The Alabama Messenger January - February 2020

ALABAMAMESSENGER

THE

January/February 2020 Volume 34/Number 1

2020 SPEED THE LIGHT TOUR Date

Section

Location

Time

January 9

Birmingham/Tuscaloosa/Anniston/Sylacauga Lunch Banquet

Lunch Banquet Tennessee Valley/Cullman

Youth Rally

Top Golf, Birmingham

12 PM

Hartselle First Assembly of God

7 PM

January 10 January 14

Andalusia/Monroeville

Youth Rally

East Brewton First Assembly of God

7 PM

January 15

Phenix City

Youth Rally

Phenix City First Assembly of God

6:30 PM CST

7:30 PM EST

January 20

Montgomery

Dinner Banquet

Safe Harbor Outreach Center, Prattville

7 PM

January 21

Dothan/Enterprise

Dinner Banquet

Newton First Assembly of God

7 PM

January 22

Demopolis

Youth Rally

Butler First Assembly of God

7 PM

January 23

Mobile

Dinner Banquet

Moffett Road Assembly of God, Mobile

7 PM

January 24

Baldwin

Youth Rally

Island Church, Orange Beach

7 PM

2020 CP&D BANQUET TOUR Date

Section

Location

Time

February 3

Anniston

Top of the River, Gadsden

7 PM

February 4

Andalusia

Beef O’Brady’s, Andalusia

7 PM

February 6

Dothan

Newton First AG

7 PM

February 7 February 10

Demopolis Enterprise

Butler First AG Shane’s Rib Shack, Enterprise

7 PM 7 PM

February 11

Phenix City

Water’s Edge at LakePoint State Park, Eufaula

6:30 PM CST

7:30 PM EST

February 13

Monroeville

Brewton First AG

7 PM

February 17

Mobile

Centerpointe AG

7 PM

February 18

Baldwin

Wolf Bay, Foley

7 PM

February 20

Tuscaloosa

Yampertown Steak & Seafood, Winfield

7 PM

February 21

Tennessee Valley

Calvary AG, Decatur

7 PM

February 24

Birmingham

Dreamland BBQ, Five Points South

7 PM

February 25

Sylacauga

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant, Sylacauga

7 PM

February 27

Montgomery

Catfish House, Millbrook

7 PM

February 28

Cullman

Jim ’N Nicks, Jasper

7 PM

Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org

2020 BEGINS A DECADE OF DESTINY As we enter into the decade of the 20’s I recall that 100 years ago, the same decade was known as the “Roaring ’20s.” It was a decade that began with prosperity for the western world, ending with a crash. I believe America could revisit a century ago unless there is divine intervenCon. Our Cme truly fulfills the words that Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke at the beginning of the Great Depression: “This generaCon has a rendezvous with desCny.” I am an opCmist!

As the Alabama District postures itself to enter a new decade, I sincerely believe it will be a "Decade of Divine DesCny." We are living in the last days. Look at Acts 2: "But Peter, standing with the eleven, liRed up his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."

Let’s be that generaCon that the Lord is counCng on in the Last Days. Pray with me for an outpouring of His Spirit (Pentecostal power) to transform us into an Acts 2 church impacCng our communiCes and reversing the Devil’s poison poured out on men, women, boys, and girls. God is looking for churches that will cease to be “social clubs” and choose to be a “spiritual force” unstoppable by hell.

I believe as we begin a new decade that those searching for answers about “How to grow their church” can find those answers in becoming a part of the Healthy Church culture we are creaCng in the Alabama AG. We have one in ten of our Alabama AG churches that are in the Acts 2 Journey (A2J).

A2J has produced church health/growth results everywhere local congregaCons have engaged it. Two out of three churches saw a significant change in the church’s health, leadership, and the mission of the church.

The human body has eleven major systems, and when any of those funcCons aren’t working correctly, the whole body suffers. The New Testament church has Five FuncCons that need to work for it to be a healthy New Testament church. Those funcCons are Fellowship, Discipleship, GiR-Oriented Ministry, Evangelism, and Worship. When one of these church funcCons isn’t working, the whole church suffers. We are creaCng a healthy church culture in Alabama.

A healthy church is a Spirit-empowered community of disciples following Jesus, fulfilling His mission. We are partnering with the General Council and the Acts 2 Journey iniCaCve, which are seeing 43% of all A2J churches reporCng increased afendance in year one aRer they start the Acts 2 Journey. Of the 168 “declining” churches to engage the Acts 2 Journey (2010-2017), more than 50% were at a higher level of afendance two years later.

Join me in praying and fasCng for supernatural breakthroughs in our churches and renewed vision, passion, and faith for the decade of the ‘20s. We read in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” We can’t afford to miss out on God’s plans for us. Let’s embrace a “Decade of Divine DesCny.”

MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.MIN. DISTRICT SECRETARY-TREASURER msharp@adcag.org

ALREADY / NOT YET – WHEN IMMEDIATE DELIVERANCE DOES NOT COME

We have a universal tendency to allow our greatest strengths to hide within them our greatest weaknesses.

Disciplined, determined people may become rigid and stubborn. Very compassionate people may descend into enabling behavior. Our strengths may mutate from healthy to destruc>ve for us and for others. This can happen with our belief systems. Pentecostals believe that the Spirit’s supernatural ministry con>nues un>l Christ’s return. This has been one of our Fellowship’s greatest strengths.

In our desire to see God’s power demonstrated con>nually, we are oGen careless in interpre>ng and teaching God’s Word. In our compassion for the hur>ng and our hos>lity toward disease or difficulty, we fail to be humble and careful in reading Scripture and submiIng to God. Thinking we always know God’s will in every circumstance and can speak for God, we fail to seek His face before seeking His power. We simply begin commanding this, claiming that, and declaring what we want: Immediate deliverance and provision. We fail to humbly submit to God’s sovereignty, rest in Christ’s compassion, and only then expect the Spirit’s power.

Instead, we tell God what we want, command the Spirit to express His power just so, and “declare” it done.

Our poor forma>on and teaching prevent us from reac>ng in a fully biblical way to the crisis at hand. Wrongly thinking that it is never God’s plan for a believer to endure through suffering, we simply “claim” immediate deliverance. We mistake our passionate desire for the Spirit’s giG of faith. When immediate healing or provision does not come, we feel hurt, anger, shame, or disillusionment. We may even blame ourselves or others that the miracle never happened. Friend, God has not failed us. Our false doctrine has.

The solu>on to this painful scenario is to beQer understand God’s Word, God’s priority, and where we are in God’s redemp>ve plan. First, God’s Word never promises immediate deliverance from every trial. There are far too many examples to cite, but Hebrews 11 alone explicitly declares that not all godly people will be immediately delivered from trials. Second, we can rest in knowing God’s priority is that we mature, having our character conformed to Christ’s. God’s desire to bring healing and material blessing is secondary to that. Finally, God’s Word makes clear that we live in the “already – not yet”, the “>me between the >mes.” Since Christ’s First Coming and the outpouring of the Spirit, we do indeed live in the “already” of the Kingdom of God. God’s saving, healing Presence is already here. However, at the same >me we live in the “not yet”: Not yet do we see the completed manifesta>on of Christ’s victory over darkness, disease, and death. This is true for the en>re period between Christ’s First and Second Comings, including the New Testament.

According to God’s Word, un>l Christ returns, we will con>nue to see the Spirit’s miraculous ministry, while also seeing many >mes when there is no immediate deliverance. We will suffer as we endure “through” many storms un>l each storm passes. Biblically, we must remain hos>le to disease and death, but humble toward God. Jesus taught us to pray to the Father “your will be done” as we submit to His sovereignty, while simultaneously asking Him to glorify Himself through the Son by the Spirit’s miraculous power. And, when He answers, whatever is in His hand extended, however the Spirit’s power is expressed, we receive that Life and we move forward in victory. God’s power may be expressed in an obvious miracle, or in supernatural grace to endure the storm. That is determined by God’s decision, not by our desire or declara>on.

Friend do not believe the false teaching that says failure to receive immediate deliverance means lack of faith, or bad confession, or sin in your life. As you pray submit to the Father’s sovereignty, rest in Christ’s compassion, and expect the Spirit’s power. Jesus is touched by our pain and heartache and presents our prayers to our Father. Trust God’s covenant love for you! Never let shame or guilt over “unanswered” prayer enter your life or the life of anyone with whom you are praying. We live in the “already – not yet.” We can trust our heavenly Father, even with painful outcomes. God has not forsaken you and He never will.

1

Ext

vnorris adcag org

CE DI EC O

IN A NO

I

www adcag org

DATES 1/11 Evangel, Montgomer 2/8 Tuscaloosa First A/G 3/20-21 Springville Camp 4/4 Clanton First A/G

2019 BGMC GIVING

JANUARY-NOVEMBER

Clearwater A/G.................... $27,175.00 First A/G, Pheni Cit .......... $12,804.00 First A/G, Montgomer ..... $8,301.71 Fountain of Life...................... $7,542.39 First A/G, O ark..................... $7,462.34 Pleasant Grove A/G........... $5,784.30 First A/G, Jackson............... $5,614.60 New Home A/G.................... $5,610.00 Thompson Chapel A/G... $5,165.69 Bethel A/G, Ariton................ $5,000.00

5/1-2 SE Regionals, Georgia 6/11-13 Nationals, Naperville, IL

2019 SUNDAY SCHOOL TITHE JANUARY-NOVEMBER

Faith A/G.................................. $757.65 Yarbo A/G................................$641.20 Hope Church A/G............... $607.50 First A/G, Ashland................$598.90 Temple A/G............................ $583.22 The Crossing.......................... $550.00 Harper's Jo A/G................. $550.00 Kingwood A/G....................... $550.00 First A/G, Montgomer ..... $550.00 Hobson A/G............................ $505.00

Alabama Ro al Rangers held their Ranger Essentials Training at Camp Lone Eagle this past November. 27 leaders & 8 churches from around the state were trained for Ro al Rangers & enjo ed the fellowship with other leaders around the state. For more information on this event, please contact John Robinson @ (256) 698-1730.

ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions

church planting & development

men’s ministry

lftl

2020 CP&D BANQUET TOUR Date

Section

Time

February 3

Anniston

Top of the River, Gadsden Andalusia

Beef O’Brady’s, Andalusia Dothan

First Assembly of God,Newton Demopolis

First Assembly of God, Butler Enterprise

Shane’s Rib Shack, Enterprise Phenix City

Water’s Edge @ LakePoint State Park Monroeville

First Assembly of God, Brewton Mobile

Centerpointe Assembly of God Baldwin

Wolf Bay, Foley Tuscaloosa

Yampertown Steak & Seafood, Winfield Tennessee Valley

Calvary Assembly of God, Decatur Birmingham

Dreamland BBQ, Five Points South Sylacauga

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant Montgomery

Catfish House, Millbrook Cullman

Jim ’N Nicks, Jasper

7 PM

February 4 February 6 February 7 February 10 February 11 February 13 February 17 February 18 February 20 February 21 February 24 February 25 February 27 February 28

7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 6:30 PM CST

7:30 PM EST 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM

As we begin our CP&D Banquet Tour, please pray with us for what God would have us do in ALABAMA!

What is a 360MAN? A 360Man lives out the full-circle faith found in Acts 2:42-47. He is part of a brotherhood of men who stand up to assist others in their walk with Christ, and share the gospel worldwide!

• WORSHIP—He worships Jesus Christ through praise, prayer, and his daily life.

• DISCIPLESHIP—He reads, refl ects, and studies the Scriptures • FELLOWSHIP—He recognizes the importance of every relationship, especially his relationship with Christ.

• SERVICE—He embodies the servant mentality as he is used by God. • SHARE—He shares his story with others, because God’s hope is for all people.

Missions Monday

How do I become a 360MAN? A 360Man commits to: • PRAYER for other men to know Christ and grow in their faith.

• LIVE a life of integrity in his identity, relationships, purpose, and vision.

• SUPPORT his pastor and local church ministry.

• INVEST $10 per month to partner with his District and the National Men’s Ministries teams to reach and disciple men.

Thank you Alabama!

#CountMeIn

2020 is here and we have dedicated the first Monday of each month as Missions Monday.

We asked that you join us in praying for our missionaries.

Pray: 1. Favor with the National Leadership 2. Pray for Open Doors 3. Pray for Protection

We have just completed our 2019 LFTL Banquet Tour!

We had a record year of faith promises of $463,000 for 2020! Thank you for supporting our missionaries and LFTL.

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

GC C

BUTLER MISSION JUNE 22-26, 2020

at home and around the world!

Join the Alabama Women’s Department for a local missions outreach to Choctaw County, Alabama. We will be partnering with Pastor Scottie & Phyllis Fulcher and Butler First Assembly of God to bring hope to those in need through FAITH Groceries. We will also be helping to make repairs at recent church plant in a nearby community.

If you’d like to partner with us, please text or email our office.

More info will be coming soon!

Cost : $450 per person

Cell: 334-324-8064 Email: cdraughon@adcag.org

WOMEN’S MINISTRY DAY - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

2020 Life Rally TOUR Acting on our Heart for Missions Date

Section

Location

Time

TBA

Birmingham

TBA

7:00 PM

Saturday, February 8

Enterprise

Ozark First

3:00 PM

Saturday, February 15

Andalusia

Greenville First

11:00 AM

Saturday, February 29

Tennessee Valley

Hartselle First

10:30 AM

Tuesday, March 3

Montgomery

Clanton First

6:00 PM

Tuesday, March 10

Sylacauga

Trinity First

6:30 PM

Thursday, March 12

Mobile

Moffett Road AG

6:30 PM

Saturday, March 14

Cullman

Empire AG

11:00 AM

Saturday, March 14

Anniston

New Liberty Tabernacle of Praise

4:30 PM

Tuesday, March 17

Tuscaloosa

Fayette First

6:30 PM

Thursday, March 19

Monroeville

East Brewton AG

6:30 PM

Saturday, March 21

Baldwin County

Robertsdale First

10:00 AM

Thursday, March 26

Dothan

Newton First

6:30 PM

Saturday, March 28

Demopolis

Jackson First

10:30 AM

Friday, April 3

Phenix City

Eufaula First

6:30 PM

for more information, please call the Alabama Women’s department 334-279-7172, ext. 1 or email trussell@adcag.org

BOOK REVIEW - THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS MOVEMENT The Pentecostal – charisma1c movement has been a prolific source for aberrant, here1cal teachings and prac1ces for over a century. One of the more successful misguided movements calls itself the New Apostolic Reforma1on (NAR).

Origina1ng in the 1940’s New Order of the LaJer Rain, the NAR has many extreme or here1cal doctrines and prac1ces.

These include the restora1on of apostles and prophets equal to the Twelve, the necessity of submiMng to NAR apostles and prophets for greatest anoin1ng, obeying direc1ve personal prophecy as essen1al for doing God’s will, the rise of an elite end-1me genera1on who will do greater miracles than Jesus and the Twelve and conquer the world for God, the imparta1on of spiritual giQs at will by apostles and prophets, the importance of dreams, visions, and prophe1c words as “present truth” equal to the Bible, and the list con1nually grows.

The Assemblies of God in 1949 officially rejected the LaJer Rain movement as heterodox, unbiblical, and dangerous. For years the LaJer Rain movement largely disappeared from view. It resurfaced in the form of the NAR in the 1980’s. Promising end-1me revival, greater spiritual power, and more spectacular supernatural experiences, the NAR has grown into an influen1al movement. It’s pervasive errors and excesses have hurt tens of thousands of people.

Two recent books provide the most balanced, detailed analysis of the NAR ever done. These outstanding works are endorsed by such prominent Pentecostal scholars and leaders as Craig Keener, Amos Yong, Vinson Synan, Michael Clarensau, and others. They present an in-depth evalua1on of all NAR doctrines and prac1ces, revealing NAR’s repeated misinterpreta1on of Scripture, and correctly explaining what all of the relevant biblical passages really mean.

The authors, R. Douglas GeiveJ and Holly Pivec, are Chris1an leaders ac1ve in ministry and apologe1cs. They believe in the con1nuing supernatural ministry of the Spirit. They accept NAR followers as fellow Chris1ans trapped in serious doctrinal errors. Their evalua1on is very fair, and therefore very devasta1ng to the NAR. As you read you will encounter the leaders, language, teachings, and prac1ces of the NAR. You will realize how deeply these erroneous beliefs have penetrated many Pentecostal churches and ministries. You will recognize the names of prominent ministers and ministries that are a part of the NAR. You will realize how unbiblical and how dangerous the NAR is for genuine, biblical Pentecostal life and prac;ce. Every Pentecostal / charisma1c minister and lay leader should read these books. If you are a discerning Pastor, teacher, or leader, then you love God, His Word, and His People, and you want to know the truth. These books tell the truth, truth that some Pentecostals / charisma1cs will not want to hear. I urge you to order them today.

God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, R. Douglas GeiveJ and Holly Pivec, Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014, 159 pages.

In this book the authors provide an introduc1on and overview of the NAR. All of the NAR’s major teachings and prac1ces are examined and compared with Scripture. A glossary of NAR terminology equips the reader to recognize such terms as evidence of NAR influence. Lists of NAR teachers and organiza1ons are provided. This book is excellent for pastoral teaching or for a small group study (under good leaders!). “If you have a loved one who has been drawn into this movement, or you want a brief and accurate introduc1on to it, or if you … simply want a brief introduc1on for yourself, this book is for you.”

A New Apostolic ReformaJon?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement, R. Douglas GeiveJ and Holly Pivec, Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014, 254 pages.

In this book the authors go into greater depth. They examine the historical-theological origins of the NAR, its growth, its aJempts to gain influence in poli1cs and among other churches. They explore all unique NAR doctrines and prac1ces including apostles, prophets, apostolic unity through church government, strategic level spiritual warfare, an elite end-1me miracle working army of God, spectacular spiritual experiences, dominionism, and so forth. In every instance the authors exhaus1vely examine what the Bible actually teaches about all of these things, compare this to NAR teaching, and demonstrate the aberrant, dangerous, oQen here1cal nature of the NAR. Every Pentecostal / charisma1c pastor should read this book.

Michael D. Sharp, D.Min. District Secretary-Treasurer ALSOM Director

Alabama School of Ministry 2020 Class Schedule Class Date January 4 January 4 January 11

Level 1 Courses (Certified) THE 142 A/G History, Missions, and Governance

Level 2 Courses (Licensed) THE 211 Intro to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective

February 1 February 1 February 1

BIB 114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

BIB 212 New Testament Survey

BIB 318 The Pentateuch

March 14 March 14 March 21

THE 114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

BIB 214 Old Testament Survey

BIB 313 The Corinthian Correspondence

April 4 April 4 April 25

BIB 115 Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit

BIB 215 Romans: Justification by Faith

BIB 322

May 9 May 9 May 16

BIB 117 Prison Epistles

MIN 223 Introduction to Homiletics

MIN 325 Preaching in the Contemporary World

August 1 August 1 August 8

BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics

THE 245 Eschatology

MIN 327 Church Administration, Finance and Law

ALL HELD ON AUGUST 29

MIN 123 The Local Church in Evangelism

MIN 251 Effective Leadership

MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry

MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

MIN 281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders

November 7 November 7 November 21

MIN 171 A Spirit Empowered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Model

MIN 261 Introduction to AG Missions

No Class Period for Ministerial Internships (MI)

MIN 191 Beginning MI

MIN 291 Intermediate MI

September September September October 3 October 3 October 10

Level 3 Courses (Ordained) THE 311 Prayer and Worship

The Poetic Books

MIN 391 Advanced MI

(Black denotes North Campus – B’ham Horizon ) (Blue denotes Southeast Campus – Newton First) (Red denotes Southwest Campus – Evergreen Grace Way) You may contact the office of the ALSOM Director and District Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Michael D. Sharp, for more information at 334-279-7172 # 2, or jharris@adcag.org.

A Registration Form may be found on the ALSOM page at www.adcag.org

From the District Secretary-Treasurer IMPORTANT INFORMATION! NEVER LET YOUR CREDENTIALS LAPSE! As you know we joined other districts in expressing our apprecia6on to our ministers for stewarding your creden6als well and renewing early. Congratula6ons to Pastor John DiQua@ro for receiving the $500.00 award for those who renewed by November 30, and to Pastor John R. White II for receiving the $250.00 award for those who renewed by December 14. Our creden6al renewals came in earlier and in larger numbers this year than ever before. Early renewal is a great blessing to the District and Na6onal Offices.

All creden7aled ministers – Cer7fied, Licensed, and Ordained – should remember that lapsing will cost a minister more 7me, more work, and more money when reinsta7ng. The renewal season begins on November 1 and ends on December 31. Failure to renew means that as of January 1 you have lapsed your creden6als and you are no longer an Assemblies of God minister. AUer December 31 there IS A $50.00 late fee when you renew, and aUer January 15 you cannot renew: You must apply for reinstatement at a cost of $125.00. A"er March 31 a background and credit check must also be done for all reinstatement applica:ons. Any background or credit issues that have arisen since the minister first obtained creden6als will have to be addressed according to General Council guidelines before the minister can be reinstated. Finally, lapsing for more than seven years requires all of the above as well as taking and passing all three of the newest creden6al exams in order to be reinstated.

For Licensed ministers, we have received no7ce from the General Secretary’s office in Springfield that when ministers holding creden6als at the License level allow their creden6als to lapse for more than three months, their required two year tenure for holding License creden6als before upgrading to Ordained begins all over again at the :me their License creden:als are reinstated.

In other words, if you let your License creden6als lapse for more than three months (past March 31) you lose all of the tenure 6me you’ve already accumulated since receiving License level creden6als. AUer you apply for reinstatement of your License creden6als and the General Secretary’s office acts favorably to reinstate your creden6als, the calcula:on of your two year License tenure begins all over again at the point in 6me that the General Secretary’s office actually reinstates your License creden6als. Please remember this, and please help us to pass this informa6on along to all Licensed ministers!

If you have uninten6onally failed to renew your creden6als for 2020, please renew as quickly as possible!

We hope that this informa6on delivered proac6vely will be beneficial in your understanding of these par6cular General Council creden6aling requirements.

Michael D. Sharp, D.Min. District Secretary-Treasurer ALSOM Director

IMPORTANT FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR MINISTERS We some'mes find that, for whatever reasons, some of our ministers are not clear on our financial obliga'ons to the Alabama District. We have begun to publish these more frequently in order to clear up misunderstandings proac'vely before ministers fall behind in their giving. Here are the District Bylaws followed by an explana'on. Please note: 1) Your General Council dues (paragraph d) and your District 'thes (paragraph a) are two different things; 2) Your GC dues must be paid directly to the General Council and cannot be processed by the District Office; 3) Your District 'thes obliga'ons are the same no maPer what level of creden'al you hold.

ALABAMA DISTRICT CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS ARTICLE VIII. FINANCES Sec7on 2 - Obliga7ons of Ministers

a. All ministers shall be required to remit on a monthly basis 7.5% of their income earned from Gospel ministry and from secular work for the support of the District general fund.

b. The following excep'ons are permiPed: 1. Ministers who receive wages strictly from secular employment and regularly aPend a local assembly shall be required to support the local assembly with 5% of their income and shall also be required to support the District general fund on a monthly basis with 5% of their income.

2. Evangelists shall be required to support the local assembly of which they are a member with 5% of their income and shall also be required to support the District general fund on a monthly basis with 5% of their income.

3. Financial obliga'ons of missionaries, military and industrial chaplains, and na'onally appointed home missionaries are as outlined in Ar'cle VII, Sec'on 8c of the General Council Bylaws.

c. Compliance with the above requirements shall be a prerequisite for membership in the Alabama District Council and for the renewal of creden'als of all ac've ministers. Any minister whose obliga'on falls into arrears shall be required to appear before his/her respec've Sec'onal commiPee at the 'me of the Sec'onal Councils, and his/her creden'als will be withheld un'l such 'me as his/her financial obliga'on is brought up-to- date.

d. All ordained ministers shall recognize their obliga'on to support our General Council headquarters office in Springfield by contribu'ng from their 'thes or as an offering, the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per month. Licensed ministers shall contribute the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00) per month, and cer'fied ministers shall contribute the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per month.

e. Each minister should accept the responsibility to provide a re'rement income for himself and his/her family by contribu'ng an amount equal to 5% of the minister’s salary to the MBA minister’s account.

Explanatory Note: If a creden*aled minister receives any income from ministry, whether regular or irregular, part-*me or full-*me, or if they serve in a pastoral role in a local church, then they are required to remit to the district office on a monthly basis 7.5% of their income from all sources, including secular work. If a creden*aled minister receives no income at all from ministry, and only receives income from secular work, and does not serve in any pastoral role in a local church, then they are required to remit to the district office on a monthly basis 5% of their income from all sources. Excep*ons are only as provided in Paragraph b. In both scenarios, the remainder of the minister’s *the should be paid to the local church they aFend or serve. You may pay your *thes by mail, or online at the Alabama District Website at www.adcag.org, or by Text at Text #73256 Message: ADCAG. If paying online, always enter your personal name in the memo box to ensure that your *the is credited properly to your account.

Regarding Senior Re4red status: Ministers who meet all of the following condi*ons … 1) are 59 ½ or older, 2) receive no regular income from ministry, 3) do not serve as permanent lead pastor, and 4) have formally requested and received a ministerial status change to SENIOR RETIRED, have no financial obliga*ons to either the General or District Councils. Senior Re*red ministers may s*ll be volunteer chaplains, serve without regular remunera*on part-*me on church staffs, serve in pulpit supply and as short-term interim pastors for love offerings or honorariums, etc. Please contact the district office with any ques*ons as to your proper status.

Any excep'ons based on category of ministry (missionary, evangelist, etc.) are as described in the District Bylaws.

Whenever you have ques'ons about how the District requirements apply to your par'cular circumstances, please contact the District Secretary-Treasurer’s office.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14, 2020 The applica*on period for the Alabama District Council Scholarship Program (ADCSP) is now open. Detailed informa*on can be found on the District Scholarship page on the District website. Applicants may download the applica*ons, manual, and reference forms at hAp://adcag.org/events/detail/alabamadistrict-scholarships on the District website.

The Alabama District Council Scholarship Program (ADCSP) gives financial assistance to qualifying Assemblies of God students who are going into tradi*onal and non-tradi*onal ministry, helping them to aAend endorsed Assemblies of God colleges, universi*es, and graduate schools. The ADCSP is open to high school seniors and college or seminary students who are aAending Assemblies of God churches. In order to receive scholarship money, winners must aAend an endorsed Assemblies of God educa*onal ins*tu*on.

The District Scholarship CommiAee evaluates all properly completed applica*ons and, based on availability of funds, awards one or more of each of the following scholarships: •Superintendent’s Scholarship ……………………….. $5,000.00 Students pursuing degrees designed for Pastoral/Preaching ministry •Pastor’s Dependent Scholarship ……………….…… $4,000.00 Children of Alabama District Assemblies of God ministers •Church Ministry Scholarship …………………………. $3,000.00 Students pursuing degrees designed for ministries such as Youth, Children, CE, Music, etc.

•Distance Learning (Degree program only) ……... $1,000.00 Students pursuing online/correspondence degrees at the insAtute, college, or graduate levels The deadline for applica*ons, including all reference forms and either an Ini*al (first-*me) Applica*on or a Con*nua*on Applica*on, is February 14, 2020. It is the student applicant’s responsibility to see that the completed applica*on, including all completed reference forms, have been received by the District Office by February 14, 2020. All applica*on forms may be mailed to the Alabama District Scholarship Program, 5919 Carmichael Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117. They may also be emailed to the District Office at jharris@adcag.org.

Please contact the District Secretary-Treasurer’s office at 334-279-7172 ext 2, or at jharris@adcag.org, with any ques*ons you may have.

REVIEWING ACCREDITATION CRITICALLY IMPORTANT, OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD

“Your ‘credits’ will not transfer. You used an unaccredited ‘school.’ They will not sa8sfy our Fellowship’s educa8onal requirements for ministerial creden8als. You should not have tried to take the easiest, quickest, cheapest route.” Sadly, many people trying to enter the ministry are hearing these very words today.

Because of the potenIal student loan debt load, some people prefer a non-accredited educaIonal preparaIon for ministry. When that is the case, the two insItute level opIons our District recommends are Berean School of the Bible or the Alabama School of Ministry (ALSOM).

The content of these two opIons is produced by our naIonal office, covers all of the courses required for ministerial credenIals, and provides a very low-cost alternaIve for ministry preparaIon. We are always working to improve the educaIonal experience for ALSOM students. If you must use a non-accredited, low cost alternaIve, we recommend that you consider these insItute level opportuniIes. However, if you do desire a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in prepara8on for ministry, it is extremely important that you obtain your educa8on from a properly accredited ins8tu8on. There are many Internet sites and some church-based schools that call themselves colleges, seminaries, and universiIes, claim to have some kind of accreditaIon, claim to offer all levels of authenIc degrees, but in reality all of their claims are false. The problem of bogus degree mills and accreditaIon mills conInues to plague ChrisIan higher educaIon. If you sense a call into ministry and you desire a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, our Fellowship strongly recommends that your first choice for educaIon be one of our regionally accredited Assemblies of God universiIes. Fully accredited degrees are available from Global and other AG universiIes through inexpensive distance educa.on.

We recommend that parents and students pursuing educaIon in any field, especially the ministry, carefully research the accreditaIon status of prospecIve schools. Never simply trust what a website, church, or minister tells you! The website may be lying, and even well-meaning churches or ministers may be misinformed.

An unaccredited or improperly accredited insItuIon has NO real accountability for their educaIonal product.

Their degrees are not recognized, and their credits will almost never transfer to legi.mately accredited ins.tu.ons.

When you see any website try to explain away their lack of accreditaIon, or claim they are avoiding government interference, or cite an unrecognized accrediIng agency, but sIll claim to prepare you for a lifeIme of ministry, you should NOT use that insItuIon. They are lying. It is a con. LegiImate insItuIons will clearly describe their nature and status and will not claim to be something they are not.

Many degree mills create fraudulent accreditaIon mills that will then turn around and “accredit” the fraudulent “educaIonal” site! Because the website looks slick and legit, because they use spiritual and educaIonal language, because they offer the quickest, cheapest way to get a “degree,” many innocent people are deceived. Even local church-based schools of ministry someImes do not use acceptable sources for their educaIonal component.

Parents should be very wary of locally produced material and all non-AG distance “educaIon” offerings.

You should thoroughly invesIgate the accreditaIon status of any “degree-granIng” “school” you consider. You may access AG Higher EducaIon at h\p://colleges.ag.org. Names of the legiImate accrediIng agencies and other important informaIon are available at the Council for Higher EducaIon AccreditaIon, h\p://www.chea.org, and at h\p://ope.ed.gov/accreditaIon and h\p://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

Finally, I will be glad to speak with you at any Ime to answer quesIons about educaIon, accreditaIon, or preparing for ministry. If a`er checking the accreditaIon of a school you are sIll in any way uncertain or confused, please call the District Office and ask for Dr. Sharp. This is a life-changing decision. We are here to help you choose wisely. – Michael D Sharp, D.Min., District Secretary-Treasurer, ALSOM Director

Dealing with Ministerial Temptations Part II Building yourself a kingdom – We must never allow ourselves to be in compe::on with other churches or other people’s ministries. This will produce a self-centered approach and negate all that could be done as the full body of Christ. When it becomes my church, my ministry there is the tempta:on to think it is for our glory and not the Lord’s. This creates co-dependency. This thinking also limits communica:on, sharing of ideas and resources so we all can be our best for the Lord. Always see yourself simply as a servant and a steward of the opportunity God has given you to minister.

Believing in the ladder of success – There is the tempta:on to think that if I am successful my next church or ministry will be bigger, beGer paying and with more pres:ge. There is a tempta:on to judge your success by the size of your congrega:on or the amount of money your church is bringing in. True joy and success in ministry is being content where the Lord has you, and to be just as content whether your next assignment from God is larger or smaller. True success is being obedient to God and excited about the ability to serve him wherever you are.

Leaving your family in the dust - I have counseled many minister’s families that were struggling with the pastor or minister thinking that serving the church and serving God were synonymous. Never fall to the tempta:on that long hours and sacrifice for the church to the neglect of your family is God’s will or design. It will always be God first, then your family and then all else including your ministry. You see, you can’t be a successful pastor or minister while being a failure at home. The best role model you can be for your church is to be a Godly father and husband.

Ignoring red flags – I have heard many a minister sit across the table from me in a session and say I knew beGer, I saw the red flags, but I thought I could handle it. With every tempta:on, there is a way of escape if only we will choose to take it. The Holy Spirit is waving that red flag saying “stop!” but some:mes we think we know beGer or our situa:on is different. Believe me, it isn’t. Set boundaries in your life and see every red flag as God’s love for you trying to save you from a lot of hurt and pain not only for you but for your family and church as well.

Believing what people say about you – My personal mantra has always been; “if I please God I will please the right people”. In your ministry, there will be those who say wonderful things about you, and people who say terrible things about you. Chances are you aren’t as good as they say and you aren’t as bad as they say, so don’t fall to the tempta:on of believing either. If you allow yourself to feel good or bad based on what people are saying about you, your life will be an emo:onal yoyo. Listen to compliments with humility and some healthy reality and listen to nega:ve comments as an opportunity to see if there are some adjustments the Lord would like to make in your life. People’s moods and comments change like the weather, so do not allow those comments to tempt you to make permanent conclusions about yourself.

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

DISTRICT OFFICERS

Kenneth Draughon District Superintendent

Vint Norris District Christian Education Director

John A. Loper, Jr. Assistant Superintendent

Steven Mason District Youth Ministries Director

Michael D. Sharp District Secretary-Treasurer

David Strahan District Missions/Men’s Director

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

Cynthia Draughon District Women’s Ministries Director

Kenneth Draughon Murray Kelley George Sawyer

DATA CHANGES NEW MINISTERS/UPGRADE

LICENSED MINISTER

CERTIFIED MINISTER

CANDACE PARDUE HEATHER ROBINSON

JESSICA GEIGER MICHAEL HINSON

LICENSED MINISTER

DECEASED RAYMOND H. WALLACE

TRANSFERRED IN

NEW CHURCH OPENINGS:

REGAN A. CATRETT (C)

ANCHORS CHURCH BILL MCDONALD, PASTOR ONEONTA, AL

COLBY BELLEW JAMES GINN JOHNATHON JOHNSON

Remembering those…

Rev. Hollis Norman Powell

Hollis Norman Powell, 91, passed away November 28, 2019, at his residence. He was born December 18, 1928, In Loving Memory… to Theodore and Lily Earles Powell. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, receiving his credenFals in April 1946. He pastored churches in Mississippi and Alabama. He our-lived most of his peers, but did not lack friends, because he faithfully poured into the lives of the next generaFon. He is survived by his wife, ENa Fay Giles Powell of Pine Grove; two sons Rev. Wayne (Karen) Powell of Conway, SC and Troy Powell of Mobile, AL; one daughter, Patricia Elaine Powell (Daniel) Rieben of Clayton, AL; three brothers, Herman Leroy Powell of Dallas, TX, Ervin Glen Powell of Mobile, AL and Charles Edward Powell of Silverhill, AL; seven grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

…who await us.

Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God 5919 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36117-2507

Lambert Lake