CHURCH OF GOD Evangel JUNE 2014

We Need Each Other

june 2014 Contents volume 104 n issue 6

IN PSALM 148, people from every generation and every station in life are urged to join the rest of creation in worshiping the Lord: Praise the Lord from the earth. . . . Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and maidens; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. . . . Praise the Lord! (vv. 7, 11-12, 14 NKJV). This issue of the Evangel urges all generations to come together in worship and ministry.

for all generations 10 We Need Each Other by Phil Harris ‘I was wrong.’ 12 ‘They’ Just Don’t Get It! by Raymond D. Hodge Acknowledgment and appreciation needed 14 Blending New and Old in Chicago by Lance Colkmire The Philadelphia Romanian Church of God 16 Lizzy’s Legacy by Joyce Noel Wyatt Nine decades of life 21 Three Lessons Young Leaders Can Learn From Seniors by Ryan Stigile About tomorrow, responsibility, and family 22 A Family for Millennial Nomads by John UpChurch Searching for a vibrant reality columns 24 It’s Not About Us! by Cheryl Bell 5 In Covenant, Mark L. Williams Honoring God Through Music 7 On My Mind, Lance Colkmire 34 Chronicles, Andrew Sinclair Hudson 25 The Forgotten Ones by Alexander Smithson Serving those who can no longer attend church departments features 4 Ministry Snapshot 6 By the Numbers 26 Peeling the Onion of Culture by Josh Rice 8 Currents The hard work is worth it. 17 GlobalConnect 28 The Faith of My Mother by Carolyn Dirksen 30 Viewpoints Frances Poindexter Rowland 32 People and Events

EVANGEL • june 2014 3 PUBLICATIONS MINISTRIES DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR MINISTRY SNAPSHOT M. Thomas Propes DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Members of Christian Worship Center (Ogden, Utah) planting flowers at Terry Hart the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Raymond Hodge MANAGING EDITOR Lance Colkmire CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Robert McCall CFO Wayne Walston PRINTING DIRECTOR Mike Burnett

EVANGEL STAFF EDITOR Lance Colkmire EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Elaine McDavid COPY EDITOR Esther Metaxas GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bob Fisher

EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATIONS BOARD Stephen Darnell, Les Higgins, Ray E. Hurt, Cheryl Johns, David Nitz , Tony Cooper, Antonio Richardson If you have a ministry photo to be considered for this page, send it to [email protected].

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Church of God DECLARATION OF FAITH

Mark L. Williams, David M. Griffis, J. David Stephens, WE BELIEVE: Wallace J. Sibley, M. Thomas Propes 1. In the verbal inspiration of the Bible. 2. In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. CHURCH OF GOD congregations meet through- out the United States and in more than 180 3. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the other countries. To find a church and times of Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven services near you, access the church website, and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor. www.churchofgod.org, or fax your request to 4. That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God 423-478-7616. for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins. Publication of material in the Evangel does not nec- 5. That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. essarily imply endorsement of the Church of God. 6. In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, The Church of God Evangel (ISSN 0745-6778) is and by the Holy Ghost. edited and published monthly. n Church of God Publish­ing House, 1080 Montgomery Ave., P.O. 7. Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people. Box 2250, Cleveland, TN 37320-2250 n Subscrip- 8. In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart. tion rates: Single subscription per year $17, Canada $24, Bundle of 15 per month $17, Canada $28, 9. In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the Bundle of 5 per month $7.50, Canada $11.25 n baptism in the Holy Ghost. Single copy $1.50 n Periodical postage paid at 10. In water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, Cleveland, TN 37311 and at additional mailing and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. offices n ©2014 Church of God Publications n All 11. Divine healing is provided for all in the Atonement. rights reserved n POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Evangel, P.O. Box 2250, Cleveland, TN 12. In the Lord’s Supper and washing of the saints’ feet. 37320-2250. (USPS 112-240) 13. In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.

MEMBER OF THE 14. In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked. EVANGELICAL PRESS ASSOCIATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL PENTECOSTAL PRESS 4 EVANGELASSOCIATION • june 2014 IN COVENANT mark l. williams general overseer FROM EVERY TRIBE, TONGUE, AND NATION HE EXPANSION OF the Chris- and there was a genuine concern for those many colors, many cultures, but one tian church in the first century in need (Acts 2:41-47). testimony of one God” (Ministry at the is one of the most amazing phe- Unity characterized their fellowship. Margins). Tnomena in all of human history. Though representing different ages, Unity led to generosity. It is stated This is especially true when you consider incomes, nationalities, temperaments, and literally and emphatically “not one of that Christianity was, for the most part, occupations, Scripture indicates this group them claimed that anything belonging considered an illegal and depraved reli- had “one heart” and “one soul” (4:32). One to him was his own” (4:32 NASB). Each gion. Wave after wave of persecution was heartbeat permeated through the entire felt he held his possessions as a trust for unleashed to squash it. There were no body of believers; one life principle pulsat- the entire church. If there was a need, great financial resources available to those ed throughout the ranks of the righteous. there was not a question on anyone’s early disciples, no buildings, no social part—the need was met immediately. status, no governmental approval, and Unity and generosity empowered no respect from educational institutions. The their testimony: “With great power Christians soon separated themselves outpouring the apostles were giving testimony from associating with the synagogue and to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, had no institutional setting or ancient of the and abundant grace was upon them tradition to appeal to. all” (v. 33 NASB). That loving and giv- What they did have was greater than Holy Spirit in ing church enjoyed “favor with all the all the marching legions of Rome. They Jerusalem people” (2:47). had a resurrected Messiah who had From “every kindred, and tongue, “ascended up on high [and] led captivity occurred in a and people, and nation,” Jesus has captive” (Eph. 4:8). They had an endow- “redeemed us to God” (Rev. 5:9). Into ment of “power from on high” (Luke multicultural all the world He now sends us. A Spirit- 24:49)—the mighty baptism in the Holy context. empowered movement characterized Spirit. His presence released into them by love and generosity will still attract power for service, boldness, prayer, and There were no divisions among them. The the multitudes, and give witness to the spiritual warfare. They had faith, fellow- glue that held them together was the cer- world that Jesus is alive. ship, and a new way of life. Most impor- tainty that Jesus was alive. Their unity was tantly, they had a conviction that every- not forced, synthesized, or organized. It body ought to know who Jesus is! was vitalized by the shared conviction that From 120 to 3,000 . . . from 5,000 to Jesus had risen from the dead. multitudes of men and women . . . from The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem to Samaria, to the uttermost Jerusalem occurred in a multicultural con- parts of the known world—disciples text. “From every nation under heaven,” and churches multiplied. Someone sum- Jews had come to celebrate Pentecost marized the Book of Acts by saying, “The (2:5). Savior went up, the Spirit came down, the “It is no accident,” writes Cheryl J. saints went out, and the sinners came in.” Sanders, “that the Spirit chose an interna- Often overlooked is the qualitative tional, multicultural gathering of believers growth that occurred among those who in Jerusalem for the Pentecost outpour- united with the Church. They devoted ing, whose testimony was that ‘in our themselves to instruction, fellowship, languages we hear them speaking about communion, and prayer. Wonders and God’s deeds and power.’ Pentecost is God’s signs were accomplished among them, remedy for disunity. Many languages,

EVANGEL • june 2014 5 NOTICE OF PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE BYLAWS OF THE INTERNATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL AND THE INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY In accordance with the Minutes of the International General Assembly, the following amendments related to the By- laws of the Church of God are being recommended by the International Executive Council to the 2014 International General Council for consideration. Previous Notice We recommend:

1. That we amend page 62, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH change. Consideration will be given to mailing to those OF GOD, ARTICLE VI. Governing Bodies, 2. INTERNA- who do not report online or who have no email address on TIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL, Agenda, 1, by striking the file at the Church of God International Offices. word “mailed” from the second sentence and inserting the words, “made available by the most efficient and 4. That we amend page 61, S2. BYLAWS OF THE effective methods,” so as to read: CHURCH OF GOD, Article VI. Governing Bodies, Inter- national General Assembly, Meeting: by striking the The International General Council agenda shall be made word biennially and add the following as additional available by the most efficient and effective methods to paragraphs: the ordained bishops at least thirty (30) days prior to the International General Council. Further, the International General Assembly shall convene biennially alternating during each qua- Rationale: The ever‐increasing cost of mailing combined drennial term as International General Assembly with the ever‐increasing efficiency of communication Business and International General Assembly Cel- via the means of email, and other electronic methods, ebration. coupled with the ability to provide quicker notifications merits this change. Consideration will be given to mailing That the alternating quadrennial International to those who do not report online or who have no email General Assembly paradigm be initiated with the address on file at the Church of God International Offices. International General Assembly Business in 2016 and the International General Assembly Celebra- 2. That we amend page 62, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH tion 2018. OF GOD, ARTICLE VI. Governing Bodies, 2. INTERNA- So as to read: TIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL, Agenda, 1, by striking the statement “(Minutes of the July 1966, International The International General Assembly shall meet to Executive Council, page 93).” consider all recommendations from the Interna- tional General Council. Further, the International Rationale: The parenthetical statement (Minutes of the General Assembly shall convene biennially alter- July 1966, International Executive Council, page 93) ap- nating during each quadrennial term as Interna- pears as minutes of an Executive Council meeting, which tional General Assembly Business and Internation- was adopted by the General Council in 1966 and is not al General Assembly Celebration. needed to validate this measure. That the alternating quadrennial International General Assembly paradigm be initiated with the 3. That we amend page 65, S2, BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH International General Assembly Business in 2016 OF GOD, ARTICLE X. Amendments of Bylaws, Previ- and the International General Assembly Celebra- ous Notice, (1) by striking the words “Mail to minis- tion 2018. ters whose address are on record at” and inserting the words, “That previous notice items be made available 5. That we amend page 62, S2. BYLAWS OF THE CHURCH by the most efficient and effective methods to minis- OF GOD, Article VI. Governing Bodies, 2.International ters who report to,” so as to read: General Council, Agenda, Item 1., by deleting the word That previous notice items be made available by the biennially and inserting the word quadrennially, so as most efficient and effective methods to ministers who to read: report to the Church of God International Offices in 1. The International General Council shall meet Cleveland, Tennessee, U.S.A. quadrennially to consider all recommenda- Rationale: The ever‐increasing cost of mailing combined tions from the International Executive Council. with the ever‐increasing efficiency of communication via Further, that all references to “biennially” in the means of email and other electronic methods, coupled the Minutes be edited to conform to the above with the ability to provide quicker notifications merits this motion.

6 EVANGEL • june 2014 ON MY MIND lance colkmire editor LET GO! IVING NEXT to the Withlacoochee great, would you not have done it? How • tell me to give up a certain River during my teen years gave much more then, when he says to you, pastime while allowing you to my friends and me the best “back- ‘Wash, and be clean’?” (v. 13 NKJV). continue enjoying it Lyard” in the world. We spent sum- Like Naaman, too many of us want • allow me to be imprisoned for mer days tubing, fishing, paddling, and God to do His work in our way. We hold my faith while you remain free. swimming in the dark water. tightly to our pride, tuning out the Holy Across the river from our property Spirit when He leads us to do something Whenever the Holy Spirit calls you stood a 25-foot-tall cypress tree at the we have never done before. or me to let go of something—some river’s edge. A rope tied to a strong limb meals, a comfortable pew, money, a made for a perfect swing. We would take A Personal Calling certain activity, or even freedom—how turns grabbing the rope’s knotted end, In one sense, God’s calling on your life will we respond? Will we wonder, What climbing the riverbank, swinging over is the same as mine. God calls you and me about him or her? Or will we say, “Yes, the river, and letting go at a deep spot. At to repent of our sins, mature in the faith, Holy Spirit”? least, that was the ideal. be filled with the Spirit, worship God, pray Life-Giving River One day, six-foot-five-inch Norman to God, read God’s Word, live as Christ’s was with us. When he swung over the witnesses, serve the church with our spiri- The prophet Ezekiel had a vision in river, for some reason he kept holding on tual gifts, and walk in the Spirit. which a river flowed from the throne of to the rope. As the rope swung back, he God. When he stepped into the water, it made it safely over the cypress “knees” was ankle-deep. Soon, however, the river protruding from the water . . . only to slam It is time to became “deep enough to swim in, but too into the tree and crumple to the ground. deep to walk through” (Ezek. 47:5 NLT). There was a time for letting go, but jump into An angel told him, “Life will flourish Norman had missed it . . . and suffered wherever this water flows” (v. 9 NLT). the consequences. the depths The life-giving, healing, sanctify- Today, we as Christians are at a critical with God . . . ing presence of God is flowing, and it spot. It is time to let go and jump into the beckons us. If we jump in, this river will depths with God . . . but will we? but will we? take us to places in worship, ministry, and devotion that will magnify God and Naaman’s Near Miss In another sense, God’s calling on your transform us. In 2 Kings 5:1, we meet a Syrian sol- life is different from mine. Consider Jesus’ However, if we instead hold tightly dier named Naaman—“a mighty man of personal conversation with Simon Peter to those things God tells us to release, valor, but a leper” (NKJV). In his house- after Jesus’ resurrection. He prophesied we, like my friend Norman, will suffer hold lived a servant girl from Israel who that one day Peter would die as a martyr. the sad results. kept her faith in God despite being a cap- Jesus then added, “Follow Me.” tive. This girl told Naaman’s wife, “If only Peter replied by glancing at the apostle my master were with the prophet [Elisha] John and asking Jesus, “What about this who is in Samaria! For he would heal him man?” of his leprosy” (v. 3 NKJV). Jesus answered, “What is that to you? Naaman traveled to Israel and found You follow Me” (see John 21:19-22). Elisha, who promised healing if Naaman The Holy Spirit might . . . would dip in the Jordan River seven • call you to fast while He calls me to times. Naaman refused, naming two riv- feast ers in Syria that he believed had purer • lead me to respond to a certain altar Four ways to and brighter water than the Jordan. The contact the editor: call while you stay seated angry officer wanted to hurry back home, • [email protected] • 423-478-7592 but his servants stopped him, saying, “If • impress you to give a sacrificial • Church of God Evangel on Facebook the prophet had told you to do something offering while I give my normal tithe • Box 2250, Cleveland, TN 37320-2250

EVANGEL • june 2014 7 CURRENTS

The purpose of CURRENTS is to inform readers of trends and events influencing the culture.

Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of John striving for a slower church 1:14: “The Word became flesh and blood, n C. CHRISTOPHER SMITH and John neighborhood around the church. Many and moved into the neighborhood” (TM). Pattison are part of a loose network of gather on Sundays for an all-church con- Phil Kenneson, professor of theology writers, friends, theologians, and pastors versation about social issues and faith. and philosophy at Tennessee’s Milligan worried about what they call the “McDon- “Conversation is a lost art in our cul- College, says the pace of American culture aldization” of church. They say going to ture,” he said. “People don’t talk to one isn’t very conducive for spiritual growth, church these days can be a bit like eating another. And the church can suffer from which requires stability and patience. It at a fast-food joint—quick and tasty, but that lack of conversation.” often means staying put in one place long not satisfying to the soul. Scott Thumma, a sociologist of reli- enough to develop deep ties with a spe- In their book Slow Church (InterVarsity gion at Connecticut’s Hartford Seminary, cific place and groups of people. “You need Press), Smith and Pattison say one can- said the pressures of modern society to commit to a place and people . . . and not franchise fight against the slow church movement, let God throw you into the rock tumbler the kingdom though it makes for good theology. He with those other people until the rough of God. They compared the approach with “a slow- edges get rubbed off.” say too many cooked, three-hour meal” using locally Kenneson says the language of slow small churches grown produce. “We’d all like to have it church is helpful in getting people to try to mass- . . . but few of us have the time or money pay attention to the need for deliberate produce spiri- for it.” spiritual development, though the term is tual growth by Joshua Stoxen, pastor of Vineyard often used tongue-in-cheek fashion. copying the Central Church in Norwood, Ohio, first “This isn’t some great new thing,’’ he C. Christopher Smith latest mega- met Smith at a conference on urban gar- said. “This is an old thing that we are try- church tech- dening—something that Vineyard Central ing to slow down and pay attention to.” niques. Instead, the writers advocate for focuses on. Like other slow churches, —Bob Smietana (RNS) “slow church”—an approach to ministry Vineyard Central is inspired in part by that stresses local context and creativity over prepackaged programs. About 15 years ago, Pattison said, leaders from his home church in Lincoln, Nebraska, tried to import programs from Willow Creek, a megachurch near Chicago. It did not work, and he sees other church- es doing the same thing today. Smith said, “Our biggest concern with megachurches is that they typically draw their members from such a large area that they become churches of nowhere, not belonging to any particular place.” Smith, who runs an online magazine called the Englewood Review of Books, is a member of Englewood Christian Church in Indianapolis. The church was once booming, drawing more than 1,000 people to services in the 1970s. Today the congregation is more modest, around 180 n A FINISHED PIECE by John Hendrix, a professional illustrator, created as he listened to people. Most of its ministries focus on one of the sermons at Grace & Peace Fellowship Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. Hendrix improving life in the neighborhood. The starts drawing as he listens to the sermon during church and finishes the drawing and color- church runs a well-respected daycare and ing at home later in the week. Photo courtesy John Hendrix and St. Louis Post-Dispatch (RNS) has renovated a number of local homes. Most Englewood members live in the

8 EVANGEL • june 2014 pakistani christian sentenced to death n A YEAR AFTER Muslims devastated the predominantly Christian Joseph Colony Lahore, Pakistan in Lahore, Pakistan, the man at the center of the controversy has been sentenced to death for allegedly blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad. Sawan Masih’s sentence, handed down in late March, is based on a conversation that occurred between him and a Muslim friend in March 2013. Two days after the conversation, Masih’s residence in Joseph Colony was pillaged by more than 3,000 angry Muslims, who looted and torched Christian homes, shops, and churches, displacing hundreds of families. Masih’s trial was conducted in the Lahore Camp Jail, a place he’s been unable to leave due to danger to his life. Judge Chaudhry Ghulam Murtaza sentenced Masih to death and fined him 200,000 Pakistani rupee, or roughly U.S. $2,000. Court, which must sign off on death pen- However, this claim against Masih has Pakistan has never carried out an alty cases. He said the conviction was not raised questions, as the vast majority of execution for blasphemy, which it defines based on justice especially since the state Christians do not use the word Allah to as “the act of insulting or showing con- has failed to prosecute those accused of refer to God. tempt or lack of reverence for God.” The destroying Joseph Colony. The Joseph Colony, surrounded by ruling was issued on the same day the U.S. “Those charged with terrorism, mob steel mills, has been inhabited by Chris- released a report naming Pakistan as the violence, and blasphemy are released on tian residents for 40 years. The residents leading country for imprisoning people bail, but Masih has been convicted and settled the area after being evicted from for blasphemy. awarded the death penalty despite the another location and have never owned it, “There are no procedural safeguards, lack of proper evidence,” Shakir said. as most of the people are poor and able to making the law ripe for abuse,” said the According to the New York Times, Masih find only menial labor given their minor- report by the U.S. Commission on Inter- released a statement insisting he “had ity Christian status. national Religious Freedom, an advisory been falsely charged as part of a plot by Before the Joseph Colony attack, body to Congress. “Individuals accused businessmen to use blasphemy allega- Muslim groups from the nearby factories’ of blasphemy have been murdered in tions to drive Christians from the land in Workers’ Union went on strike for Masih’s vigilante violence. Mere allegations often Joseph Colony so that it could be seized arrest. The police assured the Christians in serve as an accelerant in combustible for industrial use. They hatched a con- the colony that an attack would be averted situations, resulting in mob attacks or spiracy to push out the residents of the if Masih was turned into their station, so he violence that undermines Pakistan’s sta- colony. They contrived a case and got it was handed over. The following day, how- bility and empowers extremists. Despite filed by a person who was close to me. I ever, a mob attacked the colony, sending the law’s rampant abuse and lack of am innocent.” hundreds of Christians fleeing their homes. procedural safeguards, Pakistan’s Federal A key part of the evidence provided by After the incident, police registered a Sharia Court recently ruled that the death Muslim witnesses and the complainant case of mob violence, terrorism, and blas- penalty should be the sole penalty for said Masih told his Muslim friend, “My phemy against more than 1,000 people, blasphemy,” the report said. Jesus is genuine. He is Son of Allah. He whom the state has yet to prosecute. All Masih’s attorney, Naeem Shakir, said will return while your Prophet is false. My have been released on bail. —World Watch an appeal is being filed to the Lahore High Jesus is true and will give salvation.” Monitor

EVANGEL • june 2014 9 by phil harris we need each other HE BIBLE COMMANDS us the significance in being with and learning porating a few principles will make living to confess to one another from each other. with that tension a little easier. (James 5:16), so here I go: I was wrong. Before you judge We can never move to where we need to be Worship too quickly, I was not willfully without speaking honestly about where we Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous Twrong. It was an accident—I promise. are. Many congregations face the problem day, for God had given the people cause for Nevertheless, I was wrong. described by Peter Menconi: “Churches with great joy. The women and children also par- one dominant generation, no matter what ticipated in the celebration, and the joy of the See, when it came to generational minis- generation it is, are most at risk for ineffec- people of Jerusalem could be heard far away try in the local church, I was a separatist tual ministry” (The Intergenerational Church). (Neh. 12:43 NLT). (for lack of a better word). I believed all age groups deserved and needed their In those churches, major decisions are Usually, worship experiences serve as the own environment at church. based on how they affect a specific demo- central ministry of a church. They are graphic. Churches who use this restricted the center of the hourglass. In order for As the person responsible for overseeing filter limit their potential to fulfill the all generations to feel part of the church, the spiritual development of children and Great Commission. Menconi believes there should be regular opportunities for youth, I frequently lobbied for rooms and effective intergenerational churches allow multigenerational worship. resources. I insisted that we have age- all age groups to feel at home as they par- appropriate teaching so kids could “get ticipate in the life of the church. If kids and students never participate in the gospel on their level.” I contended that “big church,” they never get the sense of in order for our youth to thrive spiritually, The struggle is that intergenerational being part of something bigger than them- they needed their own place to worship. I ministry presents challenges. I am not a selves. Even worse, if they are exposed even supported our senior adults’ endeav- homebuilder, but I’ve read it is easier to only to the age-appropriate environments ors for fellowship and Christian education build a new house than to remodel an old we’ve created for them, they could become in their rooms and on their terms. one. Clearly many pastors and church lead- focused on style rather than substance. ers apply this philosophy to ministry. They However, I was wrong. While age-focused choose to start over rather than to shape The danger is when they graduate from ministries are important, I was wrong for and add to what is already established. these specialized environments, they not realizing how much the generations Intergenerational ministry requires people begin to ask questions like, “Why don’t we need each other. I was so adamant that to see the necessity of honoring their heri- sing my kind of music?” If they do not get every group should have its own space tage while engaging their future. Intergen- what they want at your church, they may that I diminished the enormous value in erational ministry will force churches to decide to go to the hipper, cooler church bringing generations together. I missed live with the tension that it brings. Incor- that started on the other side of town.

Lawrenceville Church of God Children’s Choir

10 EVANGEL • june 2014 An effective multigenerational service is you have a paintbrush in one hand and a Likewise, it is vital that you listen to the not accomplished by just throwing a bone hammer in the other, the style of music last voices of those who have gone before to each generation. If that is all we do, Sunday suddenly doesn’t matter as much. you. Stylistically, you may differ. When people will leave church not remembering When you go with a person from another it comes to methods, you may not agree. the elements catered to them, but being generation to take food to a needy family, However, their wisdom can help you avoid upset about the parts that were not. A you realize you’re on the same team. the pitfalls they’ve already experienced. true multigenerational service involves the generations. Kids, students, adults, When we’re serving, it’s impossible not to We can read about the worst “church and seniors serve as greeters, ushers, have the mind-set described in Philippians split” in history without going onto the Scripture readers, and worship leaders. At 2:4: We no longer focus on our own inter- Internet. Bad leadership in the midst of a our church, we include focused prayer as ests, but we instead focus on the interests generational challenge caused it (2 Chron. a part of every worship service, and I love of others. 10). Rehoboam, the newly appointed king, made a huge mistake. Before making his it when we team up our kids with adult Value first major decision as king, he sought prayer partners. It is beautiful to see kids the wisdom of two generations. However, and adults praying together. He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the he chose to follow only the counsel from children, and the heart of the children to their friends who had grown up with him. He Serve fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with listened to the folks who looked like him, a curse (Mal. 4:6). Be like the Son of Man. He did not come to talked like him, and thought like him, be served. Instead, he came to serve others ignoring what his elders had to say. With- (Matt. 20:28 NIrV). When it comes to the generational divide within our tribe, I land somewhere in the in days, the nation of Israel split in two. Over time, organizations tend to turn their middle. I’m young enough to know that As church leaders, we need to listen to the energies inward. This is true for churches kids talking about The Hunger Games are voices and opinions of those younger and as well. Every church plant (at least the not planning their next “Daniel fast.” older than us. Too often church leaders ones not the product of a church split) However, I’m old enough to have a degree do not listen, and too often the results are starts with a passion for the Great Com- from Lee College. As someone in the mid- similar to what happened to Rehoboam. mission. However, as time passes, even the dle, I need to value both the voices older Conversely, leaders who see the power of most outreach-minded churches will begin than me and younger than me. connecting generations—choosing to live to assess the needs of their own people. In with the tension it brings and do the hard that process, it is easy to lose sight of the No matter your age or experience, you work of leading through it—will set their needs of the lost because, well, they may need to value those younger than you. churches up to fulfill the Great Commis- not be in church every week . . . but we are. Their opinions do matter. Their concerns, sion with greater effectiveness. as hard as they may be for you to under- One of the best ways to escape that trap is stand, are real. If you do not value those Phil Harris serves as associate pastor at the by implementing community service. Serv- younger than you, when you finally do Lawrenceville, Georgia, Church of God, where ing our community takes the focus off our- decide to pass along your faith, you may four generations from more than thirty selves and rightly puts it on others. When find there is no one left to receive it. nations worship every week. [email protected]

Preparing food boxes for delivery All generations praying together

EVANGEL • june 2014 11 ‘They’ just don’t get it!

by raymond d. hodge resolving generational conflict N PSALM 145:4, David pictures mul- When involved in a conflict, the problem them the necessity of structure, a deep tiple generations worshiping together seems to always be the fault of the other respect for authority, and the value of sacri- and learning from each other: “One person(s) involved. “Surely, if ‘they’ under- fice. This generation trained the “boomers.” generation shall praise thy works to stood my point of view, ‘they’ would come I Baby boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” to my way of thinking.” made up the population surge following Yet, all too often this is not the reality in Regrettably, both parties usually feel this World War II. They witnessed a time of many congregations. Maybe you’ve heard way. All parties would do well to heed robust economic growth and expansion. comments like these: the words of the prayer of St. Francis of Their numbers make up slightly over 26 • “I just don’t understand those young Assisi: “Grant that I may not so much seek percent of the U.S. population. people! I’ve been a member of this . . . to be understood, as to understand.” This generation grew up with television church for over 40 years and we have In his book Sticking Points, Hayden Shaw and struggled through the Civil Rights never had people to act like this in gives the following generational character- Movement of the ’60s. They fought, pro- church services!” istics that can help us begin to understand tested, and/or grieved the losses of the • “If those old people would just get each other better. Vietnam conflict. out of the way and stop turning down every request we have, we could really Traditionalists (“builders,” “greatest The boomers were sure they would be bet- do something great for our youth and generation”) were born prior to 1945. ter off materially than their parents were. young adults!” While they compose only 12.7 percent They see themselves willing to take on Whether over worship styles, musical pref- of the U.S. population, their continuing responsibility and being able to handle a erences, funding for ministry programs, influence is greater than their numbers crisis. Boomers place a high value on qual- or dress codes for worship services, many suggest. This generation experienced ity and results. They shifted from sacrifice conflicts in local churches are often based the Great Depression and lived through to self as a focus. They wanted it all. in the differences between generations. the transition of America from a rural to suburban society. They fought and won Generation X (“baby busters”) arrived Name-calling, head-shaking, and repeated World War II and witnessed the dropping on the scene from 1965 until 1980 and laments will never change the situation. of atomic bombs on Japan. They built the make up 20 percent of the population. As What can a congregation do to help world in which we live today. children, they saw their parents struggle resolve such issues? A starting point is to with double-digit inflation, accelerated try to understand those with a different Traditionalists are characterized by hard household borrowing, and the beginning point of view. work, loyalty, and stability. Life taught of the AIDS crisis. Technology began to

12 EVANGEL • june 2014 take off with this generation. Instead of later in the day. “After all, church is about • Are there historical congregational wanting to arrive early and stay late for worshiping God, not impressing people,” norms that need to be considered? work to “prove” themselves, they wanted they would counter. “If everyone has to • Is there a relationship between accept- their bosses to install better technology so dress up to come to church, none of my able church attire and the evangelistic they could get their work done faster and friends will come; they don’t dress up.” outreach of the congregation? get on with life. Concerning clothing, a 2011 study • Does the way people in the congrega- Friends became family. They denounced showed 64 percent of men surveyed do tion dress say anything about the the “me first” consumerism of their par- not own a single suit (refinery29.com). openness of the church to newcomers ents and chose a simpler look, replacing If a suit and tie are required for church or outsiders? business suits with khakis. This group has attendance, almost two-thirds of men will • Are proper Christian attitudes being a hard time trusting anything. As such, be left out. And how many women do not maintained in the discussions? loyalty is seen as an issue by their elders. own a “Sunday dress”? The Ultimate Goal Millennials (“Gen Y” or “Gen Next”) were A starting point in resolving these issues When a congregation faces generational born between 1981 and 2001. “Our ideas is to acknowledge that differences exist conflict, it is important that they find should be listened to” could be the motto and to appreciate and understand the an appropriate resolution that fits their of this generation. This 28 percent of the perspectives of the other generations. cultural context and congregational demo- population thrives on change and does The different generations should meet graphics. There will not be one answer not have a great deal of denominational together and discuss the issue of proper which fits all congregations in all places. or party loyalty. They are more comfort- church attire: able with digital rather than face-to-face The ultimate goal is for the church to • Are there biblical principles to consider? communication. embrace all its constituency, regardless of • Why is the way people dress for church their generational perspective, in order for On their Little League baseball teams, important? Christ to be exalted, unity to prevail, and everyone received a participation trophy. • What is the role of modesty in appro- the lost to come to know Christ. It was feared the losing team would feel priate dress? badly, so no one kept score. For all of Raymond D. Hodge is administrative assis- their young lives, this generation was the • Are there ethnic/cultural considerations tant to the general director of Pathway Press. center of attention. Why should it be dif- to be taken into account? [email protected] ferent at church or work? One Common Conflict unresolved How do these generational differences show up as conflicts within a congrega- conflict tion? One area is what to wear to church. IN THE Chicago Tribune Magazine, William Palmer wrote about an ongoing feud he had with his Traditionalists and baby boomers are next-door neighbor, Sam, about the man’s dogs. familiar with dressing in one’s “Sunday The feud escalated until Palmer one day received a best.” Church is the place for gentlemen business letter from Sam regarding a dead elm tree to wear suits and ties and ladies to wear that sat exactly on the border between their two dresses. “People dress up when they go to properties. Sam wanted to know if Palmer would church,” these generations would profess. pay half the cost to have the tree cut down. Palmer However, this is an alien concept to gen- never responded. Xers and millennials. For them, everything Months later, Sam had the tree cut in half . . . ver- is about comfort. If they are going to the tically down the middle! Palmer let the tree stay park for Sunday lunch, why not wear cargo there for a few years as an ugly conversation piece. shorts, T-shirts, and sandals to church? This tree symbolizes the ugliness and foolishness The older generations see this as a total lack of unresolved conflicts that lurk in too many of of respect because, “This is the house of our churches. Those battles must end, dug up at God.” For the younger generations it is only the roots, if we are to move forward. common sense to dress for the activities of

EVANGEL • june 2014 13 by lance colkmire

Florin accepted Christ at age 12 and was baptized a year later. Feeling a call to blending new and ministry, after high school he attended the Church of God seminary (Institutul old in chicago Teologic Penticostal) in Bucharest. the philadelphia romanian church of god While in seminary, he met his wife, Michelle, who was studying law. They met ON’T GO TO Pennsylvania to He explained, “Some Romanian churches in church, where they were both involved find the Philadelphia Roma- don’t allow for such music. I just read an in youth ministry. They married during nian Church of God. Instead, article by a pastor blasting churches that their third year of college. Dtravel 760 miles west to Chi- are using drums and guitars and sing- Michelle said, “We were both 19 when cago, where you’ll discover a congregation ing ‘rock music’ in church. I push all the Communism was overthrown. Commu- housed in a beautiful structure erected time—it’s by grace. The worship is very nism destroys your identity. People are more than a century ago by the Church of important.” taught to bribe and lie to get by. It’s hard Scientology. Life Under Communism to come out of that system. This congregation, led by Pastor Florin T. Florin Cimpean was born into an Ortho- “I was raised in a Christian home. My Cimpean, is traditional yet contemporary dox family in Romania in 1970, when grandpa was arrested by the Communists . . . and it is moving forward. Communists ruled the nation. He said, for preaching. He had seven kids and had Sunday Mornings “None of my parents or grandparents no land. All the land was taken by the were born-again, Bible-believing Chris- Communists. Many of the Philadelphia Church’s senior tians. My great-grandfather was the only “I grew up in the city. To buy something, women cover their head with a scarf for person in my extended family who was we had to stand in huge lines of 200 to worship, following Romanian Orthodox a Christian. He had received a prophecy 300 people. Sometimes the product we tradition. that he would not die until all his family needed—bread, toilet paper, or what- came to the Lord. He lived to be almost The Sunday-morning worship service is ever—was gone before our turn came. It 100, and saw all of his family saved. in the Romanian language, with head- was just not available.” sets available for English translation. “When I was seven, my parents came to To the United States The music is beautiful, with a large band the Lord—my mom first. My dad was of mostly brass instruments (including an alcoholic and addicted to cigarettes; In 1994, the Cimpeans came to the several trumpets and several baritones) he smoked four or five packs a day. God United States so Florin could study at the seated on one side of the auditorium. The delivered him! In a few years, he became Pentecostal Theological Seminary. While choir sits on the opposite side, singing a pastor.” there, he helped organize a Romanian mostly hymns. Singers and musicians Church of God in Knoxville, Tennessee. range from teens to senior adults. In 1996, Florin began doctoral studies at In the Children’s Department, kids first Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He and gather for a time of worship in song, led Michelle started a Romanian church in their by a youth band. Next, they are divided Nashville home. It grew to 180 members in by ages for 30 minutes of Romanian- five years. In 2001, at age 31, he was chosen language instruction. For the last hour, to pastor the church in Chicago. the kids have Sunday school classes, con- ducted in English. The Third Pastor Sunday Nights Florin Cimpean is only the third pastor in the Philadelphia Church’s 40-year history. On Sunday nights, all ages come together The founding pastor, George W. Galis, for worship. Pastor Florin said, “It’s a served until his death at age 72. Another mixed service of English and Romanian. well-known minister, Petru Lascau, led It is geared more to the young people and the church from 1985 until 2001. younger families. We have an English mes- sage. We have a lot of music. We have about Florin and Michelle Cimpean with their children Pastor Florin said, “I was young when I 12 worship bands led by young people.” (Abigail, 10; Anthony, 12) came here. It was a challenge, an older

14 EVANGEL • june 2014 church. The area had once been gang- infested, but it had become one of the most sought-after areas by the time we arrived.” In 2003, the congregation invested $500,000 to completely restore the facili- ties. “It’s an old building and it takes a lot of maintenance. Our people take pride in it,” the pastor said. “God helped us to develop new depart- ments and move in new directions, be She is a Romanian with two daughters in prayer for one hour on Sunday mornings more open to worship and missions.” our church. We sent her to India initially. beginning at 8:30. She was there for three years, and then we A Mission Mind-set transferred her to this new project.” In March, special services were held on Monday and Thursday evenings for the As a young Christian in Romania, Florin Cimpean said, “Our church is not the richest baptism in the Holy Spirit. “We had two or realized “the main mission concept was church, but I think ours is the most commit- three prayer lines in each service—it was to evangelize your own.” However, in ted to giving. Ninety percent of our mem- amazing,” Cimpean said. “We had young 1992 an Assemblies of God missionary, bers contribute. We use faith promises.” and old people baptized in the Holy Spirit.” Cameron Wilson, came to Romania with a prophetic vision for Romanian Pentecos- The home country of Romania is not for- Camp Property tals. Florin served as Wilson’s translator. gotten. The Philadelphia Church has donat- About five years ago, the church lead- His message was, “A big giant will wake up ed more than 7,000 books to the Church of ers had a vision for a camp. The children and raise millions of dollars for world mis- God seminary in Bucharest, where one of started praying every Sunday and began sions.” Florin said, “God used him to wake Florin’s brothers serves while also leading raising funds. up the Romanian church to the reality of a congregation. His other brother pastors a world missions. Slowly this reality reached church in central Romania. Last year, after considering various sites, Romanian churches in the U.S.” Prayer Focus the church found 20 acres about three In Romania, Wilson opened a Pentecos- miles off Interstate 95 in Michigan, near tal agency, “Discover Mission.” Cimpean Prayer is a priority for the Philadelphia a lake. The owners were asking $60,000, became its leader in 2012. He said, “We have Church. There is a corporate prayer ser- but the church’s offer of $35,000 was 50 Romanian missionaries, and last year we vice on Monday nights, and intercessory accepted! The children had already raised raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.” $17,500, and the rest of the congregation matched it. Every week, the Philadelphia Church Baptismal service at the camp property of God produces a three-minute video The pastor said, “We didn’t know who we focusing on a prayer need somewhere in were buying from. When I went to the the world. After the video is shown, the closing, I met this African-American fam- congregation prays for that need. More ily. The mother was 95 or so. When I told than 100 Romanian churches worldwide her it was the children buying the prop- download the video weekly, using it as a erty, she started to praise Jesus. She was prayer focus. Pentecostal. Their family had received this property back in the 1800s as reparation The Philadelphia Church sponsors mission from the South.” projects in Mozambique, Uganda, Peru, and India. “In India, we are in partnership Located a couple of hours from Chicago, with an orphanage of 500 girls,” Cimpean the land already had water and electricity. said. “I feel God called us to do this.” Various events (for kids, single adults, and The church sponsors a missionary who women) have been held there already, and came to their city to run in the Chicago other churches have used the site. Plans Marathon. “She came to our church, are to build a large chapel. “It is good for received the Lord, and was baptized,” the community,” the pastor said. pastor said. “Now she’s a missionary in Peru. Continued on page 33 ^

EVANGEL • june 2014 15 by joyce noel wyatt hands? Yet he strummed the guitar so beau- tifully. Then I looked at Lizzy, her eyes lizzy’s closed, worshiping God in her own quiet, legacy gentle way. Such contentment on her Something special permeated Lizzy’s simple home. face! For a moment, I honestly thought Y FRIEND LOU had told me window where Lizzy, her eyesight having the angels had quietly taken her home. I our visit to Lizzy’s would be now become dim, could watch and hear had to know for sure. a blessing, and then added, the birds come and go. Inching closer to hear her soft voice, I “Lizzy is about 90 years old M “Hello, Charles,” Lou greeted the elderly asked, “Lizzy, did you like that singing?” now. She and her brother Charles are man sitting on one of the beds, a guitar at the only ones left in the family. They live “I sure did!” she replied. his side. After introducing Charles to me, together in their mom and dad’s old house. Lou grabbed a small ladder-back chair and Whew! Thank You, Lord! She is still with us! You might be surprised at what you see.” Lizzy took her place in her recliner. I sat In that hour I wanted the singing to go on I smiled, thinking, Nothing surprises me down on what I presumed was Lizzy’s bed, a faded heirloom quilt as its covering. forever. A feeling of contentment swept nowadays. over me like I had seen on Lizzy’s face. It With permission, we parked the car at a For a long moment, I tried analyzing was then I knew God’s presence perme- nearby business before walking up the this “primitive” world I had just entered. ated the room! narrow, rugged road to Lizzy’s house. Within and outside of these walls, it was as if time had stood still—not out of In spite of her meager living conditions, In just a few minutes, we were nearly out necessity, but because Lizzy and Charles Lizzy possessed the most important com- of breath. “I haven’t been on a ‘hollow’ had chosen this way. It was the life they modity in life: a deep, personal relationship road like this in years,” I commented to loved and knew best. In spite of its crude with her Lord. She was happy and content. Lou, carefully dodging the muddy ruts and outdated look, something so special Out of touch with our modern society, yes; and eyeing the watercress and wildflowers permeated the room, something I couldn’t but devotedly in touch with her Lord. along the way. It seemed like a long trek, put my finger on. What is it? I wondered. Just like other visitors before and after us, but soon we reached the ancient home. We talked about God and family. In that Lou and I left that place with a new out- At first sight of the house, I felt as if I was hour and in the weeks and months fol- look on life. The apostle Paul said it best: stepping back in time to a place where lowing, I learned that Lizzy had survived “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, working the land to make ends meet was countless hardships, including cancer, but therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). that prayer was her mainstay. all that really mattered. No siding graced This is Lizzy’s legacy. The glow on her face the humble home. Doors and windows For years, twice a day, Lizzy walked to a says it all. needed to be replaced, not to mention the “prayer rock” and talked with God. A glow roof. To the left of the house, the barn could be seen on her face when she came Joyce Noel Wyatt lives in Kodak, Tennes- had collapsed. down from praying. Today she still faith- see. She was a longtime housemother at fully prays in her home. the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. Stepping upon the rickety, wobbly porch, [email protected] Lou knocked on the door. Lizzy, a small- In just a short while, Lou announced, “It’s framed lady with a red bandana adorning time to sing. Charles, pick up your guitar her white hair, greeted us. Immediately, I and play for us.” noticed her pleasing smile and the twinkle “I can’t play very in her eye. good,” Charles “Hello, Lizzy,” Lou spoke. replied. We chuck- led. I discovered “Come on in, girls,” Lizzy instructed us. that Charles always After Lou introduced me to her, a warmth said those words just radiated from her face, assuring me that I before picking up the would never be a stranger in her home. guitar. Finally, we began to sing some old hymns Lizzy led us through the small kitchen when suddenly the pres- and then into a bedroom consisting of ence of the Lord saturated two full-size iron beds and a large wood that crowded room. stove. Pictures and odds and ends of every description hung on the walls. A small I looked at Charles. Did recliner was positioned close to the single someone say he had arthritic

16 EVANGEL • june 2014 TIM HILL JOHN CHILDERS Director Assistant Director

CHURCH OF GOD Finish the Great Commission. WORLD MISSIONS FUSING TODAY’S DREAMS WITH TOMORROW’S POTENTIAL. Are You Serious? GlobalConnect In common with some of our outstanding WORLD MISSIONS LEADERSHIP From the Director Tim Hill, Director previous World Missions leaders, I am firmly John Childers, Assistant Director convinced that when Jesus announced His Great Commission, He did so with the absolute Dee Raff, Missions Administrator conviction it could be accomplished. Would the Lord of the Church ever give His followers a mandate it would be impossible to complete? Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of EDITOR Bill George the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and DESIGN EDITOR Brandon Spell MEDIA TEAM Janet Polen Price, Team lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Leader; Brandon Spell, Judy Pyeatt Everything is in place—the availability of called missionaries (including those from former mission fields), the rise of technology, the knowledge of where the unreached people live, the accessibility of financial resources, the lateness of the prophetic hour. These facts let us know we must pull out all the stops and finish the missionary task. This is why the General Assembly theme will focus on “FINISH” as the missions theme. Let the acrostic of FINISH instruct us what we must do.

Find—Find lost people, especially the Unreached People Groups of the world. Intercede—Intercede for the lost through a global prayer initiative. Nurture—Nurture through discipleship and education. Invest—Invest through a strong tithe, missionary support, and on-field projects. Send—Send men and women who evidence a missionary calling. Harvest—Harvest a field of souls through evangelism and church planting.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). The word “nations” in this passage is the Greek ethnos, translated literally “people,” “tribe,” or “people group.” A generation will see this Tim Hill scripture become a reality as unreached people get the gospel. Let it be this generation! With the Director anointing of the Holy Spirit, let’s FINISH the Great Commission! What About Unreached People? We do not truly understand the gospel if we spend all of our time preaching it to Christians. The gospel is a missionary gospel. It is a In 1886, two entities were founded, the Church of God communication of Good News to people and in places where the name of and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Today, 128 years Christ is unknown. —David Sitton later, 96 percent of the people in the world recognize the Coca-Cola logo and product. In 128 years, they have The truth is that most mission work is carried out where the church reached the world for profit’s sake. Let’s exhaust all already exists.... Only small percentages are working where the church is non-existent. efforts to equal their success in the spiritual realm! —George Verwer { 17 global The African Firewall Joint Efforts Help Build Firewall Across Africa When Men and Women of Action, people, and Bible teaching. When the Benin, 11 in Niger, 4 in Cote d’Ivoire, Youth and Discipleship, and the firewall is completed, six centers will and 3 in Ghana. The English-speaking Marcelly’s Dream initiative of World serve a strategic line from Senegal on nations listed 49 new churches—43 Missions join hands to inaugurate a the west coast, through Niger and Chad, in Liberia, 5 in Sierra Leone, and 1 in spiritual and physical firewall across the across to Ethiopia and the Horn of Gambia. continent of Africa, the result is certain Africa, then south through Kenya to Steven Loots and Raymond Lombard, to be success. Mozambique. Three of the six centers on-fire evangelists from South Africa, The concept of the African Firewall will be funded by the 2014 Youth World and David Mills, the West Africa envisions a chain of centers that will host Evangelism Action efforts. superintendent, are heading the efforts. church-planting training efforts, homes Results are already apparent, even At the two meetings, 110 pastors who for new congregations, kindergartens, before the first structure has been built. received the church-planting training Internet cafés, sports camps for young Two meetings recently brought church committed to starting three churches leaders and church each before the end of 2014. “I am planters together sure we will see at least 200 more new for reports and churches in West Africa by the time rejoicing, one in we meet again in October,” Loots French-speaking announced. Togo and the The project is called “Firewall” other in English- because it targets a line marking the area speaking Liberia. where the Islamic-dominated north meets The francophone the largely Christian-oriented south. The nations reported buildings and ministries developed along 61 new churches the route will advance the church and halt planted in the past the spread of anti-Christian forces. eight months—16 Great Commission Christians are The African Firewall (shown in red) in Burkina Faso, urged to pray and give to the African 21 in Togo, 6 in Firewall project.

18 global In the Philippines ‘Scattered People’ Focus of Manila Conference Never have so many people lived million international away from their home of origin. Research migrants and more shows as many as a billion people are than 700 million scattered from their places of birth. War, internally-displaced political threats, religious persecution, make up the 1 poverty, natural disasters, desire for a billion who are better life, and other causes have forced called by some the whole populations to relocate. This “Nowherians.” phenomenon has brought into focus a McClung is a new missions challenge for the church, charter member one called “Diaspora Missions.” of the Global More than 41 million people live in refugee camps. A Church of God missions thinker Diaspora Network is in the forefront of the movement to International plan how the church can respond to this Advisory Board, the church direct its efforts to reaching global challenge. Dr. Grant McClung has an interdenominational, international scattered people, since those who are on been invited to participate in the Global ministry that operates under the the move are often open to accepting Diaspora Forum in Manila early next auspices of the Lausanne Movement new ideas and making significant new life year. He will also help edit a book that for World Evangelization. Lausanne is decisions. will assess the current status and set a a broad coalition of Great Commission future agenda for reaching, discipling, Christians that traces its beginnings Grant McClung is president of Missions and multiplying churches among “people to the historic Congress on World Resource Group and works with Lausanne on the move.” Evangelization, convened by Billy and the World Missions Commission of “Diaspora peoples” may be internally Graham and others in Lausanne, the Pentecostal World Fellowship and is an displaced within their own countries Switzerland, in 1974. The Lausanne international missionary educator with Church or living abroad beyond the borders of movement has sponsored ongoing of God World Missions, Project Number 065- their original place of birth. Researcher evangelistic and missionary conferences 0853. Dr. Sadiri Joy Tira reports that migration and activities in the last 40 years. experts have estimated more than 214 The 2015 Manila Conference will help Assembly Around the Corner World Missions at the Assembly • Orlando Florida • July 28 – August 1 Only weeks remain until the worldwide family of the Church pastors and state leaders who have excelled in giving during of God gathers in Orlando for the biennial General Assembly. the past biennium, and will recognize retiring missionaries, World Missions will be prominent in the activities of the week, those who have reached 25 years of service, and the Local beginning the day before the Assembly actually starts. Missions Representative of the year. The banquet is by Monday, July 28, Director Tim Hill and Assistant Director invitation only. John Childers will lead an 8 a.m. until noon meeting of Thursday night’s Mission Service may be the high point of missionaries and national leaders from around the world. the week for those who love the Great Commission. Open to Following lunch, the groups will divide by field areas and meet everyone, the service is centered on the theme “Finish,” with their field directors. The Monday seminars are open only to with an emphasis on completing the Great Commission. The invited participants. evening’s activities will include video reports on missions “The Applause That Matters” is the theme of the Monday achievements, recognition of Marcelly’s Dream triumphs, evening Missions Banquet beginning at 6 p.m. in the Hyatt the traditional Parade of Nations, music, and the FINISH International Plaza Ballroom. The dinner meeting will honor presentation. Evangelist Joycelyn Barnett is the preacher.

global 19 What’s Happening in Missions Unreached People Unreached People Groups will see increased focus in the coming months in World Missions. According to researchers, 6,906 ethno-linguistic groups do not have at least two percent of their population as Christians, not enough to evangelize their group; in fact, many groups have no Christians at all. This accounts for 42 percent of the world’s population. “If we are to finish the Great Commission, we must strategize to get the gospel to the people who have never heard it,” said Assistant Director John Childers.

Bangladesh Youth camp has caught on in this populous South Asian country. Recently 285 young people met for worship, Bible study, games, and workshops on topics chosen by the participants, films, and quizzes. Fully 95 percent of the attendees were from Hindu, Muslim, and non-religious backgrounds, and during the camp 170 of them became Christ-followers.

Bay Islands, Honduras The first-ever missions trip for Local Missions Representatives took place recently when 16 LMRs from seven states journeyed to the Bay Islands of Honduras. Led by LMR Consultant Judy Pyeatt and Communications Coordinator Grady Murphy, and hosted by missionaries Paul and Kim Dyar, the group helped set up the new Vessels of Mercy medical clinic. They also visited an orphanage and conducted worship services in several churches. “The group quickly bonded and worked exceptionally well together,” Pyeatt said. “They have already told me they are energized for their LMR responsibilities.” Other similar trips are planned for the future.

Connect Online! Enjoy keeping up with Missions through globalConnect in the Evangel? An online version is available, too, with different content. It offers news from the field, introduces missions personnel, and concludes with a word from the Word by Director Tim Hill. Access it at www.cogwm.org, and click on “Media.”

Togo The small nation of Togo, Africa, celebrated two momentous occasions: a dedication of the City Church in Lomé, and the graduation of 39 students by the Christian Education department of the Church of God. The graduates received a certificate of successful completion of seven ministerial formation courses written by Field Director Peter Thomas. The European Theological Seminary provided academic credit for the studies. All courses have been translated into French, since good training material in French continues to be a challenge. The Church of God now plans to offer CIMS courses, which will also be translated into French. The national church is accomplishing what it is called to do—make disciples and train workers for the harvest.

Kenya An outstanding revival in the Masai tribal church in Hell’s Gate National Park brought several people to Christ and richly blessed the congregation, according to missionaries Charles and Alice Tillett. Plans are in motion for a training conference and for another evangelistic drive in October among the five Masai churches. The Masai are a seminomadic tribe of about 800,000 spread across Kenya and Tanzania, noted for their unusual height.

United States World Missions was tasked with a new challenge in the past year, and is rapidly moving forward. Because the agency for the last two years has Masai women in Kenya worship during a revival. successfully planted an average of one new church every six hours (four churches a day), the Executive Committee asked Missions to spearhead church planting efforts in North America as well. John Childers, assistant director, is charged with the oversight of establishing new congregations. Working with a task force and state administrative bishops, Childers is targeting cities and towns throughout the U.S. and Canada as sites for new churches.

20 global by ryan stigile three lessons young leaders can learn from seniors

FEW DAYS AGO, a kind • Young belief: Wins are in my control. woman stopped by the church Losses are out of my control. office to inquire about our • Senior wisdom: I am responsible for Ainternship program. There every opportunity God gives me. was only one problem. The program is reserved for 18- to 25-year-olds, and this You never outgrow woman is one of our senior adults. your family While she obviously does not meet the When we were kids, family was every- requirements, I cannot help but won- thing. Come high school and college, we der what would happen if she were seek independence. No matter how much accepted. What could our incoming class older we get, that desire for independence of young leaders learn from her that our never rests. Unfortunately, it can lead staff could never teach? What wisdom and us to distance ourselves from those who insight might she have to impart from know and love us the most. I’m often years of life experience? reminded of the value of family by my great-grandmother. After a long and ful- Young leaders can greatly benefit from filling life, she still spends each day with the mentorship of senior adults. Here are the sisters who have been there for her three truths I’ve picked up from those through every season of it. who accomplished a great deal before I was even born: • Young belief: I’ll invest in my family when I have time. You never know what comes ahead • Senior wisdom: Investing in my family is the best use of my time. It is easy to assume that current events clearly indicate our future. This is a nice Regardless of where we are in life, we will belief when present circumstances are Responsibility leaves no always have more to learn from those ideal. However, the moment we hit one room for excuses who have lived it ahead of us. Young lead- small bump in the road, most of us play Young leaders are hungry for more ers can never underestimate what senior out all the possible tragedies in our head. responsibility . . . but as soon as one ball adults have to offer. Likewise, senior gets dropped, many look for external adults must never hesitate to pass down Senior adults have enough life experience factors to blame. Some frame excuses as their wisdom. to hold a more stable perspective. I saw self-praise with phrases like, “Everything this in Leonard, a study leader at Mount would have been perfect if only . . .” Young leader: Who is the senior adult you Paran Church of God, who recounted need to befriend? story after story of how God did the Older generations seem to have a much Senior adult: Are you investing your wis- unexpected during his time on the mis- more responsible mind-set. I saw it in dom in someone who has a lifetime to sion field. It takes stories from people like my grandfather, who worked up to three build on it? Leonard to quiet a young leader’s mind jobs at a time to provide for his family of and encourage his or her heart during dif- nine. He could have placed blame on his Ryan Stigile is assistant director of ficult times. challenging upbringing or eighth-grade development at NewPointe Community education. Instead, he did whatever it Church (Ohio) and strategic analyst at • Young belief: Present circumstances took to provide for all God had entrusted The Unstuck Group. He is passionate about predict the future. with him. It takes people like “Pop-Pop” to helping great visionaries lead with strategy • Senior wisdom: Only God knows what’s remind me that finger-pointing is a cheap (leadingwithstrategy.com) Twitter: ahead. replacement for hard work. @ryanstigile

EVANGEL • june 2014 21 N SUNDAY MORNINGS, I lead a small group of teen- agers in a discussion about Owhy the Bible matters now and how to pursue Christ. On Wednesday nights, I teach a larger group of mostly “baby boomers” the details of fasting and finding Jesus in the Old Testament. Sometimes the gap between the two set- tings can feel huge.

I’m a millennial in ministry, the generation known for having no need of religious affiliation and no trust of anything that seems organized. In our 20s and early 30s, we’ve been called the “me, me, me generation,” lazy and entitled. We fail to launch out of our parents’ homes because our student debts prove suffocating. We’re more connected by technology but feel more isolated than any generation before us. When we can find work, we’re said to hop from job to job in a matter of months. With all that, you could say the expectations have been set pretty low.

So, what are millennials looking for? Looking for Something Real To be sure, we millennials have earned a reputation. Surveys by the Barna Group show we’re “digital natives” who reach for our phones first to read the Bible or check out a church. (If your church doesn’t have a website, we probably won’t attend). by john upchurch

Nearly 60 percent who hailed from a Christian background have dropped out of church. While this might sound dis- couraging, it’s not for the reasons you may think. Many of those who left are “nomads” who want to follow Jesus but a family for don’t feel like they fit in with church. Some have been put off by legalistic envi- ronments, some have been burned by the moral failure of those in leadership, and millennial still others don’t see houses of worship as alive. These nomads wander on the fringes. nomads I’m guilty on all counts. Never having a mooring in faith during childhood, I there is nothing else became my own highest moral authority. In college, I bounced around from one idea like the body of christ

22 EVANGEL • june 2014 to the next, hoping for something real. Look back. As a church family, we have a Look forward. Perhaps what most draws Agnosticism gave way to a triumphant shared identity. Heritage may not be as generations together is celebrating our atheism, and then Jesus hit me with a important to Americans as it once was, shared destiny. In both of his letters to the road-to-Damascus light that cut right but there’s no denying the impact the Thessalonians, Paul tells church members through my flimsy excuses. All that wan- past has on us. Past salvation experiences to inspire each other by talking about the dering finally brought me to a solid cross. and past victories, as told by those who’ve return of Christ. He wants to make sure been in church for years, can encourage they keep their focus on the main thing. You see, we millennials are searchers, those currently in their own battles. Your looking for a real and vibrant faith. We scars give others determination. When One day, all Christians will worship Christ go from place to place trying to find you can show what Jesus did, you’ll never together in heaven—no matter our age something tangible. And when we find find a lack of people who need to know. or cultural identity . . . so we should get it—receiving salvation and the fire of Pen- a head start as a community of believers tecost—we’re a lot like those in the hills down here. Differences in musical tastes of Appalachia who experienced the power and styles can’t get in the way of a truly of the Holy Spirit long ago: we can’t help loving community that follows Christ. but share it. Young After all, the gospel is the only force In fact, contrary to what you might adults are strong enough to not only bring people expect, more millennial Christians report together across any category, but to keep having shared their faith in the last us together—past, present, and future. month than any other generation, and a looking large percentage claim to be consistent for a real Signs of Hope about spiritual disciplines such as fasting, Over 50 years ago, baby boomers (teens Bible reading, and prayer (Barna). and vibrant at the time) began a trend of “testing the There may not be many of us in the pews spiritual waters” to see what’s out there. right now, but set us on fire and we’ll burn faith. Many of them dropped out of church and brightly. came back later in life. Millennials, howev- er, have access to more information than Encouraging the Generations It’s when we try to go it alone by not ever before and take longer to explore—if Paul’s admonition to the church in Thes- learning from the past that we stagger they come back at all (Barna). Our search salonica has become something of my around. That’s why so many in my gen- can go broader and take longer, but never battle cry in finding ways to bring the gen- eration aren’t sure where to land. We need get us anywhere. help seeing the importance of how God erations of our church together to reach What millennials outside the church (and these nomads: brought us as a movement to where we are now—the good and the bad. the culture at large) need is a Pentecostal For God decided to save us through Movement that truly believes and shares our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour Look around. Paul tells us, “Now is the the “hope of glory” that’s in us (Col. 1:27). out his anger on us. He died for us As we live out this hope and encour- so that we can live with him forever, day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). God is not whether we are dead or alive at the through reaching people, no matter their age each other in it, the more our faith time of his return. So encourage each age or category. Younger generations may becomes real to the “nomads” out there. other and build each other up, just come at church and faith in ways that And real is what they desperately want— as you are already doing (1 Thess. don’t follow the old patterns. They may real family. 5:9–11 NLT). not understand (but are willing to learn) No matter the differences between us, we the terminology that used to be more The beauty of the Church is that Christ have more in common than not. Although common, such as sanctification and justi- brings together a disparate group of gen- we might use different words to say the fication. However, the same God brings erations and cultures and molds them same thing or different tools to commu- them to realize how much they need Him. into a holiness-seeking, Jesus-exalting, nicate, we share enough in our faith to Spirit-empowered family. Nothing else encourage each other. After all, the part Changing how we do things isn’t always like it exists in our world. about “God decided to save us” never gets comfortable, but seeing people surrender to old or loses its luster. the Creator of the universe never gets tir- John UpChurch is the senior editor for ing. We millennials and boomers can work BibleStudyTools.com and a pastor-in- To find what we all share, we simply have together to see that happen. We can learn training at Enon Church of God near Rich- to look back, look around, and look forward. to understand and depend on each other. mond, Virginia. [email protected]

EVANGEL • june 2014 23 by cheryl bell Focus Is the Key it’s not about us! Worship should not cause dissension. Focus on the Lord is the key. In Revela- honoring god through music tion 4:11, the 24 elders cry out, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and URN YOUR MUSIC DOWN!” is The Christian Post). I have heard my retired honor and power; for You created all the cry of many parents to their pastor-father, who is in his 60s, argue that things, and by Your will they exist and Tteenagers. worship songs are just repetitive. were created” (NKJV). Even in churches, music is often a point of It is important to incorporate songs in If everything we do as Christians is sup- contention between the generations. our worship services that are biblically posed to give honor and glory to God, it and doctrinally sound. Jesus said, “God is must break His heart for us to argue over What kind of musical instruments can we Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship music. use in worship? Should choir members worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24 wear robes or regular clothes? Should we NKJV). sing with hymnals or projection screens? The genre of a song is not important. If it Instruments gives honor and glory to God, it is appro- Worship should be sacred, but conten- priate for worship. tion over worship music can wear away at Cathy Grossman wrote, “Nearly 50 per- the foundation of a congregation. What cent of Protestant churches now say If the lyrics honor God, the song is accept- should worship look like? What types of they use electric guitars or drums in wor- able for worship. songs are acceptable? What is the church’s ship, up from nearly 35 percent in 2000, answer to the complaints, and how does according to the recently released Faith If the instruments demand all the atten- the church encourage all participants to Communities Today study of 14,000 con- tion, detracting focus on God, they should enter into worship? gregations” (USA Today News, Nov. 2011). be toned down. Otherwise, they are appropriate for worship. Style Some churches advocate nonelectric instru- ments only, while others use full orchestras. Churches must seek unity in every aspect, Many older people live and breathe by The argument against instruments, or cer- including worship music. This sometimes hymns, while the younger generation tain types of instruments, becomes valid means reminding all generations that wants the new, seemingly more “alive” when the focus is placed on the instruments worship is not for the worshipers, but for music. The older generation forgets that rather than the One being worshiped. the One being worshiped. hymns were once new songs, while the However, if God is receiving the glory, younger generation often fails to realize instruments should be allowed. Psalm 150 Cheryl Bell is a Lee University student the hymns were written out of dynamic, says we should “praise Him” with stringed, majoring in ministry with a counseling intimate encounters with the Spirit. percussion, and wind instruments. emphasis. She is from Appomattox, Virginia. The psalmist David wrote, “He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord” (Ps. 40:3 NKJV). We should use new songs in our worship, and we should also use weathered songs (which were once new). Lyrics Many of the older hymns have archaic wording (such as “Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing” and “Hangs my hapless soul on Thee”).

The generation which grew up loving the hymns argues that “more recent praise choruses seem to ignore all the rules of good composition, giving us not well- shaped melodies but just one note after another” (Chuck Colson, “Worship Wars,”

24 EVANGEL • june 2014 by alexander SMITHSON

the forgotten ones ILL COOPER is 92 years of age a wheelchair to get around the house, and How can this change? How can this need and confined to a nursing home occasionally her daughter brings her to be met? in North Carolina.* He has been church. Otherwise, she is homebound. a widower for several years, and The first responsibility lies with the pastor BB Martha was once very active in her church. and, if the church is large enough, with has two children—one lives in Florida, the other in Michigan. He has no other imme- She led the women’s ministries for many the pastoral staff. They are busy people, diate relatives nearby. years, and taught the senior adult Sunday but surely they can find time to occasion- school class for a decade. She spent many ally drop by the nursing home to see Bill, Bill is a retired factory worker, having led hours cooking for various church func- or by the house to pray with Martha. a very active life. He is mentally as clear as tions. However, those days are now past. When stopping by the room of someone ever, but his physical body is weak. with dementia, the pastor or associate Martha’s daughter is there, but where is pastor can leave his or her card, letting the Bill is a longtime member of his local church her church? Martha is largely forgotten. family know of the visit. and still sends his tithes into the church regularly. In years past, he has served in What about Carlos Sanchez or Evelyn If the pastor is someday called on to offici- many capacities—Sunday school director, Brown? They both have dementia and ate at Bill or Martha’s funeral, how sad if teacher, and church board member. are hardly aware of their surroundings. the pastor hardly knows him or her! Or, it Because they now are both mentally inca- could be a new pastor who does not know Bill’s days are indeed long. He is mostly pable of serving in their church as they them at all! confined to bed, spending his time just once did, should the church forget them? I challenge every church this article touch- lying there thinking. His roommate is not es to do whatever is necessary to remem- conversant, continually chattering away. The apostle Paul said, “Those members ber the forgotten ones. They are still a vital Oh, how Bill wishes someone would come of the body which seem to be weaker are part of our churches, and we have a clear to see him; but day in and day out, little necessary. . . . If one member suffers, all responsibility to minister to them. changes. Where is his church family? Have the members suffer with it” (1 Cor. 12:22, they forgotten him? Sadly, yes. 26 NKJV). Yet, forgotten ones exist in * All names in this article are fictional. almost all churches of all denominations. Martha Martin is an elderly widow who Few churches have an adequate ministry Alexander Smithson, 91, lives in lives at home, where her daughter cares to those who have given so much through Cleveland, Tennessee. He spent 57 years for her. Martha is unable to walk. She uses so many years. working as an educator.

EVANGEL • june 2014 25 Josh Rice with students and faculty at the Church of God seminary in Haiti

by josh rice peeling the onion of culture effecting change requires hard work OMETIMES, life is so sweetly “He is young,” one student told the spent such concerted time interacting not fair. president of the seminary, “but he is heavy.” with Haitians without any other Ameri- Last December, I received an I will not soon forget that compliment. cans around. As I continued to observe Semail asking if I would be inter- No one who finds himself in the and ask questions, examples of invis- ested in an all-expense-paid trip to Haiti middle of Port-au-Prince will have a diffi- ible culture abounded. To get at them, to teach the Books of Luke and Acts to 40 cult time figuring out that they aren’t in though, required peeling back the onion or 50 graduate students, most of them Kansas anymore. The language, the food, of culture. working pastors. Yes! the housing, and the social etiquette are The flight to Port-au-Prince was Therefore, in January I had one of nothing like the mainstream of life in the two-thirds empty; yet, in typical airline the most enjoyable experiences of my United States. This is typically where the fashion, the passengers were all seated professional life. Through the relation- average tourist’s cross-cultural experi- together in full rows. When the seatbelt ship between the Pentecostal Theological ence begins and ends—by noticing clear light dinged off, I assumed everyone Seminary and the STEDH (le Séminaire differences in appearance and living would rush to an empty row for more Théologique de l’Église de Dieu en Haïti), customs. However, these are not really space. However, not one Haitian budged. I spent three days in pristine weather examples of culture; they are manifesta- It was in the classroom that I realized teaching the Books of Luke and Acts to tions of it. These manifestations are the this was not an issue of preferred proxim- seminary students in an open-air class- tip of an iceberg of localized nuances ity; it was a manifestation of what anthro- room in the hills of Haiti. I felt as though I that cannot be known apart from a deep pologists call dyadic (or communitarian) had died and gone to heaven. engagement with “the way people are personality. This same culture of collectiv- I have had the opportunity to travel with one another.” ism relieves the need for grocery stores. and to preach in various islands of the I do not know a better way to define They don’t exist, since open-air street ven- Caribbean, but there was something spe- culture. What is even trickier about this dors take their place. What we see on air- cial about this trip. It was about as immer- “way people are with one another” is that planes and in the streets is people living, sive as a cross-cultural trip can be, in that it is the product of a laundry list of fairly working, and even traveling in very close I spent all day, every day in the classroom random ingredients that stretches back quarters. Peel back the cultural onion, and with the same large group of people. They hundreds, and sometimes even thou- we find the unconscious, firm belief that had to interact with me continually since I sands, of years. life is inherently more public than private. was leading the class. And, by God’s grace, I would not be able to pick out exam- It’s not a preference, but an is. It’s “the I had the sense by the start of our second ples of this duality between visible differ- way people are with one another” because session that I had won their trust. ence and invisible culture without having that is the way it is.

26 EVANGEL • june 2014 Another example of peeling the cul- of happenings in the 18th century. Such matters are the intangibles—all that mat- tural onion occurred in the classroom. I invisible mysteries are waiting to be ters is culture. was at first taken aback by the intensity revealed in every arena of relationships We ignore this reality to our own peril. of the questions shot at me. It seemed the to those with the courage to peel back the Yet it is so hard not to ignore it. I ignore it students were sparring with me rather onion of culture. all the time. It is hard work to peel back the than creating discussion. My translator For whatever reason, I have always onion. Only a methodical trek through sets referred to it as the “shooting range,” been a hack student of organizational of very inconvenient questions sharpens which didn’t help. culture. This impulse may stem from my the cultural onion peeler. It is easier to After our first day in the classroom, commitment as a New Testament scholar work with visible raw materials rather than however, I realized I was not being to de-familiarizing the text so that Bible invisible histories, drives, and nuances. attacked. The intensity of the question- study becomes what it should be: a cross- The German architect Ludwig Mies ing was simply a manifestation of the cultural Indiana Jones adventure into what van der Rohe famously said of his magnif- dialogical nature of the culture, which is Karl Barth called “the strange new world icent craft, “God is in the details.” I have also demonstrated in worship services. A of the Bible.” It may stem from being a especially learned that when it comes to preacher in Haiti who is not constantly lifelong cultural urbanite in a denomina- creating a win-win situation in a Haitian being interrupted by participation from tion whose center of gravity is profoundly classroom, among a board of directors, or the congregation is off his or her game. in a church capital campaign, God is in the One-way preaching isn’t preaching, as nuances. Haitian preaching is a conversation with This is the true battleground for those the audience. of us who want to make a positive impact As an American professor, I felt like I All that on our families and marriages (yes, your was being put on the hot seat, but in actu- matters marriage has a culture). You are the way ality I was just joining in the daily dialogue are the you are with one another because of a of a Haitian classroom. — variety of invisible fears, insecurities, These are simply the nuances observ- intangibles proclivities, and histories, most of which able by the pedestrian on a day-to-day all that stretch back to childhood experiences. basis. To peel back the cultural onion matters is “The way people are with one another” more forcibly requires hard research into culture. is the product of complex cultural dynam- Haiti’s history. Indeed, the effects of the ics. We can have the courage to admit colonization of Haiti as a French slave this unchangeable reality and dive into depot have reaped libraries of sociological rural. It certainly stems from the privilege its complexity, conceding that culture study. I discovered in the classroom that I have had to serve in such a variety of dies hard and changes at a breathlessly virtually all Haitians speak Creole, and churches and colleges. I have learned over slow pace. Or we can just talk slower and everyone understands French. However, time that the heartbeat of every organized louder to the French-speaking Haitians, not everyone feels comfortable speaking group of people, “the way people are with expecting that eventually they will under- French, as it is a mark of social status, and one another,” is always created by the stand us without us taking on the respon- mistakes would be terribly embarrassing. invisibilities of culture. Always. sibility to understand them. We can When I inquired about the safety of This reality has unspeakable conse- return to the same old tactics of setting the streets, they assured me I was much quences for church leaders. New Year’s resolutions, creating new poli- safer most anywhere in the city than the In his pace-setting book Leading Change, cies, adjusting our calendars, reorganizing average Haitian, because foreigners are John Kotter describes eight stages of suc- strategies, and cranking out new print respected and protected. How could such a cessfully implementing change in any materials full of exciting, vision-oriented proud nation that fought so hard for inde- organization. These stages are universal, rhetoric (such as “At our church, every pendence from France seem so imbalanced and they all count. Miss one and the change member is a minister!”). in their classism and their preference for fails. He argues that most changes that have Eventually, however, if we want to outsiders? The growing discipline of post- initial success fade out because they fail at effect positive change, we’ll close our colonial studies supplies the answer: these the final stage: anchoring new approaches fancy laptops and reach for the plain old are the visible manifestations of a culture in the culture of the organization. Simply onion peeler. influenced by the invisible history of colo- put, culture trumps everything. nization. The colonized tend to take on the Forget about the mission statement, Josh Rice, Ph.D., is teaching pastor at traits of the colonizers. Sad but true. core values, and other formulas crafted for Mount Paran North Church of God (Mari- My relative safety on the streets of web advertising, preaching, and cheerlead- etta, Georgia) and a generosity strategist for Port-au-Prince that week was the result ing. They mean almost nothing. All that the Generis Group. [email protected]

EVANGEL • june 2014 27 by carolyn dirksen the faith of my mother Y MOTHER, Frances Poin- just as if it were a job.” My very earliest with commentaries, concordances, and dexter Rowland, married at memory is of holding my mother’s hand Bible dictionaries. She read the Bible con- 19, and World War II began and walking what seemed like a thousand stantly and could quote massive passages Mshortly after. For the first few miles to a meeting of the Ladies Willing from memory. While my grandmother years of the war, my mother was “Rosie Worker Band. provided the intellectual side of our reli- the Riveter,” doing welding in a shipyard. My sister and I learned to embroider gion through her stringent Bible interpre- “If I ever read about a ship sinking,” she before we learned to read, and our house tation, my mother provided our religion’s once told me, “I always wondered whether was often fragrant with a boiling sugar warm heart. Much less strict than my it was my fault.” mixture as my mother made fudge and grandmother, she embodied for us the Just after she learned that she was divinity that my sister and I sold door-to- kind gentleness of a Savior who was full pregnant with my sister Twila, my father door to finance the church. My mother of grace and love. We knew our faith was was shipped to England where he stayed and her band of willing workers made and demanding and that membership in a until my sister was nearly two. church community brought respon- Somewhere in the family archives sibilities, but we learned from our are dozens of pictures of my beauti- mother the truest of all lessons, ful mother holding her red-haired “God is love.” child—pictures that were mailed to Shortly after my father died in my father so he could keep track of 1956, we discovered that my younger his daughter’s development. sister was developmentally delayed My father came home from the because of a birth injury. The story war in 1945, and I was born a year of my mother’s care for her would fill later. My father was Episcopalian, volumes, but the world has seldom so his views of church differed seen a fiercer, more consistent, or widely from my [Church of God] more protective love. There was no mother’s. To complicate matters, special education in our town when my very strict, Pentecostal grand- my sister reached school age, and the mother lived with us for most school system claimed there were not of my childhood, and she was so enough children to start such a class. convinced of the “holiness or hell” Undaunted, my mother went door-to- alternatives that she was willing to door, finding and recruiting students confront my father to keep us all until she had enough for the district on the straight and narrow. to open its first special education pro- During this time, my mother gram. She saw my sister through a life- was the peacemaker, and the time of ups and downs with a steady, compromise she worked out was uncompromising, unconditional love that my sister and I could go to so rare and so beautiful that its power the movies with my father every was stunning. Saturday, but the rest of the week we sold tea towels, hand towels, pillowcases, What better model could I have had were purely Pentecostal. My Episcopalian and cross-stitch aprons by the hundreds, of the unconditional and persistent love of grandmother and most of my mother’s and our household theology was inter- Christ? extended family were scandalized by my twined with the need for commerce. mother’s Pentecostalism, but she never There was always a practical side to reli- Carolyn Dirksen, Ph.D., is the director of argued or fought back. She simply was gion in our family: God would provide the faculty development at Lee University, Cleve- who she was—the most integrated, con- spiritual blessings, but someone had to land, Tennessee. sistent, and whole person I have ever met. pay the church electric bill. I learned from Her faithfulness, goodness, and kindness my mother that the church is important, Excerpted from Faith of Our Mothers: ultimately quieted her detractors. that it is our responsibility, and that it is Inspirational Stories of Church of God My mother’s life was centered in the worth working for. Women, edited by Donald S. Aultman. church for all those years. “It was my My grandmother was the Bible scholar Available from pathwaybookstore.com or career,” she once told me. “I worked at it in our family, and her bedroom was filled by calling 800-553-8506.

28 EVANGEL • june 2014 EVANGEL • june 2014 29 VIEWPOINTS

How are you seeking to pass on the Pentecostal faith to your congregation’s youth and young adults?

WE MUST BE INTENTIONAL We intentionally make room in our worship services, G. Scott Hager is pastor of the North Walhalla Church of throughout the year, for the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth and God in Walhalla, South Carolina. speak to us during worship, including the sacraments. When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, It’s not enough to think, assume, or hope the next generation another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor catches it in a sermon, a revival, at youth camp, or at Winter- the work which He had done for Israel (Judg. 2:10 NKJV). fest. It is not enough for them to watch us, as mature mothers THIS SCRIPTURE is the heartbeat of our pastoral ministry. It and fathers, dance in an altar service at flames of Pentecost. We shows us what happened to Israel after Joshua, who had carried invite and welcome our young people to experience the fires of the flame after Moses and invaded the city of Jericho, had died Pentecost with us so they can continue to fan the flame after this and was buried. He was the one whom the Lord had promised, generation is gone. “Every place that the sole of your foot The Lord promised, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; will tread upon I have given you. . . . your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28 NKJV). I will be with you. I will not leave you We must be intentional! nor forsake you. . . . Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor PASS IT ON be dismayed, for the Lord your God is Rocky Shrable is lead pastor of Wings of Faith Fellowship with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:3, in Ocala, Florida. 5, 9 NKJV). MOSES ENCOURAGED the young nation of Israel to pass When all of Joshua’s generation their faith on to their children: had passed, the next generation did Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them not know the Lord or the work He as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. had done! They did not know the Lord of the promises and the Teach them to your children, talking about them when you miracles (the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, the sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie water from the rock). We read and wonder, How can this be? After down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates (Deut. 11:18-20 NIV). all God had done, all He had promised, and all He had kept them from, how could this be? Israel intentionally passed their faith on to their children by If we Pentecostals are not careful about passing along our putting the Word of God, the worship of God, and the work of faith to the next generation, the same thing will be written about God first in their everyday life. It was not a “Sabbath only” faith; us. It may sound like this: “There arose a generation that did not it was a daily faith. know the Lord nor the works which He had done in Walhalla, They established the Word of God South Carolina; in Cleveland, Tennessee; at the Barney Creek within their minds by keeping it vis- Meetinghouse, North Carolina; on Azusa Street in Los Angeles; ible—Scripture was written on the top and in ______[fill in your place].” of the doorposts of their homes. It was We must define what we desire to pass to the next genera- also stitched on leather and hung like tion. What is the “Pentecostal faith”? According to Steve Land, pictures on their walls. It was an inten- president of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, as Pentecos- tional effort to hand down their faith; tals we believe “Jesus Christ is the Savior, the sanctifier, the Holy their commitment to the Word of God Ghost baptizer, the Healer, and the soon-coming King.” affected every area of their life. We at North Walhalla Church of God, which is 100 years old The worship of God was emphasized this year, are being intentional about passing this along to the through the commitment to keep the house of God central in next generation. We focus one whole month—normally May or their community. The younger generation would observe their June—to teach who we are, what sets us apart, what makes us parents taking the best of their flocks and sacrificing them to God. the same, and why we are Pentecostal. We teach this to our chil- The work of God was impressed on the youth of Israel when dren, our teens, and our young adults. their parents observed the law of God in rotating their crops and

30 EVANGEL •• june 20142014 providing for the poor among them—the poor would glean from tinue to impact my sphere of influence for the kingdom of God, I the edges of their fields. must continue to do four things: Today, like Israel, our congregation intentionally passes on 1. Proclaim the message of the promise of Pentecost. When Christ our Pentecostal faith by prioritizing the Word of God, the wor- birthed His church, it was a Pentecostal outpouring, and the ship of God, and the work of God. We encourage annual Bible- promise of that experience is still real and available today. The reading plans, and we challenge our people, including our youth, youth and young adults in our local church must hear and receive to get involved in our small-group ministry, where the Word of the message of Pentecost again and again. No other message has God and prayer are given priority. the authority or power to sustain them within our society. We make every effort to keep the house of God, and (conse- 2. Provide powerful prayer gatherings that promote the Spirit quently) the worship of God the central focus in our community. of Pentecost. Choosing to lead by example is the key to demon- We promote Spirit-led services where people engage in worship, strate to the youth of our church that and we consistently call people forward for prayer, anoint them an effective prayer life is essential to with oil, and believe God to work miracles in their lives. Often, maintain this Pentecostal lifestyle. our youth will respond to this invitation. As their pastor, I must create inviting We believe the work of God is the action of the Spirit of God and meaningful youth services that in our lives. So, we minister in jails, nursing homes, and schools, perpetuate and welcome the outpour- as well as through government agencies, community-action ing of the Holy Spirit of God. In our groups, and feeding the poor. We take our youth on a mission corporate worship services, we must trip every year, where they share the gospel through music, assimilate our younger generations to drama, preaching, and teaching. They participate in humanitar- participate, let them serve in leader- ian efforts and demonstrate the love of God in various ways. ship roles, and help them embrace and As a result of the Word of God, the worship of God, and the experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit. work of God being a priority to us, we are teaching our youth and I believe young adults and youth desire to be treated and young adults, this is the norm. This is our culture—the way we live welcomed as the church of today. I believe the prayers of our out our faith. youth today, when spoken from the heart, have great power and authority that can move the hand of God. PROCLAIM, PRAY, PRESERVE, AND LIVE 3. Preserve the memorials of the past. In Exodus 17:14, the Garry E. Barton is lead pastor of Victorious Life Church Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and of God in Ypsilanti, Michigan. recount it in the hearing of Joshua” (NKJV). OUR PENTECOSTAL FAITH must be perpetuated in every There have been many wonderful milestones in my ministry, generation; not just talking about it, but experiencing it first- and I must recount them to our young adults and youth to pre- hand. Speaking through the prophet Joel, God promised: serve the memories of what the Lord has done. This helps per- “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your suade them that God’s miraculous power does not change. If He daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, has done it before, God can surely do it again. In a culture where your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants life is moving at an amazing speed, I must also remind them of and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” the spiritual memorials God is raising up in their own lives. (Joel 2:28-29 NKJV). 4. Live in the power of the present. The spiritual power and More than ever before in my earthly journey, there is a con- authority accompanying the Pentecostal lifestyle is something tinuous drumbeat in my heart to experience a daily refreshing of to be experienced now. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “You shall receive my Pentecostal faith. I want to be renewed with God’s presence power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be so I may model for the generations to follow the reality of daily witnesses to Me” (NKJV). walking in this wonderful Pentecostal lifestyle. Walking in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit is for Having the privilege of serving as a Church of God pastor now our younger generations to receive and enjoy today. There is no for almost 30 years, I am persuaded that in order for me to con- time like the present!

EVANGEL •• june 20142014 31 PEOPLE AND EVENTS

service, there was a sense of excite- added to us.’ Therefore, I speak for ment as people took their offerings us all when I say, we are not asking directly to the boxes in the rear of for money in return for our offer- the sanctuary. The worship leader ing. We are asking, instead, for had prepared songs with an inter- souls. God, please give us souls.” national and intercultural sound. The Lord has responded lav- It was not just different; it was ishly. In the twelve months that electrifying. Later, our church clerk followed, 155 souls have been slipped a small piece of paper into saved in our altars and 68 have Mitchell Tolle speaking at Growth Temple my hand. As I read it, I began to been baptized in water. His bless- weep. Total giving was $38,000! ing has also impacted the income We purchased a 2012 van for at the church, enabling us to give THE WORLD BEYOND OUR WALLS Growth Temple, complete with a $25,000 for a water-filtration sys- LEXINGTON, Ky.—We were our walls—here in Lexington and new sign and six months of insur- tem to the Church of God Orphan- a church in trouble—our needs far away in India. We will give ance, and we gave $16,000 to age in Kibera, Kenya, and to pro- outweighed our resources. With- money to the orphanage in India YWEA! (I learned later that people cure and renovate a new sanctuary out realizing it, we who had been [2013 YWEA project] and buy had sold jewelry and other items space for our little sister church, called to “freely give as we had a van for Growth Temple—the to make this offering possible.) Growth Temple. freely received” found ourselves church across town.” As I stood before the congre- I now humbly encourage fel- needing desperately to receive. We I asked members to begin set- gation to offer a prayer of thanks- low pastors to engage their church had become a band of beggars, ting aside an offering each week giving, the Holy Spirit invaded my in missions giving, at home and asking the very marketplace we for the next month. I thought we mind. I said, “Father, I realize that around the world. Rewards await were called to serve, to serve us. might give three or four thousand many who have given need You those leaders who make heaven’s When we gained more dollars to each cause. to honor Your promise to bless the greatest priority their own. resources, like the farmer in Luke When the day came for our giver; but I know that if we seek —Pastor Mitchell Tolle, Man o’ War 12, we spent the increase on our- special “World Beyond Our Walls” You first, ‘all these things will be Church of God selves. In time, the same church council who fought so valiantly to balance the budget when things singing for children’s freedom were tight became the guardian of the treasured nest egg. Honestly, I PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI— Haiti, which the Church of God is propelled him to the top three. didn’t see the problem and I wasn’t Luciano Etrenne, a member helping to combat. Luciano sang: “Children are looking to change anything. How- of the Centre Street Church of Luciano came to the competi- the flowers of hope. Do you not ever, two perfectly timed events God (Eglise de Dieu de la Rue tion supported by his church and a feel your heart ripping out when caused me to make a major shift. du Centre), received the first cadre of Church of God members. you are living with me as your David Griffis, assistant general runner-up prize in the “Songs He and the other contestants were slave? Do you have the courage overseer, was giving leadership for Freedom” competition required to write original lyrics and to look. . . . I am alive and I look training to the pastors of Ken- sponsored by Restavek Free- music about restavek and their like a corpse.” His lyrics reso- tucky. I was there. He made a brief dom Foundation. Restavek is hope for Haiti. Luciano’s strong nated with the more than 3,000 reference to a need in India—an the culturally accepted practice and commanding voice, lyrics, people attending this event, as orphanage where hundreds of of child domestic servitude in choreography, and crowd support they responded with cheers and children slept on the floor. It was shouts. a simple, well-defined request for Luciano Etrenne sings On August 23, Restavek help. Two days later, a friend who at “Songs of Freedom” Freedom Foundation will host a had planted a small church across competition. national event where the winner town in a poorer part of the city of each department will com- told me how he and his wife spent pete for the top prize. Please hours each Sunday morning bring- pray that this event will open the ing people to church in their own hearts and minds of the Haitian car because their church members people to see these children did not have cars. God began to as God sees them—His valued move on my heart. and loved creation.—Joan Conn; I told my church about both photo by Tammy Rockwell needs: “There is a world beyond

32 EVANGEL • june 2014 For daily news updates about what’s happening in the Church of God and Evangelical world, visit FAITH NEWS NETWORK, at www.faithnews.cc.

park appointed to irish post DECEASED n NOTICE, Guy Symour; 84; DROGHEDA, County Louth, Pastor Park will concentrate ordained bishop; Florida; Azelma IRELAND—Nick Park, pastor of on developing EAI’s vision and MINISTERS Notice (wife) the Solid Rock Church in Droghe- engagement with government da and administrative bishop for and the media. He said: “Evan- n BUNTING, Ralph Decatur; n PATRICK, Cecil Junior; 87; the Church of God in Ireland, has gelical believers are still a minority 90; ordained minister; Florida; ordained bishop; Washington; been appoint- group in Ireland, but are growing Pat Eunice Bunting (wife) Maxine Patrick (wife) ed executive rapidly. At a time of massive social n FRANKLIN, Terry; 51; n QUILES, Fernando; 81; director of and cultural change, EAI’s goal is exhorter; Mississippi; Debbie ordained minister; Puerto Rico; Evangeli- to speak into Irish society with a Franklin (wife) Martha Moreno (wife) cal Alliance strong voice that combines humil- n GREEN, Don Lewis; 70; n RODRIQUEZ, Ernesto L.; 58; Ireland (EAI). ity and compassion with a firm Nick Park ordained bishop; Georgia; ordained bishop; Puerto Rico; The EAI is the commitment to biblical truth. At Alma Green (wife) Lourdes Dumont (wife) Irish equivalent of the National the heart of the gospel lies grace Association of Evangelicals (in the and truth—and any voice that n HOWELL, Charles A.; 85; n SANGER, Charles Edward; U.S.) and part of the World Evan- distorts either of these facets so as ordained bishop; Georgia; 83; ordained bishop; Tennessee; gelical Alliance. Park is the first to obscure the other is not being Jayne Howell (wife) Paul Sanger (son) Pentecostal to hold this position. faithful to the message of Christ.” n KING, John Gaylen; 79; n THOMAS, Mary; 89; ordained bishop; Montana; ordained minister; Florida; Way- Miriam King (wife) mon W. Thomas Jr. (son) n MARCELLE, Norbert S., Jr.; n TURNER, Carl, Jr.; 89; 84; ordained bishop; Florida; ordained minister; Mississippi; Beatrice Louise Marcelle (wife) Ruby Lynn Turner (wife) n NORTHCUTT, J. Carla; 70; n WILLIAMS, Frederick E.; 76; ordained minister; Georgia; ordained minister; West Virginia; Ben Northcutt (husband) Norma Jean Williams (wife)

come on Sunday and we would chicago talk. I did not know if he would Continued from page 15 come, but he did. Amazing “After I preached, I said, ‘There GENERATIONS UNITED IN LOMPOC Breakthrough is someone here who is messed LOMPOC, Calif.—The Gen- The interior has been entirely Pastor Florin told about a up, but really wants to let the Lord erations United Church of God is repainted, and new stucco added woman and her son who began straighten out his life.’ The man intent on giving individuals a true to the exterior. Lighting has been attending their church several stepped forward. It was such a sense of belonging—no more seg- improved inside and outside, years ago. “The son wanted to get great time of confession. He asked regation between “old school” and and landscaping has been done. baptized, but his father would not forgiveness from his wife, and then “new school” stereotypes—with A refinished and brightly lighted let him. He said, ‘I’ll kill you if you I baptized him. This guy is now a no age, race, or culture barri- corner sign now proclaims an do that.’ Several of us began pray- great evangelist. He was a chef in ers. Different generations come encouraging theme each week. A ing for that man. the Army, and he is very talented. together to worship God and new media center has been built “A couple of years ago, I was He cooks for many of our events.” declare, “Jesus is Lord!” in the sanctuary, children’s rooms watching a movie with my kids The pastor continued, “We Since their arrival at Genera- and the fellowship hall have been when my phone rang. It was that had a gang of older guys come tions United in May 2008, Pastor remodeled, and a gleaming new man, and he was crying. He said, to church. They are called the ‘40 Rob and Belinda Kee have been kitchen is in operation. ‘Pastor, I want to receive the Lord. brothers.’ They do crazy stuff. He diligently working to polish up the The improvements made to I want to get baptized. I want to cooked for them. He is bringing church property. Nick and Rachel the property, in conjunction with change my life.’ them in one by one. God is really Alexander (associate pastor) and the spiritual development God “I told him the next baptis- working in his life. His family has Robert and Lori Kee (worship pas- has brought to the growing con- mal service would be held in two probably brought the most people tor), in partnership with the congre- gregation, is a testimony to the weeks. He said, ‘No, I want to get to the Lord in our church. It is gation, have all made this happen. community. baptized right away.’ I told him to amazing how God works.”

EVANGEL • june 2014 33 CHURCH OF GOD CHRONICLES

by andrew sinclair hudson

pioneer preacher myrtle whitehead: “your sister in the lord” NE TIME I FELL [and] hurt the Southeast. She taught herself a “fair my foot. I preached standing education,” and grew in her ministry. She on one foot part of the time pushed onward through the anointing of Ountil I was healed,” recalled the Holy Spirit with confidence that God Myrtle Whitehead in 1955. was using her. Echoed in her song “Going Through Determined to preach despite the With Jesus,” Whitehead’s life and min- apprehension of family and opposition istry were characterized by continued to her Holiness-Pentecostal message, hurdling of obstacles through a commit- she followed God without wavering in ted faith and Spirit-empowered calling. her conviction. She was spat on, shot at Born in 1887 in Franklin County, Georgia, with guns, and threatened with knives, Whitehead was a trailblazer, an evange- yet she refused to be silent. Along with list, a church planter, and a Spirit-filled her preaching, Whitehead’s voice was woman of God who often signed her published 29 times in the Church of God reports to the Church of God Evangel, “Your Evangel as she pastored three congre- Sister in the Lord.” gations and planted seven churches. After receiving the baptism in the Whitehead led 1,707 people to accept Holy Spirit in 1916, Myrtle was called to Jesus as Lord and Savior, 690 into a life ministry “one Thursday [as she] walked of sanctification, and 471 to receive the the floor, cried, and prayed because of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. On her death- burden of lost souls.” Telling her parents, bed, she lifted her arm and departed this “I must leave . . . and go tell the world life declaring, “Oh what a beautiful place, about Jesus,” Whitehead remembered, what a beautiful place!” “The Lord called me that day to preach The life and ministry of Reverend His Word. I said, ‘Yes, Lord, I’ll go.’’’ Myrtle Viola Whitehead reminds us our Whitehead’s story was fraught with church was pioneered by women and men pain and suffering. Death and illness committed to reaching our world with the afflicted her and her family, but she was love of Jesus. Her 1922 song continues committed to preaching a lived doctrine moving us forward: of divine healing. “If we live divine heal- I’m going through with Jesus, ing, then we can preach it good, so let us Though friends may forsake me here. practice what we preach,” Whitehead pro- I’ll look to Him who is above me, claimed in 1921 . . . and preach she did. My lonely heart He will cheer. Credentialed in 1917, Whitehead I trust Him for both soul and body ministered until her death in 1962. She While I’m in this narrow way; preached the message of Pentecostal sanc- He never fails to heal tification and Spirit baptism in revivals And to hear me when I pray. in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and West Virginia. In Andrew Sinclair Hudson is an ordained a social context and era where the lives minister in the Church of God and a Ph.D. of women were often limited, Whitehead candidate (in religious studies) at the Univer- held revivals and planted churches across sity of Pennsylvania.

34 E EVANGELVANGEL • m • ajuney 2014 2014 75th INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 07.29.14 - 08.01.14

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