Century of Pentecostal Vision J

F ALL 1999

F ALL 1999 A Century of Pentecostal Vision J. Roswell Flower The Genesis of the Pentecostal Movement . . 16 How the 20th-century inauguration of the Spirit encircled the globe and touched millions.

Gary B. McGee William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival...... 26 The Apostolic Faith Mission and the man who led its revival. A Centur Cordas C. Burnett Eighty-five Years Ago ...... 36 How an embryonic group of 300 became a powerful, Spirit-filled body of Christians numbering over 30 million worldwide. y of P Richard A. Lewis E.N. Bell—a Voice of Restraint in an Era of entecostal Vision Controversy ...... 48 What the Assemblies of God’s first general chairman did to shape a fledgling organization into the largest Pentecostal group in the world.

Joseph, David, Adele, A Living Pentecostal Legacy ...... 54 Suzanne Flower A reflection on the life and legacy of J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower—two 20th-century pioneers in the Pentecostal movement.

Joyce Lee, Women in the Pentecostal Movement ...... 60 Glenn Gohr Who were these women whose faithfulness, sacrifice, and dedication influenced the spread of Pentecostalism?

George O. Wood Their Last Full Measure ...... 66 “From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”

Randy Hurst A Spirit-Led Mission...... 74 What compelled early Pentecostal leaders to obey the Lord’s command to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”?

William W. Menzies Lessons From the Past: What Our History Teaches Us ...... 84 Will Pentecostals of the new millennium be known for their piety or merely for their power?

James K. Bridges Assemblies of God Schools and Scholars for the 21st Century ...... 94 Charting our course for the future—will we move into the future by breaking with the past or by building bridges? V olume F Charles T. Crabtree Developing Vision for a New Millennium. . .100 To move toward the future with vision is the antidote to apathy and despair. our • Number F www.enrichmentjournal.ag.org our

A JOURNAL FOR PENTECOSTAL MINISTRY A UGUST 8-10, 2000

i n i s t r y Matters

B Y W A Y D E I . G O O D A L L special issue on the millennium ranke d Christianity is growing in many of the the top 100 discoveries, cataclysmic continent’s countries at five or six times n 1914, approximately 300 people events, and magnificent moments of the the rate of the general population…. Stoll I gathered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to past 1,000 years. Number 68 was “1906, predicts that if current rates of growth form a Fellowship that was committed to Pentecostalism Catches Fire.” The article continue, five or six Latin American coun- reaching the world for Christ. Few of these reads: “The Flame of Pentecostalism was tries will have non-Catholic—mostly brave pioneers could have dreamed what first lighted when Charles Fox Pa r h a m Pentecostal—majorities by 2010.3 God would do by the end of the century. declared in 1901 that speaking in tongues I could cite similar examples from These leaders were full of the Holy was a sign of the baptism in the Holy Eastern Europe, Africa, the Pa c i fi c Rim Spirit and vision. They knew they could Spirit. It might have sputtered if not for countries, and here in the United States not reach the world alone, but together William Joseph Seymour, a black preacher where we now list approximately 12,000 they could. As a result of their vision, the who listened to Parham through an open Assemblies of God churches. Assemblies of God was formed, a foreign door in his Houston Bible school. Soon There has never been such a time as missions program was organized, and Seymour set out for Los Angeles, where t o d a y. Not only has God poured out His new Assemblies of God congregations his own baptism in the Spirit in 1906 Spirit on all people (Acts 2:17) but also began to sprout throughout the country. brought him an enthusiastic following. more people are coming to Christ today What is today the largest Pe n t e c o s t a l Within 2 years of founding a mission in than at any other time in history. The denomination began to take shape. an abandoned church on Azusa Street, d u n a m i s power that comes with the bap- Although they later developed a his multicultural ministry sent missionar- tism in the Holy Spirit is a major reason doctrinal statement (the Statement of ies to 25 countries. By the end of the why world evangelism is progressing so Fundamental Truths) and became well 1960s, Protestants and Catholics have r a p i d l y. With Pentecostal growth comes organized, their passion and reason for both begun to embrace the gifts of the intensive evangelism because the prima- uniting—world evangelization—has Spirit in charismatic renewal move- ry reason for this infilling is to be a wit- never changed. No one told them they ments…. Today about a half billion peo- ness for our blessed Lord. could not do it, so by faith they began. ple call themselves Pentecostal or charis- The task isn’t finished, but the end is in E i g h t y- five years later, the 300 have grown matic, and Pentecostals alone outnumber sight. There are signs all around us indi- to approximately 30 million worldwide. Anglicans, Baptists, Lutherans, and cating that the return of Christ is immi- Throughout our history, God has given Presbyterians combined. The Yoido Full nent. Like the 300 who gathered in Hot the Assemblies of God leaders who have Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, is now, at Springs, let us agree that together we can been men of vision and passion. The three- 700,000 strong, the largest Christian con- reach this needy world for Jesus. fold mission of the church—worshiping gregation on earth.”1 God, discipleship, and evangelism—has H a rvard University professor Harv e y Wayde I. Goodall, D.Min., is ex e c u t i v e been the guiding principle behind the C ox wrote concerning the Pe n t e c o s t a l editor of E n r i c h m e n t numerous programs within the growth in Brazil: “Once merely quick, J o u r n a l and national Fellowship. Each general superintendent Pentecostal growth has now reached the c o o rdinator of the has had his own unique style and gifts; proportions of a tidal wave…. Scholars Ministerial Enrichment their individual focus, however, has never now estimate that on any given Sunday O f fi ce, Springfie l d , M i s s o u r i . changed. They all depended on the leading morning there are probably more of the Holy Spirit and gave God the glory Pentecostals at church in Brazil than E N D N O T E S for all He has done. God has blessed us, there are Catholics at mass.”2 helped us, protected us; we can trust Him A similar picture is emerging in Latin 1. “The World as It Was and the Events That Changed It,” L i f e 20 (fall 1997): 12,76. to lead us into the next millennium. America. In his book, Is Latin America 2. Harvey Cox, Fi re From Heaven ( R e a d i n g , The Pentecostal movement has caught T u rning Pro t e s t a n t ? , David Stoll pre- Mass: Addison-We s l e y, 1994), 167, 1 6 8 . the attention of others. L i f e m a g a z i n e ’ s sents statistics to show that non-C a t h o l i c 3. Ibid., 168. E n r i c h m e n t • 1 TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S—A CE N T U RY O F PE N T E C O S TA L VI S I O N

THEME ARTICLES Hispanic Pe n t e c o s t a l i s m Unending Le g a c y By Efraim Espinoza Hispanic churches are the fastest-growing Ask the Superintendent segment of the Assemblies of God. This I n t e r view with Thomas E. Trask article highlights their early history and General Superintendant Trask discusses the two individuals who played an important Assemblies of God’s rich heritage and gives role in establishing the Hispanic practical advice as the Fellowship approaches Assemblies of God...... 5 9 a new century of ministry...... 1 2 Women in the Pe n t e c o s t a l The Genesis of the M o v e m e n t Pentecostal Movement By Joyce Lee and Glenn Gohr Page 26 By J.R. Flower From the beginning of the modern Pe n t e - The late Joesph Roswell Flower, a pioneer costal movement, women have made vital leader in the Pentecostal movement, has contributions. The influence of these dedicat- provided a careful look at the Pe n t e c o s t a l ed pioneers will only be revealed in eternity. . . . . explosion in the early years of the 20th 60 c e n t u r y...... 16 Their Last Full Measure William J. Seymour and By George O. Wo o d the Azusa Street Re v i v a l In our 85-year history, many foreign missionaries in the Assemblies of God gave their Page 60 By Gary B. McGee William J. Seymour’s ministry at the all for Christ ...... 6 6 Apostolic Faith Mission had a dynamic effect on the Pentecostal revival at the turn of the A Spirit-Led Mission c e n t u r y. This article recounts Seymour’s life By Randy Hurst and the important role he played in spread- The success of the Assemblies of God mis- ing the Pe n t e c o s t a l m e s s a g e ...... 2 6 sions program has not come from its own wisdom. Its dependence has been on the E i g h t y - fi ve Years Ago Holy S p i r it...... 7 4 Page 84 By Cordas C. Burn e t t In this reprint from a 1954 article appear- A Spirit-Led Statesman for 20th- ing in The Pentecostal Evangel, C.C. Burnett C e n t u r y Missions recounts the spread of the Pentecostal mes- I n t e r view with J. Philip Hogan sage and the events leading to the forma- The name J. Philip Hogan is synonymous tion of the Assemblies of God...... 3 6 with Assemblies of God missions. Learn more about the man who led the E.N. Bell–a Voice of Restraint in Assemblies of God missions program into an Era of Controversy years of tremendous growth...... 7 6 By Richard A. Le w i s E.N. Bell, the first chairman of the Lessons From the Past: What Our Assemblies of God, helped shape the H i s t o r y Teaches Us Page 110 fledgling organization into what it is By William W. Menzies t o d a y. Here is a glimpse into some of the How can our past help us plan for the highlights of Bell’s life and how his future? Here is practical advice for i n fluence helped mold the theology of the the Pentecostal church as it enters the Assemblies of God...... 4 8 21st century...... 8 4

A Living Pentecostal Legacy Unfolding Vi s i o n I n t e r view with Joseph R. Flower, David Assemblies of God Schools and Page 112 F l o w e r, Adele Flower Dalton, and Scholars for the 21st Century Suzanne Flower Earle By James K. Bridges The signiﬁcance of J. Roswell and Will we move into the future by breaking Alice Flower’s contribution to the with the past or by building bridges? The Assemblies of God cannot be author provides helpful advice concerning underestimated. Here the children of the critical role of our colleges and profes- the Flowers reﬂect on their parents’ sors in the future of the Assemblies of God...... 9 4 lives and ministry...... 5 4 FALL 1999 • VOLUME FOUR • NUMBER FOUR

Developing Vision for a T H E O L O G I C A L E N R I C H M E N T E x ecutive Editor Wayde I. Goodall New Millennium Why Does God Baptize His Managing Editor By Charles T. Crabtre e People in the Holy Spirit? Rick Knoth The same God who gave vision to our By Donald A. Johns ...... A s s o c i a t e 1 2 8 Te c h n i c a l / R e s e a r c h founding fathers will give vision to this E d i t o r church to accomplish His plan in the new M I N I S T E R I A L E N R I C H M E N T R i c h a rd Schoonover A d v e r t i s i n g / P r o d u c t i o n m i l l e n n i u m ...... 1 0 0 Protecting Your Family and Church C o o r d i n a t o r From Internet Porn o g r a p h y Kathy Wr i n k l e By Wayde I. Goodall...... 1 3 0 Editorial Assistant The Challenges and Opport u n i t i e s Kari Hoggard of Missions in the 21st Century Editorial Secretary M A N A G I N G Y O U R M I N I S T R Y By L. John Bueno Belinda Conway B u r n o u t —When Ministry G r a p h i c s / D e s i g n The Assemblies of God missions program Becomes Too Consuming Jim Darnell, Richard Slaton is preparing to face the challenges of By Harvey Powers ...... 1 3 2 Circulation Manager reaching the lost with the gospel in the Terry King 21st century...... 1. 0 6 F O R W O M E N I N M I N I S T R Y P re p a red under the Turning Loneliness Into Aloneness d i rection of the Reaching America By Jeanne Mayo...... 1 3 4 Executive Pre s b y t e r y in the 21st Century C O U N S E L O R S C O R N E R Thomas E. Trask By Charles E. Hacke t t (general superintendent); In the Assemblies of God, our goal is to see People Helping in the Church David W. Argue, Almon M. a revival in North America that transforms PART 1: A Biblical Model for B a rtholomew, M. Wa y n e Benson, Dan Betzer, the church and changes society. Here are Counseling in the 21st Century Ro b e r t L. Brandt, James K. s p e c i fi c steps to take in preparing for this By Donald A. Lichi...... 1 3 8 Bridges, John Bueno, Charles T. Crabtree, Richard end-time harv e s t ...... 1 1 0 D resselhaus, Charles E. F A M I L Y M A T T E R S Hackett, Gene Jackson, Moving: Helping Your Children Jesse Miranda, Armon FEATURES Adapt to a Change in Pa s t o r a t e s Newburn, George O. Wo o d By Rosalyn Goodall ...... 1 4 0 Editorial Cuba—a Testimony of God’s Advisory Committee Sovereign Po w e r Wayde I. Goodall, chairman; I n t e r view with Hector Hunter by mis - P L U S Rick Knoth, vice-chairman; L I T T L E - K N O W N F A C T S A B O U T Hal Donaldson; Dayton A. s i o n a r y Rick Johnson T H E A S S E M B L I E S O F G O D Kingsriter; Michael Messner; Hector Hunter, general superintendent of By Kenneth L. Horn ...... 6 Arlyn Pember; Juleen Tu r n a g e the Cuban Assemblies of God, shares his A d v e rtising Po l i c y testimony of God’s grace in his life and For information on a d v e rtising, call Kathy Wr i n k l e how the Cuban Assemblies of God is DEPARTMENTS at 417-862-2781, extension reaching its people with the gospel...... 1 1 2 4 0 97. Display rates pro v i d e d S E R M O N •SEED ...... 1 4 2 upon re q u e s t . Why Your Church Needs E n r i c h m e n t does not endorse I L LU S T R AT E •IT ...... 1 4 5 any advertiser or pro d u c t . a Clear and Written Vision Claims made in an advert i s e- By J. David Schmidt M I N I S T R Y •IDEAS ...... ment are the sole re s p o n s i b i l i- 148 ty of the advert i s e r. E n r i c h m e n t In preparation for 2000 Celebration, the reserves the right to reject any author explains why Assemblies of God B O O K •REVIEWS ...... 15 0 a d v e rtisement that is inconsis- tent with the journal’s objec- churches need to be a part of this vision- NEWS & RESOURCES ...... 15 6 tives, editorial convictions, and casting process...... 1 1 6 Assemblies of God doctrine. W I T H •CHRIST ...... 16 4 Member of Evangelical EDITORIALS Press Association M I N I S T R Y MAT T E R S E n r i c h m e n t (ISSN 1082-1791), is published quarterly (October, January, April, July), ©1999 by The General Council of the Assemblies of God, 1445 Boonville, Visit our web site By Wayde I. Goodall ...... 1 S p r i n g field, Missouri 65802. Assemblies of God ministers may re p roduce non- h t t p : / / w w w . e n r i c h m e n tjo u rn a l . a g . o rg byline material from E n r i c h m e n t in church publications, giving credit to the jour- IN CLO S I N G nal. Signed articles may not be reprinted without permission of the authors. Email: You may address By Thomas E. Trask ...... 1 6 5 Subscription rates: USA—1 year $20; 2 years $36. Outside USA add $6 per E n r i c h m e n t at: enrichment@a g . o rg y e a r. Subscriptions: All subscription correspondence, including change of a d d ress, should be sent to E n r i c h m e n t, Customer Services, 1445 Boonville, COLUMNS S p r i n g field, MO 65802, phone 1-800-641-4310. Periodical postage paid at S p r i n g field, Missouri, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. E Q U I P P I N G E V A N G E L I S T S The Historical Role of the P O S T M A S T E R : Send address changes to: Assemblies of God Evangelist E n r i c h m e n t, 1445 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802. By James O. Davis...... 1 2 4 E n r i c h m e n t • 3 U N E N D I N G L E G A C Y

P R O L O G U E

hen the Assemblies of God around the globe. Soon churches on mis- t a ke the same redeeming gospel to the was formed 85 years ago, it sion fields surpassed the stateside regions beyond. is doubtful that any of the churches in size. Around the world Bible Congregations expanded, districts 300 people who assembled schools were built to train believers to planted new churches, and leaders ke p t in the Opera House at Hot reach their own people. pace with society and technology. WW Springs, Arkansas, had any Persecution and other hardships also Schools of higher education began meet- idea what the future held for the ﬂedg- came. But our ancestors took their calling the needs of ministers and layper- ling organization. The concept of a ing seriously. They were willing to lay sons. Huge national Sunday school con- denomination of nearly 12,000 church- down their lives if necessary. Some left ventions began in the 1940s. On the es, 2.5 million adherents in the United for the mission ﬁeld with this farewell, heels of this excitement came the birth of States and over 29 million overseas far “ We’ll meet you in heaven.” They national and district youth programs exceeded the faith of these humble thought they would either die on foreign that provided missionary equipment people—some who could count no soil or Jesus would return to earth before through Speed-the-Light. Younger boys more than 2 dozen followers in their it was time for them to return from the and girls were not forgotten as local churches. lands of their calling. And their greatest Missionettes and Royal Rangers—with As American churches and districts gift was to see the next generation at their sponsoring Wo m e n’s Ministries and g r e w, they sent more missionaries home and abroad pick up the torch and M e n’s Ministries—came on the scene. TH E AS S E M B L I E S O F GO D-85 This issue of E n r i c h m e n t examines the past 100 years of Pentecostal and Assemblies of God history. We have presented our grand history with inspiring text and a wide photo selection from the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. This attractive 166-page issue will certainly become a collector’s issue.

4 • F a l l 1 9 9 9 Another outreach that touched hurt- the building, but each church has its Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. This ing people was Teen Challenge, with an own personality with varying worship attractive 166-page issue (the largest we excellent 40-year record for rescuing and preaching styles that attract differ- have ever done) will certainly become a d r ug addicts. The Re v i v a l t i m e radio pro- ent types of people. Churches are reach- c o l l e c t o r’s issue. gram sent its ministry through the air- ing the various cultures that have come But as big and comprehensive as ways around the world, helping to put to America. this issue is, the editors can only pre- local assemblies on the map. Urban Methods used to reach the unsaved sent representative Pentecostal sub- ministries that moved into blighted will change as we move toward the 21st jects and narrative highpoints begin- neighborhoods gained respect from citi- century, but men and women—layper- ning in 1901. We’ll reﬂect on the rest zens and social workers. Added to these sons and credentialed ministers alike— of the story “on the other side.” ministries are huge printing presses will continue relying on the power of producing curriculum and a media cen- the Holy Spirit. ter producing audiovisual materials to This issue of Enrichment examines the Wayne E. Warner is meet the needs of the churches. past 100 years of Pentecostal and d i rector of the Flower Today, just as in 1914, there is no Assemblies of God history. We have pre- Pentecostal Heritage typical Assemblies of God congregation. sented our grand history with inspiring C e n t e r, Springﬁe l d , The name Assemblies of God may be on t ext and a wide photo selection from the M i s s o u r i . YE A R S A N D GO I N G ST R O N G

E n r i c h m e n t • 5 LLII TT TT LL EE-- KKNN OO WW NN FFAA CC TT SS II NN AASS SS EE MM BB LL II EE SS OO FF GGOO DD HHII SSTTOO RRYY

Though early Pe n t e c o s t a l s God was born. It was ﬁr s t were often accused of being known as The Christian uneducated, the ﬁrst chair- E v a n g e l , later as T h e man of the General Council Weekly Evangel, then as T h e of the Assemblies of God, Christian Evangel a g a i n , before becoming T h e Pentecostal Evangel o n October 18, 1919.

The Bible school recommended by the first General Council was T.K. Leonard’s Gospel School in Findlay, Ohio. The first Bible school established The first issue of The Christian by the Assemblies of God E v a n g e l, July 19, 1913. The first issue of (in 1920) was called the The Pentecostal Evangel, The P E N T E C O S T A L M I D WEST BIBLE October 18, 1919. E V A N G E L did not begin S C H O O L , located in as a “denominational” in July 1913, 9 months Auburn, Nebraska. It lasted magazine. In fact, it began before the Assemblies of but 1 year. E.N. Bell, ca. 1920

E . N . B E L L , was ex t r e m e - ly well educated. He held degrees from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and he earned a bachelor of divinity at the University of Chicago.

From its beginning in 1914, the Assemblies of God has never considered itself a denomination. It has always considered itself a “v o l u n- t a r y, cooperative fellowship.” Students at Midwest Bible School, 1920.

6 • F a l l 1 9 9 9 To d a y’s C E N T R A L BIBLE COLLEGE began in the basement of Central Assembly of God in S p r i n g ﬁeld, Missouri. Central Bible Institute opened its doors in 1922.

The radio program Re v i v a l t i m e was initially known as S e r mons in Song in the 1940s. The speaker was E.S. Williams, with narrator T. F. ZIMMERMAN.

Wo m e n’s Ministries began as a grassroots movement.

The ﬁrst class of Central Bible Institute, 1923.

Perhaps the first A/G mis- s i o n a ry to be martyred was Elmer Hammond, who was murdered by bandits in South China in 1916. Bandits in South China also murdered Paul Bettex later Etta Calhoun that same year. In 1932, E T T A CALHOUN, a W. E . S I M P S O N , son of prominent temperance leader early missionary leader W. W. in Texas, organized the fir s t Simpson, was killed on the Wo m e n’s Missionary Council fie l d . at Morwood Mission in 1925. Tw e n t y-seven districts General Superintendent independently formed a Ralph Riggs once wrote an WMC department before the open letter to the Fe l l o w s h i p General Council authorized a entitled “The Doctrine of national office in 1951. Divine Healing Is Being Wounded in the House of Two general superintendents Its Friends,” to curb an of the Assemblies of God o v e r-reaction against heal- passed away while in offic e . ing due to the “unscriptural, E.N. Bell passed away sud- unethical, and ex t r a v a g a n t denly with a heart attack at practices” of some healing his Springfield, Missouri, e v a n g e l i s t s . home in 1923. Wesley R. Steelberg died of a heart Since its inception, the attack in 1952, while in Assemblies of God has Wa l e s . had 11 different general The last picture of W. E. Simpson before he was murd e re d .

E n r i c h m e n t • 7 superintendents or chair- General Superintendent T. F. men. The longest tenure Zimmerman. During Cook’s was that of THOMAS F. meetings, a young man named Z I M M E R M A N , who J. Roswell Flower was saved. s e r ved from 1959 until He later married Alice 1 9 8 5 . Reynolds, a member of one of the church’s founding families. Three grandsons of WILLIAM AND C A THERINE BOOTH, founders of the Salvation A r m y, became members of the Assemblies of God.

Dollie Drain Simms

Thomas F. Zimmerm a n DO L L Y DRAIN S I M M S , who was ordained Jack Coe, ca. 1951 at the first General Council, was perhaps the first woman In 1956, J A CK COE, an to receive credentials from the Assemblies of God evange- Assemblies of God. list, was brought to trial on a charge of practicing medi- The first district council to cine without a license. be formed was the Oklahoma District Council in July 1914, Since it began in 1942, the at a camp meeting in Tulsa. National Association of Evangelicals has counted One of the main reasons for the Assemblies of God the formation of the A/G was First resolution in A/G history, April 2, 1914. among its most ardent mem- the advancement of missions. bers. The first A/G leader to The 1914 missionary list head the NAE was T. F. Missions and Churches, and men baptized there was E.S. included about 27 names. Z i m m e r m a n . Full Gospel Pe n t e c o s t a l Williams, later to be general Today there are almost 2,000 Missions, and Assemblies of superintendent of the A/G foreign missionaries. The very first resolution in l i ke faith in the United ( 1 9 2 9 – 4 9 ) . A/G history (4/2/14) read in States of America, Canada, Kenneth L. part, “BE IT and Foreign Lands.” Glenn Cook told of Pe n t e c o s t H o r n is R E S O L VED . . . T h a t [Capitalization is in the at a revival at the Christian m a n a g i n g we recognize ourselves as a o r i g i n a l . ] and Missionary Alliance editor of the G E N E RAL COUNCIL of Pe n t e - Gospel Tabernacle in Pe n t e c o s t a l costal (Spirit Baptized) saints The A/G roots were in the Indianapolis, Indiana, in E v a n g e l , from local Churches of God 1906–09 Azusa Street J a n u a r y 1907. Among those S p r i n g fi e l d , in Christ, Assemblies of God, revival in Los Angeles, to first hear of Pentecost there M i s s o u r i . and various Apostolic Fa i t h California. One of the young was the mother of future 8 • F a l l 1 9 9 9

A Century of Pentecostal Vi s i o n NTERVIEW WITH THOMAS E. TRASK I AAsskk tthhee SSuuppeerriinntteennddeenntt–– PPaasstt VVii cc tt oo rryy//PPrreesseenntt VVii ss ii oo nn

The history of the Assemblies of God vibrates with impressive accounts of personal sacriﬁce and faith. The early pioneers of Pentecost colonized to form an end-time church that would withstand the tide of political and economic u n c e r t a i n t y. Their aggressive emphasis on missions and depth of passion for the lost were proof of their anticipation of Christ’s soon re t u r n .

12 • F a l l 1 9 9 9 ecause of the share d - objective and O U R E F F E C T I V E N E S S A S A C H U R C H I N Christ-honoring faith of 300 men T H E Y E A R S T O C O M E ? and women who gathered in Hot TRA S K : We must remain focused on and Springs, Arkansas, in April 1914, dependent on the Holy Spirit. Out of that the Assemblies of God has emerg e d dependence comes the ingredient that make s as the largest and most influential this church effective—passion. Pa s s i o n Pentecostal group in the world. comes from God. Passion was real in our Reflecting on our past victories early years. We have been known as people of and with an eye to the future , deep passion. Our passion and compassion GBBeneral Superintendent Thomas E. Trask for the lost comes because we are compelled remains optimistic about the future of this by the Spirit. The Spirit, not ambition or ego, c h u rch. In his regular interv i e w, he talks drives us. This makes everything we do effec- about what will be re q u i red of the Assemblies tive. If we ever lose our passion, we are in of God if it is to re c a p t u re its reason for being trouble as a Fe l l o w s h i p . and remain effective in reaching the lost in the n e xt century. The great lesson we have learned, and must continue to learn, is our A S A C H U R C H , W H AT S P I R I T UA L L E SS O N M U S T W E CA R RY F R O M O U R PA S T I N T O dependence on God and on the T H E N E X T M I L L E N N I U M ? work of the Holy Spirit. TRA S K : The great lesson we have learned, and must continue to learn, is our depen- WH AT C H A R AC T E R I Z E D PA S T L E A D E R S dence on God and on the work of the Holy O F T H E A S S E M B L I E S O F GO D ? Spirit. Our ministry cannot be man’s doing; it TRA S K : It is significant that the Assemblies has to be the work of the Spirit. The Spirit’s of God was not started by a personality. This power launched the Early Church, and this is very rare, if not unique. God almost always The Spirit’s power same power has propelled this church to works through men. History reveals a com- launched the Early where it is today. mon thread running through each of the men called to lead this church. They were men of C h u rch, and this H i s t o r y reveals a common thread integrity and passion; they were men filled same power has running through each of the men called with the Spirit and the Word. These characteristics are found in men of leadership in the p ropelled this to lead this church. They were men of days of the Bible. These same characteristics c h u r ch to where integrity and passion; they were men must be found in our leaders of today and of the future. it is today. ﬁlled with the Spirit and the Wo rd . H O W H A S T H E A S S E M B L I E S O F G O D As God blesses the church with more pro- R E M A I N E D D O C T R I N A L LY S O U N D ? grams, assets, and resources, there is a ten- TRA S K : Over the last 85 years the Assemblies dency to rely on these things. But the Bible of God has come through times of doctrinal states that unless God builds the Church, we disputes. How have we survived and not gone labor in vain. We might be building a new off on tangents, or been swayed by some very building, but it is not our building; it is His. convincing teachings that appeared legiti- We are simply partners with Him, and we mate? It is because we have had leadership dare not move away from that. that did not waver. The Word of God remains Also, as we move into the 21st century, we our rule for doctrine and practice. Our do not need to design something new. The Fellowship has remained biblically sound both plan and purpose God reveals in His Word for in doctrine and practice. But it takes leader- the Church will carry it through to the ship that doesn’t move from that centerpiece. Rapture; however far or near that might be. The hallmark of this Movement is the phrase we have on our emblem: All the TH E A S S E M B L I E S O F G O D H A S A R I C H Gospel—which means the full gospel. Our S P I R I T UA L H E R I TAG E . W H AT W I L L M A R K doctrine has been derived from the Word of E n r i c h m e n t • 13 God, and it is not up for debate or negotia- purpose for the Church is fulfilled. tion. This church has had to take some unpopular stances and deal with some men YO U H AV E J U S T F I N I S H E D W R I T I N G A of visibility who chose to move away from BO O K A B O U T E VA N G E L I S M , TH E our doctrine. That takes courage. But our CH O I C E . W H AT WA S YO U R M O T I VAT I O N leaders have been men of courage and faith. F O R W R I T I N G I T ? TRA S K : The Holy Spirit placed this subject W H AT C O N C E R N S YO U M O S T A B O U T on my heart as the general superintendent T H E C H U R C H I N T O DAY’S S O C I E T Y ? of the Assemblies of God. What do we need TRA S K : We must remain people of prayer. to be doing? We need to be about the Jesus continued steadfastly in prayer Fa t h e r’s business of reaching the lost. This throughout His life and ministry. is more than building churches and I am believing God that as we move into increasing membership—simply growing the new century and millennium we will recapture our reason for being. God raised Our future is bright if we continue up this church to be evangelistic—to reach to believe and trust God for a mighty the lost at any cost. Jesus is not willing that any should per- outpouring of His Spirit. ish. Jesus said, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: n u m e r i c a l l y. Evangelism is rescuing men and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in and women from a Christless eternity J e r usalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, where they will be lost forever. and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We must continue to be con- YO U A R E O P T I M I S T I C A B O U T T H E cerned for the lost and do everything possi- F U T U R E O F T H E ASS E M B L I E S O F GO D . ble to reach them with the gospel. E X P L A I N . TRA S K : Yes, I am optimistic. The hand of God is upon this church. Our future is bright if we continue to believe and tru s t God for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit. Out of that God has given us great resources—the pastors and laity of this church, plus many dependence fine church facilities. If we will use our comes the ingre d i e n t resources and allow the Spirit to breathe on us with a fresh empowering, we can go into that makes this the new millennium with a renewed confi- c h u r ch effective— dence. We can have the results of another Pentecost, where multitudes were added to p a s s i o n . the Church daily. Paul said where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. God wrote the last chapter, and the last chapter says the Church wins. The challenge for us is to be a part of the After the lost are reached, we must disci- Church. He said the Church would be with- ple them to become not only believers in out spot or wrinkle. Are we as the Jesus Christ, but followers of Him as well. Assemblies of God going to be a part of that As we move into the 21st century, the Holy Church? I’m determined to be a part, and I Spirit needs to place in the hearts of pas- believe there is that cry in the hearts of our tors, evangelists, missionaries, and laity pastors. There is a hunger and desire for a the desire to reach the lost. move of God. The Lord is coming soon. The evidence is Let us believe God for the supernatural, all around us, and the fields are ripe unto for the miraculous, for the outstanding, h a r vest. We must not be content until His and He will do it. 14 • F a l l 1 9 9 9

A Century of Pentecostal Vi s i o n B Y J . R O S W E L L F L O W E R TH E GE N E S I S O F TH E PE N T E C O S TA L MO V E M E N T

n May 22, 1955, Mrs. Flower and days of that church at the Shearer I attended services in the Bethel School House in Cherokee County, Pentecostal Church of Newark, North Carolina, and those who were New Jersey, and were handed a baptized in the Holy Spirit spoke in copy of the current issue of the tongues, others prophesied, and mira- Pentecostal Evangel. We ob- cles of healing occurred. s e r ved on page 15 a notice of the While there were notable movings of death of a pioneer Pe n t e c o s t a l the Holy Spirit in which speaking in m i n i s t e r, Howard D. Stanley, at other tongues, prophecy, and the heal- the age of 79. ing of the sick were experienced, none of OThe passing of Howard D. Stanley these revivals grew into a Pe n t e c o s t a l would have been without particular sig- movement, such as resulted from the n i ficance if it were not for the fact he outpouring of the Holy Spirit that took was one of the students at Bethel Bible place at the turn of the century at College in Topeka, Kansas, who ex p e r i - H o w a rd D. Stanley Charles F. Parham’s Bethel Bible College. enced a glorious baptism in the Holy When the students at Bethel Bible Ghost on January 3, 1901. At Bethel College decided from their study of the Bible College, the momentous decision Scriptures that the scriptural evidence of was made by the student body, from its the baptism in the Holy Ghost is speak- study of the Book of the Acts, that the ing in tongues, and then tarried and scriptural evidence of the baptism in the expected that experience, the time had Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues as the arrived for the inauguration of a Holy Spirit gives the utterance. Movement which was to encircle the This was not the first time since world and become entrenched in every Apostolic days the Holy Spirit had been continent and in almost every nation on outpoured, accompanied by spiritual the face of the globe. manifestations including prophecy and We are living in the age in which sci- speaking in tongues, as has been noted ence has succeeded in smashing the in With Signs Fo l l o w i n g , by Stanley H. atom, and we hear about nuclear fis s i o n Fr o d s h a m . 1 and chain reaction. It would seem there In the United States there were mov- is a parallel between the discovery of the ings of the Holy Spirit as early as secrets of the atom and the outpouring 1854 in New England, among those of the Holy Spirit. On January 1, 1901, a who were known as “The Gift Pe o p l e . ” young woman [Agnes N. Ozman], a stu- At Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1903, dent at Bethel Bible College in To p e k a , under the ministry of John Thompson, John Thompson Kansas, requested that hands be laid on a minister of the Swedish Mission, the her that she might receive the Holy Holy Spirit was outpoured and those remains with us to this day. Then we Ghost, according to the pattern set forth receiving the Spirit spoke in new learn from the Church of God that the in the Book of Acts. Although the lead- tongues. The influence of that revival Holy Spirit was outpoured in the early ers of the college had misgivings as to 16 • F a l l 1 9 9 9 ill II

II III a a 11'1 III

II a ell i:I II a

Bethel Bible College, Topeka, Kansas. spiritual mushroom effect. The activat- AtBethel Bible College, the ed particles spread throughout Kansas, momentous decision was into Missouri, then to Texas, and finally Los Angeles, California. From there it made by the student body, spread to all parts of the earth, for (with from its study of the Book of the possible exception of the Church of God and the Girls Home in India operat- the Acts, that the scriptural ed by Pandita Ramabai) every Pente- evidence of the costal unit in existence today can be traced back to that obscure beginning in baptism in the Holy Ghost the State of Kansas. is speaking in tongues The newly baptized students were inspired to launch out first in the vicini- as the Holy Spirit ty of the school, then to neighboring Agnes N. Ozman gives the utterance. towns including Lawrence; Kansas City; baptizing her in the Holy Ghost, and Galena, Kansas; and Joplin, Missouri. the authority they possessed, they she spoke in tongues and glorified the The story of the Pentecostal revivals in responded to the request and laid hands Lord. It was as though a spiritual atom Galena in 1903, in Orchard and Hous- on her, and God honored her faith by had been exploded, and produced a ton, Texas, in 1904 and 1905, WilliamJ. SO'mour inftont qf Azusa Street Mission, ca. 1910. known) in Houston, Texas. Although admonished by the brethren in Houston not to go to Los Angeles until he had received the Pentecostal baptism, Sey- mour nevertheless felt impelled to accept the invitation that had been given him. The result of his going to Los Angeles is well known, for in Los Angeles, California, on April 9, 1906, when the first persons in that city received the Holy Spirit according to the pattern, another spiritual atom was exploded, which scattered the Pente- costal message to the ends of the earth. The brilliance of that Pentecostal explosion was so great, that many were unaware of the links in the chain. It can be traced back to Hous- ton, where a great Pentecostal revival -..~. "- was still in progress, and still farther Charles F.Parham and wor},ers qfthe Apostolic Faith Movement in the Bryan Hall meeting in back to Bethel Bible College. Houston, Texas, JU(y 6 to August 10, 1905. Parham is seated in row 3,fourthftom the lift. The Apostolic Faith Movement, which is recorded in With Signs Following link in the chain and one effect of chain was centered in Houston, was steadily and is worth reading.2 reaction. William J. Seymour, a black growing in spiritual power and influ- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in holiness preacher, came under the influence. It has been estimated that at that Los Angeles, and the revival at the ence of the Apostolic Faith Movement time there were approximately 1,000 Azusa Street Mission was in fact one (as the Pentecostal movement was first CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 ... 1 . ..>.. ..;>1;iX9 >i... 2 3 >S6 ,,'. .. > >/6 , ...... ,' . . . . . ,',:. :...... '. ",-J.:'/'--".,">:'::--. . . ,,'." r:.\,. ""!-.:iL:::< .:'''': -,W:,'i'.',.': ,"'n/.:

I GENERAL CHAIRMAN 9~ 4, "1920-23 I "1 ~ ALONE VVE CANNOT TOUCH

THE FRINGES*"r&

cannot yet understand what the we must have your help; yea, your brethren saw in me to dare trust counsel and leadership. Alone we me to undertake so great a cannot touch the fringes; but responsibility toward God, with all of you we can make the toward them and the cause, devil know we are in the land. and at such a needy time. Let every pastor and evangelist God is my refuge. He only be a man for God and do his can keep and guide me. His best. Get one or two to help you strength is my only hope. and go in to plant the banner of 1 Brethren, no man can glori- our King high over every earthly fy God in this place while laboring' \ banner. Clear out the stones, \ in his own wisdom and his own, make a highway, and lift up the strength. He must be swallowed up iR standard for the people. God has God, lost in His will, and moved on by brought you dear brethren to the the anointing of the Holy Ghost. Surely, Kingdom for just such a time as this. for the sake of His own dear Son, for the Men and angels are looking down to see sake of His own bleeding cause, and in answer what you will do. to your united, earnest, continued prayers, He will :ave Lord, w.e are ashamed of ourselves. You have done so me from myself, be my wisdom and strength, and hide me much for us, and we have done so little for Thee. How long out of sight in Jesus. Believe with me for it; p~y t~ this have YOubeen waiting on us, Lord, us men whom You bap- end, and we together will make the fight of our lives for tized with. the Hoiy Ghost? Look on still. We have heard !I Him, and if need be, die in the harness together for His Your call. Don't give us over; we are coming. Help us, Lord! glory. Ou.rhands we place in Thine; lead Thou us on. The field has never been more needy. The golden grain, U 1k1 Euaorus..N. Bell, aformer Southern Baptist pastor, was all over this great land of ours and to the enes of the elected asthefirst chairman (general superintendent) if earth, is dead ripe for harvest, and no adequate forces in the Assemblies.if God, 1914, 1920-23. He was publisher sight to reap it. Already we are years behind in mar- ifWord andcWitness and later supervised the printing if shalling and training our forces. 0 God, can we never The Christian!2vargel (later The Pentecostal Evangel). make it up? The general men who can give themselves This exhortat{pn" to the brethren if the Fellowship is wholly to this work are entirely inadequate. 'adapteq./rom The Pentecostal Evangel, November 27, What are we going to do? Well, we arelt'not going to 1920. M spare ourselves; we are Your servants, God's servants, and we put ourselves and all that we are and have a *The original article appeared without a title. This title is unreservedly on the altar of His service. But brethren, addedfor editorial purposes onlY.

ENRICHMENT.19 c

[

I' ~ ill,,,., GENERAL CHAIRMAN "19"14-"15 II IJ! PRAYER AND REVIVAL: THE GREAT NEED OF THE MOVEMENT

II IJ ifteen years ago incessant prayer was Then prayer will be the atmosphere of your soul-to made for a worldwide revival. One live in, to walk in, to work in, and to sleep in. phase of that revival was the out- Turn down everything that hinders pouring of the Holy Spirit in all prayer. Then unity, power, blessing, and the earth. But so much was salvation will come. Let all the back- made of the experiences that sliders pray with David: "Restore many ran after the signs unto me the joy of thy salvation; and wonders, and the iwd uphold me with a free spirit." saints looked away from Let us pray without ceasing, Jesus, until many left the faith. praying always for all saints, The demand for a revival is with all perseverance for the imperative; the need is urgent; preacher. Give God no rest. Say, danger is imminent; division and' "I will not let Thee go." Throw death are wrecking the lives and yourself on His mercy. souls of men. There is a trumpet Nothing is more in divine order call to the Church-to the angel or or according to the divine purpose messenger of the Church-to repent.\ than a revival. Let all the saints and do the first work, because he has everywhere pray for a revival and left his first love. believe and expect it and praise God for God has made every provision for a it. In view of the shortness of time, the revival. He so loved the world that He gave His impending judgments of God, and the wreck only begotten Son who gave His life on the cross, to and ruin everywhere, let everybody pray. 1\11 atone for sin. He sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world This Pentecostal movement has the greatest opportunity to of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He has "given ,His prove to the world that revival is of God. Filled with the Holy Word, sharper than any two-edged sword, a discerner of Spirit, endowea with the gifts, equipped as no other people the thoughts and intents of the heart. He has called, ~re-what ,an overwhelming responsibility is upon us. endowed, and sent messengers to preach the gospel-the Let me appeal to all the saints everywhere, entreating power of God unto salvation. He has called ~very saint to yquir the name of J~sus.i.Lay aside everything that hin- ...,] pray for lost souls. ders prayer and watch and pray always that you may be The Holy Spirit was given to make a revival easy, for,aft~r counted worthy to escape those things that are coming on I;J dreams, visions and prophecy, signs and wonders, it is the earth and'to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21 :36). added, "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord'1 shall Evenso come Lordjesus. Amen. II be saved." So God has made all the necessary~provisions for A.P. Collins, chairman 1914-15, succeeded E.N. Bell as a the revival. It remains for us to pray it down. Let every saint u the leader if the Assemblies if God. His peers called him pray for it, talk for it, and let the papers be filled with it. Let "the saintlY peacemaker." He was considered one if the the word "revival" be burned in on our hearts until we can II sweetest spirited. men in Pentecostal history. This sermon see it everywhere. Get a vision of Jesus on the clbss. Get His' i~adapted from the January 22, 1916, issue if The 11 resurrection power in our lives. Be filledJwith His Spirit. Pentecostal Evangel.

20 . FALL 1 9 9 9 II

ASSEMB'-aIES OF GOD

SERMON EXCE~PTS FROM THE 11 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD SUPERINTENDENTS

M WILLIAM T. GASTON ERNEST S. WILLIAMS"- II WESLEY R. STEELBERG GAYLE F. LEWIS

RALPH M. RIGGS THOMAS F. ZIMMERMAN G. RAYMOND CARLSON THOMAS E. TRASK LI"ITLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD LEADERS !:I FACT 1: FACT 2: FACT 3: FACT 4: FACT 5: FACT 6: EI Five if the nine Two served for E.S. Williams The youngest man TWo superintendents Longevity. Williams leaders attended years or more: i:I III" 20 II!i holds the record to ever hold the died in qffice: (96), Welch, Lewis. thefirst General E.S. Williams Jor most times qffice was w.T. Gas- E.N. Bell (June 15, and Carlson (80), Counci! in 1914: (20); T.F. elected (10). ton who was elect- 1923); Weslty R. Zimmerman (79), E.N. Bell, A.P. Zimmerman ed atage 39. G. Steelberg (July 8, Riggs (75), Gaston Collins, j. W. Welch, (26). I..'!I Raymond Carlson, 1952). (70), Collins (59) w,T.Gaston, and @atage 66, was the Bell (57), and Steel- R.M. Riggs. oldest superinten- berg (50). Average dent to be elected. is "three score and twelve. " f.I ENRICHMENT' 21 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 persons in the Midwest who had received the Pentecostal baptism, and 60 or more recognized Pentecostal ministers. The original Apostolic Faith Movement in the Southwest was des- tined to form the nucleus of the Assem- blies of God some years later. It should be noted that in the December 20, 1913, issue of the The Word and Wit- ness, a Pentecostal periodical published in Malvern, Arkansas, a list of 352 recognized ministers of the Movement was published, most of whom were laboring for Christ in the Midwestern states. The great impetus to the spread of the Pentecostal message worldwide came from Los Angeles. It was from Los Angeles the good news spread abroad by word of mouth and the printed page, and it was to Los Ange- les that hundreds of ministers came, received the Holy Spirit in Pente- costal fullness, and then scattered out with the message to all parts of the United States and Canada. The periodical, Apostolic Faith, published in Los Angeles, was also instrumental in bringing the message to many hungry Christians, who, inspired by what was happening elsewhere, sought the Lord diligently, thus spreading the fire in communities which had not been touched with personalities from Los Angeles.

Charles H. Mason C.H. Mason, a black holiness A list q/the 352 recognized ministers published in the December 20, 1913, Word and Witness. minister, left his home in Memphis, Apostolic Faith Group, ca. 1910. Charles F. Parham is third from the right. Tennessee, and came to Los Angeles in strong personality and a capable leader, 1906. There he received the Pentecostal and was chosen to serve as moderator of baptism and returned to Memphis to the General Assembly in 1909. The spread the message among his own peo- church was confirmed in this ple. He was the founder of the Church of God in Christ, which, according to claim, rivals in number of constituents the largest of the white Pentecostal groups. C.H. Mason is highly revered by both white and black Pentecostals for his work’s sake. G.B. Cashwell, a minister of the Holiness Association of North Carolina, went to Los Angeles in 1906, received the Pentecostal baptism, and returned to his home in Dunn, North Carolina, where he rented a large warehouse and G.B. Cashwell began meetings. G.B. Cashwell was the A year after Cashwell’s return to the link in the chain that opened the Southeast, in January of 1908, he Southeastern states to the Pentecostal preached in Cleveland, Tennessee, at the message. It is recorded that before the conclusion the General Conference of the A. J. Tomlinson, 1913 year 1907 was concluded, all, or nearly Church of God. A.J. Tomlinson, at that all, the ministers of the Fire Baptized time pastor of the church in Cleveland, Pentecostal position and has throughout Holiness Church had received a person- received the Pentecostal baptism. He the years that followed contributed al experience of the baptism in the Holy had not at the first accepted the greatly to the spread of the Pentecostal Spirit. Three groups in the Southeastern Pentecostal message, although the message. states, which had received the message church which he served had been Others were influenced by G.B. through Brother Cashwell, later com- Pentecostal since the outpouring of the Cashwell, included two evangelists by bined to form the Pentecostal Holiness Holy Spirit at the Shearer School House the name of H.G. Rodgers and M.M. Church. in 1896. Brother Tomlinson was a Pinson. These men carried the message Enrichment • 23 throughout the dominion. and the second periodical bearing the The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in same name, the Apostolic Faith, that Los Angeles can be likened to the burst- was published in Los Angeles. Other ing of an aerial bomb, for from Los periodicals appeared such as: The Angeles the message was scattered Bridegroom’s Messenger published in almost simultaneously to all parts of the Atlanta, Georgia; the Way of Faith of world. Miss Ivey Campbell, a woman of Columbia, South Carolina; The New profound piety, received the baptism in Acts, Alliance, Ohio; the Latter Rain Evangel, and Pentecostal Testimony, Chicago, Illinois; The Church of God Evangel, Cleveland, Tennessee; the Pentecostal Holiness Advocate, Franklin Springs, Georgia. All these contributed to spread the Movement so it was out of hand so far as the leadership of the H.G. Rodgers, 1913 Azusa Street Mission or the Houston, Texas, group was concerned. The Apostolic Faith Movement had indeed become a Pentecostal movement, and a force to be reckoned with in the religious world. But the spread of the Movement was not to be conﬁned to the United States and Canada. It was to spread overseas to every continent, and the rapidity with Ivey Campbell which the chain reaction took place was startling indeed. the Holy Ghost in Los Angeles and carried the message to Akron, Ohio. In the summer of 1907, a glorious camp meeting was held at Beulah Park campground in Cleveland, Ohio, where

M.M. Pinson many of the ministers and laity of the Christian and Missionary Alliance came into Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. into the Pentecostal experience. Some of They also carried it to south Florida. these later aligned themselves with the Later, these two men were instrumental Assemblies of God. Others remained in bringing into the Assemblies of God a with the Alliance, modifying their views number of churches that had been creat- somewhat on speaking in tongues in ed under their ministry in the Southeast. conformity with the Alliance position on In the meantime, the Pentecostal fire that subject. was being carried into Canada by R.E. The years 1906–08 were notable McAlister, Brother and Sister Hebden years because during those years the Pentecostal message was spread all Los Angeles and the over the world. Los Angeles and the Azusa Street Mission became symbols Azusa Street Mission T.B. Barratt of Pentecost. The Movement, however, became symbols was soon out of hand, for new centers Who can understand the leadings of of Pentecost. were being established which gave no the Lord? Who would have imagined the particular allegiance to the Azusa Street outcome of the decision made by Pastor of Toronto, and A.H. Argue of Mission. Periodicals began to appear T.B. Barratt to visit the United States in Winnipeg. It was not long until the following the early periodical published 1906? Pastor Barratt, a minister of the Pentecostal message was spread in Houston, Texas, the Apostolic Faith, Methodist Church in Christiania, 24 • Fall 1999 Norway, visited America to solicit funds Louis Schneiderman, and others, left But the expectation to open a large city mission in his for South Africa in the spring of 1908, nation’s capital. His fund-raising mis- and went directly to Johannesburg. The is that this great sion was not too successful—but he same signs that followed the ministry outpouring of the came in contact with the Apostolic Faith of the Word in the U.S.A. were experi- Mission in New York City, was brought enced in South Africa, and the Holy Spirit is a forerunner under conviction for his spiritual need, Apostolic Faith Mission was born. of the advent of opened his heart, and tarried for and Later, these American workers returned received the Pentecostal baptism on to America, but the seed they had plant- our Lord Jesus Christ. October 7, 1906. He returned home, and ed continued to germinate until the under his ministry a revival broke out in Apostolic Faith Mission has reached its Even so, come quickly, Norway in January 1907. present proportions. Lord Jesus. Christiania, later named Oslo, became the center for a chain reaction that car- Egypt, many parts of Africa, India, ried the Pentecostal message to Sweden, China, Japan, Central and South England, Denmark, and many places on America, Australia, and New Zealand. the continent. Pastor Lewi Pethrus read It would be impossible to tell the whole of the Barratt meetings in a Stockholm story. Thousands upon thousands, per- newspaper in January of 1907, and went haps millions of souls, have been to Oslo. Through this contact, the enlightened as to their privilege in Pentecostal message was introduced Christ of a full salvation, and have into Sweden. A.A. Boddy, rector of All received the baptism in the Holy Saints Episcopal Church at Sunderland, Ghost. The Acts of the Apostles has England, spent 4 days with Pastor been repeated on a grand scale that Barratt, and then returned home. Under surpassed the fondest expectations of his ministry, showers of latter rain the early participants. What the end began to fall in Sunderland in shall be no one can possibly know. September of 1907. The first city in Scotland to experience the latter rain ENDNOTES baptism was the city of Kilsyth, also in 1. Stanley H. Frodsham, With Signs the year 1907. Two missionaries were Following, (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel sent from Oslo to Switzerland, bringing Publishing House, 1941), 253–262. the Pentecostal message to that country 2. Ibid., 19–29. in the year 1908. The late J. Roswell Flower served as the South Africa was visited with a first secretary-treasurer of the Assemblies Pentecostal revival early in 1908. Minnie Abrams’ book of God in 1914. He and his wife, Alice, Thomas Hezmalhalch came from Los founded the Christian Evangel in 1913 Angeles to Indianapolis, Indiana, in What more can we say. Early mission- (later The Weekly Evangel and since 1919 March of 1907. He and his party then aries went to China and to India. A book The Pentecostal Evangel). From 1919 to 1923, Flower served as the Fellowship’s went to Zion, Illinois, where God gave by Miss Minnie Abrams entitled, The first missionary secretary-treasurer. In them an outstanding Pentecostal min- Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire, 1929, he was elected superintendent of the istry. The work in Zion had been describing the revival in the girls home Eastern District, and in 1931 was elected opened in 1906 by Charles F. Parham, operated by Pandita Ramabai, fell into to serve as nonresident assistant superin- the leader of the Apostolic Faith the hands of W.C. Hoover, a Methodist tendent until selected in 1935 to serve as general secretary-treasurer. When the Movement of Houston, Texas, so that missionary in Chile, in 1907. As a result, Assemblies of God established the position the ground was well prepared for the the Holy Spirit was outpoured in Chile of general treasurer ministry of the Hezmalhalch party. under the ministry of Brother Hoover in in 1947, Flower con- Following this meeting, the party July 1909. tinued as general sec- returned to Indianapolis and plans During those first few years, the retary until his retire- were laid for the outfitting of a party to Pentecostal message was carried by a ment in 1959. This article is adapted go to South Africa. The party, consist- spiritual chain reaction into Germany, from The Pentecostal ing of Thomas Hezmalhalch and wife, the eastern European countries, Evangel, January 29, John G. Lake and wife, J.O. Lehman, Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, 1956. Enrichment • 25 A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY GARY B. MCGEE WILLIAM J. SEYMOUR AND THE AZUSA STREET REVIVAL

o read the newspapers in 1906, theories, and work themselves into a “comprehend the babel.” one might have wondered about state of mad excitement.” Nonetheless, for the spiritually hun- all the excitement in an old If that didn’t grab the reader’s atten- gry who came from far and wide to building on Azusa Street in the tion, the article continued by saying receive their Pentecost, “the very atmos- T industrial part of the city. that, “Colored people and a sprinkling of phere of heaven” had descended, According to the Los Angeles Times, a whites compose the congregation, and according to one. bizarre new religious sect had started night is made hideous in the neighbor- A visiting Baptist pastor said, “The with people “breathing strange utter- hood by the howlings of the worshippers Holy Spirit fell upon me and ﬁlled me lit- ances and mouthing a creed which it who spend hours swaying forth and erally, as it seemed to lift me up, for would seem no sane mortal could back in a nerve-racking attitude of indeed, I was in the air in an instant, understand.” Furthermore, “Devotees of prayer and supplication.”1 To top it all shouting, ‘Praise God,’ and instantly I the weird doctrine practice the most off, they claimed to have received the began to speak in another language. I fanatical rites, preach the wildest “gift of tongues,” and what’s more, could not have been more surprised if at

The April 18, 1906, issue of the Los Angeles Times carried the above story on the Azusa Street revival. 26 • Fall 1999 The Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, ca. 1906. the same moment someone had handed heard about the remarkable revival in me a million dollars.”2 Wales, where from September 1904 to Little could the subscribers of the June 1905, 100,000 people were convert- Times have guessed that in years to ed to Christ. For the evangelicals around come, historians would say that the the world who had been praying for the Azusa Street revival played a major role outpouring of the latter rain of the Spirit in the development of modern as promised by the Old Testament Pentecostalism—a Movement that prophet Joel (2:23–29), the spectacular changed the religious landscape and results in Wales suggested that the great became the most vibrant force for world end-times revival had begun. The world evangelization in the 20th century. could now be evangelized in the power Azusa Street became the most signifi- of the Spirit before the imminent return cant revival of the century in terms of of Christ and the impending judgment on global perspective. the wicked. While comparable in many ways to The news of the Wales revival piqued other Pentecostal revivals at the time, the interest of Joseph Smale, pastor of several dynamics at the Apostolic Faith First Baptist Church in Los Angeles. He Mission on Azusa Street set it apart. To traveled to Wales to see the revival first- understand what happened and why it hand. After returning home and telling still has relevance for believers after his congregation about the revival, he nearly a century, one must look at the wrote that “fully two hundred of them events leading up to the revival in Los came out of their seats and wept in pen- Angeles, the leadership of William J. itence before the Lord.” Smale began Seymour, and its unique features and holding daily services both in the after- legacy. noons and evenings, and continued to hammer away at the need for revival in THE WELSH REVIVAL Los Angeles and America. Church mem- William J. Seymour was one of the most respected early Pentecostal leaders. Expectancy of revival intensified in Los bers then sought earnestly for the power He played an important role in the Angeles, California, when believers there of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. But after Azusa Street revival. Enrichment • 27 a 15-week diet of this preaching, the member Edward S. Lee, accepted Lee’s church board complained and Smale left invitation to hold Bible studies and to found First New Testament Church. prayer meetings there. After this, he Another congregation, Second Baptist went to the home of Richard and Ruth Church, also experienced division when Asberry at 214 North Bonnie Brae Street. Julia W. Hutchinson—an African- Five weeks later, Lee became the first to American—and several other members speak in tongues. Seymour then shared embraced the holiness belief that a sec- Lee’s testimony at a gathering on North ond work of grace following conversion Bonnie Brae and soon many began to would purify the soul of its sinful nature. speak in tongues. These new groups of believers, however, Word of these events traveled quickly continued to pray for the outpouring of in both the African-American and white the Holy Spirit. communities. For several nights, speak- ers preached on the porch to the crowds WILLIAM J. SEYMOUR on the street below. Believers from William J. Seymour, an African- Hutchinson’s mission, First New American, was born May 2, 1870, in Testament Church, and various holiness Centerville, Louisiana, to former slaves congregations began to pray for the Simon and Phillis Seymour, who raised Pentecostal baptism. (Hutchinson her- Charles F. Parham him as a Baptist. Later, while living in self was eventually baptized in the Spirit Cincinnati, Ohio, he came into contact give intelligible languages—speaking in as was Seymour himself.) Finally, after with holiness teachings through Martin tongues to believers for missionary the front porch collapsed, the group Wells Knapp’s God’s Revivalist move- evangelism. rented the former Stevens African ment and Daniel S. Warner’s Church of Neeley Terry, an African-American and Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at God Reformation movement, otherwise member of the new congregation led by 312 Azusa Street in early April. A Los known as the Evening Light Saints. Hutchinson in Los Angeles, visited Angeles newspaper referred to it as a Believing that they were living in the Houston in 1905 and was impressed “tumble down shack.” It had recently twilight of human history, these when she heard Seymour preach. been used as a livery stable and tene- Christians believed that the Spirit’s out- Returning home, she recommended him ment house. Discarded lumber and plas- pouring would precede the rapture of the to Hutchinson, since the church was ter littered the large, barn-like room on Church. They deeply impressed the seeking a pastor. As a result, Seymour the ground floor. young Seymour. accepted the invitation to shepherd the The meetings at the Apostolic Faith After moving to Houston, Seymour small flock. With some financial assis- Mission quickly caught the attention of attended a local African-American holi- tance from Parham, he traveled by train the press due to the unusual nature of ness congregation pastored by Lucy F. westward and arrived in Los Angeles in Farrow, a former governess in the house- February 1906. hold of Charles F. Parham. Parham led the midwestern Apostolic Faith move- AZUSA STREET REVIVAL ment, the original name of the Seymour immediately encountered resis- Pentecostal movement, that had begun tance when, just 2 days after arriving, he in his Bethel Bible School in Topeka, began preaching to his new congregation Kansas, in January 1901. By 1905, he that speaking in tongues was the Bible had relocated his base of operations to evidence of the baptism in the Holy the Houston area where he conducted Spirit. On the following Sunday, March revivals and started another Bible 4, he returned to the mission and found school. Farrow arranged for Seymour to that Hutchinson had padlocked the door. attend classes. However, because of the Condemnation also came from the “Jim Crow” segregation laws of the time, Holiness Church Association of Southern Seymour had to listen to Parham’s lec- California with which the church had tures while sitting apart from the other affiliation. Not everyone in the congrega- students. Seymour accepted Parham’s tion, however, was troubled by view of baptism in the Holy Spirit—the Seymour’s teaching. Undaunted, belief that in every instance, God would Seymour, staying at the home of church Frank Bartleman, 1906 28 • Fall 1999 214 North Bonnie Brae Street, Los Angeles, ca. 1906. the worship. Between 300 and 350 peo- Enthusiastic worship marked the there…. In that old building, with its ple could get into the whitewashed 40- low rafters and bare floors, God took by 60-foot wood frame structure, with services with singing (a cappella strong men and women to pieces, and many others occasionally forced to stand at first); testimonies; prayer for put them together again, for His outside. Church services were held on glory…. The religious ego preached its the first floor where the benches were the sick; shouting the praises of own funeral sermon quickly.”3 placed in a rectangular pattern. Some of God; altar calls for those seeking The second floor housed the office of the benches were simply planks put on the mission and rooms for several resi- top of empty nail kegs. There was no ele- salvation, sanctification, and dents including Seymour and his wife vated platform. There was no pulpit at Jenny. It also had a large prayer room to Spirit baptism; singing in the beginning of the revival. handle the overflow from the altar ser- Although several people could be con- tongues; preaching; times of vices below. One seeker described it as sidered leaders, the best known was the follows: “Upstairs is a long room fur- unassuming William J. Seymour. Frank silence; and persons falling nished with chairs and three California Bartleman, an early participant, down “under the power.” Some redwood planks, laid end to end on back- recalled that “Brother Seymour general- less chairs. This is the Pentecostal upper ly sat behind two empty shoe boxes, received visions or calls to the room where sanctified souls seek one on top of the other. He usually kept mission field. All expected Pentecostal fullness and go out speaking his head inside the top one during the in new tongues.”4 meeting, in prayer. There was no pride Christ’s soon return. Still, the revival advanced slowly Enrichment • 29 William J. Seymour and his wife, Jenny Moore.

during the summer months with only wide began to attend. Missionary Bernt Stories of the revival spread quickly 150 people receiving “the gift of the Holy Bernsten traveled all the way from North across North America to Europe and Ghost and the Bible evidence.” But this China to investigate the happenings after other parts of the world as participants changed in the fall as the revival gained hearing that the promised latter rain was traveled, testified, and published articles momentum and people from far and falling. in sympathetic holiness publications. 30 • Fall 1999 Particularly influential was the Apostolic new languages for gospel preaching Lord to identify the languages they had Faith (Los Angeles), issued occasionally overseas. This would enable them to received. between September 1906 and May 1908 bypass the nuisance of formal language African-Americans, Latinos, whites, through the labors of Seymour and Clara study. The Apostolic Faith reported: “God and others prayed and sang together, cre- Lum, editors. Distributed without charge, is solving the missionary problem, send- ating a dimension of spiritual unity and thousands of ministers and laypersons ing out new-tongued missionaries on the equality, almost unprecedented for the received copies at home and overseas: apostolic faith line, without purse or time. It allowed men, women, and chil- 5,000 copies of the first edition scrip, and the Lord is going before them dren to celebrate their unity in Christ and (September 1906) were printed, and by preparing the way.” Missionaries home participate as led by the Spirit. Indeed, so 1907 the press run reached 40,000. on furloughs also attended and spoke in unusual was the mixture of blacks and Most who visited the mission came to tongues and in a few instances identified whites, that Bartleman enthusiastically receive the empowerment of Spirit bap- the languages being spoken. The recipi- exclaimed, “The color line was washed tism and be equipped with intelligible ents, however, usually depended on the away in the blood.”5 He meant that in the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, the sin of racial prejudice had been removed by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, in late summer 1906, Charles Parham had begun leading another Pentecostal revival in Zion City, Illinois, among the followers of the nationally known faith healer John Alexander Dowie. Not until October did Parham leave for California, hoping to consolidate the faithful in Los Angeles within the wider network of Apostolic Faith believers, and second, to harness what he considered to be an unbridled religious enthusiasm. As it happened, the emotional worship and particularly the mingling of whites and blacks together deeply offended him. Parham laid the blame at Seymour’s feet. The majority of the Azusa faithful remained loyal to Seymour after Parham left with some of the people to establish a rival mission. Within just a few years of its beginning, the Apostolic Faith Mission had become predominantly black with Seymour remaining as pastor. Years later prejudice surfaced there as well, however, when Seymour himself excluded whites from leadership posts at the mission, reserving those for people of color.

SEYMOUR’S LEGACY On a worldwide scale, the Azusa Street revival contributed to a new diaspora of missionaries who anticipated that global evangelization would be achieved by gospel preaching accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 5:12). The first issue of The Apostolic Faith, Los Angeles, September 1906, carried the above news story on the Azusa Street revival. While only a small number of missionaries Enrichment • 31 Early leaders of the Azusa Street Mission, 1907. William J. Seymour, front, second from right. Mrs. Jenny Seymour, back, third from left. traveled from Azusa Street to minister Azusa and encouraged them to be sensi- to Pentecostalism, as well as the con- overseas, it impacted many more who tive to the Spirit’s direction of the tempt of Parham and later that of Frank started other Pentecostal revival centers services there. Photographs depict him Bartleman. As white Pentecostal denomi- that surfaced as a result of hearing the as a warm, friendly, and smiling person nations formed and told their stories, news of the outpouring of the Spirit in of average physical stature. Seymour’s Seymour was forgotten, partly because Los Angeles. For many, the Azusa Street bout with smallpox had left him blind in he did not contribute to their founding, revival had inaugurated at long last the his left eye. partly due to their seeing Topeka as the great end-times revival. fountainhead of the Movement, and part- Much more could be said about the Nonetheless, for the spiritually ly due to prioritizing evangelism above long-term influence of the revival and hungry who came from far and preserving the historical record. Seymour that of “Bishop” William J. Seymour also departed from the teaching that (an honorary title that he later wide to receive their Pentecost, speaking in tongues was the initial phys- received, probably from his congrega- “the very atmosphere of ical evidence of the baptism in the Holy tion). The limitations of this article, Spirit. These all contributed to Seymour however, preclude such a lengthy dis- heaven” had descended, becoming an almost-forgotten figure in cussion. We will look specifically at the according to one. Pentecostal history. legacy of Seymour. Seymour’s greatness today can be To begin with, it must be noted that he Nevertheless, Seymour’s ministry did found in his concern for spiritual empow- modeled a genuine humility that many not come without a price. He personally erment and unity. The attention at acclaimed. He desired to foster unity endured the biting criticisms of his oppo- Topeka and other Pentecostal revivals among the seekers of the Holy Spirit at nents—holiness leaders not sympathetic centered on the need for Christians to 32 • Fall 1999 receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit to In September 1906, the first issue of 3. Bartleman, 58. win souls to Christ. The unique interra- the Apostolic Faith reported: “In a short 4. Stanley H. Frodsham, With Signs Following (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel cial and intercultural dynamics at Azusa, time God began to manifest His power Publishing House, 1941), 34. however, accented both holiness of char- and soon the building could not contain 5. Bartleman, xviii. acter and power to witness in an unusu- the people. Proud, well-dressed preachers al demonstration of love and equality in come in to ‘investigate.’ Soon their high RECOMMENDED READING the body of Christ. In this respect, it pow- looks are replaced with wonder, then Bartleman, Frank. Azusa Street. S. Plainfield, erfully reminds us that the fullness of conviction comes, and very often you will N.J.: Bridge Publishing, 1980; originally published in 1925 as How Pentecost Came Pentecostal power will elude those who find them in a short time wallowing on to Los Angeles. seek for power in their ministry above the dirty floor, asking God to forgive Creech, Joe. “Visions of Glory: The Place of the that of Christlike character. them and make them as little children.” Azusa Street Revival in Pentecostal The Azusa Street revival illustrated the History.” Church History 65 (September [Seymour] desired to fundamental truth about the acquisition of 1996): 405–424. Hollenweger, Walter J. Pentecostalism: Origins spiritual power: The desire to love others foster unity among the seekers and Developments Worldwide. Peabody, and win the world for Christ begins with Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 1997. of the Holy Spirit at Azusa brokenness, repentance, and humility. Martin, Larry, comp. and ed. The True and encouraged them to be Believers: Eye-Witness Accounts of the Gary B. McGee Revival That Shook the World. Joplin, Mo.: sensitive to the Spirit’s direction Ph.D., is professor Christian Life Books, 1998. of church history Seymour, William J., ed. The Azusa Street of the services there. at the Assemblies Papers: A Reprint of The Apostolic Faith of God Theological Mission Publications, Los Angeles, The missionary expansion of the Seminary, California (1906–08). Foley, Ala.: Together Early Church as recorded in the Book of Springfield, in the Harvest Publications, 1997. Missouri. Acts highlights the fact the Pentecostal Robeck, Jr., Cecil M. “Azusa Street Revival.” In Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic outpouring led to the embrace of people Movements. Ed. Stanley M. Burgess and ENDNOTES who were normally considered impure Gary B. McGee. Grand Rapids: Zondervan by Jewish standards. The outpourings 1. Frank Bartleman, Azusa Street (South Publishing House, 1988, 31–36. of the Spirit at Samaria (Acts 8) and Plainfield, N.J.: Bridge Publishing, ______. “William J. Seymour and the among the Gentiles (Acts 10) taught 1980), xviii. ‘Bible Evidence.’ ” In Initial Evidence: 2. Ansel Post, Way of Faith, quoted in early Christians that God’s redemptive Historical and Biblical Perspectives on the Frank Bartleman, Azusa Street, (South Pentecostal Doctrine of Spirit Baptism, ed. work transcends racial and cultural Plainfield, N.J.: Bridge Publishing, Gary B. McGee, 72–95. Peabody, Mass.: lines. Fallen humanity always accords 1980), 61. Hendrickson Publishers, 1991. such differences more important than what God designed and by so doing tyr- annizes His creative handiwork. Because they had now been “baptized into Christ” and “put on Christ,” Paul alerted the Galatian Christians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). On the Day of Pentecost, Jewish visitors from many countries stood bewildered as they heard the praises of God in their native languages (Acts 2:5–13). Some seriously asked, “What does this mean?” Others poked fun and failed to consider the significance of the occasion. Nonetheless, Peter, placing things in divine perspective, referred them to the words of Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17, NIV). Enrichment • 33 One of the leaders reads part of a letter deepest saints seem to die the deepest A TYPICAL DAY AT from George S. and Carrie Judd death to get Pentecost.” Montgomery who are visiting the mission Nothing could better express the fields. It tells of the thrilling revival at response to such a message in the eyes of THE AZUSA STREET Pandita Ramabai’s school in Mukti, India. this congregation than a ceremony of Others have heard from all parts of the footwashing. Preparations are made and world. From T.B. Barratt in London comes all enjoy a glorious time. MISSION news of an Ignatian monk saved and Meanwhile, about 25 young people slip BY STANLEY M. HORTON seeking Pentecost. D.E. Evans in out and go upstairs to a big room where ou could count on something new Swansea, Wales, writes of 15 or 20 they pray over a stack of monthly papers Yand different happening at the old receiving the Baptism with the Bible sign that they will fold and mail out to all frame building on Azusa Street in Los of tongues. From Brother Berntsen in parts of the world. For their encourage- Angeles during the years 1906 to 1908. North China comes news of “Quite a stir.” ment someone reads a letter from Canada For a sample, let us look in on an all-day From Sisters A. Moomau and L. Phillips from Harry Horton (my father), telling meeting on a certain Thursday in 1908. in Shanghai come word that four Chinese how he and his parents feel the Spirit as Like most of those who come, we arrive are filled and a few missionaries pressing they read the paper. by streetcar. We shall talk on the way in. Others have heard from South The evening service continues with home tonight, but now we have been America, South Africa, and Germany. praise, prayer, and testimonies in which holding our hearts steady in silent prepa- many tell how quickly and how wonder- ration for God’s moving during the day. fully they have received the baptism in We have not forgotten the Spirit’s exhor- the Holy Spirit. Elmer Fisher (my grand- tation of the night before: “Prepare your- father) gives a few pointers on how to selves in outward silence, for it favors an receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost. inward silence and promotes interior 1. Believe the truth concerning it. Jesus spiritual rest. It is a cessation from inor- commanded the disciples not to depart dinate and grasping activity, a resting in from Jerusalem, but to tarry until they the perfect will of God. The Holy Spirit is were endued with power from on high calling the people to this interior stillness (Luke 24:49). Be assured that when the that they may have a deeper understand- early disciples received they were all ing of the mystery of God in Christ, now filled with the Holy Ghost and spake with being revealed, and to know the signs of tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance the times as they go forth at His call.” (Acts 2:4). Once in the mission we find a place on The reports bring an outbreak of praise. 2. You must feel your need. Is your life one of the backless benches. One of the Then for 15 minutes the whole congrega- barren of power? Ye shall receive power leaders, Brother Fisher, commits the meet- tion sings in the Spirit. It comes over us (Acts 1:8). ing to the Holy Spirit and says, “We have as a wave of sound (not tongues, but in 3. Tarry until—cease from your own no planned program, nor are we afraid of English), a harmony with never a harsh works and fix your eyes on the exalted anarchy or crooked spirits. God the Holy note, a praise in the unity of the Spirit Christ. Abandon yourself to God and cut Spirit is able to control and protect His until we are lifted unto the heavenlies. every tie that binds you to the world. own work. If strange manifestations come, At the noon hour some leave, but about 4. Be sure your heart has been cleansed trust the Holy Spirit, keep in prayer, and 200 stay for the observance of the Lord’s by the Blood. you will see the word of wisdom go forth, Supper. Again the glory falls. Praise, tes- 5. Obey quickly every commandment the a rebuke; an exhortation that will close the timony, singing in the Spirit continues Lord gives you (Acts 5:32), with your prej- door on the enemy and show the victory into the afternoon. udice given up, your theology submitted, won. God can use any member of the body, Gerard Bailly, missionary to Venezuela, and Christ will be all in all to you. and He often gives the more abundant comes to the pulpit and tells us how inti- (Note—not all the things mentioned actu- honor to the weaker members.” mately and inseparably the Cross is con- ally happened on the same day, though Someone starts a song: “Higher nected with Pentecost. “In seeking the all are truly typical of a day at the Azusa Ground.” Next we sing: “ ’Tis Burning in baptism in the Holy Ghost the deepest cru- Street Mission.) My Soul.” The glory comes down. We cifixion of heart is experienced as prepara- Stanley M. Horton, Th.D. is project coordi- sing the song over and over. Brother tion for His coming. The Cross enters more nator for the Pentecostal Textbook Project, Seymour calls us to prayer and we kneel deeply into the soul in the preparation Springfield, Missouri. This article is at our seats crying out to God. than in any previous experience. The reprinted from Heritage, fall 1982. 34 • Fall 1999

A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY CORDAS C. BURNETT EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO The following article is taken from the ﬁrst two parts of a three-part series ﬁrst published in The Pentecostal Evangel in 1954 (March 28, April 4,11) on the 40th anniversary of the Assemblies of God. The author is the late Cordas C. Burnett. We have updated and adapted the material for the Enrichment Journal.

pril 2–12, 1999, marked the 85th has become a powerful, aggressive, should remind ourselves again of the anniversary of the founding of Christ-honoring, Spirit-ﬁlled body of humble, God-fearing origins from which the General Council of the Christians over 30 million strong world- we sprang. Assemblies of God. The prayers wide who are still carrying out one of Reliable records indicate the Holy Spirit and dreams of the 300 who gath- the original purposes by spreading the fell in New England as early as 1854; and ered that year at Hot Springs, Word at home and abroad. in the Cumberland Mountains in 1877; Arkansas, have been more than Pentecostals today, conscious of our on an Arkansas Holiness preacher, W. A fulﬁlled. Their embryonic group need for the Holy Spirit’s ministry, Jethro Walthal, in 1879; on Daniel Awrey

Gathering of the 300 delegates at Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the ﬁrst General Council of the Assemblies of God, April 10, 1914. 36 • Fall 1999 William J. Walthal, ca. 1927 Daniel Awrey, ca. 1910 C.M. Hanson, ca. 1910 in Delaware, Ohio, in 1890; and on a in the 20th century to experience the preacher named C.M. Hanson of Dalton, Pentecostal baptism. Minnesota, in 1899. Then on January 1, Although many religious leaders 1901, God poured out His Spirit in Bethel opposed it, this glorious effusion of Bible College, Topeka, Kansas, where God’s glory and power could not be kept Agnes Ozman became the ﬁrst of millions under a bushel but spread across Agnes Ozman

The Pentecostal testimony is not something of the very recent past. History records its presence from the days of the Early Church through almost every century until now.

Enrichment • 37 Christian and Missionary Alliance Training Institute at Nyack, New York, in the early 1900s.

Kansas, into Missouri, down into Texas, Burgess, who later married Robert A. later, where he, too, was filled with the and finally to the West Coast, where its Brown, carried the message from Zion, Spirit. This dynamic soul-stirring move of holy fire broke out anew in 1906 in the Illinois, to New York City in 1908, where the Holy Ghost continued, making people Azusa Street Mission, Los Angeles. she and her husband founded Glad everywhere conscious of their own Spontaneously in 1906–07, the revival Tidings Tabernacle. Glen A. Cook held a unworthiness and of His glorious grace. broke out among students at a Christian revival in Indianapolis in January 1907, In short, “a revival had come from God.” and Missionary Alliance ministerial where J. Roswell Flower, who later With the revival came many concomi- training school at Nyack, New York. Four became general secretary of the tant effects. New converts, eager for of our Assemblies of God leaders received Assemblies of God, was converted and every morsel of truth, became victims of the Holy Spirit there: David McDowell, Mrs. Flower received the baptism in the those who preyed on the unsuspecting. Frank M. Boyd, G.F. Bender, and W.I. Holy Spirit. Giving up the study of law, Doctrinal issues arose to confuse them. Evans. Pastor D.W. Kerr accepted the Brother Flower, assisted by his fiancée, Religious leaders with few restrictions message at Beulah Park Camp near then Miss Alice Reynolds, sponsored a and less inhibitions led many astray. Cleveland, Ohio, in 1907. Miss Marie camp meeting in Indianapolis 2 years Others were cast out of their orthodox churches. Congregations without pastors had no one to whom they could turn. Missionary efforts were hampered because the congregations and their leaders had little or no knowledge of the foreign fields. Clergy and laity alike recognized the need for some semblance of organization—at least for fellowship and the furtherance of the missionary cause. For the most part, organization was frowned on. With the exception of two small Pentecostal bodies in the Southeastern states, there was little semblance of organization anywhere. As early as April 14, 1906, many had banded together at Orchard, Texas, to found the Apostolic Faith Movement. Under the leadership of H.A. Goss, W.F. Carothers, and (at a later date) Arch P. J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower, ca. 1950. Collins and E.N. Bell, it progressed into a 38 • Fall 1999 The 1912 Pentecostal1nterstate Camp Meeting, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. First row: E.N. Bell (sixthftom lift); D.C.O. Opperman (thirdftom right). Second row: w.T. Gaston (thirdftom right). These men would later hold executive positions with the Assemblies qfGod.

strong Pentecostal nucleus in the South- Rodgers, Pinson, and a convert of the call to the ministers in the area for a 3- west. E.N. Bell, formerly a Baptist latter, D.J. Dubose, evangelized the day convention at Slocomb, Alabama. preacher in Fort Worth, had received the Deep South while Cashwell took the On February 11, 1911, about 20 minis- Holy Spirit in Pastor Durham's old North message to the groups now comprising ters calling themselves the Church of Avenue Mission in 1908 and soon after the Church of God and the Pentecostal God (with no connection to the group in became the editor of Apostolic Faith. Holiness Church. Pinson and Rodgers Tennessee) met at Providence, near Slo- Another of these early leaders was carried the message to Alabama where comb. They elected H.G. Rodgers as D.C.O.Opperman who conducted scores chairman and J.w. Ledbetter as secre- Although many religious of 6-week Bible schools in the Midwest- tary, ordained four men, licensed seven, ern states. Other Bible schools of more leaders opposed it, this glorious and issued Home certificates to two permanent nature had been established women. The next day, over 100 partici- effusion of God's glory and in other parts of the country. One of pated in a Communion service; and these, established at Plainfield, Indi- power could not be kept under having agreed to meet again in October ana, by D. Wesley Myland, was attend- at Montgomery, they adjourned. a bushel but spread across ed by Flem Van Meter, Fred Vogler, and Shortly after this initial meeting in J. Roswell Flower. In another, at Hat- Kansas, into Missouri, down into 1911, this group changed their name to tiesburg, Mississippi, in 1909, Ralph M. the Church of God in Christ in agreement Texas, and finally to the West Riggs, who later became general super- with the leaders of the black church with intendent of the Assemblies of God, and Coast, where its holy fire broke the same name. That fall they met his mother received the light of the Pen- in Dothan, Alabama, instead of in out anew in 1906 in the tecostal testimony. Montgomery. About this time this group At the request of a schoolteacher Azusa Street Mission, and the Apostolic Faith movement named L.P. Adams, Brother Cashwell merged. Although no record of any offi- Los Angeles. came to Memphis in 1907. Here, H.G. cial business meeting has been found Rodgers of Alabama received the Holy the first Pentecostal church was found- between the fall of 1911 and the sum- Spirit. Likewise M.M. Pinson, editor of ed in 1910 at New Brockton. mer of 1913, several factors point to Word and Witness, accepted the truth. Sometime later, Rodgers sent out a this union. For example, ordination credentials issued to J.w. Welch on June 4, 1912, are signed by E.N. Bell, H.A. Goss, w.T. Gaston, Arch P. Collins, and D.C.O. Opperman, all leaders in the Apostolic Faith group. But the credential is issued in the name of The Church of God in Christ and in unity with the Apos- tolic Faith movement. Another ordination certificate issued to Bright Haggard on August 20, 1912, carries the dual name. The Word and Witness of January 20, 1913, urged attendance of ministers of both groups at Dothan, Alabama, in February 1913. The Church of God in Christ met in Meridian, Mississippi, in June of 1913. By this time the merger seemed to have been complete, for in a subsequent ministerial list assembled by the credentials committee of this convention, the names of the 352 members show the leadership of both groups within one church. Arch P. Collins of Fort Worth, E.N. Bell of Malvern, H.A. Goss of Hot Springs, and D.C.O. Opperman constituted the new credentials committee. Brother Collins had the honor of administering the ordi- nance of water baptism to R.M. Riggs. During the summer of 1912, while attending the Interstate Camp Meeting at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, M.M. Pin- son, editor of Word and Witness, and E.N. Bell, editor of Apostolic Faith, decided to join forces. Taking the name of the former and the format of the latter, Bell began publishing Word and Wit- ness at Malvern, Arkansas. Subsequent issues speak of the Church of God in Christ and gradually omit reference to the Apostolic Faith group. An advertisement in the October 20, 1913, issue urges all ministers of "The Churches of God in Christ" to report their ordination papers so as to be included in the offi- ciallist for clergy certificates. It appears that by late 1913, this organization had taken definite shape. To list the 352 members in this early Pentecostal organization is impossible in this article, but a few familiar names will indicate its influence on

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 he Holy Ghost has a threefold revela- encouraged to notice the work of the Spirit in tion of Christ by a threefold ministry our life. If we do not see this point, we may of the Spirit: Christ revealed to us be greatly disturbed over the work of the by the Holy Spirit; Christ Spirit. J revealed in us by the Holy There is also a further purpose-that Spirit; Christ revealed we be available to the Holy Spirit as through us as the Holy Spir- He demonstrates the life of Christ liv- it may use us. ing in us. I would call your attention We can judge from our to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 12: experience and the teaching of "Concerning spiritual gifts, I would Scripture that the Spirit's ministry not have you ignorant." Spiritual begins even before we surrender to gifts refer to things that are of thc the Lord. Before we have a desire to Holy Ghost. If we are ignorant, we be saved, there is a convicting min- cannot cooperate with Him in that fcl- istry of the Spirit. Man is helpless in lowship that is like a partnership. " his unregenerate state. There is little We have possibly not quite under- prospect of his escaping the wrath to stood the operation of those gifts. We havc come. But God has provided the Spirit to felt that the Lord would, when we reached a deal with a man's heart and reveal to him by certain pinnacle of faith, impart to us an effi- the Spirit sin, righteousness, and judgment. ciency that would become a part of our personal There is further work of the Spirit in the life of the equipment, making us head and shoulders above others. I believer. The Spirit deals with the believer to reveal to him do not think this is the case. I do not think a man operates the things that are in him that are unlike the Lord. Thus the gifts of the Spirit. the Spirit works in the life of the believer, bringing Holy I believe if you and I together with all believers could kecp Ghost conviction, pointing the way of God, and indicating yielded to God, submissive to the authority of the Holy steps to be taken. Ghost, we should see more gifts of the Spirit in our midst. If I mect many who inquire how they may discern the will of we can learn to maintain the proper relationship with the God. Some of these same people have talked to me about Holy Ghost, and if we can learn how to commune in the Spir- occasions when they felt badly and they decided that the it-to live in the Holy Ghost-He can use us to manifest enemy was besetting them. There is a possibility that the Christ, and as a result, many will come to know Him. Holy Ghost is working to bring to their attention the will of /. W. "Dad4Y" Welch was present at thejirst General Council God-not concerning service, but concerning those things in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and was on the committee that that pertain to the inncr life of the believer. drqfted the Constitution if the General Council. He selYed as The Holy Spirit operates in the believer in such a way chainnan (1915-19; 1923-25) during the Oneness tunnoil. that we might be conformed to the image of the Son of In 1931, he became president if Central Bible Institute (now God-that those things that are characteristic of Him may college) in Springfield, Missouri. This sermon is adaptedftom become characteristic of us. If we accept the idea, we are The Weekly Evangel June 17, 1916.

ENR.ICHMENT . 41 he word "hope" is defined as face to face, and we will be like Him. "expectations with desire." It These are encouraging words. is one of the bright, ani- Christians are citizens of heaven, mated words of our lan- now, constantly in touch with the guage and fits beauti- seat of their government, tasting fully into the life and its power, sampling its joy, par- expression of the takers already in a measure of Christian, for every its holiness, yet living on earth child of God is a crea- and bearing about a body of ture of hope. Christ in the I humiliation that is subject to Christian is the hope of glory, natural law and even subject to and this hope abiding within death. Still in the flesh, yet they and set before us is like an \ are not to live after the flesh, or "anchor of the soul, both sure war according to the flesh. and steadfast." How satisfying to Jesus, too, tabernacled in a body live where hope springs eternal. that had its limitations. He was However, it is not the present hungry, thirsty, tired, tempted in all aspect of this "so great salvation" that points like as we, yet without sin. What shall engage our thought at this time, but a spectacle to behold the One "by whom "salvation ready to be revealed in the last III and for whom are all things," walking among time." That Blessed Hope has long been the comfort of men as the lowly carpenter of Nazareth, and humbling God's saints through the ages and has softened the sor- himself unto death, even the death of the cross. But row by millions of open graves, "for if we believe that though He died in weakness, He was raised by the Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which a power of God and His body knew no corruption. sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." For this-the manifestation of the sons of God-"the I would here call our attention to the positive lan- whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain togeth- guage used in instructing the Thessalonian converts er until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, in their proper hope. There are no question marks; all which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we our- is settled "by the word of the Lord." How refreshing to selves groan within ourselves waiting for the adoption, note the absence of all conjecture and speculation. The to wit, the redemption of our body." This is the Blessed language of inspiration is that of absolute finality. Hope of the Church, His undefiled and waiting bride. In 1 John 3:2,3, the promise of the Lord's appearing w.T. Gaston was general superintendent qf the Assem- is set before us as a purifying hope. God forbid that blies qfGodfrom 1925-29. During Gaston's administra- we should miss the sanctifying rays from this star of II tion, the General Council movedfrom a loosely operated Fellowship to theJormal adoption qf a constitution. He hope that shines only on the Christian's horizon. But later selYed as superintendent qf the Northern Califor- there is a further and more radical change awaiting nia/Nevada District. This sermon is adaptedfrom The us when He shall appear. We will see Him as He is, Pentecostal Evangel, August 27,1927.

42 . FALL 1 9 9 9 e should be thankful that in this present confusing fathers, the citadels of Satan cannot prevail against us. night we have the privilege of heralding We have God's message, but it needs the support of the Word of Life-warning people our conduct. People are not only listening to us; about the direction current histo- they are watching our lives. We are called to ry is leading them, and caus- separation not only from gross evil, but ing them to flee the wrath from many pleasant things as well. It that is to come. requires self-sacrifice, but as a church As we read of the j we must make it. May we be strength- events about us, it ened against personal contentment, seems that the dams holding back selfish desire, and all of self that divine judgment are already break- crowds our Lord into second place. ing. It is our duty as heralds to lift May we see our Savior and His cross, our voices like trumpets, and warn catch a fresh vision of salvation for the people to flee from the wrath to all, and may our determination be come, making their calling and elec- renewed to wage untiring warfare tion sure through the grace of Christ. against the gates of hell. Because God We cannot meet the present need is with us, we cannot fail. through human intellect, or by earthly We cannot speak too carefully about eloquence or power. With the apostle the need in our inner lives. We need to Paul, we say, '}\nd my speech and my contend not only for power in our message preaching was not with enticing words of but also for power in our lives that our hearts man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit may be preserved from all evil. and of power. " We are a cooperative Fellowship, and I hope we may This dark hour is also a time to rejoice in the privileges of ever be. May we never deteriorate to merely an organization. spiritual showers, and of proclaiming our Savio!; "the same God has set certain offices in the Church that should yesterday, today, and forever." May the Lord strengthen and be respected. At the same time, our Lord reminded us brighten our hearts, deepen our convictions, give fresh that we are all brethren. Those who have providentially courage and inspiration, and if there be one whose limbs been placed in a position of rule must avoid lording it have begun to wax feeble, may such a one be strengthened over God's heritage and choose rather to be servant of and renewed. all. Let us go forth bound together in Christian love, In connection with our duty as heralds, we have a cooperation, and unity, praying that God may make us a responsibility as contenders. Jude saw the danger and mighty torrential force to carry forward the great work wrote, "It was needful for me to write unto you, and of God to which we have been called. exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith E.S. Williams was general superintendentJrom 1929-49. which was once delivered to the saints." If we maintain He was baptized in the Spirit at the Azusa Street Mission and our place as successful heralds, we must, as successfully later served as pastor if Highwqy Tabernacle in Philadelphia be contenders against unbelief, against hindrances seen bejbre his election as general superintendent. This is Brother and unseen, against all that exalts itself against the Williams' kfynote address at the 17th General Council in knowledge -SJf God. We have come to the Kingdom for such Memphis, Tennessee, September 1937. It is adaptedftom The a time as this. As we are armed with the faith of our Pentecostal Evangel October2, 1937. EN R.ICHMEN T . 43 Grand Opera House in Hot Springs, Arkansas, site qf the first General Council. CON TIN UE D FRO M PAGE 40 need for missionary solidarity and for Arkansas; D.C.O. Opperman, Houston, the Assemblies of God: Clyde Bailey, some means of protecting local Texas; and E.N. Bell, Malvern, Arkansas. "Mother" Mary Barnes, Harry Bowley, churches demanded a more definite Although the authors went into more Herbert Buffum, Hugh Cadwalder, A.B. organic tie between the various Pen- detail, the basic purposes of this call Cox, w.T. Gaston, John Goben, C.A. tecostal groups across the country. were: Lasater, Agnes Ozman LaBerg, B.E Late in the fall of 1913, H.A. Goss, (1) To achieve better understanding Lawrence, Fred Lohman, Burt McCaf- pastor at Hot Springs, discussed the and unity of doctrine. ferty, Jacob Miller, M.M. Pinson, L.E. matter at length with E.N. Bell, editor (2) To know how to conserve God's Riley, J.W Welch, and R.E. Winsett. of Word and Witness. Since Brother work at home and abroad. And so 1913 came to a close. Only Goss had leased the Grand Opera (3) To consult on protection of funds one important event of the year was House in Hot Springs, they decided to for missionary endeavors. yet to occur. On December 20, 1913, issue a call for a General Council to (4) To explore the possibility of char- the Word and Witness was to issue the meet there April 2-12, 1914. Carried on tering churches under a legal name. now-famous call for a general council the front page of the December 20, (5) To consider the establishment of of Pentecostal ministers to convene in 1913, issue of Word and Witness, the a Bible and Literary Training School. Hot Springs in the spring of 1914- call was addressed to "The Pentecostal In spite of much opposition to orga- the call that culminated in the found- Saints and Churches of God in Christ" nization over the years, over 300 ing of the Assemblies of God. and was signed by M.M. Pinson, attended and 120 pastors and evange- Several of the leaders within the Phoenix, Arizona; A.P. Collins, Fort lists registered as delegates. While the Churches of God in Christ felt that the Worth, Texas; H.A. Goss, Hot Springs, Midwest had the best representation, 20 states and several foreign lands had Their embryonic group has actually became the Constitution of the delegations. The roster of the conven- new church and remained so until 1917, become a powerful, aggressive, tion reads like a Pentecostal Who’s Who. when the brethren adopted a more ade- John G. Lake was there from Christ-honoring, Spirit-filled quate document. Johannesburg, South Africa. Pastors body of Christians over 30 The name Assemblies of God can prob- E.N. Richey of Zion, Illinois; Erdman of ably be traced to T.K. Leonard, whose Buffalo, New York; Pitcher of Baltimore, million strong worldwide who ordination papers show him to have first Maryland; S.A. Jamieson of Portland, are still carrying out one of the been ordained by the Christian Church in Oregon; and B.F. Lawrence of Thayer, 1901, and then by The Assembly of God, Missouri, were present. E.N. Bell, editor original purposes by spreading Findlay, 0hio, April 14, 1912, 2 years of Word and Witness of Malvern, the Word at home and abroad. before this first General Council. Arkansas; J.R. Flower, editor of The At the same time the delegates, recog- Christian Evangel of Plainfield, Indiana; work on an agenda and to define the nizing the need for a central governing J.W. Welch of Baxter Springs, Kansas Council roll. While they were doing so, a body, elected an Executive Presbytery of (later to become general chairman); H.A. smaller group of men met surreptitious- 12 men “to act in all necessary matters Goss, Hot Springs, Arkansas; T.K. ly that night and worked independently on this General Council as a Home and Leonard, Findlay, Ohio; W.T. Gaston of on a Preamble and Resolution. Among Foreign Missionary and Executive dur- Oklahoma; A.B. Cox of Maryland; R.L. ing the ensuing year, or until the suc- Erickson of Chicago; and J. Crouch of cessors are appointed.” By motion from Egypt were on hand. the floor, 12 men became members, Perhaps one of the youngest men pres- including: T.K. Leonard, E.N. Bell, J.R. ent as an observer was R.M. Riggs, who Flower, H.A. Goss, J.W. Welch, M.M. at the age of 18 attended with his pastor, Pinson, C.B. Fockler, and D.C.O. L.P. Adams. Riggs later became general Opperman. These later elected A.P. superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Collins, R.L. Erickson, and D.W. Kerr. The convention opened with 3 days of Brothers Bell and Flower were elected devotional services that included mes- “permanently”—at least until the next sages from the Word, manifestations of Council. the Spirit, and joyful singing unto the A number of important resolutions Lord. At one point, an impromptu embodied the following points: The parade was staged down Central Avenue fledgling fellowship should incorporate with practically the entire 300 partici- as the General Council of the Assemblies pating. The city, however, seems to have of God (58 men signed these incorpora- taken little notice of the parade or the tion papers October 13, 1914). They convention—at least the local newspa- disapproved any extreme position with pers made no mention of it. In fact, the The Minutes of the first regard to eating or not eating meat. They General Council. only news about the meetings were two encouraged local churches to set aside items in the Sentinel Record—one a very these men were T.K. Leonard, Jacob Thursday of each week, from 9 a.m. to 3 brief note that the “Saints” were meet- Miller, and J.R. Flower. Although there p.m., as a day of prayer. Local areas were ing, and the other an advertisement ¨was much discussion and comment by asked to form district and state councils. announcing The General Assembly of all, the actual document was dictated by All business of the Interstate Camp at the Church of God in Christ. T.K. Leonard and taken down in short- Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was trans- M.M. Pinson brought the opening mes- hand by Brother Flower. The next morn- ferred to the Executive Presbytery. sage of the convention from Acts 15, in ing the two committees compared notes Recognition was given to elders, minis- which he discussed some of the current and discovered they had been thinking ters, evangelists, and deacons as offices doctrinal matters and gave a justifica- along the same line. The delegates, feel- within the church. Women were to tion for the call. The actual business ing this was a marvelous indication of receive the rights of ministers and evan- began Monday, April 6, when E.N. Bell the Holy Spirit’s guidance, adopted the gelists, but not elders. The Word and called the meeting to order. Shortly after- Preamble and Resolution without a sin- Witness, with E.N. Bell as editor, became ward he was elected temporary chairman gle dissenting vote. Among other things, the official organ. He was instructed to and J.R. Flower, temporary secretary. it set forth the sovereignty of local publish the minutes of the Council in the Brother Bell appointed a large com- churches within the framework of a May issue and give it “wide circulation.” mittee representative of all sections to General Council of Assemblies of God. It The divorce and remarriage of Enrichment • 45 The first Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God, Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 1914. Sitting, l-r: T.K. Leonard, E.N. Bell, Cyrus Fockler. Standing, l-r: J.W. Welch, J. Roswell Flower, D.C.O. Opperman, Howard A. Goss, and M.M Pinson. Christians, especially in the ministry, facilities of present courses and schools. the land. Faith was languishing. Surely, came in for strong disapproval. In Special reference was given to “The in the words of Mordecai, the essence, most of these resolutions are Home Bible Study through the Gospel Assemblies had “come to the Kingdom still embodied in the official position of School Review by which they finish in 1 for such a time as this.” the Assemblies of God today. year a study of the entire Bible.” This One of the foremost reasons for call- was sponsored by T.K. Leonard, as was The late Cordas C. Burnett, D.D., (1917-75), held pastorates in Illinois and Ohio. From ing the General Council had been the the Gospel School at Findlay. A Literary 1954 to 1959, he was secretary of educa- need for a strong educational program. School at Union, Mississippi, directed by tion for the Assemblies of God. He was presi- In fact, in the meeting at Meridian, R.B. Chisolm, also received special dent of Bethany Bible College, Santa Cruz, Mississippi, in June 1913, of the Church recognition. Later Councils crystallized California, for 13 years prior to accepting of God in Christ, a strong recommenda- the thinking in matters of education. the position as the first executive vice tion had been made to its leadership to The Executive Presbytery, having been president of the secure a permanent location for a Bible empowered to issue a call for the next Assemblies of God and Literary School. The same issue Council, the convention came to a close. Graduate School. that called for a General Council gave Thus the General Council of the The Cordas C. additional space to this need. No defi- Assemblies of God was born in 1914—a Burnett Library at the Assemblies of nite action was taken at Hot Springs, year of both national and international God Theological but special encouragement was given to crises. The world was at war; liberalism Seminary is named the brethren to avail themselves of the was increasing its hold on the pulpits of in his honor. 46 • Fall 1999

A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY RICHARD A. LEWIS E.N.BELL–A VOICEOFRESTRAINT IN AN ERA OFCONTROVERSY

he history of the Assemblies of God Eudorus Neander Bell (1866–1923). In support of H.A. Goss, Bell agreed to is filled with individuals who citing even a few of his accomplish- issue the “call” in his magazine, Word shaped the fledgling organization ments, we discover just how invaluable and Witness, for Pentecostals to convene into what it is today. One of these he was. Recognizing the need to orga- in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Joining these T influential founding fathers was nize the revival and with only the initial two men in this endeavor were M.M. Pinson, A.P. Collins, and D.C.O. Opperman. This resulted in the formation of the Assemblies of God. Bell was the first and fourth chairman (general superintendent) of the Fellowship. Between his terms as chairman, he served the young organization as general secretary and as a pastor. Bell was also the first editor of two organizational papers, the aforementioned Word and Witness and the Weekly Evangel, both precursors to the Pentecostal Evangel. If this were not enough to assure his status, E.N., as he preferred over Eudorus, wrote the first adult and inter- mediate Sunday school quarterlies. His

The first issue of the Weekly Evangel, E.N. Bell, the first and fourth general chairman of the Assemblies of God. a precursor to The Pentecostal Evangel. 48 • Fall 1999 General Council, September 1919, on the steps of the Stone Church, Chicago, Illinois. Front row: J.R. Flower, S.A. Jamieson, E.N. Bell, J.W. Welch, J.T. Boddy, Stanley H. Frodsham, Ellis Banta. Second row: Frank Gray, J.R. Kline, John Goben, David H. McDowell, Robert A. Brown, Joseph Tunmore, F.A. Hale. Third row: Oliver P. Brann, E.R. Fitzgerald, E.N. Richey, John Coxe, D.W. Kerr, R.J. Craig, Orville Benham, A.P. Collins, T.K. Leonard. popular question-and-answer column in the boys were only 2 years old. E.N. and through school, but few have overcome the Evangel proved to be an influential his family lived in the severest of the challenges faced by E.N. Bell. He as well as a moderating voice of reason poverty during the post-Civil War was forced to adopt a steady diet of in the early years of the Assemblies of Reconstruction era. He was converted at hard, stale bread dipped in water when God. Several districts were also orga- an early age and felt called to full-time finances ran low. The dream of complet- nized under his direction as chairman. ministry. Realizing the need for training, ing college would have ended for most When the decision was made to write a E.N. enrolled at Stetson Academy, and when faced with such sacrifice. This did Statement of Fundamental Truths, E.N. later Stetson University. not prove to be the case for Bell. He was a member of the five-man commit- graduated at age 30 from the Academy, tee appointed to the task. He champi- “On July 18, 1908, God baptized enrolled and earned a B.A. from Stetson oned the autonomy of the local church me in His Spirit. Wave after University. He attended Southern and congregational church government. wave fell on me from heaven, Baptist Seminary in Louisville from Bell also recommended Springfield, 1900 to 1902, and received a bachelor of Missouri, to be the home of the striking me in the forehead like divinity degree from the University of Fellowship’s national headquarters. electric currents.” Chicago the following year. Later he Bell, and his twin brother, Endorus E., would seriously consider continuing his were born June 27, 1866, at Lake Butler, Many have struggled to make ends education at Oxford, believing it would Florida. Their father George died when meet as they have worked their way be a wonderful “opportunity both for Enrichment • 49 travel and for study abroad.” In considering all of his education, there is little doubt Bell was one of the most academically qualified persons of the early Pentecostal movement. Bell pastored Baptist congregations for 17 years in America’s South and Southwest before hearing about the Pentecostal experience in 1907. He was granted a 1-year leave of absence from his church in Fort Worth, Texas, to seek a deeper experience with God. He made his way to William H. Durham’s mission in Chicago. Durham described E.N. as a “sharp” looking “big fellow.” Feeling led by the Spirit to “abide in the city until…endued with power from on high,” he “tarried” there for 11 months before receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was well worth the wait, and by his own account changed his life forever. His dramatic testimony published about 5 months later fills several pages—but in part reads: “On July 18, 1908, God baptized me in His Spirit. Wave after wave fell on me from heaven, striking me in the forehead like electric currents and passing over and through my whole being…. [The Spirit] began to speak through me in a tongue I never heard before and continued for 2 hours…. After 3 months of testing, I can say before God, the experience is as fresh and sweet as ever.” J. Roswell Flower and E.N. Bell, ca. 1920. Upon accepting this new Pentecostal experience and teaching, Bell returned to Findlay, Ohio. Seven months later at the Bell was a tolerant man Texas and offered his resignation to the second General Council meeting, he church he was pastoring. They refused stepped down as chairman and his who disapproved of fanaticism to accept it, and he continued as their friend from Fort Worth, Arch P. Collins, and extreme positions of pastor. During this period he married assumed leadership. any kind. Today these are Katie Kimbrough, a widow with three E.N. Bell would prove to be a vitally children. This was Bell’s first marriage. important leader to the young recognized as positive Shortly after his marriage Bell resigned Pentecostal organization. He helped it attributes, but in the early from the church in Fort Worth and steer a steady course through many accepted his first Pentecostal pastorate troubled waters. Carl Brumback reports Pentecostal movement, in Malvern, Arkansas. that Bell was a “big-hearted” man. J. these strengths could be Five years later, the newly organized Roswell Flower described Bell as the General Council of the Assemblies of God “sweetest, safest, and sanest” man he understood as attributes of a elected him as its first chairman. As one had met in the Pentecostal movement. A compromiser—a serious of his first orders of business, he donat- sister-in-law of Flower shares that E.N. ed his paper, the Word and Witness, to was a wonderful storyteller and “a typi- allegation that could end the organization and helped establish cal Southerner, in every way.” She con- a person’s ministry. the headquarters to its original home in tinues her description by commenting he 50 • Fall 1999 The first headquarters of the Assemblies of God, Findlay, Ohio. was “very pleasant in his business deal- the problems he addressed monthly and controversies and would nearly be lost ings.” Others described him as being then weekly seem almost humorous to one. “fair,” “balanced,” and a “peacemaker.” today. Others are recognized as periodic Because of his unwillingness to con- These very attributes, though, would “hot spots” that flare up for a time to front those he counted dear friends and guide the Fellowship through many of only die down again. There are others, his willingness to experience what he its most dangerous waters. though, that helped form the doctrines understood might be a “new” direction It is possible to index most of the prob- and beliefs of the Assemblies of God. of the Lord, Bell briefly identified with lems and issues that vexed the Of course the three biggest controver- the unorthodox position of “Oneness.” sies he faced were first, the “Finished In considering all of his Work” dispute concerning sanctifica- The history of the Assemblies education, there is little tion. This would ultimately lead to divi- of God is filled with individuals sion within the Pentecostal movement doubt Bell was one of the most and the formation of the Assemblies of who shaped the fledgling academically qualified persons God. The second problem concerned the organization into what doctrine of the Trinity and was identi- of the early Pentecostal fied as the “New Issue,” also called it is today. movement. “Oneness” or “Jesus Only.” This teaching would ultimately claim nearly one- In 1915, he accepted rebaptism by Pentecostals in their infancy by the arti- third of the ministers in the Assemblies immersion using the formula “in the cles, editorials, and answers to ques- of God. The third issue dealt with name of Jesus.” He never endorsed the tions written by E.N. Bell in these early tongues as the initial physical evidence non-trinitarian views that gradually years. In some ways he reminds one of a of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and evolved among these Pentecostals. forest ranger whose job is to spot fires whether this evidence should be identi- Nevertheless, this “lapse” would plague and extinguish them before they become fied as a “Pentecostal distinctive.” Bell him the rest of his life and has sug- uncontrollable conflagrations. Many of played a major role in all three of these gested to some that he was less than Enrichment • 51 E.N. Bell would prove to doctrinal position. His broadminded- BIBLIOGRAPHY ness and willingness to entertain vary- Anderson, Robert Mapes. Vision of the be a vitally important leader Disinherited, the Making of American ing views with charity have had a pro- Pentecostalism. New York: Oxford to the young Pentecostal found and long-lasting impact on the University Press, 1979. organization. He helped it steer Assemblies. Consider the growth of Bell, E.N. Questions and Answers. many of our churches during the charis- Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing a steady course through matic renewal. While other Pentecostal House, 1923. Blumhofer, Edith L. The Assemblies of many troubled waters. denominations turned away many of God: A Chapter in the Story of these new believers from traditional American Pentecostalism. 2 Vols. orthodox in his doctrine. Those who churches because of perceived doctrinal Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing knew him best never suggested he ever error, the Assemblies of God grew and House, 1989. Brumback, Carl. Suddenly…From surrendered to heresy, though they will- prospered. His commitment to the doc- Heaven. Springfield, Mo.: Gospel ingly recognized he succumbed to bad trine of tongues as the “initial evidence” Publishing House, 1961. judgment. Even after his return from continues to be a distinctive as well. Goss, Ethel E. The Winds of God. 2nd this defection, Bell was still elected as E.N. Bell is a worthy standard-bearer— ed. Hazelwood, Mo.: Word Aflame Press, 1977. general secretary and reelected as chair- one we should certainly honor at the Lewis, Richard A. “E.N. Bell, An Early man. dawn of the new millennium. Pentecostal Spokesman” (unpublished E.N. Bell did much in molding the the- paper), 1985. ological understanding and ethos of the Richard A. Lewis is Menzies, William W. Anointed To Serve, Assemblies of God. His belief in congre- an instructor of the Story of the Assemblies of God. Bible and theology Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing gational autonomy and church govern- at Eugene Bible House, 1971. ment still guides us today. His non- College in Eugene, Wesleyan views on sanctification con- Oregon. tinue to direct the Fellowship in this

A Century of Pentecostal Vision NTERVIEW WITH JOSEPH, DAVID, ADELE, AND SUZANNE FLOWER I AA LivingLiving PentecostalPentecostal LegacyLegacy

To those who knew them, the names J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower were synonymous with the Assemblies of God. They were pioneer leaders in the beginning years of this church. As a delegate at the organizational meeting of the Assemblies of God in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914, J. Roswell Flower was elected as the first general secretary and later selected to serve as the first missionary secretary-treasurer. The significance of their combined contribution to the Assemblies of God over the years has touched many lives. Those who benefited most were their six children, five of whom were ordained in the Assemblies of God. While George E. and Roswell S. Flower have gone on to be with the Lord, Joseph, David, Adele, and Suzanne live to carry on the Pentecostal legacy left by their parents. In this interview, Rick Knoth, managing editor of Enrichment, talked with the children of J. Roswell and Alice Flower about their parents, their ministry, and what it was like growing up in the early years of the Assemblies of God.

54 • Fall 1999 Flower family, 1930. L-r: Suzanne, George, J. Roswell, Joseph, David, Roswell, Alice Reynolds, and Adele. WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN REFLECT ON MEMORIES OF YOUR the first Christian Evangel. She sent it THE HOME OF J.R. AND ALICE PARENTS IN THE FORMATIVE back to the General Council before it FLOWER? YEARS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF adjourned. SUZANNE: It was great. We had a GOD. tremendously warm and loving family. JOSEPH: I was too young to remember ADELE: I remember when the leaders Even now when the siblings get togeth- the first General Council; I was just 1 asked Dad to come to Springfield er it is like “old-home week.” year old. But I have heard Mom and because they had decided to make Dad tell the story. We were living in Springfield their headquarters. He came ADELE: Our children and grandchil- Indianapolis when my father left for in 1918. The Assemblies of God owned dren have adopted the same the building at 434 West attitude toward the family. Pacific Street for their head- Also, part of our missionary quarters; it had been a meat vision stems from the time market. At that time Dad we lived on Main Street. When we gave to was the foreign missions Because there were no mis- secretary. sionary homes for mission- missions, in about a year After we moved to aries, they stayed at our we had paid off the whole Springfield, someone in the home. When missionaries family contracted smallpox, came, we children slept on debt on the church, in and we were quarantined pallets on the floor. since they didn’t have vac- spite of the fact there cinations for smallpox. SUZANNE: In this way we Daddy took a cot and had an exposure to the mis- was a strike. —Adele stayed in the headquarters sion field. I caught the mis- building because he had to sionary vision, and it carried look after the missionaries. over into my ministry. When He couldn’t be at home my husband and I pastored because we were quaran- in Newark, New Jersey, tined, but he did come Bethel Assembly became the home on Christmas morn- top giver in missions that ing to see us. But we didn’t year. Our house became like celebrate Christmas until a second home for mission- January. aries. We pastored in Newark for 16 years, and DAVID: In those early days many of the missionaries the headquarters was basi- going overseas stopped at cally a receiving and distrib- our place. ution office for missionaries. We weren’t highly orga- DAVID: Not only the mis- nized in other areas. sionaries, the evangelists. Jack Saunders, Charles Price, JOSEPH: Those were pio- and Zelma Argue—mission- neer days. There was a fair- aries and evangelists alike— ly good Assemblies of God would come to our home. church here in Springfield Dad and Mother would wel- at that time. As a matter of come them, and that made fact, Mother held a revival an impression on all of us. at Central Assembly. I By having these guests in our home, the General Council in Hot Springs. He remember the flyer they circulated Mom and Dad widened our vision for gathered information at the General through the community with her pic- ministry. Donald Gee and others were Council at the very beginning, and ture on it. It said something about “a in our home. We were exposed to that sent it back by railroad to my mother. little mother with a burning heart.” kind of influence, which has been She collaborated with the editor of the Dad was also Sunday school superin- invaluable over the years. newspaper in Indianapolis and printed tendent for a short time. Enrichment • 55 YOUR FATHER ATTENDED THE course, much of her influence was in establish a heavy foreign missions pro- FIRST GENERAL COUNCIL IN HOT the home. She wrote the books, gram.” And here was the miracle. When SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. WHAT DO Building Her House Well, Divine we gave to missions, in about a year we YOU RECALL ABOUT THAT MEETING Sanctuary, and other pamphlets. had paid off the whole debt on the FROM HIS CONVERSATIONS WITH Many of her poems related to family. I church, in spite of the fact there was a YOU? think we all appreciate that emphasis strike. SUZANNE: One time Dad mentioned from our parents. After Dad had accepted the pastorate that there were several little in Scranton, the leaders at independent groups over the the church in Springfield country that were experi- asked him to be their pastor. encing the same phenome- Dad told them, “I have non in their spiritual experi- In those early days the already given my word that I ence—the baptism in the would go to Scranton.” Holy Spirit. Some of them headquarters was basically They replied, “Well, go and came from different back- a receiving and distribution stay for just a year. Then grounds, so naturally they come back.” had absorbed other teach- office for missionaries. We Dad responded, “No, I ings. Many pastors and won’t do that. They have leaders felt a need to get weren’t highly organized in asked me to come in full together to support one faith, and I have accepted. I another and to speak the other areas. —David have to go and be a proper same thing. Just like the pastor. I cannot go with the Word says in 1 Corinthians understanding that I am 1:10: “speak the same going to leave in a year.” thing.” This had an influ- Dad’s honesty and integrity ence on bringing people led to 10 wonderful years in together at Hot Springs. the East. They wanted to support each other in what God was SUZANNE: They lived what doing and to create an inter- they preached. My folks change of thought so they lived at home exactly what all spoke the same thing they proclaimed from the concerning the baptism in pulpit. They cared for peo- the Holy Spirit—this scrip- ple. We had people come tural experience and phe- through our home from nomenon that had taken the top echelon of the place. Movement to people from the bottom strata of society. YOUR PARENTS WERE KEY And each one got the same LEADERS IN THE EARLY treatment. They were fair YEARS OF THE ASSEMBLIES and down to earth. They OF GOD. HOW WOULD YOU could appreciate a funny LIKE THEM TO BE story, and they could weep REMEMBERED? in the next few minutes with DAVID: I would like them to someone who had a deep be remembered as godly, consistent, ADELE: Foreign missions was impor- problem. Just ordinary people that honest, and dedicated parents who tant to our parents. When we came to God picked and anointed for special loved and cared for people. They were Scranton, Pennsylvania, the anthracite service. people who gave of themselves. strike had been going on for 18 months. Mother was known to hundreds all We were having a difficult time making WHAT WAS YOUR PARENTS MOST over the nation as Mother Flower. This ends meet because we were only getting SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO name was born out of relationships $50 a week. Mama said, “OK, what 20TH-CENTURY PENTECOST? that were built over the years. And of we’ll do is go off of a salary and JOSEPH: I believe the most important 56 • Fall 1999 thing to remember was the fact our WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP, Dr. Price turned to the crowd and said, father was a stalwart for Pentecostal WHO HAD THE GREATEST “Everyone of you get under the Blood doctrine, Assemblies of God doctrine. INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE AND or else that demon will come on you.” He stood steadfast when the General MINISTRY OTHER THAN YOUR Those kinds of experiences make an Council was going through a time of PARENTS? impression on you. You don’t get away great testing along doctrinal lines. DAVID: Dr. Charles Price. I received a from that. Not only the “Jesus Only” doctrine or mighty touch of God when he was in the “Oneness doctrine,” JOSEPH: Charles Price also but also in regard to the influenced me. He not only initial physical evidence had the camp meeting at of the baptism in the Holy Maranatha, he also had a Spirit. I think that he, as I remember the flyer they meeting at the Ebenezer Camp much as anyone, took a near Buffalo. I had spent 2 solid stand along that circulated through the years in college preparing for line. community with her picture a teaching profession. At the Buffalo camp meeting, I knelt SUZANNE: I remember on it. It said something down on my knees at a pew Mother telling how, when crying out to God. My life was the “Oneness” issue sur- about “a little mother with a changed at that camp meet- faced, some of the top peo- ing. After that experience, I ple in the Movement were burning heart.” went to Central Bible swayed by the issue. —Joseph Institute. I attribute it to the Mother told how she went influence of Dr. Charles Price. to her room with her Bible and said, “Lord, I have to SUZANNE: We were a camp have this question settled family—from the time it once and for all.” The Lord opened on Memorial Day to its led her to the Book of closing on Labor Day. John. At that one sitting I received the Baptism under she read through the Book the ministry of Jack Saunders, of John. I think she said who had come from Canada. she read it through three He was an ex-prizefighter who times. By the time she had had a tremendous testimony. finished, she said there Although I had been brought was no question in her up in Pentecost, one day when mind but that there was a he preached on the baptism in Father, Son, and Holy the Holy Spirit, I thought, Ghost. That was a little Well, I need that too. I was 8 sample of how they lived. years old. That was the first It had to conform to the night I ever tarried before the Word. Lord to be filled with the Spirit. I wasn’t filled that JOSEPH: There was anoth- night, but the next afternoon er scriptural term that was Jack Saunders came and particularly precious to spoke to our children’s church, Mother and that was the term the camp meetings at Maranatha. As a and he gave an altar call. I went for- “maranatha.” And as a matter of fact, young man, I was deeply impressed by ward and was slain in the Spirit, and I when we were in the East and our the impact of his preaching and of the received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. father was superintendent, she was prayer for the sick, casting out devils. I the one that gave the name Maranatha vividly remember one night when a IN JUST A FEW MONTHS THIS to the campground. And of course child was delivered. They took him back CHURCH WILL ENTER A NEW “maranatha” means “our Lord to the prayer room, and I was sitting on CENTURY AND MILLENNIUM. WHAT cometh.” the front seat in the large tabernacle. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS WOULD Enrichment • 57 YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR plan for every life concerning the decisions months. What’s wrong?” PRESENT AND FUTURE LEADERS AS and moves we make in ministry and in life My father asked, “What have you been WE APPROACH THIS CRITICAL TIME IN in general. It is up to us to find what that preaching? Have you been preaching about OUR CHURCH’S HISTORY? plan is. It might take a little while, but God the Holy Spirit? Have you been preaching ADELE: The most important thing is to will reveal it to us. It might not have any- what the Word says?” keep your priorities right. What are we here thing to do with increasing one’s salary or He said, “Well, occasionally.” for? There are many nice things you can pastoring a larger congregation or other Dad responded, “Preach about the Holy have—a new car, a new house, Spirit, and God will give you a good salary. Every member of the fruit.” our family pioneered a church This pastor began a series on and didn’t have any district I firmly believe that God the Holy Spirit—the necessity financial support. It would be for the baptism in the Holy very difficult right now to find has a plan for every life Spirit, what the Holy Spirit young people who are willing to concerning the decisions and does for you, and the fruit of do this. They want a place with the Spirit. This pastor began a parsonage, and they want a moves we make in ministry having revival in his church. place with a good salary. Every People who had been in the member of our family pioneered and in life in general. church for a long time began at least one church, and maybe It is up to us to find what receiving the baptism in the more. We need to keep the pio- Holy Spirit. In that regard, we neering spirit alive. that plan is. —Suzanne can never get away from the Word. If you preach the Word, DAVID: Mother used to say, God will give the increase. “The spirit of sacrifice is the order of heaven.” I think that is DAVID: Dad said, “Whatever the challenge to the upcoming you preach is what you are millennial people. A fresh sense going to see. If you preach sal- of the spirit of sacrifice needs to vation, you are going to have grip their hearts—that God is salvation. If you preach heal- not a sugar daddy—but we can ing, you are going to have heal- pray it down. The blessing of ing.” I feel there is a real need God will come as we give our- across the Fellowship to preach selves wholly to the Word and the whole gospel. Series ser- to the Holy Spirit. mons, series preaching, just proclaim the Word. That was JOSEPH: The pioneer spirit Dad’s philosophy. built something into the character of the early ministers in Joseph R. Flower was superinten- our Fellowship. I can remem- dent of the New York District of the Assemblies of God from 1954 to ber being influenced by our 1975. In 1975, he was elected as father, as far as ministry was general secretary of the Fellowship concerned. One time I went and served until his retirement in with him to a church in 1993. Pennsylvania where he had to David W. Flower was a pastor and settle a problem. There was friction benefits that go along with being in the former superintendent of the Southern New between the pastor and some of the peo- ministry. But it has everything to do with England District of the Assemblies of God. ple in the church. He dealt not just with what is God’s will. That’s the place to be. the congregation, but with the pastor That is where God will bless. Adele Flower Dalton was a missionary also. He said, “When you point your fin- A pastor came to my father when he was to Latin America and Spain. She has written extensively for Assemblies of God ger, remember there are three fingers superintendent in the Eastern District. He publications. pointing back at you.” said, “Brother Flower, I am concerned. We are a Pentecostal church, but no one has Suzanne Flower Earle is a minister with the SUZANNE: I firmly believe that God has a received the Baptism in our church for Assemblies of God and has been a pastor’s wife. 58 • Fall 1999 A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY EFRAIM ESPINOZA HISPANIC PENTECOSTALISM

he story of early Hispanic Pentecostal minister to that time, Olazábal is now Life Publishers International, writing Pentecostals is dominated by was referred to as the “great Aztec” by a con- many curricular materials for training pas- two figures, Francisco Olazábal temporary biographer. His work in New York tors. Ball provided stabilizing leadership. His (1886-1937) and Henry C. Ball and Chicago led to the establishment of personal influence was important in the T (1896-1989). development of a number of qualified lead- Olazábal was converted in California at ers, including Rubén J. Arévalo and Juan the turn of the century after receiving a tract Consejo Orozco, both of whom served as from George Montgomery. George and his superintendents of the Assemblies of God of wife Carrie Judd Montgomery taught him Mexico, and Josué Cruz and Horacio basic Christian doctrines. Olazábal felt God’s Menchaca, notable in establishing the call on his life and returned to Mexico to pre- church in the U.S. pare for the Methodist ministry. After a brief In 1929, the Mexican convention in the pastorate in El Paso, he attended Moody Assemblies of God, which had operated Bible Institute. In 1917, he became reac- under the Texas-New Mexico District, was quainted with the Montgomerys in converted to the Latin American District California. He was startled to learn that they Council, with Ball serving as superinten- had become Pentecostals and spoke in dent. At the same time the churches in tongues. He attended a prayer meeting at Mexico were placed entirely under national their home, along with Alice E. Luce (a sig- control, with two of Ball’s former students nificant contributor to early Hispanic min- as superintendent for extended periods of istries) and others, where he was baptized in time. Ball’s former assistant, Demetrio the Spirit. As a result, he became a Francisco Olazábal Bazán, who had led the move to rejoin the Pentecostal preacher credentialed with the dozens of new church- Assemblies of God the year after the divi- Assemblies of God. es, as did his cam- sion, accepted Ball’s former pastorate in Olazábal’s new ministry soon bore fruit as paigns in Los Angeles Kingsville. He successively pastored in young people who were Spirit baptized in his and Puerto Rico. His Laredo, Houston and San Antonio before services entered full-time ministry, many emphases on evange- accepting the invitation to the church in joining the Assemblies of God. In 1918, he lism and healing were Denver in 1932. Bazán recruited able lead- moved to El Paso, Texas, staying long combined with con- ership in the Rocky Mountain states. In enough to plant a church before traveling Henry C. Ball cern for the social 1937, with the approaching retirement of across the United States holding revival needs of the Hispanic communities. By the Henry C. Ball, Demetrio Bazán had emerged campaigns. As more Spanish-speaking peo- late 1930s, his organization had 50 church- as the dominant figure in the Hispanic min- ple were converted and joined the es and an estimated adherence of 50,000 istry in the U.S. His election as superinten- Pentecostal ranks, more of their ministers persons. Olazábal was apparently at the dent of the Latin American District Council joined the Latin American Convention of the height of his ministry when he was killed in of the Assemblies of God in 1939 introduced Assemblies of God, founded in 1918 under an automobile accident in Texas in 1937. a new era in the development of the the leadership of Henry C. Ball. Henry C. Ball had a lifelong ministry to Hispanic Pentecostal work. In 1923, Olazábal and other ministers met Hispanic people. In 1926, he opened the in Houston, Texas, and formed the Latin Latin American Bible Institute in San Efraim Espinoza is coordinator for the Decade of American Council of Christian Churches. Antonio. He cultivated the work in Mexico Harvest at the Assemblies of God Headquarters. Some material taken from “Hispanic Although he had held credentials with the and Central America in the formative stages; Pentecostalism” by Everett A. Wilson in the Assemblies of God for only 5 years, his published a paper, the Luz Apostólica; and Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic labors added to the growth of Hispanic con- prepared hymnals, one of which (Himnos de Movements. ©1988 by Stanley M. Burgess, gregations in the Council. Gloria) came into general use throughout Gary B. McGee and Patrick H. Alexander. Used Considered the most effective Hispanic the Spanish-speaking world. He began what by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Enrichment • 59 A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY JOYCE LEE AND GLENN GOHR WOMEN IN THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT

rom the beginning of the modern who was used of the Lord to pray for peo- Portland, Oregon, one of the earliest Pentecostal movement, women ple to receive the infilling of the Spirit, Pentecostal denominations in the country. have made vital contributions. later took the Pentecostal message to Rachel Sizelove, whose family lived in Though the spiritual outpouring Liberia. Jenny Evans Moore ministered at the small midwestern town of Springfield, came at a time in history when, cul- the Apostolic Faith Mission both before Missouri, shared the message that led to F turally and socially, women were and after her marriage to the pastor, establishing a Pentecostal church in that not afforded great freedoms, the women of the Pentecostal movement took their mandate from a higher source—“Your sons and your daughters will prophesy…” (Joel 2:28, NIV). This mandate, coupled with a sense of urgency of the soon return of Christ, presented opportunities for ministry based not so much on gender as on the anointing of the Spirit. It was to a young woman, Agnes Ozman, that the distinction, “the first to speak in tongues,” was given in January 1901 at Charles Parham’s Bethel Bible School in Topeka, Kansas. Jenny Evans Moore Seymour Rachel Sizelove

Agnes Ozman LaBerg Florence Crawford Ivey Campbell

Five years later, when the Holy Spirit William Seymour. Florence Crawford town. Her subsequent vision of a was poured out in Los Angeles, several assisted with publishing The Apostolic “sparkling fountain” rising up from women connected with the Apostolic Faith Faith, the newspaper sponsored by the Springﬁeld and ﬂowing to the ends of the Mission on Azusa Street gained recogni- mission. She later founded the Apostolic earth was prophetic. The Assemblies of tion with their ministries. Lucy Farrow, Faith organization with headquarters in God would later be established, move to 60 • Fall 1999 Kathryn Kuhlman Alice RO'nolds Flower an invalid at an early age and was took place in her ministry. healed through the ministry of a holiness Aimee Semple McPherson (1890- preacher,. Elizabeth Mix. Carrie's healing 1944), a dynamic and innovative Pente- provided opportunities to share her testi- costal evangelist and founder of the mony, and thus began her ministry that International Church of the Foursquare later broadened into preaching, teaching, Gospel, and Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-76) writing, and social outreach. She moved are two well-known women ministers to Oakland, California, in 1880, where whose Pentecostal influence crossed she married George Montgomery, a denominational lines. wealthy Christian businessman. After her Though these women have enjoyed wide Pentecostal baptism in 1908, she made a recognition, the vast majority of women in worldwide tour observing the Pentecostal the Pentecostal movement were not so outpouring. Upon her return, she began widely known. They served as pastors, mis- publishing articles that reported the sionaries, writers, teachers, and founders of move of the Spirit around the world. rescue missions and faith homes. Following Though she is probably best known for are three such women whose spiritual her publication, Triumphs if Faith, a influence touched many lives. journal on healing and holiness, she Alice Reynolds Flower, affectionately along with her husband established an known as "Mother Flower," lived to be 100 orphanage, a missionary training school, years of age. Her life and ministry spanned and the Home of Peace, a haven for mis- most of our Assemblies of God history. sionaries on furlough and other travelers. Mrs. Flower's mother was an invalid and Perhaps one of the best-known holiness was given up for dead after giving birth to preachers of the 19th century was Maria twins. The Lord miraculously healed her, Woodworth-Etter. Born in 1844, she and 8 years later Alice Reynolds was born. began her evangelistic ministry in the When Alice was 17, she received the bap- 1880s. Traveling across the country with tism in the Holy Spirit. She became a Aimee Semple McPherson her message of salvation, holy living, and licensed minister in 1910 and was ordained I Springfield, and be instrumental in I faith healing, she attracted crowds as in 1913. In 1911, she married J. Roswell sending the gospel around the world. large as 25,000. After receiving her Bap- Flower, also a minister By 1913, the Flow-

Ivey Campbell is reportedly the first per- I tism, she continued traveling and spread- ers had started printing a small weekly son to carry the Pentecostal message to her ing the Pentecostal message. In 1918, at newspaper, Chrisdan Evangel, later home state of Ohio. She later ministered in the age of 74, she founded and pastored a changed to the Pentecostal Evangel. Alice places in Pennsylvania that helped spread church in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is Flower wrote children's Sunday school the Pentecostal message throughout the today known as Lakeview Christian Cen- lessons that were printed weekly in the Northeast ter, a congregation of 1,300 members. She paper Carrie Judd Montgomery was born in also wrote several books recounting the When the Assemblies of God organized Buffalo, New York, in 1858. She became marvelous miracles and wonders that in April 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, J.

ENRICHMENT. 61 --.------.---- . ministry in mainland China and for a deci- baptism in the Holy Spirit. After fasting I I sion she made in. the 1940s. She was born rand praying, Marie was baptized in the in Germany on February 4, 1895, and her Holy Spirit on her 26th birthday. I I family immigrated to the United States Within a few months she felt an ! I i when she was small. She first heard the I urgency to minister to the people of New

.1 Pentecostal message in the United States. York City.and in 1907 she opened a mis- ! As a young woman, the Lord spoke to sion there.In 1909,she marriedRobertA ! i Anna about going to China as a missionary. Brown who had been a Methodist minister I She was engaged to marry a young dentist; before he was baptized in the Holy Spirit. but after a time of heart-searching, he I The Browns copastored their first I I admitted he was not called to go to China. church, Glad Tidings Hall, in New York ! In the spring of 1920, Anna sailed City. The church grew rapidly. In the

I alone to China. She ministered to the 1920s, the church purchased a large for- Anna Ziese I Chinese people 28 years. In 1948, the mer Baptistchurchbuildingand renamed f I ! American consulate recommended all !'I the church Glad Tidings Tabernacle. missionaries return to America because This church sponsored huge evangelis- I I the Communist government was about I tic rallies and sent its young people to . to take control of China. missions efforts around the world. It also I Anna packed her bags and shipped supported a weekly radio broadcast. For I . them to the coastal city of Shanghai. years it led in foreign missions giving Her trunks were loaded on the evacua- among churches in the Assemblies of God. tion ship. When it came time to leave, Robert Brown died in 1948, leaving she was overcome with compassion for Marie to pastor the church alone. She was the Chinese people. She decided to reluctant, but God told her that now was remain in China. Anna took the last her time to live what she had preached flight back to Taiyuan, China, where she and to prove His promises. had ministered for many years. Marie pastored the church for 23 years Marie Burgess Brown For a long time no one heard from after her husband's death. She was assist- Roswell Flower was elected the first secre- Anna; it was assumed she was dead. At ed by her nephew, Stanley Berg. tary. He was away from home 4 weeks. last a letter came from her that stated in Marie continued to serve the congrega- During that time, Mrs. Flower published part: "It is over 14 years since I had any tion as pastor until her death in 1971, the paper by herself. communication with you I am now 70 ending a 64-year pastoral career In 1914, the Flower family moved to years old and have been in Taiyuanover These women were dedicated pioneers Findlay, Ohio, where the first Assemblies of 40 years. I am very well treated by all." whose faithfulness, sacrifice, and influ- God headquarters was established. The Anna was last heard from in 1966. She ence will only be revealed in eternity. (j Assemblies of God national offices were died in Shansi, China, in 1969. later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1915 Marie Burgess Brown leaves us a great and to Springfield, Missouri, in 1918. spiritual legacy.As a young woman, Marie' In 1919, when the Gospel Publishing hungered to know more of God. When she House began producing its own Sunday was 19, she had a vision of Jesus. He school literature, Mrs. Flower wrote the asked, "Will you forsake all and follow quarterlies for primaries and juniors. Me?" Sister Flower taught Sunday school Marie replied, "Yes, Lord, all." classes from the time she was a teenager Marie graduated from Moody Bible Insti- until she was 90 years old. As well, she tute in Chicago and did home missionary led a weekly prayer and Bible study work in Chicago, Illinois; Ohio; and Detroit, group for more than 45 years. In addition Michigan. She still longed for a deeper to Sunday school materials and articles walk with God. At Bible school she learned in the Pentecostal Evangel, "Mother about the Holy Spirit, but had never experi- Flower" authored 17 books and more enced the fullness of Spirit baptism. than 250 poems. She began attending cottage prayer Anna Ziese is remembered for her meetings where believers were seeking the

62 . FALL 1999

ur heritage may be divided into two I have a firm conviction that we are legacies: our inheritance from called to be a people for a specific ser- divine sources, and our inheri- vice in a specific hour. We are made tance fromhuman sources. for a designed purpose to the glory Weare all aware of what of God.The apostles felt it so keen- the glorious Holy Ghost ly that they were willing to outpouring means to our become martyrs. lives. The divine gift of Our latter-day leaders received God is an experience in and have left forus not a tradition one sense of the word. But the but a testimony. God grant that experience is only an entrance every one of us may be able to into an intimacy of communion pass on the fullness of the testi- and an association with the mony to every succeeding genera- divine that is beyond description. tion that shall rise until Jesus The demands of God are sacred comes.All{hefullness of the experi- and great. It is only through the help ence that was the privilegeof the 120 of the HolySpiritthat we can meet the in the UpperRoomon the Dayof Pente- demands of God and of this hour. If we cost is our privilege.This is what our fore- would be representatives, ambassadors, of fathers contended for. the MostHighGodin the fullest sense, we must I am glad I don't have to read the Bibleas continually be Spirit-filled,Spirit-dominated, Spirit- iii historyand say, "Thisis what our fatherspossessed; controlledmen and women. this is what took place in the generations past." I can say, The perpetuation of this testimony depends on the Holy "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Spirit having access to our lives and every chamber ofr.0ur The faith of God imparted to us-faith to believe that God being. Quickeningthe thoughts of our mind, inspiring us, will not only perform miracles and confirm His Word but stirring us emotionally,using us as instruments on which faith to believethat Godwillsupply everyneed. He can playa hymn of praise and through whom He may Godgrant us the courage to be true to our conviction,to sound out fearlesslythe Wordof the livingGod.It is not we let nothing sway us from our purpose-that we may stand who use Him; it is He who uses us. There is no place for true to God[until] the trumpet sounds. pride or pomp or display of the natural, but in all humility Weslty R. Steelbe!g was general superintendentJrom we say that what we are, what we hope to be, God does" 1949-52. In his earlYyears ifministry, he Olganizedyouth through the agencyof the HolySpirit. , ralliesand isgiven creditJorhelping originateayouth pro- . The person of the divine Holy Spirit himself has brought' gram in the Assemblies if God. When Revivaltime was cre- forth doctrinally the truth of His ministries and granted us ated in 1950, SteelbeTg became the speaker. This address is an experience and given us a message. This, our spiritual .from the 24th General Council in Atlanta, GeoTgia,August ~~ heritage, is the distinct and accentuated supernatural man- '1951. It is adapted.from the September 9, 1951, issue if ifestation of the eternal God. f.I ~ The Pentecostal Evangel.

64 . FALL 1999 would like to lay a foundation for these few thoughts. First, I would like to define the word "balance." Balance means a "counter balancing weight force, or influence; a state equipoise between different elements or opposing forces to produce equilibrium or steadiness." Opposing forces brought to bear upon our lives have a tendency to bring us into a place of complete stability in this life. In the physical realm, balance is the ruling principle of life. We can only have health when there is a proper balance of diet. Work must be balanced with rest and relaxation. , In the financial world, many a good man has been ruined because he was unable to balance expenditures with income. What is true in other realms is true in the spiritual realm. True greatness is not determined by the position a man holds, neither by the church he pastors; it is determined by his [her] ability to keep balance in every phase of his [her] Christian life. True greatness depends on balance-that state of equilibrium which despite all the forces that are brought to bear on us, will keep us steady and stable in every phase of our Christian life. God has given us His Word to produce that very effect upon our lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we read, 'Nl Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." God has given us this Word so all of these elements might be brought to bear on our lives to produce balance and stability in our Christian life. It isn't enough to know the doctrines of God; there must be other

ENRICHMENT. 65 HE PLYMIRES My interest first began with the riveting story of my uncle Victor and his losing his first wife Grace and 6-year-old son John David in the bitter cold Tibetan winter of 1927. Uncle Victor died when I was 16. His was the first funeral I remember attending. I cannot remember a word of what was said about my uncle in that service, but I distinctly recall the vivid emotion of overwhelming appre- hension about approaching his casket and viewing his lifeless body. As I grew older, I better understood the legacy he left the Assemblies of God and the work of the Lord in northwest China and Tibet. Most in our Assemblies of God family now know the sequel to the story. Sixty- seven years after he laid his wife and only son in a simple single grave on a hillside overlooking a Tibetan valley, the deed to that grave became the means by which the local government granted the church in that town a return of the church property. In the providence of God, Uncle Victor had vested title to a personal grave-not in his own name-but in the name of the church. Until 1991, no one knew he had done that. But when the local church was refused permission to possess its property again because it had no legal paper to prove ownership, my cousin David Plyrnire found the deed to the grave in his dad's file at the Divi- sion of Foreign Missions. Today that church is a prospering congregation. On numerous occasions I have stood at that simple grave (which recently was Victor and Grace P{ymire, ca. 1920s.

66 . FALL 1999 Paul R. and Virginia Weidman, Paul, Jr. and John Lindsey Eric and Lucile Booth-Clibborn and Phyllis, ca. 1923. moved by the local government as a gift became ill with blackwater fever and to our family and the church as an died 3 days later. He is buried in a grass- expression of gratitude from the people less brown dirt cemetery, on a little hill- in that town for the way our churches in side outside the town of Tenkodogo. America have provided humanitarian Shortly before his death and while in a assistance to the local hospital) and delirium, he broke into song, “There’s not talked with my cousin David about the a Friend like the lowly Jesus,” in the lan- long-range events that ﬂowed out of that guage of the Mossi. He then preached, say- great loss. We have marveled again and ing, “Do not follow Satan’s road but follow again at the living application of Romans God’s road, for it alone leads to heaven 8:28—God is working good in all things through Jesus Christ our Lord.” in the history of our own family. The Weidmans stayed and established churches in the area where Paul, Jr., General Secretary George Wood standing THE WEIDMANS died. So many times I have thought to at grave of John Eric Booth-Clibborn in Across the world I have stood at the myself, If they had stayed in America, Ouagadougou cemetery. grave of another cousin, Paul Weidman, they never would have lost this child to Jr. Paul and Virginia Weidman, my moth- blackwater fever. Is my commitment to danced, sang, smiled, and laughed er’s younger brother and wife, arrived in the Lord strong enough that I could have aloud. Between the tears and the joy, the the former Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) in done that? At the time, Aunt Virginia old pastor Dakoega, said, “It was not in 1937 as missionaries to the Mossi peo- wrote home and said that God “gave us vain, Missionary. There are now churches ple with their two little boys Paul, Jr., and grace to say, ‘Not my will but Thine be everywhere.” Johnnie. Paul, Jr., quickly learned the done.’ ” language of the Mossi and began inter- Forty years later the Weidmans, who THE BOOTH-CLIBBORNS preting for his missionary dad. The had since retired, again visited On that same trip to Burkina Faso, I stood Mossi loved this little boy who stood Tenkodogo. An old Mossi pastor, who in the cemetery in the capital beside his father and translated the was in his seventies at that time, and Ouagadougou, where the remains of a strange words into a tongue they could had decades earlier watched them go number of Assemblies of God missionaries understand. through that loss, came in from hoeing and their children lie in the barren dirt Just before his seventh birthday, on in the ﬁelds. When he saw Uncle Paul, he ground strewn with leaves from the kouka February 5, 1938, Paul Jr. suddenly threw his arms around him. They trees overhead. Enrichment • 67 John and Cuba Hall with children. Clarence T. and Dorothy B. Radley with child Evangeline (Radley) Gaston, ca. 1925.

The markers include those of John Eric that implicit trust, that exquisite faith! among the Mossi, they had spearheaded Booth-Clibborn, grandson of Salvation What a difference it would make for Africa the translation of the entire Bible into the Army founder William Booth, who died of and for every other…land if those called Mossi language, and helped create the dysentery and malaria at the age of 29, responded joyfully, without ‘reasoning’ or written text for the language itself. When only 3 weeks after arriving in ‘questioning’ till their work was done.” the Halls finished the New Testament, with Ouagadougou in 1924. He left behind his the help of another missionary couple, little girl and his wife Lucile, pregnant with THE HALLS Brother Hall went on to translate most of their second child. Her letter home, carried Among the other headstones in that ceme- the Old Testament himself, reproducing in the Pentecostal Evangel, is one of the tery is that of Billie Hall, 6 months. That’s book by book on mimeograph machine. most gripping accounts of faith in the his- all the marker says. I had never realized During his missionary work, he personally tory of this Movement. She describes the that John and Cuba Hall, pioneer mission- typed the Bible six times. The Mossi added scene as the lid to her husband’s coffin aries to Burkina Faso, had lost their first books to the Bible and carried their Bible-in- was hammered on with nails and lifted son in that country. the-making in their knapsacks. None of onto a crude cart. The chapel bell tolled as When I came back to the United States that would have been accomplished had they started toward the cemetery, and the from Burkina, I inquired about the death they caved in to the enemy’s arrows by casket was lowered into the ground after of Billie. John and Cuba Hall had gone out abandoning their call to the Mossi and Scripture reading and prayer. She wrote, as single missionaries, learned the lan- coming back to America because of sorrow “In drawing this narrative to a close, I call guage, and were married on the field— and grief over losing their first-born son. to mind words written by Eric to his moth- their ceremony performed both in English Sister Hall said to me, “When Billie was er shortly before his departure from the and the language of the Mossi. Billie died so sick, every day and night the Mossi United States: ‘And now as we turn to of dysentery. I asked Sister Hall, now 93, would come and look through our win- Africa…I know how hard it will be for us to if they had been tempted to leave the field dows. They were watching to see how the part, but our Lord bade us to occupy till He after the death of Billie. I especially want- faith of the white man would be affected if comes, and we are obeying His command ed to know the answer in light of the sig- after praying to their God, their baby died. without reasoning till our work is done.’” nificant contribution the Halls had made But we committed Billie to the Lord, And then, Lucile added, “Oh for more of in that country. In over 30 years of living accepted his death as God’s will, refused to 68 • Fall 1999 Clarence died, they had not let her bury him in the graveyard, so she buried him in a field named “the Dung Heap.” Years later the Pan American Highway was built and passed only 10 feet from his grave. The believers erected a 10-foot-high marker adjacent to the highway, which read in Spanish, “He sowed the Word at the cost of his life.” Years later, when the highway was widened, they moved his bones and the marker, giving him a preeminent place at the entrance to the graveyard where his burial had first been denied. Evangeline told me years later, “My mother empowered me to believe, ‘What a wonderful privilege to do the work of the Lord. What a wonderful thing that He chooses us.’ ”

THE MUNGERS Nineteen years after Clarence Radley’s death, a young missionary couple by the name of Oren and Florence Munger, arrived in Nicaragua. Oren was 23 years of age, and fresh out of Central Bible College, where he had collaborated with H.C. McKinney on the missionary song known well in the yesteryear of our Fellowship: I have seen the heathen in their darkness, I have heard their cry of grim despair; All my heart is burning with the passion, To bring to them the light of Jesus there. Oren and Florence Munger with child. be bitter, and that became the initial means combined effects of malaria and an infec- Take me, Master, break me, use me, of breaking the ice and opening doors of tion from blood poisoning caused by a I am leaning on Thy breast, hearts for the entrance of the gospel. The doctor who wished him dead. His widow All ambitions fast are dying, Africans lose so many children to death was marooned in Esteli because of civil From their pain now give me rest; that our experience allowed us to identify war, and was without help for the burial. with them as in no other manner.” She built the casket herself with the help On the altar I have lain them Is it any wonder that today, the of some Nicaraguan believers, conducted Now to Thee I give my heart, Assemblies of God in Burkina Faso is one the service, and sang the solo at her hus- Fill me with the fire of vision, of our strongest churches in Africa, with band’s burial. Let my passion ne’er depart.2 nearly a 10th of the population of that B.A. Schoeneich, a missionary who country a part of an Assemblies of God made it through the battle lines to Esteli Two years later, at the age of 25, he was church? The seeds sown in the ground, after the burial, wrote home in the stricken with typhoid. When he arrived in which died, have borne great fruit. Evangel: “There are happenings in the Nicaragua, only 2 of 12 Assemblies of God course of our lives and in our work that we pastors had received the baptism in the THE RADLEYS fail to understand. We know not why God Spirit. His passion for God sparked the Across the ocean on another continent, in allows such things to take place, but one beginnings of revival in that land. On the same year Eric Booth-Clibborn died thing is sure. He knows and ‘He doeth all Saturday morning, August 25, 1945, he (1924), Clarence and Dorothy Radley things well.’ ”1 called Florence, the mother of his two little arrived in Nicaragua. Shortly afterward, Sister Radley came home with her 4- children, to his side. She had been writing Clarence died—probably from the year-old daughter, Evangeline. When a letter to her parents. “What shall I write Enrichment • 69 home to the folks?” she asked. of God missionary in Nicaragua during of missionaries that the evangelism of the He whispered, “Tell them I am passing those early years to give his life for the world lies, but in the intense glow with through deep waters, but that the Lord is cause of Christ. which the firebrands burn.” Lord even of the deep waters.” That We should never forget the words he evening he became the fourth Assemblies wrote home, “It is not in the great numbers THE SIMPSONS Time does not permit the telling of so many other stories. I think for example of W.W. Simpson, early pioneer missionary to China and Tibet, whose son Willie grew up in that remote region of the world. At the age of 18, Willie probably holds the record for the youngest missionary ever to receive appointment from the Assemblies of God. It was given in absentia since Willie was already on the field at the time. At the age of 32, he was killed from a ran- dom shot fired by mutinied troops into the truck in which he was riding. His body was robbed of all valuables, and the nearby villagers buried him alongside the road. Five days later his dad W.W. arrived by horseback to the place where his son had been killed and buried. I take up the story in his own words: “When some distance away we saw the forlorn truck. We W.W. Simpson with son W.E. and daughters Margaret (left) and Louise (right). galloped our horses to the dreaded lonely

70 • Fall 1999 spot. Dismounting, we started toward the shall wear a crown! ENDNOTES rude grave. How I longed for one last word And when the battle’s over we shall 1. Noel Perkin, “Missionary News,” The with my darling boy. Seeing a paper lying wear a crown in the New Jerusalem. Pentecostal Evangel, 2 July 1927, 10. on the bloody ground, I picked it up. It was Wear a crown, wear a crown, wear a 2. H.C. McKinney, “The Vision,” in Hymns of Glorious Praise (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel a Sunday school paper folded on which I bright and shining crown!3 Publishing House, 1969), 285. Used by read, ‘In Remembrance of Me.’ permission. George O. Wood is the “Opening it I saw smeared over the 3. Isaac Watts, “When the Battle’s Over,” in Assemblies of God paper the blood and brain of my beloved Melodies of Praise (Springfield, Mo.: general secretary, son! And I remembered how I had laid Gospel Publishing House, 1957), 148. Springfield, Missouri. my son on the altar years before, know- Used by permission. ing it probably meant his death. And I remembered too that Paul wrote, ‘Be ye followers of God as dear children,’ and I thought, As God gave His Son to make salvation possible, I have given my son to make salvation known. So the Lord arranged for this paper to convey my son’s last word to me.” One of W.W. Simpson’s grandsons has recently returned from the area of China in which his grandfather and uncle served, and reported finding several thou- sand believers who are still singing the hymns taught them by the missionaries.

OUR RESPONSE What I can say is Abraham Lincoln’s words spoken at Gettysburg: “That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” In our 85-year history, the Lord has given us a most precious gift in the lives of people who have sown the seed of the gospel at the cost of their lives. We must not forget them. And we must honestly evaluate our own commitment to the Lord in light of the example of those who gave all to advance this gospel. The hymn writer of another generation, Isaac Watts, elo- quently asked: Must I be carried to the skies on ﬂowery beds of ease, While others sought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas? He answered the question this way: Sure I must ﬁght if I would reign, increase my courage, Lord: I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word. And when the battle’s over we shall wear a crown! Yes, we shall wear a crown! Yes, we Enrichment • 71

A Century of Pentecostal Vision BY RANDY HURST ASPIRIT-LED MISSION In the ﬁrst General Councils, our leaders gave eloquent and passionate expression concerning the missionary purpose in forming the Fellowship.

Melvin L. and Lois M. Hodges, “A family’s wayside scene in the country of Nicaragua.”

uring the Pentecostal revival missions focused only on certain parts also His promise that they would early in this century, the Holy of the world, our early leaders were receive the Holy Spirit’s power to do it.2 Spirit led our founders to form compelled by the Spirit to obey our This Spirit-imparted zeal was not mere the Assemblies of God. The Lord’s command, “Go into all the world enthusiasm, but a purposeful mission fresh outpouring of the Holy and preach the gospel.”1 guided by a thorough study of biblical Spirit into hungry hearts result- The boldness of our forefathers’ directives. D ed in an immediate, Spirit- response to our Lord’s command is The cutting edge of our mission is imparted concern for a lost world. In astounding. How could such a small evangelism. Pentecostals are characteris- the ﬁrst General Councils, our leaders group of Christians even consider tically at the forefront in proclaiming the gave eloquent and passionate expres- attempting to preach the gospel in all gospel of Christ to the lost. W.W. sion concerning the missionary pur- the world? Because they were truly Simpson, one of our earliest missionaries pose in forming the Fellowship. Pentecostal. They believed both Jesus’ and a member of the ﬁrst Foreign Unlike many church bodies whose command to reach the whole world and Missions Committee, said it well: “It is 74 • Fall 1999

the simple preaching of the real Jesus as We are called not only to reap a world- ministers who are divinely called and revealed in the Gospels…showing how wide harvest, but also to conserve it. gifted. As a church grows and matures, He really took our place on the cross and The ﬁrst Assemblies of God Missionary the missionary relationship progresses became our sin and thus put away our Manual published in 1931 stated: “The from spiritual parenting to spiritual sins forever as proved by His rising from winning of souls to Christ and establish- partnering. the dead that prepares the way for an ing of assemblies in all places where Our Assemblies of God missionary out- outpouring of the Holy Spirit. That is the converts are won should be regarded as reach around the world is extensive in method used by the apostles, and it is the primary objective of all missions. All geographic scope and in breadth of min- the only method which will produce other branches of ministry should be istry because our strategy has been for- apostolic results now.” subordinate to this.” mulated by the Spirit of God himself. And From its inception, however, our mis- The term “indigenous church” God’s designs are much greater than we sion went beyond evangelism. The describes the nature of the churches we could conceive ourselves. The distinctives Great Commission involves more than establish. The word “indigenous” of our worldwide mission are not formu- proclamation. Our Lord also command- describes something that begins, grows, lations of a strategy committee; they are ed, “Go and make disciples of all and lives naturally in its own setting or based on careful observation of what the nations…teaching them to obey every- environment. We do not merely trans- Spirit of God led our early missionary thing I have commanded you.”3 Unless plant the American church. From the leadership to do and what successive they are discipled, most people reached earliest years of our Fellowship, leadership has reafﬁrmed and main- through evangelistic efforts will be lost. Assemblies of God missionaries have tained. Our strategy for worldwide

Missionaries working in Nigeria. To obey our Lord’s command to make established indigenous churches to sup- missions has been to cooperate with the disciples, we must establish churches. port and govern themselves. Our mis- Lord of the harvest, who is fulﬁlling His New believers need a church where sion is to plant local bodies of believers promise to build His church. they can receive ongoing teaching from that will live and grow without depen- Four words describe our mission: God’s Word. They need a pastor who dency on the mother church that sent reaching, planting, training, and touch- will instruct them and a spiritual fami- the missionaries. To do this, we must ing. They are not four separate ly in which to grow and serve Christ. commit the work into the care of national CONTINUED ON PA GE 78 Enrichment • 75

A Century of Pentecostal Vision NTERVIEW WITH J. PHILIP HOGAN I A Spirit-Led Statesman for 20th-Century Missions

WHAT WAS YOUR EARLIEST

The life and ministry of J. Philip Hogan demonstrate the ASSOCIATION WITH THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD? sovereignty of God in the life of a believer. Born the son HOGAN: I was not saved through the min- of a cattle rancher, for 30 years he was the key missions istry of the Assemblies of God. I was born strategist for the Division of Foreign Missions, serving and raised on a cattle ranch in western as its executive director until his retirement in 1989. Colorado. The earliest Pentecostal preach- With prior ministry in the pastorate and as a missionary ers in our area were independent, so I to China, Hogan has left his handprint on the didn’t have any background in the Assemblies of God until my father and Assemblies of God missions enterprise. His decisive mother sold the ranch and ultimately leadership facilitated growth in a number of key areas moved to Springfield to put my older helping the overseas church to experience its most brother Gene and me in Central Bible impressive growth. Institute. So my earliest recollection of the J. Philip Hogan’s contribution to the 20th-century Assemblies of God took place in global revival movement cannot be denied. Richard Springfield when I came to Bible school in Schoonover, associate editor of Enrichment Journal, 1933. spent time with this missionary giant, reminiscing WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE about his distinguished missions career and getting his THE MOST FOR PENTECOST AND FOR thoughts on missions for the 21st century. MISSIONS? HOGAN: My own family was the main early influence. My mother was the spiritual head in our family. When the Pentecostal revival swept into the valley where we lived in Colorado, I went with my family to the revival. I was saved when I was 9 years old. We received the baptism in the Holy Spirit along with other farm families in our community. When I look back, I can’t believe my family, having no background in the Assemblies of God, elected to move to Springfield to put my brother and me in

education, through the Bible colleges and seminaries we are establishing overseas. These are preparing good leadership. With growth comes change. We have moved from being a small organization that was sometimes looked down on in the religious world to the forefront of religious organizations. We are well known in the world of the church. I am very optimistic about the foreign missions program. It is well led. It continues to grow. In fact, it is one of the major missions programs in the world today.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO THE DYNAMIC GROWTH THAT THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD HAS SEEN IN The last group Hogan baptized on Easter at Taipei, Taiwan, FOREIGN MISSIONS? ca. 1950. Hogan is in the back, second from left. HOGAN: The concept of the indigenous Bible school. It had to be a sovereign up the pieces that were left after the war. church has been one of the major keys in leading of the Spirit. W.I. Evans, Ralph The Chinese people are steeped in cul- the growth of Assemblies of God foreign Riggs, Myer Pearlman, and J. Roswell tural religions. Though there was a fine missions. The Division of Foreign Flower all had a very great influence on work where I went—a very good Bible Missions has continued the vision of our my life. school and a good church—I couldn’t say founding fathers that we would produce that there was a mighty revival going on. national churches that are self-support- WHEN DID YOU AND YOUR WIFE GO Nothing like there is now in China. ing and self-governing. Most of the pio- TO THE MISSION FIELD? neer missionaries had the idea of pro- HOGAN: We went to the mission field in ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FOREIGN MISSIONS ducing national churches. We were able 1946. We were pastoring in Detroit HAS BECOME MORE RESOURCEFUL to build on that principle, and that’s one when the Lord called us to China. The OVER THE YEARS. YOU MUST BE of the reasons why there are 30 million war was still on, and we knew it would PLEASED WITH WHAT IS TAKING PLACE! people today in the Assemblies of God end and China would be open. We left HOGAN: I am very grateful for what the around the world. In the beginning we our pastorate and went to the Lord is doing in missions. We are experi- never set out to build an American or a University of California to study Chinese encing tremendous growth. When I first Western organization, but to build and Oriental culture. The war did come became director of the Division of Foreign indigenous churches. to a close, and in 1946 we went to the Missions, the Fellowship was about 3 mission field. million people worldwide. Today we have IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW approximately 30 million people in the MILLENNIUM, WHAT MUST BE OUR DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE ON Assemblies of God worldwide. The num- APPROACH IN FOREIGN MISSIONS? THE MISSION FIELD. ber of foreign missionaries has also HOGAN: God is a sovereign God bringing HOGAN: China was still feeling the grown from 788, when I first became forth His will in the world. The most effects of war. There was a threat of a director to nearly 2,000 today. important thing is to discover where God Communist takeover, so things in China I am also encouraged at the growth of is going and move with Him. were abnormal. national leadership and the quality of We need to stay on our faces before the China at one time was one of our major national preachers that our program Lord. There are indications of sovereign fields. We had 80 missionaries in China, has produced overseas. Some of the revival movements springing up every- including several districts, Bible schools, greatest churches in the world are now where. We need to be alert to whatever and all the other things that go with overseas. In fact, up until the time I God is doing and going to do in the world. organizations. Pioneer missionaries had retired, the largest churches I preached With growth you also get various influ- done a fine work in China. We went to in were overseas. ences. We need to maintain our biblical East China to the city of Ningpo to pick We are moving up in the world of standards. Enrichment • 77

train spiritual leaders to serve as the gifts the Spirit has set them in the church to be—evangelists, pastors, and teachers. It is appropriate for Christians to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and minister to the medical needs of poor and suffering people. But we do so with the intent of integrating compassion ministry with a presentation of the gospel, inviting people to become His followers Missionaries crossing the Nipoko River by pontoon, ca. 1939. and part of a local church. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75 The local church should be a spiritual objectives, but an integrated and com- outpost for the proclamation of the prehensive God-given plan. They repre- gospel to the surrounding population. It sent the four activities of our mission- is also the wellspring of missionary ser- aries: evangelizing, establishing vice, as local churches and national fel- churches, training national church lowships around the world increasingly leaders, and demonstrating Christ’s send out missionaries to foreign lands. compassion to poor and suffering peo- The local church is the source of ple. These are the four biblical man- potential church leaders and is the dates we strive to obey. A strong and foundational environment in which Everett and Dorothy Phillips in Nigeria. mature indigenous church will partici- people are first discipled. A local fel- pate in and support each of the four end, and each is served by it as well. lowship is the most efficient and effec- aspects of our mission. Evangelism must result in established tive means of distributing relief and Each of these is right in itself. churches. If that doesn’t happen, the fruit reaching out to poor and suffering peo- However, what is distinctive about our of the evangelistic endeavor is largely lost. ple with the compassion of Christ. mission is not that we perform these In training leaders, the priority is not While we are to be obedient to divine four functions, but how they work merely for their personal fulfillment and commands to evangelize, train spiritual together to achieve our primary objec- advancement, even though educating peo- leaders, and minister the love of Christ to tive. The heart of our mission is estab- ple for that purpose is right and good. The poor and suffering people, the heart and lishing the church. Each of the other ele- primary objective of education in highest priority of our mission is to estab- ments of our mission contributes to that Assemblies of God foreign missions is to lish New Testament churches that will mature, last, and multiply. Our missionary founding fathers were led by the Holy Spirit to do what the Word of God taught in the Book of Acts by establishing churches after the New Testament pattern. This has always been the heart of our mission and will continue to be in the new millennium.

Randy Hurst is communications director for the Assemblies of God Foreign Missions.

ENDNOTES 1. Mark 16:15, NKJV 2. Acts 1:8 3. Matthew 28:19,20, NIV 78 • Fall 1999

he Assemblies of God was born in abroad. Flowing with the Spirit, being in elements in the history of the Assem- revival. Evangelism, church plant- the right place at the right time with the. blies of God. Perhaps pondering these

ing, and missions have been high right words and ministries is the genius I will enhance your own perspective. priorities since our Fellowship of the Pentecostal revival. began in 1914. People led of the As the first Pentecostal century comes A UNIQUE REVIVAL MOVEMENT Spirit have been engaging in pio- to a conclusion, it is appropriate to Since the Apostolic Age, historians have

neer endeavors at home and reflect on our history. Consider some I catalogued at least two dozen renewal 84 . FALL 1999 movements in the Church that have humility that this Fellowship owes exhibited Pentecostal or charismatic much to a host of godly people and experiences. Until the 20th century, none great awakenings in days past. Donald of these movements survived long Gee, a great statesman of the first gen- enough to make a lasting impression on eration of Pentecostals, emphasized that the Church. The modern Pentecostal the modern Pentecostal revival added revival appears to be the first renewal no new doctrine to the mainstream of movement since the Early Church that orthodox theology; it was simply calling has survived and has become a signifi- the Church back to its roots. Few, if any, cant force in Christianity. of the creeds of orthodox Christianity The Assemblies of God is only part of deny Pentecostal values. In fact, we the larger Pentecostal world revival. But have been great borrowers. Our polity the steadying influence of wise leaders in and much of our Statement of Funda- the early history of the Assemblies of God mental Truths came from the Christian is a major reason why this revival did not and Missionary Alliance, a strong evan- fall prey to the fanaticisms and heresies gelical body that provided many of our CharlesF.Parham,Jounder if Bethel Bible College in Topeka. Kansas. that destroyed previous movements. early Assemblies of God leaders. Leaders such as E.N. Bell, J. Roswell It is important that we recognize we pastors and leaders employed. We also Flower, T.K Leonard, and D.W Kerr insist- belong in the mainstream of Christian borrowed some of their methodologies, ed on the authority of the Scriptures as orthodoxy. It is arrogant to assume that such as the Bible institute as a training the standard for evaluating all spiritual God did a totally new thing in the mod- instrument for emerging leadership. experiences. Commitment to the authori- ern Pentecostal outpouring. The imme- ty of the Bible was the principal reason diate context of the Pentecostal revival WHY WAS THE ASSEMBLIES OF the early Pentecostal movement survived. is the 19th-century holiness revival that GOD FORMED? grew out of the Wesleyan movement. Some scholars believe the origin of WE OWE MUCH TO OTHERS I We owe much to the early Fundamen- the modern Pentecostal movement was While it is important to see the unique- talist movement, as well. Fundamental- New Year's day, 1901, in Charles I ness of the Pentecostal revival, it is ist scholars and revivalists provided the Parham's Topeka, Kansas, Bethel Bible equally important to acknowledge with j biblical and theological resources our ENRICHMENT. 85 t is not too much to say that Pente- Christ's own life was a succession of cost has come to the Kingdom miracles. His birth was miraculous. for such a time as this. When Miracles attended His ministry. His the Lord was launching the resurrection was a mighty miracle. first great effort for world And His ascension also was evangelism, He specifically miraculous. We follow in His instructed His disciples not train. Supernatural birth, super- to go out of Jerusalem until natural righteousness, supernat- they were endued with ural healing, supernatural gifts, power from on high. supernatural power, and super- Now the end of the gospel age. natural translation. has come. God intends that there Beloved friends, we stand today be a glorious climax, a full cycle, upon the threshold of a mighty completing this age with a great \ land of promise. A worldwide burst of Pentecostal power. revival is ours for the asking and the Revelation 14:14-20 gives us the pic- taking. The conquest we face and to ture of two harvests at the end of the age. which we are invited is not of material One harvest is of the vine of the earth, which is walled cities or a literal land of milk and cast into the winepress of Armageddon. The other honey. It is a harvest of never-dying souls that harvest is reaped and gathered into the garner of heaven. It await a Holy Ghost reaping. God is far more interested in is God's eternal ordination that there shall be Holy Ghost rain seeing this harvest reaped than He was in giving Canaan to both at the beginning and at the end of the gospel age. the Children of Israel. He is just as able to level the giants On the Day of Pentecost, God poured out His Holy Spirit before us as He was to fell Goliath. He is the living God. on the waiting, willing disciples. They received, prophe- Shall we run to meet our enemies in the name of the Lord sied, and preached everywhere-the Lord working with of hosts, or shall we slink back to our comfortable homes. them, and confirming the Word with signs following. The our feathered nests, and our personal security? It only hour of God's visitation in the last days is upon us. As remains for us to arise in His faith and in His name, gird with the former rain, there must be receptive hearts and our loins, step out in faith, and proceed firmly and tri- willing co-workers with God. umphantly to the world revival that awaits us. We have received as on the Day of Pentecost. We must R.M. Riggs was general supenntendent.from 1953-59. He present our bodies, our lives, and our all on His sacred was also aJacult;y member if Bethel Bible Training School, altar to carry this holy flame to the ends of the world. Central Bible Institute, and Bethany Bible College. He Pentecost is tailored of God for this very hour. Beloved, it authored several books and was instrumental in establish- is powerful and altogether sufficient for the need. Let !Is ing Evangel Universit;y. This address is.from the 24th Gener- march under its banner and its cloud of blessing to God's al Coundl in Oklahoma Cit;y,Oklahoma, 1955. It is adapted appointed victory. .from the September 25, 1955, Pentecostal Evangel.

86 . FALL 1 9 9 9 \1 I

rom the earliest days of human history, God has the faith that requires holiness of life. It is too easy to let the given man a body of truth to be believed world influence the lifestyle of believers instead of and obeyed. In the Garden of Eden, God believers being the light and salt of the world. gave Adam and Eve a simple com- We also need to determine to stand firm mand to refrain from eating of the in the faith that provides power for spiri- tree of the knowledge of good tual service. The believers and evil. in the Early Church never lost On Mount Sinai, God gave sight of the Great Commission. Israel the moral and cere- In themselves they could not over- monial law. Following Christ's come the opposition and persecu- atoning work on the cross, God tion the Church faced. But these gave the New Testament-or new believers never forgot that Jesus covenant. promised power commensurate But Satan has also been active with the task (Acts 1:8). As a result from the earliest days trying to get of being filled with the Spirit, these people to reject or distort the faith. In early believers filled Jerusalem with New Testament times, he tried to get their doctrine. They spread out to the infant Church to mix the truth with Judea and Samaria, and eventually human philosophy, tradition, or ceremoni- reached the uttermost parts of the earth. al law. This is why God inspired Paul to write The world could not understand this kind of in 1 Corinthians 16: 13: "Watch ye, stand fast in commitment. These people were beaten, impris- the faith." The faith of which Paul wrote has many oned, stoned, and tortured, but they were not '. facets; three of which are: doctrine, lifestyle, and ministry. II ignored. Every believer became a preacher. It never occurred Let us determine to stand firm in the faith that sees the to them that evangelization should only be assigned to the Bible as the inspired Word of God. The Bible speaks of Chris- ", clergy. tian experiences, and we are grateful for them. The Bible also .: In his book, Pentecost Is l!Ynamite, WT.H. Richards speaks of emotional reaction to the assurance of salvation, observed that the five powers governing society are elo- and we are thankful for the joy of the Lord. But nothing can quence, learning, wealth, rank, and the army. The Church in ever take the place of God's Word as the infallible, authorita- II its early days had none of these-in fact, all five were tive rule of faith and conduct. against her. When we come to God in complete dedication God raised up the Pentecostal movement with a mes- '! and stand firm in the faith, we too will continue to triumph sage that included holiness. Preachers were not ashamed as believers did in the early years of the Church. to preach boldly about holiness. Today we need to remind Thomas F.Zimmerman was general superintendent.from ourselves that a biblical lifestyle is not optional, but 1959-85. He served on numerous boards and committees: mandatory. When people are genuinely born again and J

ENRICHMENT . 87 II

not have an understanding of our that the baptism in the Holy Spirit "made College. While there were isolated dational generation. Over the years, the Lord Jesus intensely real." episodes of outpourings of the Holy qualities and values that gave birth c. Holy Living. Pentecostals of that Spirit well before this time, in Topeka, revival movement are easily forgotten. generation wanted to do nothing to hinder the theological identity of the modern The history of other revival bodies dis- the flow of the Spirit. These saints Pentecostal movement was established. closes that it is possible for a move- abhorred "compromise with the world." Parham and his disciples taught that ment to evolve into something far They defined worldliness in terms appro- believers should expect a baptism in the removed from the vision and passion of priate to the contemporary culture. Their Holy Spirit, separate from new birth. the founding generation. Groups that zeal to live carefully sometimes took This baptism in the Holy Spirit is accom- champion the priority of spiritual expe- extreme forms, and when some codified panied by the initial, physical sign of rience are more vulnerable to erratic what they interpreted as proper behavior, speaking in other tongues, according to and rapid theological drift than are oth- it appeared to later believers as legalistic. Acts 2:4. This teaching had been ers who are more cognitively oriented. I For that first generation, however, the ignored for centuries among the Chris- What were some of the common I decisions they made were born out of an tian churches. characteristics that marked the early authentic desire to please God by thought, From 1901 until 1914, when the Pentecostals? word, and deed. Why? They had come Assemblies of God was formed, churches a. Expectancy. Early Pentecostals into the very presence of a holy God. and missions grew in virtual isolation- had a sense of urgency about the sec- d. Evangelistic Zeal. From the very from recognized denominations and from ond coming of Christ. The term "latter outset of the Pentecostal revival, the Holy one another. A variety of problems experi- rain"-the promised outpouring of the Spirit impressed upon Spirit-filled believ- enced among these full-gospel assemblies Spirit just before the return of the ers the high priority of reaching the lost precipitated a call for a general conference Lord-was used to describe the Pente- for Christ. Although Pentecostals were . of churches and believers to consider costal revival. Fundamentalist-premil- eager to share their understanding of the ways of unifYing the work and dealing , lennial eschatology was the way this baptism in the Spirit with non-Pentecostal with common problems. The first General earnest hope was articulated. The belief Christians, their primary focus was on Council, held in April 1914, in Hot that Jesus was coming soon energized reaching the unsaved, at home and Springs, Arkansas, was to address five Pentecostals to mobilize for reaching abroad. In fact, much of the evangelism key issues: 1) Agreement in doctrine; 2) the lost before the day of opportunity being successfully undertaken was the Conservation of the work; 3) Facilitating was gone. work of Pentecostal missionaries and foreign missions; 4) Chartering churches b. Reality. First-generation Pente- workers. Foreign missionaries from vari- in accordance with the law; 5) Proposing costals experienced the presence of God ous nations visited Azusa Street in Los the formation of a Bible Training School in powerful ways. Working people gath- Angeles well before the formation of the for the training of young people. ered the family at the end of a hard day Assemblies of God. Some of these were baptized in the Spirit and returned to their respective fields as Pentecostal missionaries. When the Assemblies of God was formed, a significant number of these Pen- tecostal missionaries chose to identifY with the newly formed Fellowship. e. Faith. It was common for assemblies in that first generation to not take any offerings. After all, they were living by faith. These people were intent on trusting God for all facets of life, including financial needs. If God burdened individuals about the need of a neigh- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE and walked great distances to a revival boring community that lacked a full- EARLY ASSEMBLIES OF GOD meeting. Why? They did not want to gospel witness, a "gospel band," or just Many current members of Assemblies of miss God's presence. These believers a family, would move to that place God churches are third- or fourth-genera- had entered into a new relationship expecting to start a congregation. Often, tion Pentecostals. Others have come into with God that was meaningful and in these pioneer situations, the key to the Fellowship as new converts and may filled with power. Donald Gee explained unlocking the hearts was a remarkable

88 . FALL 1999 Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa Street in Los Angeles. in which blacks and whites associated. Bible as the all-sufficient rule for faith It is remarkable that there is no specif- and practice. ic founder for the modern Pentecostal Continual recourse to the Scriptures by revival. One might cite Parham or the leadership of the Fellowship and by Seymour, but in truth there were the teachers and writers in our schools Pentecostal outpourings around the and churches has kept the Assemblies of world in the first decade of the century, God from following fads and aberrations. virtually simultaneously, and with no A tribute to our Fellowship is the forma- single human leader. God appears to have tion and nurturing of quality schools for employed a wide variety of people, from training young people for the ministry all walks of life, to be the emissaries of and for the various vocations of life. A this new revival movement. Not many balance has been achieved by encourag- noble, not many wealthy, not many of ing strong colleges, universities, and a high social influence were the instru- seminary that adhere firmly to the ments God chose—that no flesh should authority of Scripture. glory. h. Controversy. No denomination is William J. Seymour g. Biblical Authority. The modern without problems. How a fellowship healing. God was so real He could meet Pentecostal revival, like other revivals in addresses problems is a clue to its sur- any need. Life for early Pentecostals was the past, could have fallen into the abuse vival. One of the reasons for the forma- a daily holy adventure. of overemphasis on spectacular phenom- tion of the Assemblies of God was to pro- f. Equality. That God is no respecter of ena that accompany revivals. The bap- vide a standard of doctrine on which the persons is evident from the days of tism in the Spirit and the manifestations body of believers could agree, and to Azusa Street. William J. Seymour, the of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians which ministers could be held account- black holiness minister from Texas, 12,14) are experiential in nature. Such able. In the 1980s, the fall of Assemblies served as the moderator. Vinson Synan, experiences were defining characteristics of God televangelists Jimmy Swaggart in his Ph.D. dissertation, demonstrated of the revival. The Assemblies of God and Jim Bakker exposed the dangers that in the “Jim Crow” era of American avoided the pitfalls of extremism and inherent in ministries lacking proper sociology, the early Pentecostal move- unbalanced emphases because of an accountability. The forthright, yet comment was the most conspicuous forum early commitment to the authority of the passionate, response of Assemblies of Enrichment • 89 God leadership to these serious moral delegates recognized they had to respond emphases produced division and conster- problems gained considerable respect for to a doctrinal crisis with a statement of nation. Decisive action by Assemblies of the integrity of our Fellowship. shared beliefs. The Jesus Only controversy God leaders stemmed the hysteria, and i. Doctrinal Issues. Over the years, sev- led the Fellowship to adopt a Statement of by 1951, the movement had subsided. eral major doctrinal issues have recurred, Fundamental Truths in 1916. This solved Charismatic Issues. In the 1950s, with in one form or another. Some have been the problem decisively. the advent of the charismatic renewal, a resolved; others continue to resurface Initial Physical Evidence. In 1918, F.F. new set of relationships was thrust on with new questions. Bosworth, an Assemblies of God minister, Pentecostals. Churchmen in the liberal Jesus Only (Oneness). When the wrote a tract titled, Do All Speak With wing of Christianity, especially those Assemblies of God was just 1 year old, an Tongues? Bosworth rejected the widely associated with the World Council of enthusiasm, beginning in California, held teaching of the Assemblies of God Churches, began to earnestly inquire that the biblical standard for the baptism about the work of the Holy Spirit. In 1967, in the Spirit is the accompanying sign of an even more astounding development speaking in other tongues. For him it was optional. Since he chose to make an issue of this by distributing his tract at conferences and camps, it was necessary for the Fellowship to act. At the General Council of 1918, the historic doctrine was strong- ly reaffirmed and Bosworth chose to leave the Fellowship. With the onset of charismatic renewal in the mid-1950s, people in virtually every Christian denomination have become interested in the person and work of the Holy Spirit. With this came a wide range of theological opinions regarding the baptism in the Holy J. Roswell Flower Spirit. swept the Fellowship. Soon the new teach- Many charismatics believe in the gifts ing—that to be truly biblical, one had to be of the Spirit, but are vague about the bap- baptized in water in the name of Jesus tism in the Spirit, particularly the teach- only—spread through the Fellowship. ing that tongues is the accompanying Many leaders in the Assemblies of God sign. The wide range of teaching about took place—Roman Catholics were receiv- were swept along with this teaching. J. the work of the Spirit has in more recent ing the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These Roswell Flower, one of the young leaders, years called for fresh articulation of the outpourings in liberal Protestant settings recognized from his study of church histo- traditional Pentecostal teaching to avoid and among Roman Catholics put tradi- ry that this was not a new revelation, but confusion. Future generations of tional Pentecostal bodies like the was the reincarnation of an old heresy. Pentecostal ministers and laypersons will Assemblies of God in an awkward pos- The Jesus Only teaching was be best served by encouraging vigorous ture. Our evangelical friends discounte- unmasked as Sabellianism, or Modal biblical and theological inquiry. Only by nanced association with liberals and with Monarchianism—a heresy about the persuasive biblical teaching will theologi- Catholics, yet among these people there Godhead that had been condemned by the cal continuity be maintained. appeared to be a greater openness to the Church in the fourth century. Pastors and The “Latter Rain” controversy. In 1947, work of the Spirit. The charismatic renew- leaders reviewed the admonition of in Saskatchewan, a new teaching sur- al is, without doubt, a genuine work of Brother Flower in the light of Scripture and faced that spread quickly, especially to the Holy Spirit. swiftly rejected the Jesus Only fascination. the American Northwest and Central As in most historic revivals, there have Delegates at the first General Council in states. Adherents to this teaching been problems around the edges. Since 1914 had heralded their belief in the focused on the laying on of hands to the 1960s, a succession of extreme teach- authority of the Bible, but chose not to bestow gifts, including the gift of foreign ings has plagued the church. The shep- spell out what this meant for them in con- languages for missionary service. Added herding movement led to abuses of lead- crete ways to avoid the appearance of to this were personal prophecies to dis- ership and brought the victims of this advocating a creed. But 2 years later, the pense personal guidance. These teaching into bondage. This was exposed 90 • Fall 1999 as a misunderstanding of the Great need for fresh writing and preaching about Shepherd passage, John 10. Another fas- Wise Words From the sanctification. cination was demon possession among Lips of J.W. Welch In the recent phase of revival within believers. Paul’s teaching in Romans and the Assemblies of God, the Spirit seems • As Christ lives in you, He dethrones the Galatians about the deliverance and free- to be highlighting the need for righteous self-life. dom available to all believers dispelled living. How can Assemblies of God this unhealthy emphasis. Exaggerated • Justification is a condition before God preachers and teachers encourage deeper expectations regarding faith produced a as though you had never sinned. consecration and purity of life? Will litany of divisive teachings, such as • Don’t let the sun go down on any hard Pentecostals of the new millennium be “name it/claim it theology,” associated feeling in the heart against anyone. known for their piety—or merely for with an unqualified endorsement of mate- • There is a difference between trusting their power? rial prosperity and a consequent muting the Lord and deeming Him trustworthy. Mature Engagement. An unfinished of sacrificial living, and Kingdom Now • Beware of exercising your influence as item on the agenda is the uncertain rela- teaching that emphasized an unwarrant- a spiritual leader in a partial way. tionship of the Pentecostal movement to ed triumphalism regarding the taking of • In every body of believers there should the charismatic movement and to the nations for God. be all the gifts of the Spirit. evangelical world. Pentecostals will be Over the years, the leadership of the • Beware of revelations and manifesta- required to define their role in new ways. Assemblies of God has dealt with these tions that are not given to other Spirit- Certainly Pentecostals are evangelicals, and other issues. The leadership filled people. but the unique contribution of authorized more than a dozen pam- • The best method of correcting wrong Pentecostal understanding needs to be phlets, commonly referred to as posi- conditions is to teach right conditions and articulated freshly so Pentecostal values tion papers, to reflect what is common- to live right. are not submerged within evangelical ly taught and believed in our • It is a desperate thing for one who has teaching. Pentecostals will also need to Fellowship on issues that have unset- been filled with the Holy Ghost to back- develop constructive ways to relate to tled earnest believers. slide. charismatics, without compromising the • The Baptism does not restore a back- authority of Scripture and the importance CONCLUSION slider, nor speaking in tongues; only the of historic doctrines of faith. As we pause at the end of the first Blood restores to fellowship with God. Mature and honest relationships Pentecostal century, it is important to require a clear understanding, not only of • The Scriptures are not to be argued address the future. How can the cher- about, but believed. Never argue. those with whom we dialogue, but a clear ished values of the Pentecostal revival be self-understanding, as well. The tide of • Paul did not depend upon oratory to preserved? How can the Assemblies of history has thrust the Assemblies of God present Christ, but used ordinary lan- God keep on course in reaching the world into necessary contact with a wide array guage and depended upon the demon- for Christ in the new millennium? Are stration and power of the Spirit to make of Christian bodies. We cannot operate in there some challenges that appear to be his message effectual. isolation. The invitation to dialogue of great current consequence? offers great doors of challenge and oppor- Doctrinal stability. The Pentecostal passion. Early leaders recognized that the tunity for constructive influence in the revival has emphasized the urgency of a baptism in the Holy Spirit was an empow- new millennium. profound spiritual experience, a genuine ering for witness—not merely an experi- As we approach unknown tomorrows, encounter with God. We have empha- ence for personal enjoyment. Creative let us be encouraged. We cannot guaran- sized the necessity of a new birth. In ways of penetrating the cultures of this tee the future; that is in God’s hands. We addition, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, world for Christ should continue to be do, however, have a responsibility for con- as an empowering experience, has long high on the agenda for the future. serving our goodly heritage, rendering been the distinguishing doctrinal charac- Matching “doing” with concern for faithful stewardship over the choices that teristic of our Fellowship. We are also “being.” The baptism in the Holy Spirit is have been entrusted to us. people of the Word. We must continue to not a mark of superior holiness; the judge all subjective experiences by the anointing of the Spirit is a call to holiness. William W. Menzies, teaching of the revealed Word of God, the There is peril in allowing the values of pre- Ph.D., a longtime educator with the Bible. vailing culture to dominate in subtle ways Assemblies of God, is The priority of evangelism and mis- the lifestyles of modern Pentecostals. chancellor of Asia sions. From the beginning of the Every generation must be confronted with Pacific Theological Pentecostal movement, reaching the lost fresh ways of defining what it means to be Seminary, Baguio of this world for Christ was the central “separate from the world.” There is a great City, Philippines. Enrichment • 91

A Century of Pentecostal Vision UNFOLDING VISION ASSEMBLIES OF GOD SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY The individuals pictured in this article are representative of the many ﬁne educators who have been inﬂuential in Assemblies of God schools of higher learning during the 20th century.

BY JAMES K. BRIDGES

Cordas C. Burnett P.C. Nelson D.W. Kerr

am encouraged by the growing worship God each Sunday.” Of course, We who teach and preach God’s Word appreciation and support among this is true of ministers and church not only influence the attendance of the our churches for our schools and leaders as well. Our lifestyle and teach- church, but we also influence what wor- for those who serve these institu- ing ministry will be of such influence on shipers hear or do not hear of God’s tions. If we can keep building close our future church leaders that we con- truth. You are most valuable to the king- relationships between the churches tribute to either the raising or the low- dom of God and to the Assemblies of and our schools, and if our schools ering of attendance and membership in God, and we salute you for the contribu- Itruly serve our churches, we will see the church. tion you have made and are going to more financial support for our make to the work of God in the future. schools—especially in a day when We who teach and unprecedented amounts of money are preach God’s Word not only CLARIFYING THE ROLE OF passing between generations through ASSEMBLIES OF GOD SCHOOLS estates, trusts, and wills. influence the attendance of the When reading the history of other As educators, we must view ourselves church, but we also influence church schools, one is struck with the as our churchmen view us. One church inclination of these schools to move leader commented on church school what worshipers hear or do not away from their parent denomination by educators: “They either increase or hear of God’s truth. seeking first to become generic. They decrease the number of people who then begin to serve other entities beside 94 • Fall 1999 their parent organization. Dilution and fathers for their faithfulness to the tenets of faith; faithful to world evange- drifting are not far behind. Word of God and our Pentecostal experi- lization; and thoroughly dedicated to It is vital that we understand the pur- ence, and for their insight into the role our Pentecostal lifestyle. pose and function of our institutions in of biblical and theological training they In creating our own Assemblies of the context of the church and its mission. brought to our Movement from the God schools, our founders were well The distinctive ministry of each school is beginning. One reason E.N. Bell and the aware they were building bastions of to be rendered to the Lord Jesus Christ other brethren gave for the meeting in truth against the floodtide of secular- through the denomination with which it Hot Springs in 1914 included develop- ism dominating public education, is affiliated. Many people are trying to ing a “general Bible training school against Darwinian evolution controlling diminish the importance of denomina- with a literary department.” Inherent in tions today, but I would rather have the our church’s foundation was the signif- multiple denominations that have icance of theological training. emerged out of the Reformation, than to Many of our early leaders were well- be held in the bondage of a Roman colos- trained formally and others through sus that keeps its devotees in ignorance their own personal pursuit of education. Our brethren not only understood the need for training, they “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). These leaders were alert to what was happening on the religious scene in America and recognized the sad deterio- ration and apostasy of church-related seminaries in our country. Gary McGee, in This Gospel Shall Be W.I. Evans Preached, captured a critical statement from Augustus Strong, president-emeri- scientific thought, and against German tus of Rochester Theological Seminary. higher criticism enslaving the church scholars’ minds and corrupting the seminaries. The United States paid a horrendous E.S. Williams price during the Civil War to free the and spiritual darkness. Beware of the country from human slavery. But now ecumenical movement afloat today, lest the nation seems oblivious to the when the new garb is removed, it shows philosophies of humanism and anti- itself to be the same old bondage. Christian and anti-biblical ideologies, It is also important that our Assemblies which enslave it. Although the of God students understand that their Assemblies of God has been engaged in training and education is in the context warfare for 85 years, these philoso- of fulfilling the purpose and mission of phies and ideologies are more the denomination of which the school is entrenched in the fabric of our nation affiliated. Even students with nonmin- than ever before. Our warfare, however, istry majors need to view their training has not been in vain; the Church has not in a merely selfish or individual pur- been called to “contend for the faith” Myer Pearlman suit of education. They need to find their and will ultimately triumph at Christ’s place of service using their talents and Strong declared that the failure of the return. We must continue the same vig- gifts in the local church. seminaries to teach traditional ilance and vision we inherited from our Protestant theology was turning them godly forefathers. RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR into “organs of antichrist.” FELLOWSHIP As a response to this desertion of the Responsible To Give Constructive Keeping Our Pentecostal History and faith, our Assemblies of God leaders Criticism Heritage Alive built schools committed to the inspired, Objective criticism given with the right We are deeply indebted to our founding authoritative Word of God; loyal to our attitude is a valuable asset to any church. Enrichment • 95 The one receiving criticism must, with for and submission to the Holy Scriptures church history and its leading personal- objectivity, determine if it is justified or and its dependence on the Spirit of Truth, ities through such a frame of reference. unjustified. A wise person will learn from can attain to a scriptural and spiritual This rarely gets to the truth. justified criticism and will graciously insight that can truly edify and assist overlook unjustified criticism. But we are the church in fulfilling its mission to Servants to an Academic System never justified in using destructive criti- witness and evangelize. We do not have to become servants to an cism with hidden motives intended to academic system that has been superim- hurt, undermine, or subvert. THINGS NOT REQUIRED TO BE posed on the educational institutions of When F.F. Bosworth attempted to A PENTECOSTAL SCHOLAR this nation (including religious institu- change the position of the General A Negative View of Pentecostal tions). This system of controlled learning Council regarding initial evidence, he History sets its own parameters, including and presented his proposal to the sixth Pentecostal arrogance is an oxymoron. excluding as it chooses. The apostle Paul General Council meeting in Springfield Yet this is the approach of a few popular referred to this same system when he in 1918. The resolution to uphold our described it to Timothy: “always learning present position carried unanimously. and never able to come to the knowledge Bosworth, a gracious man, voted with of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). The rejec- the majority, and being a ethical man, tion of the authority of the Word of God resigned and joined a denomination has made it impossible for this age to compatible with his belief. He was too acknowledge truth, much less know it. honorable to act as a subversive and The spirit of this academic system is a try to push his teaching when the spirit of skepticism and unbelief. We are Council voted otherwise. responsible to create an atmosphere of faith and of the presence of God through Our Fellowship and students our teaching. The spirit of this academic also deserve genuine system is one of arrogance and elitism, Pentecostal scholarship that but we do not have to drink from that cistern. Paul has cautioned that knowl- provides the fullest and most edge puffs up—makes arrogant; but love builds up—edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1). undiluted expression of J. Robert Ashcroft We are armed with the biblical formula Assemblies of God doctrines to avoid the poisoning of our spirit. and practices, theology, Accepting of Current Trends in biblical interpretation, and Scholarship hermeneutics with the alloy We do not have to accept the latest theolog- of modernism with its ical or hermeneutical trends no matter what a popular theologian is espousing, even if unbelief and secularism he or she is Pentecostal. If it does not square removed from it. with Scripture and with our tenets of faith, we have every reason to reject it. One example is the current popularity Responsible To Live a Genuine in hermeneutics that denies narrative Pentecostal Lifestyle and To Provide passages of Scripture their didactic Genuine Pentecostal Scholarship value. This teaching denies the Book of The young people coming to our Acts as a source of doctrine. It is of great schools deserve professors who model Frank Boyd concern that any Pentecostal scholar a genuine Pentecostal lifestyle with Pentecostal scholars who put their her- could approve such a system, seeing that consistency and integrity. Anything itage in a negative light. We do not need it is a blatant contradiction of 2 Timothy less is cheating the student and the to engage in a revisionism of our histo- 3:16. To espouse such a system shows school out of their investment. We are ry, attempting to judge our past in the the deception of secularism and a seri- teachers of faith. light of present cultural and social con- ous loss of respect for the Word of God. Our Fellowship deserves Pentecostal ditions. It is easy to jump on someone’s Many of us have sat under professors scholarship that, because of its respect bandwagon and begin to interpret our weighed down with their research, pub- 96 • Fall 1999 lications, and footnotes, and who felt the word of men, but as it is in truth, the viable experience among the people. their responsibility was to weigh the word of God, which effectively worketh Finally, it is revised in the bylaws to student down with the same. I agree also in you that believe” either fit the practice of the church or with Professor John Leith, author of (1 Thessalonians 2:13). We must hold to removed as something of the past. Crisis in the Church: The Plight of a high view of Scripture and be commit- Dr. Opal Reddin, in Truth: The Theological Education, when he states: ted without reservation to the authority, Foundation of Our Faith, states: “The “There is very little value in publishing inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of Bible tells us that we can know the books or articles unless they advance the Word of God. We must hold to a sys- truth: 1) propositionally as it is written the knowledge or enhance the life of tem of hermeneutics consistent with our in understandable terms; 2) personally the church and its mission.” high view of Scripture, and not contra- because Jesus is Truth; 3) pneumatical- We must be very careful not to fall dictory to it. Right hermeneutics follows ly because the Holy Spirit brings the into the trap of thinking of our schools right view of Scripture. personal and the propositional together as just centers for thought, research, for us; 4) practically because what we writing articles, books, and creative An Appreciation for Our Pentecostal believe determines what we do. theological enterprises where our end- Heritage and Practice Truth has to be absolute, eternal, and goal is the discussion and study of reli- We must hold to a genuine appreciation unchanging or it is not truth. Only an gion. And for a Pentecostal scholar to for our Pentecostal heritage and share infinite God can give ultimate truth. He write a book which differs none from it with our students. We must be has done so, both in a Person and in a that written by a secularist or trained in Pentecostal theology, doc- Book. Jesus is Truth Incarnate (John Buddhist, brings no honor to its author trines, and practices. We must exhibit a 14:6). The Bible is truth (John 17:17), and does nothing to strengthen current Pentecostal lifestyle and experi- inspired, inerrant, and “forever settled Pentecostal distinctives. ence. We must have scholars experi- in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). enced in Pentecostal ministry and wor- THINGS REQUIRED TO BE A ship. There is such confusion today CHARTING OUR COURSE FOR PENTECOSTAL SCHOLAR with excessive hype and entertainment, THE FUTURE A Respect for the Sacred/High View performance and sensationalism. We The Assemblies of God is faced with the of Scripture must show our students the genuine choice whether we will move into the I first heard the statement from H.A. from the counterfeit. future by breaking with our past. Ironside that one who handles the Should we burn our bridges to the past? Word of God and the sacred things of Contenders for the Truth What new bridges should be built for us God must never become guilty of “traf- Dr. Leith has noted that heresies, which to use in the future? ficking in unfelt truth.” We must never the Church rejected during its first 5 cen- As for our Movement and our schools, let the Scriptures become common to turies of existence, are now reappearing if we stay with the Scriptures as our in the writings of today’s theologians. foundation, and keep our practices in If we can keep building We must remember that heresy is not alignment with the Bible, we have a close relationships between merely denial of Christian faith, but the great future. As for our scholars, if we corruption of it. This happens within the will stay with the Book, the Blood, and the churches and our schools, Church, not just outside it. the Blessed Hope, we will have a great and if our schools truly serve Today truth is being neglected and dis- future until Jesus comes. The Spirit of torted. As contenders for truth, we must Truth will guide us into all truth. He will our churches, we will see more see to it that truth is not lost, particular- guide us to the Cross, to the Upper financial support for ly our Pentecostal truths. Neglecting Room, and to the nations. We want our truth starts when the church begins to schools and our scholars in the forefront our schools. place other things in rivalry with and in of such an advance to the future. prominence over scriptural truth. us, and this is such a temptation for Scriptural truth’s importance is ignored James K. Bridges is the Assemblies of those who handle the Word of God. The for other more popular things and truth is God general treasur- scribes and lawyers of Jesus’ day fell proclaimed less frequently and becomes er, Springfield, prey to the temptation to sit in judg- disregarded as unessential, such as fail- Missouri. This sermon was presented ment on the Word of God, rather than ing to preach the baptism in the Spirit at the A/G Faculty letting the Word sit in judgment on and failing to give place for people to Seminar in Springfield, them. Let us imitate the Thessalonians receive the Baptism. It then becomes just Missouri, July 1998. who welcomed the Scriptures, “not as a doctrine in the bylaws and no longer a Enrichment • 97

A Century of Pentecostal Vision THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO FORMED

THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD WERE PEOPLE OF

GREAT VISION AND PASSION. WITHOUT THEIR

VISION, THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD WOULD

NEVER HAVE BEEN BORN.

DEVELOPING

VISION

FOR a NEW

MILLENNIUM

BY CHARLES T. CRABTREE he men and women who • is always pastoring two churches— young men would see visions. formed the Assemblies of the one that is and the one that is coming. Because vision is so critical in leader- God were people of great • seeks counsel from others to enrich ship, the pastor can take comfort in the vision and passion. vision, but does not allow others to fact God will give him vision and help Without their vision, the destroy it. him develop and enlarge this vital ingre- Assemblies of God would • rejoices in the victories of the past. dient in his life and ministry. never have been born. Our • is thankful for the opportunities in As a pastor, you can take steps to early pioneers went to the present and is excited about what become a visionary leader with God’s towns and cities without a God is going to do through him or her in anointing and blessing. TPentecostal church and the future. sacrificed to spread the gospel and the On the other hand, the pastor without BEGIN WITH THE PROPER message of Pentecost. This same vision a vision: ATTITUDE found in the early framers of this • looks at history as his or her master Do not allow the enemy to define your Movement is important in pastoral lead- and the status quo (or less) as his/her church and ministry. He desires to make ership today. Without vision, we cannot comfort zone. you think it is wrong to believe God for move ahead into the next century and • spends his/her entire life and min- great things. He will point to past fail- accomplish the great task that God has istry reacting to what happens within ures in your life and remind you of pas- called us to do. the confines of sensual reality. tors who were embarrassed because The consequences of a leader without • exists within the vacuum of func- things did not work out the way they a vision in the secular world include the tion; he/she lives within the prison cell had anticipated. demise of corporations and the loss of of a man-made job description. The proper attitude toward vision is net worth. In the church, the results of a • has no prophetic voice, no spiritual one of total openness and reliance on leader without a vision are even more eyesight, and a mind that cannot think God. After all, it really is not your church; disastrous: the demise of congregations in terms of future possibilities. it is His. He wants to build something and the loss of eternal souls. Vision is • excuses the past, endures the pre- through you, and what God builds is one of the most significant subjects in sent, and dreads the future. always great and glorious. The Bible tells the kingdom of God. The words of Theodore Roosevelt have us we are “to obey God rather than men”

THE SAME GOD WHO SHOWS YOU WHAT

TO DO WILL GIVE YOU THE TOOLS AND

EXPERTISE IN HOW TO DO IT. The word “vision,” in relation to pas- always haunted me: “Far better to dare (Acts 5:29). When God directs, we can toral leadership, has a positive connota- mighty things, to win glorious triumphs follow through with confidence. tion and conveys many meanings: even though checked by failure, than to Many have failed in the area of vision supernatural direction, universal fore- take rank with those poor spirits who because their confidence was misplaced. sight and discernment, the ability to neither enjoy much nor suffer much They looked at themselves and said, “I envision future realities and how those because they live in the gray twilight have the training and the experience, so I realities will be maximized. that knows not victory nor defeat.” can do that.” Or they looked at the The pastor with vision: The Bible applauds those who lived by resources and said, “We have enough • sees the past as a teacher, not a faith and saw what others did not see. It money and people to make this happen.” master. points to a dreadful time in Israel when Pride magnifies the wrong kind of • sees the present as a launching pad, there was no open vision and says with strength. Pride looks at what is and not a prison. ominous dread, “Where there is no assumes the resources and personnel will • dares to believe God for supernatur- vision, the people perish” (Proverbs always be available. Humility looks at al ideas and has the faith to carry them 29:18). It tells of a day full of promise what is and knows how fragile and unre- out. when old men would dream dreams and liable resources and personnel really are. Enrichment • 101 God’s blessing and intervention are the built an orphanage that has blessed contact with people spiritually and men- only stable factors for the future. untold thousands. tally. God has always chosen to confirm Mark Buntain said “Why not?” and His direction and vision through more LEARN TO LOOK AT THE built a great church and hospital in than one witness. CHURCH YOU PASTOR Calcutta. If most spiritual and mature people in THROUGH THE MIND OF David Wilkerson said “Why not?” and leadership have no witness, the pastor CHRIST put Teen Challenge into motion. should not force the vision, but wait on This is accomplished by waiting on God. Bernhard Johnson said “Why not?” God until there is a strong witness in the J. Robert Ashcroft once said that most of and filled stadiums in Brazil and started hearts of those who will be used of God praying is waiting for orders from a program to train thousands of pastors. to fulfill that vision. Remember the above. People have a tendency to tell George Flattery said “Why not?” and words of Acts 15:28: “For it seemed good God what they want Him to do and then started a correspondence program that to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” Paul do what they want to do. The result is has touched millions. believed in the witness of the Spirit in limited to what they can do. Bob Hoskins said “Why not?” and put others before following through with his The mind of Christ is really seeing the Book of Life into the hands of mil- vision. things from God’s point of view. A lions of school children around the divine vision, by definition, must be world. BE OF GOOD COURAGE God’s idea, not man’s. The pastor must Hal Donaldson and his brothers, If God is for you, who can be against commune with God to get heaven’s pic- David and Steve, said “Why not?” and you? All of the godly leaders of the Bible ture of the future and allow it to devel- created the Convoy of Hope. faced difficulties and often had to resolve op in the pastor’s mind and heart. There conflict to fulfill vision. This has not is a world of difference between a AFTER GOD HAS GIVEN YOU changed. human perspective and a heavenly VISION FOR THE CHURCH, If you do a great work for God, you will vision of things. BEGIN THE WORK OF confront the enemy at every turn, be con- The Laodicean church had a serious FULFILLING THE VISION stantly challenged by well-meaning peo- problem; they were looking at their The same God who shows you what to ple, and get tired of setbacks. Is it worth wealth and resources from a human do will give you the tools and expertise it? Of course! The alternative is unac- perspective. Their eyes were on the tem- in how to do it. ceptable. We are called to build, not just poral, and they mistook the external as The important element in this particu- look at the plans. God is looking for a measurement of eternal wealth and lar exercise is wisdom. It is here the those who are full of faith, not fear. success. In reality, they were out of their visionary seeks further counsel from Receiving a vision from God and fol- spiritual minds. God and godly people. He studies facts, lowing through in faith is one of the faces the reality of resources, and con- great joys of pastoral ministry. To grind HAVE “WHY NOT?” SESSIONS siders timing. All of this is done to ful- away week after week on the treadmill of As God gives you vision, ask “Why fill vision, not destroy it. Remember, the routine is like a spiritual death sentence. not?” instead of saying “Impossible!” or process of building a house is just as To move toward the future with vision is “That’s not practical!” or “We tried that important as the vision or architectural the antidote to apathy and despair. before.” It is important to talk to your- drawings of a house. As we enter the new millennium, God self in the right way. Most vision is Many pastors see the challenge of wants to accomplish great things through destroyed through talking yourself out people and resources as excuses for not you and your church. The same God who of it before it can be developed. following through with vision. The pas- gave vision to our founding fathers will Visionary leaders have always tor must realize that leadership means give us vision to accomplish His plan for thought out of the box. For a spiritual leading and leading means getting this church in the century to come. leader, no box is big enough to contain ahead of people and resources while all of the divine elements necessary to staying in sync with God. Charles T. Crabtree is fulfill God’s perfect will. The element of wisdom separates the assistant general superintendent of Assemblies of God history is rich with crackpots from the true visionary. God’s the Assemblies of stories of men and women who asked vision is never destroyed by truth or an God, Springfield, “Why not?” under God’s direction. anointed mind that makes good sense Missouri. Sometimes their approach was uncon- to spiritual people. A leader does not get ventional and controversial, but they so far ahead of his people that he loses saw a need God could fill through them. contact and finds himself without a Lillian Trasher said “Why not?” and body to work through. Leaders can lose 102 • Fall 1999

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

n the Assemblies of God, our hear from heaven, and will forgive their their understanding as to what it means central goal as we await the sin, and will heal their land.” to be saved. There are many other chal- start of a new millennium is to It does not take a theologian to under- lenges associated with presenting the see revival one more time in stand that revival is the responsibility of gospel to every person. Every day more North America—revival that the church; and until the church takes full than 175 different languages are spoken transforms the church and responsibility and does what is necessary, in this country, and millions either do changes society, not a blip of there will be no revival. not speak English or have a poor under- spiritual activity but a profound Revival comes only when the church standing of it. There are gated commu- change in the character and prays. Problems and persecution cause nities, high-rise apartments, and I actions of the people who make the church to pray. Historically, the church wealthy suburbs that present a chal- up the church. God has promised revival, thrives during bad times and does poorly lenge that must be overcome. There are for He says in Acts 2:17, “And it shall during good times. Peace and prosperity the millions who are trapped in the come to pass in the last days, saith God, have not brought a spirit of prayer and inner cities, mostly without hope, who I will pour out of my Spirit upon all revival to America. Only God knows what must be reached with the gospel. We flesh.” It is happening around the world, it will take to awaken the church in North must not only present a clear gospel wit- and we thank God for that. But He said, America. My prayer is two-fold: “Lord, do ness, but follow up with discipleship so “upon all flesh.” It is coming to North whatever it takes in this nation of ours, that people understand what it means to America. just send revival.” And, “Let me be a part live out their faith. Not everyone will be Alexander De Tocqueville, a French his- of this end-time revival.” I am determined saved, but we must make sure that torian who visited America during the I will not be a sideline critic, but rather a every person is given the opportunity to 1830s to discover what made America a participant in what God is doing. accept Christ. great nation, said, “I visited the churches The spiritual awakening that we so des- Our third goal as we move into the and listened to the sermons about com- perately need in this nation must include next century is to plant a church in passion and human understanding, and the supernatural, not a fleshly display of reach of every person. Not everyone will that is where I found the goodness of carnal trickery. We need genuine signs, go to church, but we must provide them America. America is great because wonders, and miracles that will stand up an opportunity to be a part of a local America is good. When America ceases to under the most critical inspection. We Spirit-filled church. There is no substi- be good, America will cease to be great.” must have conversions similar to Saul on tute for a local church where people can God is the only source of goodness, and the road to Damascus. Notable sinners gather for the common purpose of glori- we must focus on what God can do, not must be converted and live exemplary fying God, being built up in the faith, on what man can do. Too long we have Christian lives for all to see. We must have and to reach the lost. Jesus said, “I will looked to politicians, courts, and laws to leaders who have vision, insight, and wis- build my church.” We must adopt that bring goodness back to America. We hear dom to lead us into areas where we have as our mission statement and leave no the statement, “Let’s bring God back into not been. Millions of dollars and much area unreached by a local church. No our public schools.” What we really need property will be needed. God owns it all, one can live for God as a victorious is to bring God back into the church. We and He has property and money on hold Christian if he or she deliberately stays have wasted too much time trying to for this end-time revival. We have already away from the church. Church planting reform a godless society when we should seen evidence of this. He is waiting for is a top priority with us. be praying for revival in a backslidden people of faith and vision to rise up, and God is preparing His church for an church. Society will be impacted and He will release the assets needed to unprecedented end-time harvest. He is changed by a church that is alive and accomplish His plan. raising up an army of committed people well, not by government and laws. God is Our second goal is to provide a clear who are willing to go any place and pay waiting to hear from the church, not from presentation of the gospel to every person any price to see the harvest competed. It the courts. living in America. With Christian televi- is God’s time for Second Chronicles 7:14 is quoted fre- sion and radio blanketing this nation, the America. quently and is used repeatedly in potential is already in place. But people emphasizing our need for revival. But it are hearing and not believing. There are Charles E. Hackett is still true, “If my people, which are scales over the eyes of people and deaf- is executive director of the Division of called by my name, shall humble them- ness in their ears so that they hear and Home Missions, selves, and pray, and seek my face, and see, but cannot believe and accept. Only Springfield, turn from their wicked ways; then will I God can remove these scales and open Missouri. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Enrichment • 111 NTERVIEW WITH HECTOR HUNTER II Cuba–aCuba–a TestimonyTestimony ofof God’sGod’s SovereignSovereign PowerPower

He remained in Cuba at 17 years old when his family left,

because he believed God had called him to remain, despite

hardships. Now after 28 years of leadership to the church in

Cuba, Hector Hunter serves as the general superintendent of

the Assemblies of God of Cuba.

With 325 established places of worship and nearly 2,000

house churches, the Assemblies of God of Cuba is the largest

congregation on the island and is helping to lead the spiritu-

al movement there.

Rick Johnson, area director for the Caribbean and the West

Indies for the Assemblies of God Division of Foreign Missions,

talked with Hector Hunter about the wonderful move of God

and open doors of ministry in Cuba.

112 • Fall 1999 OU’VE HAD OPPORTUN- executive presbytery. I was a consider moving to the United ITIES TO LEAVE. WHY national leader of the Christ’s States. I had served for a long HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO Ambassadors—the national youth time and some other pastors had REMAIN IN CUBA? department—and now the general gone through these difficulties HUNTER: It’s not because superintendent. and had left Cuba. So the men of of wisdom or bravery; it’s I had concerns about being God in Cuba thought it would be just the Lord’s direction. general superintendent because I good for me to leave my position. When I was about 17, my had been under a very strong On the other hand, the Lord was family left Cuba to blessing the church I pas- YYgo to the United States. My tored. When I became sister and my youngest pastor, 120 people were brother left with my mother. I wasn’t thinking of attending. The church My mother wanted me to had grown to 800 mem- go, but I told her I would bers and more were com- like to serve the Lord here being a minister. But ing—sometimes 1,200 in Cuba. She reminded me people would come to the that I was planning to be a midweek and Sunday ser- pastor and Cuba was an the Lord called me to vices. I was deeply in love atheistic or Communist with that congregation. I country. I told her that in the Bible school, and had plans of building a spite of the problems, I was new church. My heart staying because I knew that was into all of this. When God wanted me in Cuba. here I am today. it came time to elect a This decision was very new superintendent, I hard for her, but that was thought that maybe it the inspiration I received was not the will of God from God. I stayed and for for my life. But now I see 22 years we never saw each it has been the Lord’s other. It was a hard and long guidance every day, every time. Meanwhile, the Lord step. was training me. I never knew the Lord’s purpose, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE and at that time I didn’t GREATEST CHALLENGES think about being a pastor. I YOU FACE AS GENERAL was just trying to help in SUPERINTENDENT? the local church as a leader, HUNTER: The most the president of the youth important is the spiritual department, and as an evan- life of the pastors and the gelist in the city from the churches in Cuba. I am local church. I wasn’t think- asking the Lord for guiding of being a minister. But ance to direct the peo- the Lord called me to the ple’s hearts toward God. Bible school, and here I am That is why we have today. opened the School of Prayer. Another challenge SHARE THE EVENTS THAT limitation from the government. is to expand the church and gain TOOK PLACE LEADING TO YOUR I was prohibited from traveling as many people for God as we can. BEING SELECTED AS GENERAL out of the country for 2 years, We are living in a nation of 11 SUPERINTENDENT. and I was under surveillance. My million inhabitants, and the total HUNTER: I have been at the leader- family was also under heavy membership of all the evangelical ship of the church in Cuba for 27 pressure, so the executive pres- churches is over 100,000 mem- years. I have pastored four churches, bytery prayed concerning my bers. We have to win Cuba for and I’ve been a member of the election and thought I should Christ. Enrichment • 113 We are also trying to feed the have multiplied our churches five also have 2,200 lay workers. poor and give attention to the times. We had about 90 churches— needy, both Christians and nonbe- house churches—10 years ago. Today HOW DO YOU ACCOUNT FOR THE lievers. Another challenge is to we have 325 established places of wor- TREMENDOUS GROWTH YOU ARE SEEING keep the unity in the church. ship. We also have the expansion IN THE CHURCHES? HUNTER: Revival starts HOW WOULD YOU with repentance. Repent- DESCRIBE THE CHURCHES ance comes because of IN CUBA? conviction of sin or HUNTER: Presently, we I had concerns because the Lord shows have a spiritual church us how far we are from that is missionary-mind- about being general Him. ed. Most of the pastors The Lord used the afflic- are young—65–70 per- tion of these years in cent are under 35 years. superintendent because Cuba. We cried to the Even though they are Lord, and the Lord young, they are ready to I had been under a very answered. It’s not because serve the Lord with all of us; it’s because of God’s their heart. Some of the mercy. I believe from the pastors are highly edu- strong limitation from depths of my heart that cated. We have a very there is revival in Cuba united and enthusiastic today because of the church today. the government. prayers of believers around the world. ARE YOU PLEASED The Lord sent miracles WITH THE SPIRITUAL and wonders that cannot CLIMATE AND THE be contradicted, even by LEVEL OF COMMITMENT the leaders of Cuba. It is IN THE PENTECOSTAL the hand of God moving CHURCH IN CUBA? in Cuba. HUNTER: We are happy The steps are to repent to say that the and pray like it says in 1 Assemblies of God is Chronicles 7:14. It is the helping to lead the spiri- price we have to pay for tual movement in Cuba. revival. We are also the largest congregation on the WHAT IS YOUR VISION island. There are other FOR THE ASSEMBLIES Pentecostal churches in OF GOD CHURCHES IN Cuba helping to lead the CUBA? spiritual movement. HUNTER: Our vision is to Even traditional church- establish a very strong es are having revival. We church that sends mis- have some churches that sionaries to other coun- are deep into the moving tries. We have received a of the Spirit of God. The lesson from God about Assemblies of God is try- missions in a beautiful ing to go for God. way. A Cuban soldier was program—3,155 house churches or fighting in Angola, Africa. When he HOW MANY CHURCHES, HOUSE cell groups, or houses of prayer as we returned to Cuba, he discovered all his CHURCHES, AND PASTORS ARE call them. Then there are another family had been converted in a revival. THERE IN CUBA? 2,000 places where plans are under They invited him to church. The power HUNTER: In the past 7–10 years, we way for the start of new churches. We of God got ahold of him, and he was 114 • Fall 1999 converted. Since his conversion he has time of God’s moving in the church. denominations in Cuba—not only the been preaching and giving his testimo- Never in all its history has the church Assemblies of God—are concerned. We ny wherever he goes. grown and developed as much as it has hope God will lead us whenever any of About 5 or 6 years after his conver- these last 10 years. The change in the these things happen. We welcome sion, he prayed that he could go back nation—and whatever change will change; at the same time we are also to Africa to preach the concerned with the gospel. Finally, the results some of these ambassador of Angola, changes might bring. who knew a little about his story, invited him The Lord sent miracles TELL US ABOUT YOUR and his wife—a doctor— FEEDING PROGRAM. to come back to Angola. HUNTER: The church has When they went to and wonders that cannot always tried to help pris- Angola, they evangelized oners and their families. for about 6 months. He be contradicted, even by Also, with so many men was doing such a mighty going to the United States, work for God, the families were being aban- Assemblies of God in the leaders of Cuba. It is doned. The church Angola sent letters ask- stepped in to feed these ing us to please send him the hand of God moving people and help them. We as a missionary. We are opened a soup kitchen in also looking forward to our church and others sending missionaries to in Cuba. churches were inspired to Spain or wherever the do the same. We have Lord leads us. nearly 70 churches trying to open soup kitchens. ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF The children and the PERSECUTION IN REGARD elderly have also been on TO THE GROWTH OF THE my heart for many years. CHURCH? We help the elderly in the HUNTER: Where there is church by giving them revival, there will be a some kind of assistance reaction, regardless of the every month. This has country. There have been been a blessing to those some restrictions and who had no one to help intimidation in Cuba. them. Pastor Orson Vila’s church brought the attention of HOW CAN CHURCHES the government. His IN THE UNITED STATES church was experiencing HELP THE CUBAN tremendous growth and ASSEMBLIES OF GOD? was so aggressive in the HUNTER: One way is to city that he was placed in pray for the church in prison for a time. There Cuba. Another way is to will always be a reaction help us establish the spir- when God is moving, both itual lives of the believer from nonbelievers and and strengthen the spiri- from the devil. tual lives of the ministers. come—will continue to open doors for If pastors can come and visit, that DISCUSS ANY FEARS OR THREATS the gospel in Cuba, similar to what we would encourage them and the leader- THAT MIGHT BE FACING THE CHURCH. are seeing in Eastern Europe. There will ship in Cuba. Any finances that can be HUNTER: Evangelicals and pastors in be all sorts of doctrines, religions of all sent or equipment or whatever will Cuba know this has been a wonderful kind, and that worries us deeply. All the make our ministry in Cuba easier. Enrichment • 115 BY J. DAVID SCHMIDT

WHY YOUR CHURCH NEEDS ACLEAR AND WRITTEN VISION n 1833, an employee at the Patent Up to that point, less than 500 patents VISION: BUZZWORD OR Office in Washington, D.C., wrote the had been applied for in the United States; CRUCIAL LEADERSHIP TOOL? following letter: but by the time World War I was over, more Vision is a buzzword in church leadership Dear Sir: than 60,000 patents had been issued. today. Who worth their ordination hasn’t Because everything that can be Today the number runs in the millions. seen, read, or heard something about I invented has already been invented, We read this person’s letter and think, vision? What pastor hasn’t wondered, it is inevitable that this office should go How shortsighted. How could someone What if my district superintendent asks me out of business. Inasmuch as I shall soon possibly believe that all that could be if I’ve got one of those things for my lose my position, I hereby resign to look invented had already been invented? church? for work elsewhere. Whoever wrote that letter clearly lacked But vision is more than a buzzword; it has Sincerely, vision. become a necessary tool of every pastor—no 116 • Fall 1999 matter what the location, size, or age of his Jeremiah 33:3, the Lord said, “Call to me sameness can breed complacency and or her church. and I will answer you and tell you great weak ministry. Vision is not what we dream about dur- and unsearchable things you do not Discouragement may set in, even bitter- ing a Sunday afternoon nap or after eat- know.”1 ness. And the lighthouse God called into ing spicy chili after 10 p.m. It is rarely a Prayer alone is not enough, though. It existence only emits a weak light. But with “burning bush” experience like Moses’. also takes work on our part. James 2:26 a vision, the future begins to grow and When pastors look for a vision for their states that “faith without deeds is dead.” become clear and larger than the past and church through these methods, they run a As Christian leaders, we are in constant present. Discouragement and complacency real chance of shipwrecking their church’s tension on these two points. It is our are replaced with hope. future. responsibility to let God reveal His future 3. Vision gives your church a target. Vision, as modeled in Scripture and to us and to see the future as God sees it. Aubrey Malphurs, in his book, Planting throughout church history, came as God’s A church that fails to listen for God’s Growing Churches for the Twenty-first people saw the needs around them and vision will not experience all that God has Century writes, “People can’t focus on fog! then sought God for what He wanted planned for it. We have a tendency to let As someone once said, ‘If you aim at noth- them to do. Moses’ leading the people of the budget process, a crisis, or a pastoral ing, you will hit it every time!’ ” He further Israel out of Egypt, David’s fighting change drive our plans when, in fact, God states, “[Vision] is the ministry compass Goliath, Nehemiah’s rebuilding the tem- wants to reveal a future that will excite that helps a congregation and the leaders ple wall, Jesus’ calling His disciples, and challenge us. But this takes prayerful navigate through the ocean of decision.”2 Paul’s writing to the church in Corinth— listening and work. All organizations fit into two categories: these and other stories in Scripture indi- 2. Vision helps our dreams become Those with vision have a sense of direction cate the vision of these leaders. They saw bigger than our memories. and destiny; those without vision seem

Churches that develop a vision put a COMPASS in the hands of its people. Instead of the pastor pulling and pushing, the people have a common sense of destiny. in their mind a future that was preferred Churches fail to reach their full potential lost and befuddled. A church that develops more than the present. And their vision because their memories are bigger than a vision puts a compass in the hands of its propelled them forward to do courageous their dreams. They spend more energy people. Instead of the pastor pulling and things. recalling and celebrating the past than on pushing, the people have a common sense contemplating the future. The church may of destiny. WHY MUST YOUR CHURCH also be holding on to old ways of doing 4. Vision gets people in the game. HAVE AN ARTICULATED church that are no longer effective. Or the What church does not need more laypeople VISION? church keeps having revivals, hoping to actively involved, using their gifts and Here are four reasons why your church instill new life into the church. But after energies to advance God’s kingdom in their will be strengthened by contemplating its each revival, people go back to the same community? There are many reasons why future. old patterns. laypeople do not become involved in 1. Vision gets you on God’s program John R.W. Stott, an English theolo- church work. One of those reasons is lack and off your own. gian, states, “Vision begins with a holy of vision. God already has a plan for every discontent with the way things are.” It is With a clear and compelling vision that Assemblies of God church. He is not con- possible to become so content with our laymembers help shape, a church is better fused about where your church should go church that we become complacent. We positioned to invite laypeople into the chal- in the next 5 years. The problem comes are busy building homes, families, and lenges and excitement of Kingdom work. when you don’t take time to seek Him and careers, while trying to live in a chaotic, Without it, it’s just one more class to teach, discover His plan. Most pastors and change-filled world. Sometimes the last room to clean, or meeting to attend. church members are too busy maintaining thing church members want to see their lives and church work. Prayer is changed is their church. They like the WE NEED A PROCESS TO HELP often the first “extra” to go. Yet it is a vital stability of church being the same US DEVELOP VISION component in discovering vision. In week after week. Unfortunately, that Scripture says that without vision people Enrichment • 117 perish. Each one of us dies a little when future of the organization. The church is in some cases, to refresh an existing we don’t have our eyes on the future. not immune to this cultural shift. In past vision), and to give you and your church a But for most pastors and church lead- decades, church laity were often content means to share your vision with district ers, there aren’t enough hours in the to participate in the direction of the leaders so they can help your church day to focus on the future. The present church through an annual business meet- accomplish its dreams. is in our face, and we need a way to lift ing. But today, more and more people Mike Messner, Spiritual Life-Evangelism our eyes from the present to the future want to have a voice in the direction of coordinator, states, “This Vision Discovery so our dreams become bigger than our their church. Kit is a gift to every church. We have put present experience and memories. That Pastors can be lulled into thinking this substantial resources into its development takes a process. The best vision comes isn’t true about their church when members and have made it available free to every out of a process of prayer and the dia- seem apathetic about the church’s future or church. logue between a cross-section of church attendance is poor at meetings called to dis- “In the past, the dreams of church leaders, led by the pastor. cuss an important decision facing the members were rarely given wings. We Over the next year, leading up to 2000 church. When people don’t show interest, it want to correct this deficiency by provid- Celebration in Indianapolis, Indiana, is often because they feel they have no voice ing a means for church members to chan- your church is invited to discover or or influence. Trust must be regained by offer- nel their vision to their pastor so together reaffirm the vision God has for it. This ing a participatory process—one that allows they can hear from the Lord.” process is designed to involve many peo- people to speak. General Superintendent Thomas Trask ple in your church. Why? God has The pastor has the lead vision-devel- says, “It is my firm opinion that the future implanted in the minds and hearts of opment role, but involving others is key of this Fellowship belongs in the hands of your committed members a vision for to their ownership of the vision. its people. Each church can help shape the your church. You need a process to help Without participation, the pastor is destiny of the Fellowship by contributing your church hear what God is saying to forced into selling his or her vision to a vision that God lays on its heart. When key lay leaders and to release their the congregation. combined with others, we will have one visions and blend them with the visions clear, common vision for the Fellowship. of other churches. GETTING YOUR VISION FROM “The front line of ministry in the You might ask, “Why involve lay lead- YOUR HEARTS ONTO PAPER Assemblies of God is not 1445 Boonville ers? Isn’t it my job as pastor to develop The leadership of the Assemblies of God is Avenue in Springfield, Missouri, or your the vision?” As a culture, we are no longer providing (at no charge) a Vision Discovery district or sectional office. It is in the church comfortable with a top-down style of lead- Kit for every church in the Fellowship. They and people you pastor, and in you. But to ership. We resist leaders with a com- are doing this for two reasons: to equip serve the front line of our ministry better, mand-and-control style; we want to par- your church with a process for developing leaders need to know what resources are ticipate in the decisions that affect the a clear and common vision for ministry (or, required to accomplish their vision. This vision-making process will better inform leaders how they can serve Christ’s church. God is calling His church into a new millennium—this process opens us to a fresh leading of the Holy Spirit.”

J. David Schmidt is president of J. David Schmidt Associates, a management con- sulting ﬁrm working with churches.

ENDNOTES 1. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version. 2. Aubrey Malphurs, in his book, Planting Growing Churches for the Twenty-ﬁrst Century (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992), 234. 118 • Fall 1999

EQUIPPING EVANGELISTS he Historical Role of the Assemblies of God Evangelist

n January 1, 1901, the modern crusades. Their messages emphasized sal- OPentecostal movement began in vation through Christ, the baptism in the Topeka, Kansas. At the close of the 20th Holy Spirit (a subsequent work after salva- century, Pentecostalism has become the tion with the initial physical evidence of strongest evangelistic force in the world. speaking in other tongues), physical heal- Assemblies of God evangelists have been ing, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. greatly responsible for establishing a solid Miracles followed these messengers. foundation and for spreading the gospel Aimee Semple McPherson (a member of BY JAMES O. DAVIS and the message of the baptism in the the Assemblies of God from 1919–22) trav- Holy Spirit globally. This brief historical eled from city to city to establish strong overview will crystallize the functioning Assemblies. Struggling home missions role of the itinerant evangelist in the body churches were transformed overnight into of Christ. The dual tracks of evangelism thriving churches. Innumerable churches and equipping will be seen repeatedly in became a part of the Assemblies of God dur- the stories of these key 20th-century ing her citywide campaigns.1 Gigantic evangelists. crowds attended these crusades, and the At the close of There were many effective evangelists in Pentecostal message was expanded in the 20th century, the 1920s and 1930s whose ministries America. McPherson later founded The resulted in the enormous growth of local International Church of the Foursquare Pentecostalism has Pentecostal churches in the United States. Gospel. become the strongest These were the formative years of the Pentecostal movement in the United States. Assemblies of God evangelists evangelistic force Evangelists preached in storefront build- have been greatly responsible for in the world. ings, garages, skating rinks, brush arbors, tents, on street corners, and in citywide establishing a solid foundation and for spreading the gospel and the message of the baptism in the Holy Spirit globally.

English-born Smith Wigglesworth, known as the “apostle of faith,” came to America between 1914-35. It has been recorded: “No other person exerted more influence over the Assemblies of God with regard to faith for supernatural confirmation of the Word than this one-time illiterate English plumber. His book, Ever-increasing Faith, sold over 100,000 copies.”2 Although more than 50 years have passed since Wigglesworth’s death, the miracles in this man’s ministry represent a legacy of the supernatural and his popularity remains to Aimee Semple McPherson this day. 124 • Fall 1999 In 1933–34, Morris Plotts preached Over the years, Evangelist Plotts evangelist. The Musick family typi- evangelistic crusades in south central became burdened for world evange- fied the common lifestyle of evange- Iowa. In New Sharon, 50 miles south- lization, particularly East Africa. He is lists in the beginnings of the east of Des Moines, hundreds poured remembered for his evangelistic zeal, Pentecostal movement. The Musick into his meetings. The crowds numbered pioneer spirit, and missionary vision. up to 1,000. Some people drove more As an evangelist in the United States Many early Assemblies than 100 miles to attend these crusades. and Africa, Plotts pioneered scores of of God evangelists had no A large nucleus of people were saved churches. He epitomizes the pioneer and baptized in a nearby river. This was spirit of a true Pentecostal evangelist. fringe benefits, stable salaries, only the beginning of what God had Ethel Musick was a legendary permanent homes, fine planned for Morris Plotts’ life. church planter in Oklahoma and Texas in the 1920s. She began her hotels, extra monies, or ministry by traveling with a Sister retirement packages. Tomson in evangelistic meetings. Musick later set out on her own as a children had few roots and no perma- teenage evangelist. After she was nent home. The Musick family was married, her husband traveled with used by God to pioneer churches. For her, supporting her calling as an example, Ethel Musick established six new churches and built five new church buildings in just 18 months. James Robert Ashcroft was raised in an evangelistic family. The Ashcroft family conducted evangelistic meetings anywhere and anytime. As a teenager, James Robert Ashcroft began to hold evangelistic crusades on his own. Over the years, Ashcroft served as an evangelist, pastor, educator, and author. For 45 years he provided gifted leadership in higher education in the Assemblies

Smith Wigglesworth Marcus M. and Ethel Musick

Morris Plotts itinerating for Tanganyika, Africa. J. Robert Ashcroft Enrichment • 125 of God. He served as president of four Bostrom, Jimmy McClellan, Bert Webb, Assemblies of God colleges. When there Mildred Mara, J.L. Jones, Raymond was a break in his full-time ministry in Richey, Lilian Yeomans, Hattie education, Ashcroft ministered for a Hammond, Charles Price, John while as an evangelist. He died en Follette, and countless others. route home after seeing his son In the formative years, these dedicated Senator John Ashcroft sworn into his men and women carved out the evange- first term as U.S. senator. listic road for the Assemblies of God in particular and the Pentecostal movement in general. They provided creativity, exemplified tenacity, and role modeled Pentecostal leadership. There is no way to count the hundreds of Pentecostal churches pioneered through the gift of the evangelist and the number of people who were called into full-time ministry during these crusades. Just as evangelists have led the Bernhard Johnson Pentecostal movement in evangelism finances to conduct his evangelistic throughout the 20th century, evange- campaigns. He was the founder and lists will need to provide Spirit-filled, president of Brazilian Extension culturally relevant, Bible-based, evan- School of Theology and founder of the gelistic preaching ministries in the Children of Brazil Outreach. Johnson 21st century. The Pentecostal move- conducted 225 citywide crusades in ment desperately needs effective evan- Brazil and recorded some 1.8 million gelists who will possess the leadership converts to Christ. Johnson suffered a capabilities to mobilize local churches toward evangelism. Pentecostal histo- The Pentecostal movement ry reminds us of the importance of reestablishing the biblical role of the C.M. Ward desperately needs effective New Testament evangelist. evangelists who will possess C.M. Ward was a radio evangelist James O. Davis, D.Min., is the national on Revivaltime—the Assemblies of the leadership capabilities to evangelists representative for the God radio program—for 25 years Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri. (1953–78). He never repeated one of mobilize local churches his 1,300 sermons delivered on the toward evangelism. ENDNOTES radio to millions around the world. 1. William W. Menzies, Anointed To Serve Before coming to Revivaltime, Ward heart attack while participating in a (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing House, 1971), 170. served as an evangelist, pastor, missions banquet. He died a week 2. Carl Brumback, Suddenly…From teacher, and editor. He received more later, on February 16, 1995. Heaven, (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel than 50 awards, including being Many early Assemblies of God evan- Publishing House, 1961), 272. named to the National Religious gelists had no fringe benefits, stable RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993. salaries, permanent homes, fine Brumback, Carl. Suddenly…From Heaven, C.M. Ward died July 12, 1996, in hotels, extra monies, or retirement Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing Modesto, California, at the age of 87. packages. They were ridiculed, perse- House, 1961. Bernhard Johnson is an example of cuted, and even jailed for preaching Davis, James O. The Pastor’s Best Friend: The New Testament Evangelist, an evangelist to a nation. Johnson the gospel. Though they could have Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing went to Brazil with his parents in 1940. found easier work in the kingdom of House, 1997. He attended school in Brazil before God than pioneering churches, they Menzies, William W. Anointed To Serve, coming to Central Bible College in sacrificed to lay a solid foundation for Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing House, 1971. Springfield, Missouri. Over the years, the Assemblies of God. Space will not Warner, Wayne, ed. Assemblies of God he traveled throughout America shar- permit telling of Alpheus Broadhead, Heritage, Springfield, Mo.: Gospel ing his burden for Brazil and raising Edward Sanders, John and Will Publishing House. 126 • Fall 1999

THEOLOGICAL ENRICHMENT hy Does God Baptize His People in the Holy Spirit?

ne of the most important reasons why God Much of what we read in the prophetic Obaptizes His people in the Holy Spirit is the books was addressed to national leaders or fact He has entrusted His people with an enor- people groups, whether Israel, a class of mous task: to spread the good news of salva- Israelite society, or one of the nations near tion through His Son Jesus. In the Old Israel. The subjects of these prophetic mes- Testament, God used prophets when He wanted sages most often concerned specific to convey messages to His creation, but this situations, conditions, or practices of that BY DONALD A. new task could not be accomplished group. God revealed much about His charac- by the old system of prophets because of its ter and His ways of dealing with humanity JOHNS inadequacies. by the way He responded to these speciﬁc sit- They were all prophets in the sense uations. But the speciﬁcity also meant that God’s revelation by means of human of responding to the Spirit’s direction prophets was fragmented and incomplete and speaking God’s message, the good (Hebrews 1:1).

news that God had provided THE OLD SYSTEM OF PROPHETS salvation through Jesus Christ. FULFILLED IN CHRIST The prophetic succession was set up in THE OLD SYSTEM OF PROPHETS Deuteronomy 18:15–18. Peter quoted from One of the most The most significant role of the Old Testament this text in Acts 3:22,23 to show that it is ful- prophet was to deliver messages from God to filled in Jesus, God’s ultimate Prophet. Jesus important reasons His people. The messages could instruct or brought the message—the good news—of why God baptizes His direct people to take a specific course of action. God’s ultimate salvation. Or they could announce judgment or promise The revelation brought by Christ has anoth- people in the Holy mercy. Even when they were announcing judg- er, deeper aspect. While God has not told us Spirit is the fact He ment, the ultimate goal of the message was to everything we might like to know, in a sense offer mercy, because God always wanted Israel His revelation is complete because of the inte- has entrusted His to listen and turn back to Him. grated nature of Jesus, who is both God and people with an Sometimes God would commission a prophet man. Prophets were humans who delivered to take a message to those who were not His messages from God on specific occasions. enormous task: to people, as in the case of Jonah and the citizens Jesus was God himself, in person. He perfectly spread the good of Nineveh. When these people responded to revealed God to humanity, not only by what He God’s message, God had mercy on them (Jonah said, but also by what He did and by what He news of salvation 3:10; 4:2,11). was. through His Son When God’s Spirit inspired an Old Testament This kind of revelation is extremely impor- prophet to deliver a message, He sometimes tant. To know Christ is to know God the Father Jesus. gave the actual words to say (Deuteronomy (John 14:9), and to know God the Father is to 18:18). Or the Spirit gave the prophet a vision. have eternal life (John 17:3). But there is a In that case, the message the prophet delivered second aspect to the salvation that God pro- was a description of what he had seen in that vided, and that is forgiveness for people’s sins vision. God often told the prophet where or to through Jesus. We must not think that the sal- whom to deliver the message (Isaiah 7:3–9) or vation God provided in Old Testament times specified additional actions to perform along was unreal; it was preliminary and imperfect with delivering the message (Ezekiel 4:1–5:4). (Hebrews 8–10). 128 • Fall 1999 THE NEW SYSTEM OF plans were, how they fit into those He perfectly revealed God plans, and how those plans were better PROPHETS to humanity, not only by what He The new nature of God’s ultimate salva- than alternatives. And as prophets, tion incorporated not only Israel, but the people would follow the Spirit’s said, but also by what He did also all nations. God’s message reveal- directions. and by what He was. ing the good news of salvation was not God’s answer to Moses’ wish was directed to limited social classes or peo- recorded centuries later in Joel 2:28,29, service.2 They were all prophets in the ple groups; it was not given in response where the Lord promised that in the sense of responding to the Spirit’s to specific situations. It was for all peo- future He would give His Spirit to all of direction and speaking God’s message, ple of every nation. Thus, God could not His people. They would receive dreams, the good news that God had provided use isolated prophets to communicate visions, and messages from God. Verse salvation through Jesus Christ. His message to the whole world. The 32 also connects this prophetic activity nature of the message demanded a new with people turning to God and God AND NOW? mode of communication. Yet the mode saving them. Peter, interpreting the events of can still be termed “prophetic,” because Pentecost, stated that God promised to God had a message He wanted to com- There are hints, even in the pour out His Spirit not only on those municate to people: the good news that old prophetic system, that one present, but on future generations as He has provided salvation through well. God’s promise is not limited by Jesus’ atoning work. day God would commission all of time or geography (Acts 2:39). The task There are hints, even in the old His people as prophets. has not changed. God has a message to prophetic system, that one day God communicate to the world: He has pro- would commission all of His people as Luke, an historian and theologian, vided salvation through Jesus Christ. prophets. In Numbers 11, the people of recorded Peter’s speech in Acts 2, Now, as 2,000 years ago, the world Israel complained about their circum- explaining the events on the Day of needs to hear this message. But it will stances; they could not see how their Pentecost in the light of Joel’s prophe- only hear it if every believer functions as present situation within God’s plan cy. God had kept His promise and had a prophet, going where God directs, was better than their old status in poured out His Spirit, with the result speaking as God prompts, delivering Egypt. The Lord helped Moses by giv- that all of His people would be God’s message. Being baptized in the ing 70 of Israel’s leaders a smaller prophets. God’s Spirit and living a life filled with anointing with the same Spirit that He Doesn’t Luke elsewhere reserve the the Spirit is God’s provision for this had given Moses, giving them a term “prophet” for a smaller group of task. prophetic function. people, as in Acts 13:1 or 21:10? Yes, he does, as does Paul in 1 Corinthians Donald A. Johns, Ph.D., is an adjunct God revealed much about faculty member at the Assemblies of God 12:28; 14:29; and Ephesians 4:11. But Theological Seminary and assistant direc- His character and His ways of all believers can be prophets because tor for print translations for the American dealing with humanity by the the Spirit has been poured out on them, Bible Society. and they have been filled. They can par- way He responded to these ticipate in some way or another in specific situations. spreading God’s message of the good ENDNOTES news of salvation in Christ. They need 1. Roger Stronstadt, “The Prophethood of Even though two of the elders did not not operate blindly or indiscriminately, All Believers: A Study in Luke’s follow Moses’ directions, the Lord still though. If each believer is functioning Charismatic Theology,” in caused His Spirit to rest on them, and in this prophet sense, God by His Spirit Pentecostalism in Context: Essays in Honor of William W. Menzies, ed. they prophesied like the others. Joshua can direct each one where to go, to Wonsuk Ma and Robert P. Menzies, JPT was upset, but Moses responded by whom to talk, and what to say. Supplement 11 (Sheffield: Sheffield wishing that all the Lord’s people were This is the picture Luke paints of the Academic Press, 1997), 60–77. prophets, and that the Lord would put Early Church. Luke depicted that the 2. Robert P. Menzies, Empowered for His Spirit on them. How much easier Church after Pentecost functioned as Witness: The Spirit in Luke-Acts, JPT would Moses’ job be then! God could an army made up of this kind of Supplement 6 (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994), 212–224. communicate His will to all the people, prophet.1 As people were incorporated not just to and through the prophets. into the Church’s mission, sometimes There would still be leaders, but God with laying on of hands, they received could show each of His people what His the gift of the Spirit for prophetic Enrichment • 129 MINISTERIAL ENRICHMENT rotecting Your Family and Church from Internet Pornography

he devastating news that one of our peers has company computers.” Though the Internet is an Tbeen involved in pornography is not only shock- incredible resource and full of positive information, ing, but also heartbreaking. The ripple effect of hurt it is also a dangerous medium that some people use and disillusionment goes through the family, the for posting pornography, promoting racial and eth- church, the denomination, and the kingdom of God. nic hatred, or even starting improper relationships We simply cannot say enough or do enough to pro- through chat-room conversations. tect our lives and the lives of those we love. Ensuring We desperately need to restrict the reception of that our Internet online services have filtering abili- pornography into our homes and offices. No legis- ties is critical. lation will ever protect us or our children from the BY WAYDE I. thousands of pornographic websites in existence GOODALL WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN INTERNET and the thousands being added weekly. We must SERVICE PROVIDERS AND MONITORING choose to protect our lives, our children, and the SOFTWARE precious ministry to which God has called us. If you We need to ensure that any type of objectionable are going to utilize the Internet, I urge you to set up content is filtered. Not only pornography, but also an account with a quality filtering Internet service adult humor, violence, unlawful activities, ethnic provider for your home and/or office. The devastating news hate, questionable chat-room availability, and any Listed below is an Internet service provider other degrading material should be screened out. and several software packages that filter out that one of our peers However, wholesome and edifying information pornography and other objectionable material: has been involved in should be easily accessed. Families and ministers Rated–G Online. List price: $24.95 per month. should be able to surf the net all day without fear Subscribers receive a set-up CD-ROM that installs pornography is not of what they will discover. and configures all the necessary Internet software only shocking, but People who say they do not visit questionable (Windows or Macintosh) for $25. Information websites and do not need filtered access do not and online sign-up is available by calling also heartbreaking. realize they will encounter objectionable material 1–888–711–6381. whether they intend to or not. Unless you know Cyber Patrol 3.1. List price: On-line registration, where you are going on the Internet, chances are $29.95; subscriptions: 6 months, $19.95; 1 year, you will stumble across pornography. $29.95. Microsystems Software, Framingham, Recent surveys have revealed what many employ- Mass.; 800–828–2608; 508–879–9000; fax: ers and leaders have feared: there is an increasing 508–626–8515; www.cyberpatrol.com. amount of pornography being accessed on the Cybersitter 2.1. List price: $39.95. Solid Oak Internet in the workplace. A recent poll showed that Software Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif.; 800–388–2761; out of more than 9,000 individuals who responded, 805–967–9853; fax: 805–967–1614; www.soli- almost 20 percent (nearly 1 in 5) indicated they visit doak.com. cybersex sites on the Internet while at work. Steve Cyber Snoop 2.0. List price: $29.95. Pearl Software Barber, executive director of Rated-G Online, adds Inc., Chester Springs, Pa.; 800–732–7596; fax: another dilemma: “Companies and organizations are 610–827–7978; www.pearlsw.com. just becoming aware of the liabilities associated with Net Nanny 3.1. List price: $39.95; $26.95 if down- employees having unlimited access to Internet con- loaded from website. Net Nanny Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., tent. Downloading and possessing some types of Canada; 800–340–7177, 604–662–8522; fax: Internet content are illegal and prosecutable, and 604–662–8525; www.netnanny.com. some content is being used to sexually harass other employees. Perhaps the most widespread liability is Wayde Goodall, D.Min., is executive editor lost work time due to accessing and viewing pornog- of Enrichment and national coordinator of the raphy and other inappropriate materials from Ministerial Enrichment Office, Springfield, Missouri. 130 • Fall 1999

MANAGING YOUR MINISTRY urnout—When Ministry Becomes Too Consuming

ohn is a pastor like many others. On an aver- turns out the lights, and falls into bed. Six Jage weekday he rises at dawn, downs two hours later, he starts again. cups of coffee, clips a beeper to his belt, and races off to a demanding job with a growing STRAIN AND BURNOUT—PERVASIVE church. Around noon he slams down fast food, PROBLEMS IN MINISTRY then pushes through several afternoon Pastor John’s story exemplifies our busy lives appointments. On the way home, he picks up regardless if we work in the marketplace or in shirts from the cleaners and his son from ministry. H.B. London and Neil Weisman, in karate class. His wife Lynn is already home, their book, Pastors At Risk, state, “A majority BY HARVEY retrieving phone messages and shoving left- of American ministers are suffering from spir- POWERS overs into the microwave. itual burnout” and a significant number of Maintaining the ability to see the those surveyed questioned whether they should remain in the ministry. humor, not sarcasm, in ourselves, Dr. Archibald Hart indicated that approxi- others, and ministry issues can mately 80 percent of pastors sampled believed that ministry negatively affects their families, allow us to develop perspective with 33 percent viewing ministry as a family A majority of American instead of losing it. hazard (Hart, Theology, News & Notes, 1984). He also noted that 75 percent of pastors ministers are suffering After a rushed dinner and another round of reported a stress-related crisis occurred in from spiritual burnout carpooling the kids to their activities, John their lives once every 5 years. heads to his computer to pay bills and E-mail and a significant an associate an overdue letter. If he has no WHAT IS BURNOUT? number of those evening church commitments, he catches Burnout is a state of physical, spiritual, psy- some of the late news, arms the alarm system, chological, and emotional exhaustion that surveyed questioned whether they should © 1999 BILL FRAUHIGER remain in the ministry.

“Pastor’s canoe trip is about a week away.”

132 • Fall 1999 results from chronic unrelieved pressure Maintaining enough rest on a Spiritually, what energizes you to draw or stress. Burnout has become so perva- close to the Father? Relationally, where sive it has been termed “the yuppie flu,” regular basis is primary to are you drawn to be “authentically, even “spiritual fatigue,” and “battle fatigue.” burnout prevention. playfully there” for those close to you? The word “stress” comes from a Latin Physically, what causes you to look for- term meaning “to be pulled tight.” It emotionally, and spiritually—is essen- ward to exercising and leaving you feel- aptly describes the impact of chronic tial in effectively preventing ministry ing good about yourself? Vocationally, demands on our lives. These demands burnout. Make a list of the signs and what stimulates your desire to continue force us to cope, deplete our resources, review them monthly. Ask your spouse to be a learner and try something new? and stretch us to our limits. As demand or another partner in ministry to serve Don’t make these activities a chore; exceeds our elasticity, we begin to show as crosschecks in this regard. If you are make them fun. signs of strain and eventually burn out. a deacon or elder in a church, you may We know we are in danger when we want to use this article to monitor your Relationships begin to regularly experience the signs church staff. Vital relationships where you can just of strain and burnout. A few important be a person and not be “on” are signs include irritability, negativity, peo- Rest essential for preventing burnout. ple being viewed as obstacles, lack of Maintaining enough rest on a regular Relationships that feed, support, encour- interest in prayer and Bible reading, basis is primary to burnout prevention. age, and are fun help us to mediate the inability to get rested, repeated physical This includes adequate sleep nightly, constant outgo required in ministry. illnesses, withdrawal, sadness, sleep regular days off, adequate average daily problems, and dread of going to work. downtime, and regular vacations. Track Roar these activities in your weekly planner Maintaining the ability to see the REASONS FOR BURNOUT IN to monitor how you are doing, as well humor, not sarcasm, in ourselves, oth- MINISTRY as a reminder to keep them in the fore- ers, and ministry issues can allow us to Several factors leave those in ministry front of your thoughts about caring for develop perspective instead of losing it. vulnerable to burnout. In ministry, the yourself. If you want to become rigid and continual use of the “busy person” is a break...take everything, especially your- primary tool. Also, there is a limited Revitalize self, too seriously. ability to control outcomes; the unpre- Find ways you can return to your “first dictable nature of ministry demands; love” spiritually, relationally, physically, Harvey Powers, Ph.D, is director of counseling, education, and training for difficulty in measuring success; the fact and vocationally. These activities go Life Enrichment. Reprinted from Life the work is never finished; the sec- beyond just resting to rekindle our love Enrichment newsletter, “Catch Up on Life,” ondary impact of hearing people’s trau- and pleasure in life and ministry. spring, 1998. Used by permission. mas; and if we do our job well, we are in greater demand. Exodus 18:17,18 serves to illustrate these concepts. Moses’ father-in-law confronted Moses, who had been serving as judge to the people. Jethro said, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (NIV).

PREVENTING MINISTRY BURNOUT: THE FIVE R’S The following ﬁve R’s are offered as sug- gestions in burnout prevention.

Recognition Developing the ability to recognize the early signs of strain—physically, Enrichment • 133 FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY urning Loneliness Into Aloneness

remember when I first dared to ask my husband, incredible sons, and a ministry with I mother, “Mom, you live such a lonely life. hundreds of teenagers who think the world of Don’t you ever want to divorce Dad?” her. Besides that, she is always smiling or She paused for a minute, obviously taken laughing. off guard by the bluntness of her young That is all true, but for me, happiness has daughter’s question. But then she responded never been an emotion, but rather, a choice. very deliberately and lovingly. “Sure, Jeanne, Proverbs 4:23 cautions, “Above all else, guard I have for a long time. But I won’t.” your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”* I My mom, although not a Christian, knew have had to “guard my heart” and face lone- BY JEANNE MAYO the serious consequences of allowing loneli- liness at some of the most unlikely times. ness—even the most aching loneliness—to make decisions in her life. Years later, after I have come to recognize feelings she had accepted Christ, I thanked her for her of loneliness as the Father’s reminder unselfish handling of her loneliness. She certainly could have bailed out. After all, for that He has feelings too, and years my father had done very little emotion- that He misses me. My mom knew that a al need-meeting. He was a poor listener. The woman of integrity only times I remember him being much of a A few hours ago I had nearly 100 excited companion to my mother was when he was teenagers crowded into our medium-sized had to deal with the drunk. My mom knew that a woman of home for dinner. We had a great time, com- crippling pain of integrity had to deal with the crippling pain plete with a clogged toilet that overflowed of extended loneliness. A woman either han- and left 2 inches of water on my bathroom extended loneliness. dles loneliness or loneliness handles her. floor. Yet when the house cleared, and I had Many years have passed since that memo- cleaned up and finally crashed on the couch rable conversation with my mom in our at 2 a.m., I felt the aching sensation of loneli- kitchen. As a pastor’s wife and woman in the ness deep inside. It is not a sensation unfa- ministry for nearly three decades, I under- miliar to me. It can come right after I have stand the paralyzing impact of loneliness like shared with a youth convention of 5,000 I never dreamed possible. And I have had to energetic teenagers or when I am alone in my develop my own means of coping with loneli- laundry room, trying to separate the colors ness. Apart from that, I question that my per- from the whites. Penetrating loneliness can sonal life and ministry would be what the find all of us; and if allowed, it can quickly Lord has allowed it to become. wrap its tentacles of self-pity and depression around our hearts in a very paralyzing fash- My mom, although not a Christian, ion. How do I handle loneliness? Allow me to knew the serious consequences share a few simple principles to turn loneliness into aloneness. of allowing loneliness—even the most aching loneliness—to make STEP #1—LEARN TO RECOGNIZE LONELINESS AS GOD’S CRY FOR decisions in her life. FRIENDSHIP TIME WITH YOU Some might find it difficult to believe that Have you ever stopped to realize that our loneliness could be a factor in my life. After Heavenly Father must experience loneliness all, you might think, she has a great too? After all, we are created in His image. Far 134 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 135

too often we use Him more than love most important words in step three platform for deepened, authentic inti- Him. We allow Him to become more of a are, “I choose.” Far too many of us are macy with the Lord. business associate than a Father. I have content with shallow levels of intimacy come to recognize feelings of loneliness with the Lord because we allow loneli- STEP #4—GIVE AWAY TO as the Father’s reminder that He has ness to cripple us rather than choosing OTHERS THE EMOTIONS YOU feelings too, and that He misses me. It to press through the depression and MOST DESIRE has been said, “Loneliness becomes my neutrality. It takes work to meditate on Galatians 6:7 is a scriptural principle. friend when it forces me to draw com- the Scriptures when you have no emo- If I give away to others the emotions I panionship from the living God that I tional energy. It takes work to control most need and desire, God is responsible would otherwise like to draw from negative self-talk when feeling sorry to see that my needs are also met. another human being.” If I recognize for yourself is so easy. Those choices Sometimes He meets my emotional the purpose behind pain, I can more genuinely convert loneliness into needs almost instantaneously as I am easily respond correctly to it. aloneness allowing it to become a reaching out to the other person. Other

STEP #2—TALK BACK TO YOUR EMOTIONS RATHER THAN LETTING YOUR EMOTIONS TALK TO YOU That’s what King David was doing in Psalm 42:5. He was making his will talk back to his emotions. Second Corinthians 10:5 gives us the simple directive that makes this possible: “Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” Counselors frequently talk about the importance of our mental self-talk. To be victorious over any emotional struggle, we need to train our self-talk to conform to the truth of God’s Word, no matter what we feel or do not feel. Like King David, we make our will talk back to our emotions. Scribbled in one of my ﬁrst Bibles is a thought the Lord gave me in prayer: “Right choices eventually bring right emotions.” I often remind myself and those I love that we do not choose our future. Rather, we choose our habits and our habits determine our future.

STEP #3—CONSCIOUSLY CHOOSE TO CONVERT LONELINESS INTO ALONENESS Loneliness is that aching, depressing emotion of isolation, but aloneness is a positive experience. Loneliness is depressing, demotivational, self-centered, spiritually debilitating, and takes no emotional energy to create. Alone- ness is peaceful, motivational, other- centered, spiritually positive, and takes a choice of my will to create. The two Enrichment • 135 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 136

times the process is slower. God will be I often remind myself and inside you and a stick-out handle?” no man’s debtor. If I take care of others, “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the those I love that we do not the Lord will always take care of me. stuffed horse. “It’s a thing that happens As a woman involved in ministry, I choose our future. Rather, we to you. When a child loves you for a long, can almost guarantee that you will long time, not just to play with, but real- choose our habits and our have the opportunity to use these prin- ly loves you, then you become real.” ciples sooner than you wish. But in habits determine our future. “Does it hurt?” asked the stuffed rabbit. truth, some of those painful, isolating “Sometimes,” said the stuffed horse, for times of loneliness will help make you Velveteen Rabbit. In one passage the he was always truthful. “When you are a woman in the ministry who has toy rabbit and the toy horse are talking real, though, you don’t mind so much.” something inside to give to others. to each other. “What is real?” asked the “Does it happen all at once, like being There is a story by Marjorie Williams stuffed rabbit to the stuffed horse. wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?” that depicts this truth. It’s called The “Does it mean having things that buzz “It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the stuffed horse. “You become real. It takes a long time and a lot of pain. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or who have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and are very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all As a pastor’s wife and woman in the ministry for nearly three decades, I understand the paralyzing impact of loneliness like I never dreamed possible.

because once you are real, you can’t ever be ugly…except to people who don’t really understand.” So you want to impact someone’s life for eternity. Then welcome to the Vel- veteen Rabbit Club. You will often struggle as you convert loneliness into aloneness, and you won’t do it if you break easily. But the reward is immense. In a world of facades, you will be real. You will have the inward beauty of one who has been with Jesus.

*All Scriptures are from The New Interna- tional Version.

Jeanne Mayo ministers with her husband Sam, who is pastor at First Assembly of God, Rockford, Illinois. She leads the Cross Current youth ministry and serves as the superintendent of the church’s Christian school. Jeanne travels extensively as a conference speaker. 136 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 137 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 138

COUNSELORS CORNER eople Helping in the Church PART 1: A Biblical Model for Counseling in the 21st Century

astoral ministry in the 21st century com- PERSONAL QUALITIES OF THE Ppels the Assemblies of God pastor to PASTOR/COUNSELOR reflect on what is truly important for soul The pastor needs to reflect on what he brings to care in the church. Changing family structure, any counseling relationship. This involves godly incessant time pressures and a plethora of character, significant personal experiences, a the- parishioner problems often leave the pastor istic worldview, and personal beliefs about how a feeling overstretched and overextended. More person changes. than ever, the 21st-century pastor must stay The wise pastor has a basic understanding of anchored in the timeless and changeless the contributions of the behavioral sciences in truths and principles of God’s Word. Why? the areas of learning, memory, and the develop- BY DONALD A. People will continue to look to their pastor as mental process. While God reveals himself com- LICHI their first source of help instead of the mental monly to all persons through His general revela- health professional.1 As God met our greatest tion, He reveals His Son and His Word through need by becoming incarnate in the world, the special revelation. If something is discovered to Spirit-filled pastor uses the gifts of communi- be truth in the natural sciences, it will never con- cation to faithfully serve others and adminis- flict with the revealed truth of Scripture. All truth ter God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10). is God’s truth. More than ever, the From Ephesians 4, we discover that the desire 21st-century pastor SAVING THE LOST…HEALING THE to help people arises from a deeply transformed SAVED heart energized by the Holy Spirit. The pastor is must stay anchored The 21st-century pastor will continue to shepherd humble, gentle, patient, tolerant of others, and a in the timeless and the local church in the dual role of introducing peacekeeper. The pastor resolves anger quickly, people to Jesus as his* primary evangelistic mis- and is kind, compassionate, and forgiving. changeless truths sion (Mark 16:15), and saving the believer’s king- People will continue to look to and principles of dom potential as his primary pastoral mission. Pastoral counseling, then, is the comprehensive their pastor as their first source of God’s Word. study of human behavior pursued under the dis- help instead of the mental cipline of Scripture. The pastor/counselor is a spe- cialist in applied sanctification. health professional. Most pastors know they should be involved in The pastor/counselor is a servant, a promoter counseling, but many lack the how-to’s and con- of truth, mature in Christ, and strives to renew fidence that comes from acquiring basic counsel- his or her mind. He or she is active in the spiri- ing skills. The purpose of this series of articles is tual disciplines,2 is generous to those in need, to provide the pastor with some basic skills and seeks to build up others. In short, the pas- regarding his role as counselor. This article tor/counselor has a well-trained mind and Holy addresses the importance of Christian counseling Spirit-governed heart.3 as part of one’s ministry followed by an exami- nation of the characteristics and general goals of WHY PEOPLE NEED THEIR PASTOR AS pastoral counseling. This article also provides a COUNSELOR simple counseling structure that can be used at The most obvious purpose for Christian the beginning of the interview process. Future counseling is for Christians to realize their divine articles will describe how to conduct a brief diag- potential, to develop maturity in the “full stature nostic assessment, how to develop treatment of Christ.” Many believers, however, suffer from goals/plans, and how to avoid the most common wrong images of God, crippling views of them- counseling traps. selves, hurtful experiences from their past, and 138 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 139

destructive habits. Since the pastor is the pastor an opportunity to summarize available and knowledgeable of people REFERRAL LISTS EVERY key insights gained in the counseling (often throughout their entire life span), PASTOR NEEDS session. they tend to choose their pastor as a first With prayer, practice, persistence, and • Local Bible study groups/people source of help when facing life’s pre- interested in an accountability patience you can be a highly effective peo- dictable difficulties. partnership ple helper in the role of counselor. • Local hospitals, especially hose (Part 2 will deal with listening, attend- STRUCTURING THE with mental health services ing, and responding skills.) COUNSELING RELATIONSHIP • Attorney To keep expectations realistic, the pastor • Physician *Even though this article refers to the pastor needs to share the following at the begin- • Christian psychiatrist/ in the male gender, it equally applies to psychologist/counselor women who minister in this role. ning of the counseling relationship. Accountant or financial planner During the first session I explain things. • Local suicide hotline number Donald A. Lichi, Ph.D., is executive vice To make sure I have communicated clear- • Vocational guidance center president with EMERGE Ministries, Inc. in ly, I ask for feedback. This is where the • Local mental health center Akron, Ohio. person explains in his or her own words • • Support groups (grief support, what I have said. Christian 12-step groups) The counseling process consists of three • Hospice care ENDNOTES parts: your part, my part, and things we 1. For a more complete discussion of what work on together. the typical Assemblies of God pastor does, 1. Your part is to be open and honest you like to talk about?” see my article, “The Many Roles and with me as you discuss your concerns. Explore the nature and extent of the Demands of the Assemblies of God Pastor” in Enrichment, 1, no. 2 (Spring 1996): 2. My part is to listen and try to under- concern with leads that begin with who, 88–93. stand what you tell me. Get feedback to what, where, when, why, and how. 2. See Richard Foster’s, Celebration of Disci- ensure that the person understands his or Goal planning comes next. The pas- pline 3rd ed. (New York: Harper and Row, her responsibilities in the counseling tor/counselor guides the parishioner to 1998), for a more complete discussion of relationship. develop clear, manageable goals. Train the inward, outward, and corporate disci- 3. The third part of the counseling the person in the skills of problem solv- plines. I also suggest Dallas Willard’s book, The Spirit of the Disciplines: Under- process is shared responsibility—confi- ing and decision making. In later articles standing How God Changes Lives. (New dentiality, decision-making, and learning. in this series, I will describe specific York: Harper and Row, 1988). Confidentiality means that I won’t dis- techniques. 3. See Wayde I. Goodall’s chapter, “What Is cuss with others the things we talk about At the end of each counseling ses- Biblical Counseling?” in The Pentecostal here. (Note: Exceptions to this rule sion, always assign some type of home- Pastor: A Mandate for the 21st Century. ed. Thomas E. Trask, Wayde I. Goodall, include suicide risk, homicide, and child work. Closing the session in prayer lets Zenas J. Bicket. (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel abuse/neglect.) the person know that he or she is not Publishing House, 1997). We will work hard to learn how to alone in his or her efforts. It also gives make decisions, but the responsibility for © 1999 ERIK JOHNSON making the decision is yours. You will learn a number of things in our counseling sessions that you will be able to use in your life outside of the counseling relationship. (Again, get feedback to ensure that the person understands the shared responsibilities of the counseling relationship.)

THE COUNSELING PROCESS The pastor/counselor begins the counseling session by communicating an attitude of trust and respect. After explaining the counseling structure, a good way to open the actual counseling is to ask: “What “I can’t talk right now, Jim. I’ve got a full plate.” brings you to see me?” or “What would Enrichment • 139 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 140

FAMILY MATTERS oving: Helping Your Children Adapt to a Change in Pastorates ecause of her father’s change in pastorate, 12- unit when the home becomes a refuge and buffer B year-old Brooke*, a happy but shy seventh from everything that is unfamiliar. To hasten this grader, had to leave her junior high in a large Mid- adjustment, make the new house feel like home western city and enter middle school in a small as quickly as possible. Hang pictures on the walls town in the West. Like three of their previous and arrange the furniture so the house seems moves, this change occurred during the semester. familiar and comfortable. When Brooke’s mother Jill was growing up, her To hasten this adjustment, make the family had also moved often and she knew that it took time to become comfortable with new friends new house feel like home as quickly as in a new school and to feel at home. possible. Hang pictures on the walls and BY ROSALYN After her first day at her new school, Brooke GOODALL came home crying because some of the other arrange the furniture so the house young people had taunted her. She wanted to go seems familiar and comfortable. back home. She didn’t like the kids at this school and was surprised how mean some of them It is also important for your family to develop a were. If they weren’t teasing, they were ignoring sense of unity when it is experiencing the emo- her. Jill knew she would need to be sensitive to tional duress of moving. You can accomplish this Brooke’s loneliness and find things about their through communication, sharing, understanding, new location that would interest her and help fill affirmation, and tenderness that will provide a the time as Brooke adapted to her new school support base. Family members need to under- The family may and community. stand that they are making a commitment to each Bob Friesen, former Missionary Kids (MK) direc- other to be tolerant and kind. That takes time and become a closer unit tor for the Assemblies of God, spent 15 years deal- energy from each individual, but saves everyone when the home ing with kids who are uprooted to go to a foreign from a great deal of stress. Here are a few ways to land or to reenter America. He discusses nine areas help your children adjust. becomes a refuge and that offer security to a young person and explains buffer from everything that a young person looses six or perhaps all nine FRIENDS/GRANDPARENTS/ when he or she moves. These areas are: OTHER RELATIVES that is unfamiliar. • Dad and Mom While kids struggle to make new friends and • Siblings resume their identities, they often become closer • Friends to their parents. Remind your children that they • Grandparents have plenty of friends—it’s just that their • Other relatives friends don’t live near them right now. Grand- • Church parents, friends, and other relatives from your • School former community can help ease the loneliness • Neighborhood by writing letters, sending E-mails, phoning, or • Town and city (or even country) visiting. Kids who have been separated from these areas will need to reconnect at the new location. In this CHURCH process they may need to trade one thing they like Getting your children plugged into the youth or to do for another that they haven’t yet discovered. children’s program can be a comforting support group. The dynamics in the new church where you PARENTS AND SIBLINGS or your spouse are the pastor or on the pastoral Unless kids are going away to college, they move staff may be quite different from the former pas- with their family, who often becomes their main torate, and your children will need to adjust to that source of security. The family may become a closer as well. 140 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 141

SCHOOL goodbye. It will help bring closure to phys- when they move, “they carry some very As parents, you need to meet your chil- ical things and the memories they hold. large backpacks of unresolved grief and dren’s teachers and offer to assist with your Discuss with your children how they will loss,” says Bob Friesen. They miss the pos- child’s adjustment—perhaps by helping in find good memories in the place to which sibility for integration, understanding, the school library, on field trips, or in the they are moving. Study the new area to learning, anticipation, and excitement in classroom. Frequent or long distance the new situation. Before moving from an area, go to moves often cause learning gaps (especial- With parental compassion and a good ly in history, math, and foreign language). favorite places that hold special outlook on the part of the young person, Even young students take about 6 months any transition can be a relatively good one. memories, and say goodbye. to become comfortable in a new school. Whether or not a young person adjusts has During this time they spend a lot of emo- find activities for your family so they will to do with three things: (1) The extent to tional energy trying to figure out the spo- have something to look forward to. which he or she can understand the transi- ken and unspoken rules and the campus Sometimes making friends with peers tion; (2) Whether or not the transition can doesn’t happen quickly and children find be seen as something hopeful; (3) The Remind your children that they themselves in a group with loners. This is extent to which the young person is have plenty of friends—it’s just a good time to involve your young people allowed to experience and express feelings in other activities, such as: piano, sports, about the transition. that their friends don’t live pets, reading, or computers. If they can get As parents, you need to meet near them right now. past the feelings of not being valued and respected with their ego in tact, they your children’s teachers and offer culture. After the critical social and emo- won’t feel as desperate to make friends. to assist with your child’s tional aspects are in place, the child can Eventually, as their peers get to know again concentrate on academics. Some- them, integration will come. adjustment—perhaps by helping times making totally new friends can be a It is OK to take a little time to discover in the school library, on field trips, positive experience, especially if the friends and connect with the people most compat- they left behind were starting to go in a ible with us. If your children realize it may or in the classroom. wrong direction. take time to regain what they lost from Differences in temperament and person- their old location, it will not seem like such ality cause individuals to be affected differ- NEIGHBORHOOD/TOWN/ a big deal when friendships don’t immedi- ently by the same situation. In a few CITY/COUNTRY ately fall into place. months, people who thrive on variety Before moving from an area, go to favorite If young people don’t deal, in a timely adjust to a new culture better than those places that hold special memories, and say way, with the transitions they encounter who struggle with feelings of self-doubt. Adapting to a new locale may appear as an © 1999 STEVE PHELPS attack on the self-hood of an individual. The biggest comfort to children, who feel they have lost everything and everyone important to them, is the realization that it is normal to have a period of adjustment. Young people who move must realize they are worthy to have friends and enjoy life, and that they have wonderful experiences ahead of them, just waiting to be discovered.

*Names and locations have been changed for privacy.

Rosalyn Goodall is the wife of Wayde I. Goodall, national coordinator of the Ministerial Enrichment Ofﬁce for the Assemblies of God. Rosalyn has been a pastor’s wife and a missionary to Europe. She is currently an adjunct “How’d the board meeting go?” faculty member at Southwest Missouri State University, Springﬁeld, Missouri. Enrichment • 141 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 142

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✁ UNTO YOU WHO BELIEVE, HE IS PRECIOUS

1 Peter 2:1–4 1. He loved us so much, He died that we CONCLUSION: INTRODUCTION: might have everlasting life. We can rejoice together in what our pre- Jesus did not deliver us from the ﬂames of 2. Through the gospel, He brought life cious Savior has done to make himself pre- temporary suffering, but out of the ﬂames and salvation. cious to us. We have many needs, and it is of everlasting destruction. He went through 3. I have tasted and know that the Lord a blessed thing to know that Jesus is stand- the darkness and the despair of being sepa- is good. ing at God’s right hand. rated from His Father. This must have been 4. As I walk with Him, He becomes more When here on earth, He told the apostles the most bitter thing that Jesus passed precious. that He did not only pray for them but “for through when He was shut off from fellow- 5. In His mercy, He has poured out the them also which shall believe on me ship with His Father. Holy Ghost on us. through their word.” He is our High Priest 6. He is our Friend, our Intercessor, our at God’s right hand, making intercession MESSAGE: great High Priest at God’s right hand. for us according to His great power. Jesus is precious because: —E.N. Bell

THE ECHO AND REFLECTION OF CHRIST

Philippians 1:21 (Romans 8:9). a. We must partake of His divine nature INTRODUCTION: a. Love as a divine sentiment (1 John (2 Peter1:1–4). The church of Jesus Christ should be the 4:8,16). b. We must bear fruit (John 15). reflection of His nature. As Jesus Christ is b. Obedience to His commandments the revelation, voice, and reflection of God (John 15:10). CONCLUSION: the Father, so the Church should be the 2. Evidences of the mind of Christ How pertinent are the questions: Are my manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. occupying the mind of man. words the echo of His voice? Is my life the Each member of the Body must be an a. Revealed to us in His Spirit reflection of His nature? If so, my life and embodiment of the truth of the gospel. This (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). my conversation will glorify Jesus and give can only be accomplished on the following b. Revealed to us in His Word an impetus to every agency ordained of God conditions. (John 14:21). for the salvation of souls. High goal? Let us c. Revealed to us in His labor press on to it. MESSAGE: (Philippians 2:6–8). —A.P. Collins 1. Evidences of the Spirit of Christ 3. Our lives should be a reflection of His indwelling the spirit of a man nature.

GALATIANS APPLIED

Galatians 1:6–10 b. No religion can, nor can any 3. Servant to men INTRODUCTION: religious training—however much a. The Lord reveals Christ in us that we The letter to the Galatians is the earliest of we prosper in it—take the place of may tell it to others (verse 16). the epistles to the churches on doctrinal the one true gospel (verse 14). b. It is a joy for true children of God to lines. The Galatians were Spirit-filled c. The true gospel is a revelation from hear of their enemies being saved saints, but not yet fully grounded in the heaven, not something made up by (verses 22–24). truth of spiritual freedom. This letter needs man (verses 11,12). c. We should pray for grace and peace to be applied to present-day life in assem- 2. Servant to the Christ of the gospel from God to come on even those who blies ﬁlled with the Holy Ghost. a. We need to desire to be slaves of have gone astray from the faith Christ (verse 10). (verses 3–7). MESSAGE: b. Only the Lord can reveal the saving d. Though you may be a great man with 1. Servant to the gospel power of Christ to us (verses 15,16). a commission direct from heaven, a. There is only one true gospel. c. When God speaks to us, we need to always lovingly associate your Everything that claims to be another obey Him at once and not consult brethren with yourself in your work gospel or another way of salvation is with men to see what they will tell us and message from God (verses 1,2). false and deserves only the curse (verse 17). —E.N. Bell of God on it (verse 6–9). 142 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 143

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WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT MEANS TO ME

Matthew 3:11 2. The symbol of fire (Leviticus 9:7) CONCLUSION: INTRODUCTION: a. Engages the Christian in spiritual We live in a material world and are encom- The Holy Spirit is symbolized in the Bible as warfare (Isaiah 9:5). passed with material senses. Therefore, God air, fire, water, and oil. Each symbol b. Empowers for witness (Acts 6:15). speaks to us through material symbols. describes a particular work of the Holy Spir- 3. The symbol of water We cannot live the Christ-life without the it. The symbols are not used indiscrimi- a. Creating thirst (Isaiah 44:3,4). work of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to nately. Let us examine these truths. b. Cleansing (Ezekiel 36:25–30). know that without the ministry of His Spir- c. Mirroring eternal life it we are helpless. It is the Spirit who quick- MESSAGE: (Revelation 7:17). ens—the flesh profits nothing. Human 1. The symbol of air 4. The symbol of oil effort is no match for sin. It takes the a. The Holy Spirit gives life a. Divine unction (Psalm 23). The Holy divine, supernatural power of God, and God (Genesis 7:2). Spirit endows God’s children with wants to make that power real in you now. b. The Holy Spirit restores life peculiar gifts and power for specific Yield to His Spirit. (Ezekiel 37). ends. —C.M. Ward c. The Holy Spirit sustains life b. Divine peace (Psalm 23). Only the (John 3:5). Spirit can bring an abiding peace.

THE NATIVITY

Luke 2:10 a. Identification—Christ came into the the need of the case and destroys INTRODUCTION: world born of woman, identifying forever the possibility of contention How blessed it would be if those who enter himself with man and yet, not being against His right to redeem us. the festivities of this Christmas season conceived by man, was free from the 2. What Christ is to us would accept God’s blessed and holy gift. taint of inherent sin and needed no He pleads for us who have been given Would God they might realize the worth of redemption. Him out of the world: God’s abundant grace and that, during this b. Revelation—God gave a review of a. To be kept by the Father. season, they might have more than a reflec- the divine law of redemption in His b. To be happy in themselves. tion of divine love in their hearts. plan for Israel. In this plan we see c. To be holy unto God. that the nearest of kin was the d. To be useful to others. MESSAGE: lawful redeemer of an estranged e. To be united to one another. 1. The manner of Christ’s advent into possession. f. To be glorified with Him. the world c. Redemption—For it clearly meets —J.W. Welch

STRONG CONFIDENCE

Hebrews 10:35 1. God’s Word CONCLUSION: INTRODUCTION: a. Answers the questions of modern “Therefore we are always confident” exalts Business institutions do not expect people skepticism. the apostle. This is the pre-eminent need in to have confidence in them without giving a b. Has not failed (1 Kings 8:56). the religious world today. We must not rely reason to consider them trustworthy. In the c. Is Spirit and life (Philippians 2:16). solely on sermons, papers, and conferences same way, the Manager of the greatest busi- d. Instructs the mind, feeds the soul, to combat the modern Sadducees who deny ness in the universe has given us every rea- and warms the heart. the supernatural. But let all who value their son to have implicit trust and unbounded 2. A divine Word confirmed by divine power souls and the souls of others seek a per- confidence in heaven’s bank. With Paul, we a. Because of its veracity. sonal enduement of power and pray can joyfully exclaim, “I know whom I have b. Because of its inherent power. earnestly for a mighty effusion of the Spirit believed, and am persuaded that he is able c. Because of divine grace. on this tempest-tossed generation. to keep that which I have committed unto 3. Revelation by the Spirit him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). a. Of our relationship with the Eternal —W.T. Gaston One (John 14:20; Colossians 3:18). MESSAGE: b. Of a divine plan (2 Corinthians Grounds of confidence: 5:1–11; Ephesians 1:3–14). Enrichment • 143 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 144

SERMON SEEDS

✁ THE SPIRIT AT WORK

2 Corinthians 3:1–18 MESSAGE: a. Personal INTRODUCTION: 1. Illumination (1) From sin to righteousness. There are two things vital to the existence a. Through the Spirit’s illumination, our (2) From unbelief to faith. of the Church—Easter and Pentecost. Eas- hearts, spirits, and minds are opened (3) From mediocrity to excellence. ter made the Church possible; Pentecost to who He is (Hebrews 10:32). (4) From defeat to victory. made it actual. Easter gave it the gospel; (1) Paul’s illumination (Acts 9). (5) From death to life. Pentecost gave it power. Easter gave it (2) Peter’s illumination (Acts 10). b. Corporate something to preach; Pentecost enabled it b. Through the Spirit’s illumination, we (1) As we are changed, the church to preach. have enlightened vision of the lost. will be changed. What is the Spirit endeavoring to accom- 2. Liberation (2) Called to be: holy, separate plish in the Church? In these verses Paul a. Liberty from the bondage of the Law from the world, men and presents three effects of the Spirit’s work: (Romans 8:2). women of prayer, and poured illumination, liberation, and trans- b. Liberty from the bondage of sin out for the sake of the gospel. formation. These are evident in the sover- (Isaiah 61:1,2). (3) We are also: called out, eign move of the Spirit in the Church. 3. Transformation (Isaiah 35:10; brought out, sent out, and 2 Corinthians 3:18) soon to get out. —Thomas E. Trask

A PLEA FOR UNITY

Ephesians 4:1–16 b. That the world may believe be uniform growth and development. We MESSAGE: (John 17:22,23). are one in destiny, all bound for heaven. 1. How to invoke unity in the Body c. That we may grow in faith and the One in purpose: to glorify God and lead (verse 2). knowledge of the Son of God souls to Christ. a. With all lowliness (2 Peter 3:18). Unity is not a dogma in God; it is to know b. With meekness d. That we may speak the truth in love Him as our God and Father of all, above all, c. With longsuffering and grow up in all things which is the and in all. d. Forbearing one another in love head, even in Christ (Ephesians Unity is not a dogma about Jesus. It is to 2. The basis of unity (verses 4–6). 4:14,15). have Him as our life, dwelling in our hearts a. One body e. That we may be presented to Christ by faith, knowing that He died for us on the b. One Spirit without blemish (Ephesians 5:27). cross, rose again for our justiﬁcation, and is c. One hope 4. The agencies employed in bringing now interceding for us at God’s right hand. d. One Lord about this glorious oneness. We are looking for Him to come again. e. One faith a. The glory of Jesus (John 17) Unity is not a dogma about the Holy Spir- f. One baptism b. Spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:8–16) it. It is to know we have the Comforter, the g. One God and Father of all Spirit of Truth, to take the things of Jesus 3. Incentives to unity CONCLUSION: and show them to us and give us power to a. A worthy vocation wherewith we are Let us be one and of the same mind. One in witness. called (verse 1). body, members one of another so there may —A.P. Collins

THE NEW BIRTH AND THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

John 3:1–17; Acts 1:6–8 MESSAGE: c. Peace with God (Romans 5:1). INTRODUCTION: 1. Conditions of the new birth d. Joy (Philemon 20). Are the birth of the Spirit and the baptism a. Faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 3. Marks of the baptism in the Spirit in the Spirit synonymous? No; they are not 1 John 5:1). a. Speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4). the same. If not, is there a Bible line of b. Cleansed by the Word (John 15:3). b. Power to witness (Acts 1:8). demarcation that distinguishes the one c. Separated from the world c. Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). from the other? Yes; there is a way for both (John 17:16,22). the individual and the whole church to be 2. Evidences of the new birth —W.T. Gaston as certain as the apostle Peter was on the a. Love for the brethren (1 John 3:14). Day of Pentecost. b. Witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).

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A REBUKE TO VANITY One boy said, “How much shall we claim?” The personal ministry of many a preacher is spoiled by an Another said, “Let’s claim the whole block.” unhealthy desire for publicity. In Steven’s History of Methodism, My younger brother Paul said, “Let’s claim the other block too— there is a story of a rebuke that one of the early Methodist from Booneville to Campbell and from Division to Calhoun.” preachers, who was content to be among God’s “hidden ones,” I spoke up, “We shouldn’t take the greenhouse at the corner of received from John Wesley. Michael Fenwick, whom Wesley Boonville and Calhoun. We sold peaches to people living there, and described as “a tolerable preacher,” accompanied him on many they are nice people.” of his journeys. One day Fenwick complained that though he Laurel replied, “Why not? God will take care of them. Let’s was constantly traveling with Wesley, his name was never claim it all.” inserted in any of Wesley’s published journals. In the next num- There in the early morning we prayed that all this land should be ber of journals, he found his egotism effectually rebuked. “I left used for the work of the Lord so His gospel might go out to the end Epworth,” wrote Wesley, “with great satisfaction, and about 1 of the earth from this place. p.m. preached at Clayworth. I think none were unmoved but It was a clear, crisp night. The stars were bright above. One boy Michael Fenwick, who fell fast asleep under an adjoining remarked, “Just think; when the Lord told Abraham to look up and hayrick.” see if he could count the stars, they were the same stars we can see —W.T. Gaston tonight.” Another said, “Let’s pray that the gospel will spread over all the CLAIMING LAND FOR GOD earth and reach as many people as there are stars.” Our little group of Pentecostal believers in Springfield had just —Adapted from “An Unforgettable New Year’s Prayer Meeting” by finished the watch night service, and the New Year (1915) was Fred Corum, Assemblies of God Heritage, Vol.1, just a few minutes old. Our pastor was Bennett F. Lawrence. Winter 1983–84. Used by permission. We had sent Brother Lawrence as our delegate to the meeting Note: The headquarters building of The General Council of the at Hot Springs, Ark., the previous April, at which time The Gen- Assemblies of God and Central Assembly of God occupy the property eral Council of the Assemblies came into being. Brother the boys claimed that night. Lawrence was one of the youngest presbyters. On his return to Springfield, our church affiliated with the new Assemblies of MAN’S HOPE God fellowship that had its first headquarters in Findlay, Ohio. Billy Graham once asked a university professor what he thought Near midnight Pastor Lawrence told us the New Year that we man’s greatest need was. The professor considered it carefully, were about to enter might be the year the Lord would return. then said: “I could give you a variety of answers all the way from The First World War was raging in Europe, and Pentecostal peo- tax relief to disarmament. I may surprise you, because I’m not a ple were looking for the second coming of Christ. After the ser- religious man, but I believe the greatest need we have at this hour vice, there was not room for all of us to ride home in the two- is a spiritual awakening that will restore individual and collective seated buggy, so my brother and I and three other teenage boys morals and integrity throughout the nations.” started walking home, a distance of about 3 miles. —G. Raymond Carlson One boy suggested we could save time going from Campbell Avenue to the corner of Boonville and Division if we cut across GOD’S FINAL JUDGMENT White City, a large amusement park. It was fenced, but some of the I read the experience of a man who was condemned to death, but boards were loose, and we crawled through. received the governor’s reprieve just a few minutes before he was to The place was deserted. It was a carnival type of park with a go to the electric chair. His cell was close to the room where the elec- large roller coaster. It had a bad reputation, as it also had been a tric chair was, and he could hear the buzzing noise as the wardens burlesque place. We knew it was a wicked place, and we felt we turned on the current and one after another was sent into eternity. were crossing the devil’s territory. He said that as he heard one after another brought to that room and One of the followers said, “This place is unclean.” the motor turned on, he was nearly frantic. He was a strong man, but Another asked, “Do you suppose it could ever belong to God?” he would be almost beside himself with fear as he heard the noise Then my cousin Laurel Taliaferro, the oldest of us boys, said, and he realized what would likely be his fate in a few short days. “Let’s claim it for the Lord.” Thirteen men passed by his cell into that room. Some men So we agreed, and there beneath the stars we knelt and started made a big bluff and bid a noisy goodbye to their friends, but praying. as the current was turned on he heard terrible screams as Enrichment • 145 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 146

they were ushered into the other world. The next day we came together and went down on our faces He described one man, just a lad of 18, who was led screaming into as before. We had just nicely gotten down when in came a tall, the room. He began to yell, and all the others who knew that they soon stalwart young fellow who had heard about the meeting. He would have like fate also began to yell. He wrote, “We all felt for that joined us in prayer. Suddenly, he sprang to his feet, unbuttoned kid as he went through the green baize door into that room—just a his coat, took it off, threw it on the chair, and said, “I think I had poor prodigal. It was just a scream and he was gone.” better get into this myself.” Then that program went on very He said that sometimes the men who were under the sentence of rapidly. Suddenly, there fell from heaven such a shower of bless- death would make jokes to one another, but not often. They could not ing, such great waves of power, that there was not time for fur- forget that green baize door. Sometimes they would make a big show ther confession or anything else. For 2 hours there came waves of bravery, but it was empty. How could they have any joy in life when of power, and four people received the Baptism. the knowledge of their fate was ever present with them? —J.W. Welch —W.T. Gaston A PRESIDENT’S CONVERSION Before General Dwight D. Eisenhower died some years ago, Billy Gra- WHAT MONEY WILL NOT BUY ham was invited to visit the former President. He was told he could When Luther was protesting the corruption of the Roman Catholic stay 30 minutes. But when the time was up, the general asked him Church, a certain monk wrote to the Pope at Rome telling him of Mar- to stay longer. tin Luther’s activities and asked what he should do. The Pope wrote “Billy,” he said, “I want you to tell me once again how I can be sure back to this monk and said, “Fill his mouth with gold.” my sins are forgiven and that I’m going to heaven, because nothing The monk replied to the Pope and said, “It won’t work; the fool else matters now.” doesn’t like gold.” Billy took out his New Testament and read several verses. He point- —Gayle F. Lewis ed out that we go to heaven totally and completely on the merits of what Christ did on the cross. PERSPECTIVE After prayer, General Eisenhower said, “Thank you. I’m ready.” A man fell into a pit. He held on to the sides as long as he could It is the Word of God, and not man’s opinion, that people want until his fingers became very weak. At last he said his prayers. He when they think of stepping into eternity. It is the Word of God that could hold on no longer. His fingers slipped and down he provides blessed assurance. dropped—6 inches. —G. Raymond Carlson We hold out so long against the Lord and feel as though we were dropping to our death as we release our fingers from the THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE thing that we are holding. And we find, after all, it is really not Once when I was speaking to the students at Central Bible Institute, so terrible. No, the will of God is not terrible. It is the sweetest I told the following incident: A certain pastor told me about some thing under heaven. wonderful sermons that an evangelist had preached in his church. —W.T. Gaston Many people had professed salvation in these meetings. “However,” said the pastor, “only one of all those converts is still going on with PRAYER VIGIL the Lord.” I was trying to minister in a certain place where there had been occur- I asked if the evangelist had preached on the need of repentance. rences that had spoiled the spiritual atmosphere. One day a company He answered, “No.” of us got down on the floor in a farmer’s home and began seeking the “That is what the people need,” I replied. “People will never get to an Lord with all our hearts, that He might remove from our midst some established place in God until the Spirit brings them to repentance.” things that were bad. We got down to pray just after noon and prayed —J.W. Welch until 5:30 p.m. There was a strain in the atmosphere, and when we got up from our knees we looked at one another and walked out. We DISCOVERING GOD’S REST had agreed to come back the next day. When the time came, we got Sometimes you leave the place of prayer carrying your burdens down on the floor and were there all afternoon again. During the last away with you. The Bible says, “Casting all your care upon him; part there was a change in the program. People began crawling across for he careth for you.” Are you afraid to cast the burden of your the floor and talking to each other. Some of the men walked across wayward children on to the Lord? the floor and whispered in the ear of another man. Stephen Merritt had a bad boy. He tried to manage him but 146 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:09 PM Page 147

nothing worked. Finally in despair he came to the Lord and said, Love secures the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Father and “He is too much for me; I am going to turn him over to You. If Son to make their abode with us. Love hears His voice, sees His You don’t save him, he is ruined. Lord, I ask You to take the boy, face, understands His will, and has supreme joy in doing His take him into Your own hands and manage him yourself.” commandments. After that the boy was just as bad as ever, but Stephen Merritt —A.P. Collins had perfect peace and rest. People would come and tell him his boy was doing so and so. He would reply, “Praise the Lord, I am Many Christian workers say; “Oh I have the Spirit, I have had through; my hands are off.” Him for years.” Yes, so did I for many years, but there came a One day they came to him and said, “Your boy is drowned. His time when He got me—got me under His hand, submerged in His clothes have been found down by the lake.” power till He spoke for himself, and my whole being was under Stephen Merritt did not make any fuss. One would think he His control. There is a difference between the experience where did not care. He simply said, “I have turned him over to the Lord. we have the Spirit for our pleasure and where He has us for His It is all right.” He had peace in conditions that would have sent pleasure. others to the asylum. A week later the boy turned up and some —J.W. Welch time later was saved. “We which have believed do enter into rest.” You enter If the enemy cannot remove entirely from our vision the thought when you believe God. Learn how to pray through every of the return of Christ to this earth, he will attempt to spiritual- condition that comes up in your life. Learn how to leave it ize that return to reduce it to a mere metaphor, and rob us of the with God. vital hope which the Lord wants it to be. —W.T. Gaston —R.M. Riggs

THERE IS HOPE The mark that has characterized each succeeding Pentecostal A number of years ago a man who had never known any reli- outpouring has been the totality with which believers have gious experience was given a Bible. After reading some of it, he sought God. said to his wife: “If this Book is true, we are lost, and a horrible —T.F. Zimmerman end awaits us after death.” In fear, he read on until he discovered the good news of God’s Seed left in the barn—never planted, never watered, living saving grace. Then he said to his wife: “If this Book is true, there alone—will never produce fruit. Study the Book of Acts. The is hope for us. It tells of Christ, who came to redeem men and record indicates that believers, with the exception of the apostles, save them from hell.” were scattered everywhere. There was not an apparent need for —G. Raymond Carlson constant admonitions to fulfill the Great Commission. Believers did that which came naturally; they preached the gospel wher- WILLING HEARTS ever they went. Zinzendorf said to a Moravian brother at Herrnhut, “Can you go —G. Raymond Carlson as a missionary to Greenland?” “Yes,” he replied. Preparation time becomes a time of purifying. There will never be “Can you go tomorrow?” a revival in the church until first it is pure and holy. “If the cobbler has finished my shoes, I can go tomorrow.” —Thomas E. Trask That was a quick, willing-hearted response. Wesley said: “If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire.” SEND US YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS —W.T. Gaston Enrichment will pay up to $25 for each illustration we use. If the material has previously been published, please indicate the orig- TO QUOTE inal source. Send your contributions to: Illustrate It, Enrichment God’s mightiest impulse in every heart for unity was the bap- Journal, 1445 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894. E-mail: You may send your illustrations to: enrichment tism in the Holy Ghost. @ag.org —E.N. Bell Enrichment • 147 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:10 PM Page 148

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY GRANDPARENTS DAY Community Appreciation Day is one way to demonstrate to civic In our church we have very few senior adults, but we do have sev- and political leaders you care about them and are praying for eral children. When we realized that most of these children have them. grandparents who are unsaved, we developed a Sunday to honor Invite various public officials. This can include the mayor, city them. Here are some ideas to make Grandparents Day special: council members, police officers, volunteer firefighters, or school 1. Design invitations for children to send to their grandparents. board members. 2. Invite the grandparents to attend Sunday school with their Invest in the community. We set aside $1,000 annually for Com- grandchild. Let them come to their grandchild’s class and help munity Appreciation Investments. These have included the com- their grandchild with the craft. Let grandparents participate in the munity drug task force, the school’s music boosters, and the police games and enjoy the atmosphere of Sunday school. department’s DARE program. Many civic leaders will come to a 3. Honor the grandparents during the worship service with a special day at your church when you partner with them in the gift. Bookmarks with a verse about grandparents work well. community. 4. Pray for all grandparents who are present with their grand- Include the community in the service. We ask the high school children as well as those who were unable to attend. choir to sing one or two songs during the service. They often 5. Have a testimony from a Christian grandparent or grand- include a gospel song, and we have the opportunity to present the child on the important role that grandparents play in a young gospel. person’s life. Select a community leader to honor. Last year we added this fea- This day allows families to reach out to unsaved family mem- ture. We selected a person outside of our church to receive a Com- bers or creates a special day for families who live apart. While munity Appreciation Award. there is a national Grandparents Day in September, this day can Community Appreciation Day has several benefits. Many people be held any time of the year. who do not normally attend our church come on that day. And our —Glenn Reynolds, Jr., Norwalk, Iowa church can develop lasting relationships with the leaders in our community. WELCOMING NEWCOMERS —Glenn Reynolds, Jr., Norwalk, Iowa When you are aware that a family has moved into your community, welcome them by providing a dinner for them. You HANGING OUT WITH TEENS can make arrangements with a restaurant that has carry-out Teens will find a place to hang out with their friends. In our com- service to prepare a meal to be picked up by a member from munity teens congregate on the town square. your church. When the local newspaper reported the teens’ activities, a group Have an adult from your church pick up the dinner and deliver from our church went on a Friday night to observe. Stirred by what it to the new family. Along with the dinner, provide a brochure he saw, our pastor told the congregation the next Sunday: “I would and a letter welcoming the family to your community and invit- like to take a busload of grandmas to the square and turn them ing them to church. loose just to hug those kids.” —Adapted from 100 Great Growth Ideas by Neil Jackson, Jr., One 60-year-old grandma caught the vision and spends ©1990 Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee. Used by permission. most Friday nights (along with others from the church) hanging out with the teens and giving out cookies she baked that TYPES OF LETTERS THAT BUILD A CHURCH day. It’s a common sight to see her with her arms around a Writing letters can be a great way to show people you care and can teen or an alcoholic crying and praying that God will save and provide contacts to potential church members. deliver. 1. Letters to potential parents (Cradle Roll prospects) This approach is designed to build trust with teens (and pre- 2. Letters to enroll all shut-ins teens) who have chosen alternative lifestyles. They have told us 3. Letters to youth (student body of high schools) they don’t trust adults and/or institutions. They say they have no 4. Letters to ethnic groups (for a new ethnic class) future, so they plan to party their lives away. 5. Letters to parents of children with special education needs Jesus commanded us to go. For the grandmas and others in 6. Letters to members asking for leads to prospects our church, hanging out with teens on Friday night is a matter 7. Letters for potential workers of obedience. 8. Letters to potential bus riders —Ann Floyd, Springfield, Missouri 9. Letters to the faithful (appreciation) 148 • Fall 1999 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:10 PM Page 149

10. Letters to those in the hospital Christmas” would be from Mary’s perspective—she was probably 11. Letters to those in jail in her teens when she gave birth to Jesus. “A Senior Adult’s 12. Letters to newcomers to your community Christmas” could center on Zechariah the priest, or Simeon and 13. Letters for those who have experienced a crisis, death, or a Anna in the temple. The last sermon could be called “Everybody’s joyous occasion (source: obituaries, wedding, engagement, Christmas,” using John 3:16. birth notices in the newspaper) A third approach is to look at the emotions involved in —Adapted from Motivational Ideas for Changing Lives, Christ’s coming: “A Mother’s Joy” (Mary’s song, Luke by Neil E. Jackson, Jr., (Gallatin: Tennessee, Neil E. 1:46–55); “A Husband’s Perplexity” (Joseph, Matthew Jackson, Jr. Ministries, 1995). Used by permission. 1:18–25); “A King’s Anxiety” (Herod, Matthew 2:1–18); and “A Son’s Delight” (our Lord’s birth announcement and declara- MISSIONS PRAYER PARTNERS tion of obedience, Hebrews 10:1–10). At our missions convention we make prayer flyers using the The Gospel of John offers many opportunities for Advent missions theme letterhead ordered from the Division of For- preaching, among them the various names and titles for Jesus. As eign Missions. On the letterhead we print the words “I will the Word, He came to speak (1:1–14); as the Light, He came to pray for…” and the name of one of our missionaries. We also shine (8:12); as the Bread, He came to satisfy (6:24–40); and as include a description and a map of the country where they are the Door, He came to save (19:9–10). Christmas is a time for lis- ministering. tening to His Word, beholding His glory, receiving His life, and We make several flyers for each of the missionaries we sup- accepting His invitation. port, along with missionaries who are attending the convention, We want to present our messages in interesting ways, while and those we plan to add to our missions budget. We tack these still proclaiming the good news. By developing a Christmas ser- flyers on the walls in the sanctuary and the lobby during our mon series, you will strengthen believers and may attract the missions convention. unsaved to your church. At our missions banquet, we emphasize the importance of —Adapted from Prokope, July–September 1998, praying for our missionaries. At the end of the banquet, we ask ©1998, Warren W. Wiersbe, and used by permission. people to remove a flyer from the wall, take it home, and pray for Not to be reprinted without authorization of copyright owner. that missionary during the coming year. We also ask them to sign a form indicating which missionary they will pray for. We give the WELCOME CLASS missionaries the list so they know who is praying for them. As senior pastor of our church, my wife and I host a class for Our prayer commitment for missionaries has increased dra- the first 3 weeks of each Sunday school quarter to welcome matically and our missions giving has skyrocketed because newcomers. During these classes, we introduce ourselves, our people now have a prayer commitment attached to their giving. church family, and cover informative and beneficial informa- —Karl Vaters, Fountain Valley, California tion for newcomers to our church. We provide material to assist our new friends in becoming more acquainted with our CHRISTMAS SERMONS ministry and outreaches. We discuss the vision and mission Many people appreciate the familiar Christmas message pre- statement of our church. We also include a description of the sented in new ways. A series of Christmas sermons may be the ministries along with the names and phone numbers of min- way to accomplish this. istry coordinators. You might begin the Advent season with a sermon titled “A This class has proven to be quite effective. Approximately 75 Christmas Prophecy.” Choose one or more Old Testament percent of attendees eventually become members. prophecies concerning Christ to develop this sermon. Another —John R. Baschieri, Lehigh, Florida sermon could focus on “The Christmas Story,” using Matthew SEND US YOUR IDEAS 21:33–46. A third message might be “A Christmas Gift” dealing with peace in the Gospel of Luke, noting the contrast between Enrichment will pay up to $50 for each published account Luke 2:14 and 12:51. Finally, a sermon titled “A Christmas Con- of a ministry idea. Send your ideas, along with a detailed cert” could focus on one or more of the songs in Luke’s gospel description, to: Ministry Ideas, Enrichment Journal, 1445 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894. (chapters 1 and 2) that are associated with Christmas. E-mail: You may send your ministry ideas to: enrich- Another suggestion for a series is “A Baby’s Christmas,” [email protected] looking at the event from our Lord’s point of view. “A Teenager’s Enrichment • 149 F/99 135-150 12/13/05 6:10 PM Page 150

BOOK REVIEWS

I & II Corinthians The Los Angeles revival of 1906–09 was the Stanley M. Horton (GPH: Logion Press, 260 pp., center from which the modern Pentecostal hardcover, $21.99) revival became a worldwide phenomenon. The latest addition to the Logion Press book line Featured were a black holiness preacher, W.J. is I & II Corinthians by Dr. Stanley M. Horton. Seymour, as the catalyst and a converted liv- Horton has produced a commentary that will ery stable at 312 Azusa Street as the setting appeal to pastors, students, and lay people alike. for this remarkable revival. The major strength of this verse-by-verse Frank Bartleman, a Baptist-turned-holi- treatment of 1 and 2 Corinthians is the Pente- ness mission preacher, kept a written costal perspective Horton brings to the text. He description of the revival. In 1925, he pub- presents the traditional Assemblies of God inter- lished his personal account of events at pretation of 1 Corinthians 12–14 that is missing Azusa Street under the title, How Pentecost Stanley M. Horton (GPH: in many commentaries. In addition, he provides Came to Los Angeles—As It Was in the Logion Press, 260 pp., commentary that helps defend against those Beginning. This volume was largely the hardcover, $21.99) who would use 1 and 2 Corinthians as a basis product of his diary and articles he had writ- for arguing against a variety of other Pente- ten over the years. Azusa Street is a reprint costal beliefs. In keeping with his roots, Horton of that book. appeals to the writings of fellow Pentecostal Although Bartleman may overplay his role pastors and teachers to reinforce his insights in the revival, this book is valuable, for it and interpretations. constitutes a detailed eyewitness account of Those who use this commentary will not need the great Los Angeles revival. The latter to be acquainted with Greek. Horton avoids chapters of the book carry the reader beyond many of the controversial issues that surround the Los Angeles revival through the subse- the meaning of the original text in favor of pre- quent journeys of Bartleman as he scattered senting the material from a conservative, evan- the good news of the full gospel. gelical position. Pentecostal Holiness historian Vinson A feature that will appeal to those who wish Synan has provided an excellent introducto- Frank Bartleman to do a self-study of 1 and 2 Corinthians is the ry chapter. He has gathered bits of informa- (Bridge-Logos Inc., 184 list of questions associated with each major section from a variety of sources to weave a pp., paperback, $7.95) tion of the biblical text. These questions are con- synopsis of the Los Angeles revival and the veniently located in the book’s appendix along story of Bartleman. The introduction is with a map of the Corinthian area and a bibliog- almost worth the price of the book itself. raphy listing a number of the classic commen- —Reviewed by William W. Menzies, taries on 1 and 2 Corinthians. Springfield, Missouri, a longtime educator Those who have enjoyed Dr. Horton’s writings with the Assemblies of God and chancellor in the past will not be disappointed as they con- of Asia Pacific Theological Seminary. sult this commentary in their study of 1 and 2 Corinthians. —Reviewed by Clancy P. Hayes, adult American Evangelism consultant, Sunday School Promotion and Darius Salter (Baker Book House, 426 pp., Training, Springfield, Missouri. hardcover, $21.99) The author aims to bring verbal snapshots, both good and bad, of revival in America. He Azusa Street—The provides a biblical understanding of the call Darius Salter (Baker Roots of Modern-Day of the Holy Spirit to confront our present Book House, 426 pp., Pentecost culture with a demonstration of the power hardcover, $21.99) Frank Bartleman (Bridge-Logos Inc., 184 of the message of the Cross. pp., paperback, $7.95) In chapter 1, he establishes his working 150 • Fall 1999