The Alabama Messenger July August 2022 by Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God

KENNETH W. DRAUGHON, DMin. NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org

SEVEN THINGS TO LEAN INTO GOD’S INTENDED FUTURE You may have heard me men on “leaning into God’s intended future” in other ar cles or reports. The idea of “lean” is to posi on yourself in a direc on. The expression I use means that God has a plan for our future (intended future)—His plan. If God has a divine plan for us, then it is incumbent upon us to posi on (lean) ourselves toward that plan. As a fellowship, I sincerely believe that we must lean into God’s intended future for us. If we want to see God’s blessings and powerful touch upon our fellowship, we must be in step with Him and follow the leadership of His Spirit in EVERY area of our ministry. In Jeremiah 29:11, God declares, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord....” I sincerely believe God has spoken to me over the past few months about His intended plan for the Alabama AG family. There are seven things I believe He has shared with me for us to focus on to accomplish His plan for us. I will share the rst of those seven. The rst iden es a solu on to a dilemma our na on is facing. We are facing a shi in the church’s in uence in our na on. This shi was happening before the pandemic but may have been ampli ed due to the pandemic. Gallop states that in 2020, 47% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue, or mosque, down from 50% in 2018 and 70% in 1999. U.S. church membership was 73% in 1937 when Gallup rst measured it. It stayed near 70% through 2000 before beginning to decline, to 61% in 2010 and 47% in 2020. The decline in church membership is primarily a func on of the increasing number of Americans who express no religious preference. Over the past two decades, the percentage of Americans who do not iden fy with any religion has grown from 8% in 1998-2000 to 13% in 2008-2010 and 21% over the past three years.[1] We see the apparent demon inspired demise of the church in America. American churches have accelerated plateauing[2] and declining[3]over the past three years before the pandemic. The AG church in America was experiencing an 80% plateau and decline rate among its churches before Covid-19. We are experiencing over half of our churches declining and only about 1 in 5 growing. According to Barna, during the pandemic, in his 2020 State of the Church ar cle, he wrote, “One in three prac cing Chris ans has stopped a ending church during Covid-19.”[4] We known the demise of the church on American culture has been intensi ed through the pandemic. Many of our church growth ideas of the past don’t work any longer. So, how do we reignite the ame of church growth? What is church growth? How do we reverse the present declining trend among our churches? Church growth means increasing not only a endance but conversions. If the church has seen a loss in its conversion rate, it has lost its moral in uence in the community. If the church has lost its impact within the community, the community su ers spiritually. In order to reverse the moral decline of our communi es, we must increase the church’s moral in uence within those communi es. What is the answer? Let’s turn to the Bible for answers. The New Testament is clear as to the role and func on of the local church. The Greek word from which we get the term “church” is ekklesia. It is a compound word made up of the preposi on ek, “out,” and the verb kaleo, “to call.” In ancient secular Greek, this term was used for an assembly that had gathered for some purpose, such as a legisla ve assembly. It’s clear that the church was intended to be those within a community that were called out to accomplish a purpose for the One who called them out. Looking back at the urgency of Jesus to return to heaven in Acts 1 and that his followers were to remain in Jerusalem un l they had received the promise of the Father, which ushered in the birth of the church, it’s evident that the purpose of the church was to con nue the work of Christ a er he returned to His Father’s side in heaven. Jesus told us in John 14:12, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father.”

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[1] h ps://news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority- rst- me.aspx [2] Plateaued means a church that has ceased to keep up with community growth and is “stalled” or slightly declining. Over the past ve years, if a church of 100 has not grown at least 10% (110) or decreased less than 10%, it is considered a plateaued church. [3] Declined means that a church has begun to lose numbers of at least 10% over the past ve years. A church of 100 that has dropped to 90 or below over the past ve years is considered a declining church. [4] h ps://www.barna.com/research/new-sunday-morning-part-2/

The church’s purpose is to con nue to do “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). We are to carry on the teachings and works of Jesus Christ. By de ni on, the church is the called-out ones in every community to carry out the agenda of the One who called them. This requires a power greater than our own. Paul wrote, “...I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God...” (1 Tim. 3:15). We are called out to proclaim the truths of Christ and conduct ourselves by them. Jesus told them to remain there in Jerusalem un l they received the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4). He knew that the task before them wasn’t possible within their wisdom and power. We need His help to proclaim His truths to this genera on just as the rst century church did. For the unregenerate within your community to receive the revela on to be set free and reborn there must be power that enlightens their hearts to the truth. Jesus told them in John 8:32, “...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We are posi oned within our assigned communi es to bring light into the darkness. We are proclaimers—preachers of the Gospel. Spreaders of the light! We are also called to demonstrate God’s presence and power in our communi es. “My preaching was not with en cing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstra on of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). The church was never intended to lessen the role of the supernatural in its gatherings but to enhance and yield to its opera on. Listen to what Paul said: “In order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authori es in heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10). We are a place of divine demonstra on. The whole purpose of the church is to glorify Him, not us. It’s not about building our name in a community but it’s about building His name in the community. So, how do we reverse the downward trend and impact our communi es and na on again? We must RETURN to the New Testament paradigm of Spirit-Empowered ministry. I’m not saying we don’t do church with excellence. I am saying we don’t do church without allowing the Spirit to excel among us. We see the impera ve that Jesus gave his disciples before he le : to make sure they had received divine empowerment before they a empted to do ministry in his name. As Assemblies of God cons tuents, we have a history and doctrine anchored to a “Pentecostal Theology.” We theore cally embrace “Spirit-Empowered” ministry but too o en fail to embrace it func onally. We can too o en emulate 2 Tim. 3:5, “...having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” The Apostle Paul said, “...avoid such people” (2 Tim. 3:6). I’m not recommending 50’s/60 Pentecost. I’m recommending 1st Century Pentecost! God has a Spirit-Empowered plan for this genera on. We must return to the prayer room and call God to return to the church. We used to call that “sucking carpet,” meaning burying our face in the oor and calling on God. The Lord reminded me to challenge the Alabama AG family to focus on renewing ourselves to a fully New Testament Spirit-Empowered ministry among our ministers and churches. We can’t give the community what we don’t have ourselves. Community revival begins at the church. We will never see revival in America un l we see revival in the leader’s life. We will never see revival in America, and it will see revival in the church. We’re talking about spiritual renewal at the pulpit and in the pew. There are two things we are planning to assist in helping our leaders and churches accomplish God’s plan in this area. 1. School of the Spirit. An intense one-day gathering focusing on the Holy Spirit’s role in the church carrying out God’s plan for their communi es. The gi s, o ces, and func ons of the Holy Spirit among us. The next one is October 11 at Life Church Birmingham. 2. Acts 2 Journey. We will begin a one-year A2J cohort in the Fall. We will be o ering A2J 2.0 with in-depth teaching, assessing, and developing Spirit-inspired plans for the local church to impact its culture. This has been tweaked from previous A2J training to include post-covid adjustments for leaders and teams. This cohort relies heavily upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit while teaching biblically-based New Testament church health concepts.

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I will share the other 6 things the Lord shared with me for Alabama AG in the near future. I look forward to leading together as we seek God’s intended future for us.

MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.Min. NETWORK SECRETARY-TREASURER msharp@amnag.org

THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS God has made clear the character and behavior that pleases him and that which displeases him. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, pleased the Father perfectly. That character and behavior which is like unto Jesus pleases God. Our own character and behavior do not save us, no ma er how “Christlike” these may be. Only Christ’s perfect sacri ce saves us as we cast ourselves fully on God’s mercy, believing the gospel and trus ng Christ alone to save us. But, for the follower of Jesus, Christlike character and behavior are the expression of our salva on, the evidence of the Holy Spirit in us, ac vely conforming us to the image of Christ. Nevertheless, character and behavior that is like the Lord Jesus is what God desires, something God approves, no ma er where it is found. The rich young ruler is one example of this. Jesus loved him, a rmed his character and behavior, but s ll asked the young man to lay down his idol of possessions and follow him. In Jesus we see the character of the Father. In Jesus we see holiness and love, truth and jus ce, humility and obedience, leaving a throne of power for a cross of sacri ce, laying down one’s life for others. When we see these things in others, we see the kind of character and life which God approves. When we see someone, par cularly a leader, living such a life, we see something and someone worthy of imita on, worthy of our loyalty and service. We see the Kingdom of God breaking into a broken, rebellious world. Do the leaders you admire and support exhibit this character and behavior? Are they people of integrity, humility, truth, and all of the other traits men oned above? Who I admire and support reveals my own values, my own desires and aspira ons, my character and poten al behavior. Whether in the church or in the world, do I admire leaders who are more like Christ, or do I admire leaders who are more like an an christ? God has made clear the character and behavior that is the opposite of his own, opposed to the living God and to his Son, Jesus. See the man of lawlessness, the man of rebellion against God. His character and behavior are exactly the opposite of the Father and the Son. He is a man of great arrogance and rebellion, he exalts himself above all others, he loves himself and his pleasures, he is lled with greed and with lust, he craves power and authority, he is full of boas ng and great claims, his mouth is full of lies, decep on, and manipula on, he craves adula on from the crowds, the devo on and worship that belong to God alone. Like the Caesars of Rome he promises deliverance from enemies, salva on for those who will pledge their loyalty to him, and he heaps threats, ridicule, and vindic ve derision on all who oppose him. He would destroy them if he could. Do you see the man of lawlessness? Do you see him in the leaders you admire, you follow, you support? Your favorite preacher, your favorite poli cian? Such a man is godless, he is devilish, he is at war with the One True God, he is an an christ. Why would I ever admire or support such a person? Whether in the church or in the world? When I do, I reveal that my character and my poten al behavior is becoming like this man of lawlessness, this an christ. I reveal that something has destroyed my discernment, clouded my ability to see evil for what it is, to see through the lies and decep on of the enemy of God. My idols have blinded me, deafened me, deluded me. If against the light of Scripture’s clarity, and against the truth of Christ’s humility, I harden my heart and refuse to love the truth, God may turn me over to delusion that I might believe the lie and be condemned.

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My friend, are you admiring, suppor ng, following people whose characters and behaviors are like Christ’s? Or are your heroes, your leaders, men of lawlessness who are clearly the opposite of Jesus in every way? May God move quickly and powerfully in his church to destroy all idols that would deceive his people and lead them astray from their love and labor for Christ and his Kingdom.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Christian Education Department

(334) 279-7172 Ext. 4 vnorris@amnag.org

CE DIRECTOR: VINT A. NORRIS

2022 TOP TEN BGMC GIVING

www.adcag.org

2022 TOP TEN SUNDAY SCHOOL TITHE JANUARY-MAY

JANUARY-MAY

Copeland A/G......................................... $36,500.00 CenterPointe A/G...................................$16,301.64 Vincent Revival Center........................ $12,301.61 Fountain of Life Church....................... $8,319.63 First A/G, Montgomery........................ $7,500.00 First A/G, Robertsdale..........................$7,160.00 First A/G, Phenix City............................ $7,075.00 Praise Family Church........................... $6,020.00 Anchors Church...................................... $5,880.11 Orchard A/G............................................. $5,542.98

Weeks Memorial...................................... Hobson A/G............................................... Harper's Joy A/G.................................... Kingwood A/G.......................................... First A/G, Montgomery......................... The Crossing............................................. Faith A/G..................................................... Holloway Tabernacle A/G................. Temple A/G............................................... Empire A/G................................................

$710.00 $295.00 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00 $222.15 $198.25 $190.02 $150.00

What a great time we enjoyed at The Retreat 2022 with our seniors of Alabama. With speaker/comedian Tim Lovelace we enjoyed times of God’s sweet presence, and much laughter. Bingo, shopping, shooting range and more, were just a few things that took place during this retreat. We are looking forward to Tim Lovelace’s ministry next year at The Retreat 2023. Make plans to join us.

Kids Camp 2022 was the place to be. It was awesome. We had over 2,400 in attendance coming from 92 churches. Our days were filled with swimming, zip-lining, arts & crafts, cabin wars, and more. Our morning and evening services were filled with the sweet presence of Jesus. His presence was evident every time we came together. Many kids & adults were saved for the first time, many recommitted their lives to Christ, many were baptized in the Holy Spirit, many were healed, and many were called into the ministry. I look forward to sharing a report with you soon in this regard. Thanks to all pastors and children’s pastors/leaders for making Kids Camp a priority in the vision of your church! Truly, what happens at camp changes the world.

Alabama Youth Ministries www.alabamayouthministries.com Email: dydsec@amnag.org Steven A. Mason District Youth Director

334-279-7172 x3

Top Speed the Light Giving

Top Youth Group Offerings

January-May, 2022

Vincent Revival Center

$18,774.27

Pinedale Assembly, Clanton

$600.00

CenterPointe, Mobile

$15,081.32

Montgomery First Assembly

$250.00

Phenix City First Assembly

$12,151.99

Evangel Church, Montgomery

$125.00

Montgomery First Assembly

$9,962.28

Tuscaloosa First Assembly

$100.00

Sunshine, Clanton

$7,540.00

New Beginnings, Warrior

$75.00

Crossroads, Albertville

$5,158.10

Robertsdale First Assembly

$75.00

The Island Church, Orange Beach

$3,933.69

Dothan First Assembly

$67.00

Tuscaloosa First Assembly

$3,685.06

Goodman, New Brockton

$60.00

Fountain of Life, Saraland

$3,662.48

Lake City, Guntersville

$50.00

Appleton, Brewton

$3,581.91

El Bethel, New Brockton

$40.00

CALLED October 15

* U P C O M I N G * E V E N T S * August 1-5 // National Fine Arts Festival-Orlando August 25–26 // Youth Rep Cabinet Seminar August 27 // G5 September 11 // Prayer Zone Partner Sunday September 28 // See You At The Pole October 15// Called Conference October 16 // Speed The Light Sunday October 28-29 // AYM Girls Conference November 10-12 // Youth Leaders Summit

DIRECTOR: CYNDI DRAUGHON

Download your Engage registration form from our website: www.adcag.org Cost Per Person: $120 (Cabin) $130 (Lodge) Student Registration: $80 Please email trussell@adcag.org for more info.

ENGAGE RETREAT

SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2022

SPRINGVILLE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER

WITH GUEST SPEAKER

CO-PASTOR OF CONROE FIRST AG, TEXAS

) GE

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& WORSHIP BY

W E

C A N ' T

W A I T

T O

S E E

Y O U

T H E R E !

2022

"Be STRONG and show yourself a man. " I Kings 2:2

Guest Speaker

Leadership Speaker

TO REGISTER

To register or download a promotional packet, visit: www.almensministry.com

Alabama School of Ministry Course Listing 2022 Level 1 Courses (Certified) Class Date

Spring 2022 January February

THE 142 A/G History, Missions, and Governance BIB 114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

March

THE 114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

April

BIB 212 New Testament Survey BIB 214 Old Testament Survey

May

June/July Fall 2022 August

September

October

November

All Courses Open for Make-up BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics THE 211 Intro to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

Level 2 Courses (Licensed) Please Follow Your Track Original Track New Track Began ALSOM prior to Began ALSOM August August 2020 2020 or after

Level 3 Courses (Ordained)

THE 211 MIN 123 THE 311 Intro to Theology: The Local Church in Prayer and Worship A Pentecostal Perspective Evangelism BIB 212 BIB 115 BIB 318 New Testament Acts: The Work of the Holy The Pentateuch Survey Spirit BIB 214 Old Testament Survey

BIB 117 Prison Epistles

BIB 313 The Corinthian Correspondence

BIB 215 BIB 215 BIB 322 Romans: Romans: Justification by Faith Justification by Faith The Poetic Books MIN 223 MIN 223 MIN 325 Introduction to Homiletics Introduction to Homiletics Preaching in the Contemporary World All Courses Open All Courses Open All Courses Open for Make-up for Make-up for Make-up THE 245 MIN 327 Eschatology Church Administration, Finance and Law MIN 251 MIN 381 Effective Leadership Pastoral Ministry MIN 281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders

MIN 171 MIN 261 A Spirit Empowered Church: Introduction to An Acts 2 Ministry Model AG Missions December All Courses Open All Courses Open All Courses Open for Make-up for Make-up for Make-up Open for MIN 191 MIN 291 MIN 391 Enrollment Beginning Ministerial Intermediate Ministerial Internship Advanced Each Month Internship Internship To purchase a course, visit: https://alsom.edvance360.com/ You may contact the office of the ALSOM Director and Network Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Michael D. Sharp for more information at 334-279-7172 #2, or jharris@amnag.org

ALSOM Information To enroll in an ALSOM course, please visit https://alsom.edvance360.com/. Across the top of the page, you will see several tabs. Click on “Store” to purchase a course.

Once you add a course to your cart and proceed to check out, you will be prompted to login. If you are a first-time user, you will be asked to enter your email information. After you complete your purchase, an email will be sent to you to create a username and password. When you purchase the course, you will receive a pdf download of the textbook. You can begin reading this textbook while you wait for the course to open on the first of the month. To access the course, click on the tab “Courses.” This is where you will do all the work for your course. Each course has a pdf textbook. Some have additional content in the course like video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and additional reading. Your test will come from content from all sources. The test will be locked until the 10th of the month. This is because we don’t want students to rush through the course and take the test without taking time to digest the content.

Timelines You can purchase the course for a month beginning on the 11th of the previous month. For example, you can purchase the May course beginning on April 11th. Each course costs $50. When you purchase the course, you will receive a digital download of the textbook. The actual course will not open until the first day of the course month. For example, while you can purchase the May course on April 11th, and receive the textbook at that time, the course will not actually open until May 1. You must complete all coursework including the test by the last day of the month. Courses should be purchased by the 10th of the month they are offered. We do allow a late purchase at an additional fee until the 17th of the month. After that point, no enrollment for the current month course is allowed. The months of December, June, and July are designated for make-up. During those three months, our entire catalog is open for purchase.

WHEN CHRISTIANS DIFFER: UNDERSTANDING WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE The world has always asked Christians critical questions on certain major topics. From New Testament times forward, the church has often had more than one possible answer. Today, busy Christians often need “short-cuts” to understanding these differences, but we need more than simplistic answers and glib clichés. One of our best resources is Zondervan’s Counterpoints Series. Each book examines one important issue on which genuine Christians disagree. In each book, the main perspectives on that issue are presented and critiqued. The strengths and weaknesses of each are examined. This series is the best way for busy pastors to be well informed on these issues and teach people wisely. The books are easy reading for ministers and lay leaders. Almost all views in this series can be found among evangelical / Pentecostal scholars and believers. Eight volumes addressing critical issues are profiled below. Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy, edited by J. Merrick and Stephen Garrett, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013, 336 pages. This volume examines the current spectrum of positions on inerrancy within evangelicalism. Many questions are considered: How did the concept of inerrancy develop? What are the different ways of defining or understanding inerrancy? Does Scripture really teach its own inerrancy? How do definitions of inerrancy deal with difficult texts and affect the Church’s witness? What serious problems are related to each view of inerrancy? All of the writers are evangelical Christians, and all views presented are legitimate options for understanding inspiration and the nature of Scripture within orthodox, evangelical faith.

Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World, edited by Dennis Okholm and Timothy Phillips, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995, 284 pages. This volume explores four major perspectives on salvation related to unreached people: 1) Pluralism – no religion is superior, all religions lead to God; 2) Inclusivism – because of Christ’s saving work, some sincere people may be saved by living conscientious lives within their religion; 3) Restrictive Particularism – salvation is restricted to those who hear, believe, and obey the Christian gospel; 4) Open Particularism – because of Christ’s saving work, God may reveal Himself to, and save, people who believe on Him via creation and conscience. The last three views are all found within evangelicalism.

Five Views on the Extent of the Atonement, edited by Adam Johnson, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2019, 256 pages. This volume examines five major perspectives on the extent of Christ’s atonement. This core Christian doctrine determines one’s answer to two fundamental questions: 1) For whom did Christ die: everyone or a select few? 2) Since only those for whom Christ died may be saved, can we know who that is? This exploration moves beyond the Reformed / non-Reformed perspectives. The breadth of the Christian tradition is represented, and all positions explained and critiqued: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Traditional Reformed, Wesleyan, and Universalism.

Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? - Four Views, edited by Wayne Grudem, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, 368 pages. The issue of the Spirit’s continuing supernatural ministry is a question of critical importance for the life of the church. This volume examines this issue in detail. The four major positions are presented and critiqued: Cessationist (the supernatural gifting and moving of the Spirit has ceased), Open But Cautious (the Spirit can sovereignly move supernaturally as He wills, but it should not normally be expected), Third Wave (the full range of spiritual gifts should be normal in the church’s life), and Pentecostal (by Dr. Doug Oss). Only Oss affirms the classical Pentecostal doctrines of subsequence and evidential tongues-speech. This is an outstanding volume! Pentecostals should own this.

BOOK REVIEWS: THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis, William J. Webb, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002, 301 pages. William J. Webb is a professor of New Testament at Heritage Seminary, Cambridge, Ontario. In this book Webb has written the most careful analysis ever done of the scriptures related to slaves, women, and homosexuals. Those who say Christians may be practicing homosexuals have tried to link the Bible’s attitude toward homosexuality with it’s teaching on women and slavery. They argue that the Bible represents outmoded ancient attitudes, and since our enlightened modern Church no longer subjugates women or practices slavery, our attitude on homosexuality must also change. Webb demonstrates that the Bible often reflects both the attitudes of the societies within which it was written, and God’s attitude toward the subject at hand. Webb carefully describes when a passage is describing societal attitudes or when it is describing God’s intent. The subjugation of women and slaves permeated the social and economic life of the Roman Empire. A frontal assault on this would have incited the Empire to destroy the Church. Instead, God’s Word carefully taught profoundly counter-cultural attitudes toward women and slaves that set the Church on a redemptive trajectory to eventually eliminate slavery and female subjugation. Biblical teaching on homosexuality was also profoundly counter-cultural, opposing more permissive gentile attitudes and supporting Jewish attitudes. Therefore, no trajectory was established that would ever change the explicit, repeated, universal condemnation of homosexual practice found through Scripture. Webb conclusively proves that no redemptive movement exists in Scripture that could ever affirm homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle. Webb provides orthodox Christians with powerful arguments against connecting the Bible’s treatment of slaves, women, and homosexuals. The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics, Robert A. J. Gagnon, Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002, 520 pages. Robert Gagnon is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This book is the most exhaustive treatment yet written on what the Bible says about homosexual practice. The scope of this work is comprehensive, examining all scriptures relevant to the issue, as well as all arguments raised by scholars who try to twist scriptures toward support of homosexual lifestyles. Gagnon also explores all of the cultural contexts within which all of these passages were written, explaining what the surrounding cultures believed and practiced regarding sexuality. The author begins with the Old Testament, then moves through the intertestamental period, the witness of Jesus, the teaching of Paul, and the rest of the New Testament. Gagnon deals with all hermeneutical issues in depth. He demonstrates that the passages specifically referencing homosexuality, the passages that might be relevant, and the overarching themes of Scripture never show neutrality or support for such a lifestyle, always condemn the lifestyle as sin, and always support monogamous heterosexuality in marriage as God’s original, final, and only plan for human sexual expression. Gagnon carefully engages and dismantles every single argument put forward by those trying to find support in Scripture permitting Christians to live monogamous homosexual lifestyles. Interestingly, Gagnon, who is definitely an orthodox Christian, does not have as strict a doctrine of inerrancy as do some evangelicals, including our own Fellowship. Even using some of the scholarly approaches and tools of “liberals” themselves, Gagnon conclusively demonstrates the Bible’s comprehensive rejection of homosexual practice. He concludes with an overview of genetic, psychological, and sociological research on homosexuality. Every pastor should have both of these outstanding books. Both books critique the Church for its failures in heterosexual marriage and morality, and both books forbid any hatred or persecution of homosexuals. Christians are encouraged to walk patiently in loving, truthful discipleship with believers who struggle with same-sex attraction. Both authors encourage Christians to maintain a Christ-like spirit toward unbelievers. Each book establishes the Bible’s position beyond any doubt, and the two of them together present an irrefutable case for the classical, historical position of Judaism and Christianity on this issue. Our Pastors, people, and churches will increasingly face pressure to affirm LGBTQ lifestyles as acceptable lifestyles for Christian believers. These two books provide definitive answers refuting every mishandling of Scripture and every argument in favor of LGBTQ lifestyles. This issue will be the most divisive issue in our culture and in the American church for many years. It will be one major watershed defining whether one is a genuine or an apostate Christian or church. Michael D. Sharp, D.Min. Network Secretary-Treasurer, ALSOM Director

In memory of those who have gone before us… Dr. Richard Cook Dr. Richard William Cook, 79, longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, ascended to his heavenly reward on June 13, 2022. Dr. Cook was born in Cedar Rapids on April 29, 1943, to Richard Milton Cook and Genefee Clark Cook. He was married to beloved high school sweetheart, Rochelle Christensen Cook, who survives him, for 60 years. Dr. Cook graduated from Montrose High School in 1961, served in the U.S. Air Force, then graduated from Logan Chiropractic College in 1969. He worked as Doctor of Chiropractic for over 40 years. During that time, he served as president of the Alabama State Chiropractic Association as well as other offices in the association. Following retirement, Dr. Cook remained busy, as he studied and became an ordained minister. He was also an avid gardener and fisherman, and enjoyed a hearty laugh.

Pastor Helen Peek Grissett Pastor Helen Peek Grissett, 79, of Andalusia, passed away Sunday May 15, 2022 at her residence. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Aretta Grissett and Douglas McDonald of Overton, TX; one son and daughter-inlaw, Andy and Bettie Grissett of Greenville; grandchildren, Tanna Laci (Chad) Day, Wallace (Nikki) Huggins, Jeremy Paten (Wendy) Cottle, Chad Aaron Cottle, Ryan Adam (Shawna) Cottle, Daniel Reid McDonald, and Melissa McDonald Rodriquez; 11 great grandchildren, Rene Lewis, Ethan Day, Nate Huggins, Natalie Huggins, Aubryn Cottle, Payten Cottle, Adam Cottle, Kaden Gilley, Kyra Gilley, Nora Huggins, and Avery Nicholson; one brother, Robert (Shirley) Peek of Lowndesboro, AL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Emmett Grissett. Memorials may be made to Brooks Assembly of God building fund or the Gideon's International.

Rev. Vaudie Vernon Lambert Jr. Rev. Vaudie Vernon Lambert Jr.’s earthly journey ended peacefully in his home surrounded by family on June 16, 2022. He was born December 12, 1929 to Vaudie and Myr e Lee Lambert of Tuscaloosa, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents Vaudie Lambert Sr., his mother Myr e Lee Lambert, his siblings Gladys Amsler, Floyd Lambert and Glenda Cox, his son Rev. Steven Lambert, son in law Rev. John Sayre, niece Ti ani Cox and nephew James Amsler. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lillian Webb Lambert of Montgomery, AL, his daughter Julie Lambert Sayre-Harris (Todd) of Madison, AL and daughter in law Ruth Lambert of Montgomery, AL. He is also survived by ve grandchildren Crystal Mason (Steve), Steven Lambert (Michelle), Taylor Lambert (Kat), Cory Sayre (Kim), and Tyler Sayre (Caroline) and 10 great grandchildren; Hannah, Colby and Chase Mason, Ocean and Asher Lambert, Peyton, Noah, Remi & Sam Sayre, and Navy Sayre. Rev. Lambert graduated with a degree from Southeastern Bible Ins tute and was awarded a Doctorate from Southeastern College where he served as Chairman of the Board for many years. As an Assembly of God ordained minister, his ministry touched the many he served in congrega ons in Florida and Alabama. His last pastorate brought him here to Montgomery, AL where he planted Central Assembly of God (Evangel Temple), later he was elected to serve the Alabama Assemblies of God as the Chris an Educa on Director, he re red in 1999 as the District Superintendent of the Alabama Assemblies of God a er serving in that role for 22 years.

Reverend Terry McCrummen Reverend Terry McCrummen of Elba passed away Friday, April 29, 2022. He was 83. Reverend McCrummen was born in Co ee County, Alabama on May 2, 1938 to the late J. B. and Ethel Simmons McCrummen. In addi on to his parents he was preceded in death by his rst wife, Barbara McCrummen; daughter, Steva Everhart; great-grandson, Ryan Everhart; and brother, Jerry McCrummen. He was a hardworking man, and he served the Lord for over y years as a minister in the Assembly of God Church. Survivors include his wife, Gloria Jean McCrummen; children, William Terry McCrummen (Diane) of Elba, Gina Haggard (Steve) of New Brockton, and Bradley Lee (Christy) of Elba; son-in-law, Brian Everhart of Harpersville, AL; nine grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES

Deobrah Stacey (L) Cathy Newton (C) Cordelia Faircloth (C) Harrison Faircloth (C) Eric Jordan (C) Christopher Thomas (C) Jason White (C) ff

New/Upgraded Creden als: Charles Green (L) William Janes Jr (C) Christopher Newton (L) Adam Chancey (L) Wilson Ceaser (L) Ashley Nichole Bailey (L)

Pastoral Changes: Jason L. Poole Butler First AG

Deceased: Richard Cook Helen Grisse Vaudie V. Lambert, Jr. William T McCrummen

Transferred in: James Harold Taunton (O)