

Wide diversity among the children who attended VBS CHOGnews 6 August 2011 55th In Service Training Institute Convenes in Anderson By Carl Stagner

t would be hard to find a group of people more enthusiastic about why they attend a certain event than Ithose who faithfully gather in Ander- son, Indiana, each July to sharpen their tools for ministry leadership. The In Service Training Institute (ISTI) recent- ly convened for its fifty-fifth year—its thirty-second year in Anderson. The worship was inspirational, the fellow- ship was spirited, and the classes were packed with students who were very happy to be there! In fact, they weren’t thinking about lunch or recess! What is ISTI? And why is everybody so excited about it? The answer may be found in the hearts of the staff and students who come from across the country to attend. Rudolph Smith, who has had forty- three years of involvement with ISTI, completely understands the magnetic appeal of the program. “What we have endeavored to do is to provide resources and classes which will equip persons Dr. James Lewis teaches at ISTI 2011. for all aspects of ministry in the local church—from pastors on down to Sun- tute offered more than eighty classes on couple pastors from my church. I come day school teachers, church officers, and subjects such as spiritual warfare, coun- here for leadership inspiration. It’s so on. It’s all a joy! The joy of teaching. seling, church law, youth leadership, been great this year, as I’ve been well- The love of the institute and the stu- worship, evangelism, church planting, informed and have had good fellowship dents.” It’s no wonder that all parts of and church history and doctrine. Those with different people, and networking the body of Christ choose to attend. who participate in the program are eli- with other pastors.” Jimmie Curtis was thrilled to be gible for continuing education credits. Perhaps the most enthusiastic back at ISTI this year. She is happy with Bobby F. Jackson, who has been response came from Charles and Patricia the program because she believes in its attending as student for eight years, Kline, a couple who have been coming potential—and realized—impact on explains why people keep coming. “It’s to ISTI from Texas for more than fifteen leaders. She explained that ISTI is all a time of information and inspiration. years. When asked why they continue to about inspiring, affirming, and equip- You leave ISTI inspired. People come attend, Patricia gleamed. “It’s a blessed ping leaders. here from different churches, but we all experience.” When asked what she The National Association of the seem to have similar problems in our hoped to experience this year at ISTI, Church of God in West Middlesex, local churches. Everyone’s kind of look- her smile widened. “More blessing!” she Pennsylvania, sponsors this weeklong ing for the same things to help lift them exclaimed. event. As an effort to better train lead- up. And that’s what you get here.” On Friday evening, the staff conduct- ers for ministry in any capacity, ISTI has Arthur Grier returned to ISTI this ed a closing ceremony, at which all of the long been about teaching ministers how year after a brief hiatus to raise a fam- participants were awarded certificates to be more effective. This year’s insti- ily. “So now I’m back, and I brought a for the week’s classroom participation. CHOGnews 7 August 2011 Martha Black: E-mail Encourager By Carl Stagner Dear Pastor, am deeply and eternally indebted. I would personally like to thank you for your Blessings on you and those you love. work in leading the unsaved to Christ and Thank you, again, for investing as an for helping Christians continually grow in intercessor and going the second mile their walk with God. What an awesome to communicate via e-mail…What a responsibility! positive, powerful and timely impact it has had in my life. housands of Church of God pastors across the country have Thank you for your prayers and love read these opening words to let- expressed to us pastors...many of Tters of encouragement written by one the pastors have lost focus and the individual from Daytona Beach, Florida. decline and apathy is heartbreaking! Her name: Martha Black. Please continue to pray for healing Martha had been faithfully pray- and forgiveness in our churches… ing for pastors in the state of Florida Thank you again for these words of until God made it clear to her that she comfort through Scripture. needed to do more than pray. God laid Martha Black upon her heart a calling to encourage Blessings to you. Thank you for your those who continually pour their lives I’m sure you are aware of Focus 40, words of wisdom and hope, truly into ministry. She decided to write let- which begins on March 16. God inspiring to me to keep serving our ters to the Church of God pastors across wants nothing more than for each Lord Jesus. the state and send them out by e-mail. one of us to grow closer to him. One In her letters, she decided to include a way is to participate in Focus 40. Just Thank you for your words, and we variety of scriptures that offer strength, think about the transformation that stand in agreement in prayer. refreshment, and hope to the reader. It could take place…Wouldn’t it be great was simple idea and a tedious task, yet if there would be 100-percent partici- Thank you for your kind words and in a generation where the demands of pation?…Please invite other churches encouragement. Keep us in your life and ministry mount against pastors, in your community to participate in prayers. We have many challenges, Martha’s acts of kindness have made a Focus 40. but our God is more than able to practical difference. Martha says she meet them all. won’t stop until the Lord releases her More than seventy-five pastors from this assignment. have replied with a note of thanks Thank you for your prayers and “It would be hard to pinpoint the for the encouragement Martha gave. wonderful e-mail. We all need to be number of pastors I have contacted,” Many have replied with specific prayer reminded of his promises and tell oth- Martha explains. “Not only am I now requests, which Martha promptly takes ers of his love. I would like to print it contacting the pastors in Florida, but I to God in prayer. The following replies in newsletter. Let me know if we can am using the Yearbook of the Church of God from pastors demonstrate the meaning- do that. to contact pastors in the other states and ful way in which God has used Martha’s countries.” e-mail encouragement: When asked what motivates her to As Focus 40 approached, Martha keep sending these notes of encourage- felt called to encourage pastors to par- Incredible! Your contact has bowled ment, Martha responds: “I desire God to ticipate. She recognized the potential me over…You cannot imagine bring revival to every Christian church transformation experience that God the impact of your e-mail. Simply around the world and our light to shine could bring through forty days of prayer breathtaking. Your obedience as a for Christ in such a way that people will and fasting, so she began sending e-mails gap-stander has proven to be such want to give their hearts and lives to with the following words: an unexpected difference-maker. I Jesus Christ.”

CHOGnews 8 August 2011 MACU to Launch Worship Music Certificate Program eteran worship leader and He believes delving into those five areas recording artist Tommy will give artists the balance they need Coomes and his band mates for success. Vcame to faith in Jesus in the early 1970s “If a really spiritual person doesn’t in Southern California. They formed know how to handle his money, he prob- the group Love Song and wrote and ably won’t last long,” Coomes said. “If a played contemporary Christian music Christian performer is nice to everyone before the genre existed. He’s led but mean to his wife, that doesn’t fly. worship across the globe, including Artistic people need to know something traveling extensively with Franklin Gra- about these things or have somebody ham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic help them or they’re going to fail.” Association. Each course begins on a Friday eve- Coomes often meets musicians look- ning as MACU hosts a concert open to ing for mentoring and structure as they the public featuring an accomplished seek to honor God and lead believers in musician. On Saturday, the enrolled worship. Now Mid-America Christian students attend seminars led by Coomes University has invited Coomes to give Tommy Coomes teaching worship-leading and the artists who performed the these artists the tools they need to keep tools to a student. night before. On Sunday, the students their lives pure, their music relevant, can begin the online course. Courses and their skills honed. last six weeks and include videotaped “We’re going to mentor and train learn about five important aspects of a interviews with various musicians, pas- people interested in the art of music and Christian music career using the acro- tors, and other Christian leaders telling worship. We’re going to show them how nym SMART: Spiritual, Management, their personal stories and explaining to do it and how to build a life that holds Artistic, Relational, and Technical. Each their perspectives about many aspects up,” Coomes said. course focuses on one of these topics. of worship. The program includes six seminars Coomes has seen many artists strug- MACU plans to launch the first semi- and six courses. Participants can earn gle throughout their careers because nar in September or October of this year twenty-four hours of college credit and they failed to train themselves for a in Oklahoma City. To find out more, call are eligible for federal aid. Musicians will mentally and spiritually healthy life. 888-888-2341. Choosing Unity continued from 6 third choice was that Mountain View we get along very well. It was a little At 9:30 on Sunday mornings, the con- could invite the Hispanic congregation strained at first, as you might expect, but gregation worships in English. Between to merge with them into one body. now it’s great. It’s a wonderful experi- 11:00 and 12:00, they have Sunday It didn’t take much time for Moun- ence—and a powerful witness—to school together and work through the tain View to realize what had to be worship with two different languages language barrier as best they can. Then done. God was calling them to merge and share in the love and relationship after Sunday school, the congregation with the Hispanic congregation. The that is there.” holds a Spanish-language service. other “avenues were dead ends,” Hunter The Hispanic congregation, Iglésia They also held vacation Bible school explains. “The merger wasn’t the first de Dios Ebeneezer, was thrilled with together. In the past, Mountain View idea we had. God brought it to the front the idea. The new name of the church struggled to attract enough children of our options. He opened up the right is Ebeneezer Mountain View Church to warrant the effort. This year, the doors.” of God. To ensure all voices are heard, merged church partnered with a nearby Though it was the right road, the the new board of directors and officers, African-American congregation, Eighth merger wasn’t the easy road. Only including treasurers, equally represents Street Church of God, to hold a VBS. Christ could have brought the two the two cultures. Through this year’s VBS, all three cul- groups together. Hunter says, “Even How does the new church function tures ministered to more than eighty though there are cultural barriers, in practice given the language barrier? children! CHOGnews 9 August 2011 Young Pastors continued from 1

Denney: I’m passionate about being Taylor: I love the Church of God Denney: If there’s real change that the most effective minister to my fam- because of its history, mission, theology, needs to take place in terms of the direc- ily first, so I’d say I place a high passion and our depth of relationships with one tion of the Church of God, then invite level on family ministry, beginning with another. We have a powerful message of some people to the table who are a gen- my own. I’m passionate about people holiness and unity that our world needs eration or two after yours. And what are who are not currently following Christ to hear. I also deeply appreciate that we we trying to pursue nationally/interna- becoming followers of Christ. I’m pas- are a movement affirming the way that tionally that only a national ministry sionate about seeing people understand God calls men and women alike into can accomplish? and take the next step in their journey leadership in the church. with Christ. I’m passionate about seeing CGM: How can the Church of God become people’s whole lives transformed by their Denney: I’m excited that there are some more focused, more connected, more relationship with Jesus, and out of that, leading voices that recognize the need missions-oriented? they live out their own call to ministry, for a strategic shift in what ministry Frymire: I have been doing a lot of work wherever, whenever, whatever that looks like in the twenty-first century, recently on the North American Con- looks like in their lives. I’m passionate even as our message remains the same. vention, so let me answer out of that, if about the planting of new churches. And for those voices that haven’t rec- I can. NAC, in my opinion, has to stop ognized that yet, I’m thankful for the trying to be something it is not—name- CGM: Why are you interested in/excited autonomy we have to pursue effective ly, a convention. One of the ways I see about the Church of God reformation methodologies without dictation from the Church of God as unique is her fam- movement? denominational hierarchies like my ily feel. I grew up singing the Gaithers’ Frymire: The Church of God makes friends and peers in other denomina- song “Family of God,” and it has really up a not-so-small part of my identity. tions face. colored how I see the Church of God. In I learned about my faith through the that respect, NAC is not about great con- Church of God. I would probably have CGM: What do you think the Church of ferences (although we have some). It is a small identity crisis if I found myself God needs to hear from young ministers about the connections and networking somehow outside the movement. I also like you? that takes place. It is the opportunity the believe that the Church of God has some Frymire: I think the church needs to Church of God has to come together as very valuable things to contribute to the hear our perspectives and ideas. We a body of believers to worship and learn larger Christian conversation. I believe think and understand things differently and be reenergized to go back home and that we still have something to say to than previous generations. It’s not to say fulfill the Great Commission. I, and oth- the Christian community. that what previous generations thought ers like me, see NAC as, for the Church and understood is not important, but we of God, what Sunday morning is for a have something worthwhile to contrib- local congregation—a chance to wor- ute. And I think many people would be ship together and become equipped and CHOG Factoid pleasantly surprised by what we have energized to head out into the mission to say. field. The Church of God will become more focused when we start working at Nearly 100 Taylor: There is a generation of young being better connected. NAC (I still pre- leaders who care deeply about the future fer the name !) is where students of the Church of God. It seems to me we connect to each other. When we • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • that older generations are often discour- start to realize the value of being part aged about the lack of young leaders of something larger than just a local practiced evangelism who want to join the ranks of ministry congregation, we can start focusing on in downtown and leadership. The truth is that there equipping the movement to do what Indianapolis during are many called, equipped, and capable God has called us to do. leaders who want to lead. There is hope the 2011 Leadership for the future, but it requires ministers Taylor: I do believe that change must Summit. and leaders of all ages to engage togeth- happen from a grassroots level. As er in renewing our mission and vision. churches clarify their mission and chose CHOGnews 10 August 2011 unity with other congregations, we may Taylor: Good leadership requires inno- God through new converts who are liv- be able to gain traction around a com- vation, and this is the time to go back ing the way of Jesus more clearly among mon purpose. I believe that in order to to the drawing board. Strengthening the an increasingly corrupt generation. And do this, we must repent for the ways that leadership for the future of the Church that these followers of Jesus are giving we have lost our mission and ask for the of God requires creative thinking. Our themselves more and more to reaching Spirit to move afresh among us. world is changing so fast with new tech- and discipling others. nologies and new ways that people and Denney: What is Church of God Min- churches can network together. If the Jonathan Frymire is the head of the small istries doing that only it can? Are we church is going to remain relevant in this group program at Northeast Church in asking that? Are we willing to purge context, then our leadership has to think Fishers, Indiana. Erin Taylor is the pastor things, even things we hold dear, if in new and creative ways. of adult ministries at Church of the Cross- they’re not accomplishing the mission ing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Chris Denney of resourcing individuals and churches Denney: Allow the leaders of tomorrow is the lead pastor of Catalyst in Pendleton, to make more and better disciples? to lead today. When we say leadership of Indiana. I think connection means something tomorrow, who does that mean? We’re different than it did in times past. Our always talking about young student lead- connection ideology was based on a ers and how we need to be pouring into fellowship mindset. Connection now them, because they’re the leadership of is not about fellowship but about how tomorrow. But the people who could we can accomplish a mission together. actually lead today are often passed over. Partnership has to be about accomplish- Don’t lay groundwork; lay trust and ing shared mission. I’m going to invest empowerment. We’re not interested in resources in one of two ways, with those power; we’re interested in accomplishing who share my commitment to mission something. and with those who are accomplishing a portion of the mission I can’t accomplish CGM: What are your hopes and desires for based on location, logistics, scale of proj- the future of the Church of God? ect, and so on. Frymire: Beyond helping people discov- er Christ (which cannot be overstated), CGM: How can the Church of God build up my biggest hope and desire for the and lay the groundwork for the leadership Church of God is that we would redis- of tomorrow? cover our vision of who the Church of Frymire: First, we can start being inten- God is in God’s divine plan. I would like tional about including young ministers in to see the Church of God become a sig- positions of leadership. We may not have nificant voice at the ecumenical table, a lot of years pastoring churches, but what because of our faithfulness to being the we lack in experience, we make up for people God has called us to be. with enthusiasm and fresh thinking. Sec- ond, we should do something to support Taylor: My greatest hope is that the those going into ministry out of college Church of God becomes a movement and/or seminary. We can do this by having again. Not just by name, but by defini- seminaries and ordination boards working tion, a movement has to move. Meaning, together so that when a seminary student we must have a compelling vision that graduates, they are at least licensed when moves us to action as we seek to fulfill they enter the field. Also, why not work to God’s mission. I long for us to be brought create some kind of placement program together because of our common vision where young ministers can be paired and mission. with experienced pastors who can mentor them. In seminary and college we learn Denney: My hopes and desires are that the academic side of ministry; apprentice- our churches and our cooperative nation- ships would give us the opportunity to al/international ministries forcefully learn the practical side as well. and numerically expand the kingdom of CHOGnews 11 August 2011 Targeting Our

By Sam Collins ^ Own Kind “So you think I should base couple decades ago I wrote an to pigeonhole and disregard anyone an entire sermon series on article for a non-Church-of-God with whom we disagree. In the church, the game, ‘Angry Birds?’” publication suggesting that it can be seen in the rush to brand one ©2011 Kevin Spear www.kevinspear.com Asports might not be the most important group of believers as perverse liberals [email protected] enterprise in the universe. I insinuated or another as pea-brained conservatives. that—what with wars, pestilence, and This approach is ham-handed and about famine—God probably did not have as precise as doing microsurgery with much interest in manipulating box scores a chainsaw. It clouds far more than it or first down yardage so that teams with clarifies. the greater number of Christian players On some issues, a single stance may STOP could shower themselves with import- tell us a great deal about an individual. ed champagne during championship In many cases, however, it is risky to WAITING celebrations. assume that an isolated opinion or public The piece apparently set off a testos- posture enables us to assess that person’s START terone-fueled tornado within a former entire belief system. professional football player who read it. John the Baptist lived in the wil- ACTING In a letter that radiated enough heat to derness and adopted a diet that made cook a Cornish game hen, this aggravat- prison fare seem savory and sumptu- ed athlete asserted that the article told ous by comparison. Jesus socialized Degree programs him all he needed to know about me. I with sinners and seemed the type to designed specifically was obviously a pudgy asthmatic who rarely refuse a second helping. On the for adults despised athletics and spent my spare surface, these two men seemed differ- time listening to Italian opera on public ent enough to be perpetually at odds. radio. Yet Jesus himself made it plain that they On Campus or Online In reality, I was relatively svelte at were indistinguishable in purpose and that time and more prone to be able to spirit (Luke 7:33–35). remember Mickey Mantle’s 1956 batting It’s time for Christians to stop lob- average than my own social security bing unfounded libels and invectives at number. As for opera, I still don’t know one another. We need honest dialogue, a mezzo-soprano from a Milk-Bone dog not haughty, heated diatribes. There are biscuit. plenty of real enemies abroad in the land After knowing me for less than five without painting bazooka targets on our hundred words, this guy thought he had own kind. me pegged. With insight like that per- haps he should have considered a career The views expressed in this column are not as an operator for the Psychic Friends necessarily those of Church of God Ministries Hotline. or, at points, even the writer, but are written What bothers me is not so much with tongue firmly planted in cheek to hope- adults.macu.edu this specific instance of mislabeling; fully provoke a leavening bit of laughter and it’s the more general human impulse a smidgen of thought. CHOGnews 12 August 2011