Church Priori9es Reset
Let me share my heart as your superintendent. The church in America is trying to
figure out what has happened since the pandemic. Many of the people who were a<ending before the pandemic are no longer a<ending (anywhere). The congrega@on size has shrunk for many, especially the mega-churches. What happened? I believe the pandemic is not the cause of what many churches are encountering today due to diminished a<endance and a<endance frequency. America has been facing a downward trend in a<endance for over a decade. The pandemic just ripped the band-aid off a situa@on that already existed.
A<endance in the Assemblies of God and every other church denomina@on or fellowship in America has been trending downward for over a decade. According to recent data from the Assemblies of God, over eighty percent of our churches show signs of decline and plateau in the Alabama Assemblies of God. These alarming sta@s@cs will only worsen if churches in our fellowship do not realize they have a problem connec@ng to their communi@es. We have lost influence within our communi@es, resul@ng in diminished a<endance. Over the past five years, Alabama's Assemblies of God churches have also lost ground in the ba<le against the kingdom of darkness through a decrease in salva@ons, water bap@sms, and Spirit bap@sms. Plateau and the decline of the local church ul@mately will lead to the church's death. Crea@ng a healthy church network in Alabama remains crucial to reverse this church plateau and decline trend. The need for change remains urgent. In the physical realm, when an individual develops an unhealthy heart, doctors warn pa@ents to take the issue seriously and change their lifestyle. If the heart problem con@nues without a remedy, it can result in a heart a<ack; the person suffering from the a<ack must receive CPR to revive them and get their heart func@oning again to save their life. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, if the church does not follow the biblical model for life, it also has developed a heart problem that requires spiritual interven@on. A church experiencing plateau or decline needs revival—it needs spiritual CPR, a Church Priori@es Reset.
The church must return to its biblical design, which is to engage its local community culture with the life-giving message of the Gospel. When a church ceases to func@on as a New Testament church, it becomes spiritually sick and needs divine interven@on. When an individual has a heart a<ack, the body either loses or has restricted blood flow to the brain and vital organs, which can cause a stroke (incapacita@ng them) or loss of life. One of two things will happen: 1) they will die, or 2) someone will a<end to them to get their heart back in rhythm and blood flow reestablished to sustain life throughout their body.
The church can suffer a spiritual heart a<ack, losing its divine flow, resul@ng in “spiritual paralysis” or spiritual death—churches that cease func@oning as New Testament churches incorpora@ng Biblical priori@es need CPR—Church Priori@ Reset. Interven@on is necessary when the church becomes incapacitated as an agent of the Gospel. The role of the local church is to be vital to its community as a source of spiritual life. When a church func@ons with God’s divine flow coursing through its veins, it will be evidenced in the weekend church gatherings. It should also be witnessed through its community engagement with the Gospel. If you gather on Sundays without impac@ng your community with God’s life-giving grace—you may only be a social club rather than a church. You may need CPR! The church must reset its priori@es to align with God’s word and plan for His church. The first step in resebng the local church to its God given mission is for the leadership to realize it’s in trouble and do something about it. Jesus said, “I will build my church....”
MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.MIN.
NETWORK SECRETARY-TREASURER
CHARACTER OVER CHARISMA
One of my favorite Bible stories is that of Balaam’s talking donkey (Judges 22:21-35). It is one of the best illustrations in Scripture that a charism – a supernatural manifestation or spiritual gift – tells us something about God, but not about the vessel through whom God gives it. Balaam’s donkey was a donkey before she spoke, while she spoke, and after she spoke. As a Pentecostal minister for over 40 years I’ve often said that Balaam’s donkey should be the mascot for preachers. Not that I think of a donkey when I hear some teachers or preachers. No, it’s because no one would ever think that just because God spoke through a donkey, we should exalt the donkey, or think the donkey is far more spiritual than other donkeys, or consider the donkey a role model, someone we should platform or emulate. If God can speak through a donkey, he can speak through a human, or he can manifest whatever supernatural phenomenon he chooses through a human. A charism in and of itself says nothing about a person’s character.
Just as a charism is not a sign of superior spirituality, neither is human charisma a sign of God’s “touch” or “anointing.” By human standards some people simply have more “charismatic” or “dynamic” personalities than others. Using their charismatic personalities some people can motivate or manipulate others to do their will or follow their plan. They’ve learned how to impress, cajole, excite, and incite others as they communicate. Even in the Church we see some speakers and leaders who can emotionally move, direct, or even deceive a crowd, sometimes making them believe something supernatural happened. But, as with a charism, mere charisma is not a sign of God’s approval or empowering, not a sign that we should exalt or emulate that person. Sadly, “dynamic” people will often be platformed simply because of charism or charisma. Untold damage has been done because people thought that a charism or charisma was a sign of God’s approval on a person, God’s designation of that person as a role model or leader.
Friends, nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells us that his primary desire for us is that our characters be transformed to be like him. It is all about character, not charisms or charisma, not beauty, education, emotion, leadership, fund raising, or spiritual phenomena. The primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is not to “empower” or “anoint” us for miraculous ministry. That is all secondary and depends on God’s sovereign will. The primary purpose of the Spirit in our lives is for character transformation This is God’s universal will for all his children. The Spirit dwells within us to sanctify us: cleansing us, healing us, forming, conforming, transforming us to be more and more like Jesus.
No matter how dynamic our personality or “spiritual” our ministry, it means nothing if our character remains un-Christlike. Am I lazy, harsh, oppressive to employees, mean to my team members? Do I lie about little things, cheat on my taxes, grasp for money, enjoy the spotlight, or long for authority? Or do I sacrifice so my team can have more, let others take the credit? Am I humble, meek, gentle, kind, good, faithful, loving, producing joy and peace in my family and friends? My charisms and charisma and leadership mean nothing if my character is not Christlike. In the end, nothing I do, nothing I achieve will matter, unless it is done with a humble servant’s heart like Jesus, a character transformed to be like him. It really is all about character.
Kids Camp 2024 was a great camp We had over 2200 in attendance from over 100 churches across Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia Our days were filled with swimming, ziplining, arts & crafts, cabin wars, rec hall and more During one of the morning services each camp we celebrated our churches and kids that gave to BGMC. The evening services were filled with the sweet presence of Jesus and our kids and adults were ministered to, saved, filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and called into the ministry. Thank you to all the Children’s Pastors and Leaders, for making Kids Camp a priority in your life. What happens at Kids Camp Changes the world!!
Ladies, It’s time for our annual fall retreat: Engage! Hosting this event is one of my favorite things to do as your Women’s Director. We’ve already had such a great response from churches who plan to be with us. I hope you can be there as well! Our speaker, Beth Stephens-Johnson, is a PREACHER— Get ready! Our band from Christian Life Church in Birmingham will lead us into His presence. I can’t wait for you to experience this weekend with your friends and fellow women from across the state. Be praying for this special time together. Contact our office if you have any questions!
CHURCH NAME, CITY: _____________________________________________________________
WOMEN’S LEADER: _______________________________________________________________
EMAIL: ________________________________________ CELL: ___________________________
PASTOR’S WIFE: _________________________________ CELL: ___________________________
$50 Deposit + Balance Due Upon Arrival
$140 Total Per Person - Cabin
$150 Total Per Person - Lodge
Registering _______ Women
$50 Deposit X ______ Women = $_________
WE CAN NOT GUARANTEE YOUR ROOM TYPE, BUT PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR PREFERENCE LODGES ARE $10 MORE PER PERSON LODGE OR CABIN
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $_________ RegistraPlease add together all amounts from Lon and RegistraLon Scholarships
Download your Engage registration form from our website: www.amnag.org/engage
$50 Deposit + $50 Due Upon Arrival
$100 Total Per Student Registering _______ Students
$50 Deposit X _____ Students = $_________
*Student Discount for ages 15 to 23
DONATE TOWARDS ENGAGE RETREAT REGISTRATION SCHOLARSHIPS
_____ $10 _____ $25 ______ $50 _____ $140 Other: $_________
RegistraLon Deposit is Transferable, but not Refundable Early RegistraRon Deadline is Sep. 1, 2024
Mail to: ALABAMA WOMEN 5919 Carmichael Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117
Cost Per Person:
$140 (Cabin)
$150 (Lodge)
Student Registration: $100
Please email Terra Russell for more info. trussell@amnag.org
IN LOVING memory of…
Obituary for Rev. Thomas Judson Sessions
Thomas Judson Sessions, resident of Foley, AL went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 52 years old. Judd was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God of more than 20 years. He was a graduate of Ozark Bible College in Neosho, MO and Mobile County High School in Grand Bay, AL. At the @me of his death, he was the Pastor at Foley Assembly of God. He also pastored an incredible congrega@on at Li<le Rock Assembly of God in Waynesboro, MS and assisted Pastor Steven Perry at Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Saraland, AL. He traveled and ministered, all across the United States for more than 5 years, sharing the good news of the gospel and the love of Christ. Judd was in love with Jesus.
He is survived by: - Melissa, his loving wife of 28 years (on June 1), - His daughter Hannah, her husband Josh Park, and their daughter Mila Jo, - His two sons Ellio< and Ethan, - His parents, Jerry and Rita Sessions, - His in-laws, Charles and Cathy Maples, - His siblings, Gerrie Lynn Wallace and Brian Sessions, - His Brother-in-laws Charles and Brandon Maples, - His sister-in-law Brandy Maples, - The spouses of his siblings and in-laws, - Mul@ple nieces and nephews, - Uncles, Aunts, and cousins, - And many precious friends, too numerous to number.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents HV and Exie Belle Sessions, JD and Ada Pucke< and many other loved ones and friends who rounded out a happy reunion of his first moments in heaven. Judd was a loving husband, father, son, and a friend to many. Our world was a be<er place because we knew him and because he was part of it. May the memories never be forgo<en.
Obituary for Rev. Clara Jean Jones Free
Rev. Clara Jean Jones Free, age 88, len this earth to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at her home in Monroeville, Alabama.
She was born in Samson, Alabama. She was a loving support to her husband, her darling Mc as she called him, as he pastored numerous churches throughout the years. Then, aner his Heavenly home going, she pastored Oak Grove Assembly of God Church before re@ring.
She loved her family so much, animals and all people too, but mostly her Lord Jesus. She served Him from a very young age un@l she got to meet Him face to face.
She onen introduced herself to a new friend, for that is what she considered all people she met, with a smile on her face and the self-descrip@ve phrase, "Free in Spirit and Free in name" on her lips. She embodied this in the way she freely shared her love for people and her Savior. She was affec@onately known by many in the community as Granny Free and was beloved by all who called her such. You might say she was the epitome of one who had li<le in the sense of material things, but she gave much.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. McEwell Free; her parents, William Tolbert Jones and Minnie Golden Victoria Kilpatrick Jones; a sister, Bertha Simmons; a brother, Coy Jones; and two baby brothers.
Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Trudy and Todd Picke< and Sheena and Rex Parden; four grandchildren, Hunter, Jesse, Lyndsey and Kelsey; and a great-grandson; and a great-granddaughter, Millie Rose.
Ministerial Changes
Robert Braswell (C)
Robert Mest (L) Jeffery Williams (C) Brandon Shirley (L)
Our new schedule layout is below. ALSOM students may take any cou rses needed during each quarter.
Quarter 1
January – March
Courses Open for Purchase: January 1
Last Day to Purchase: March 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by March 31st
Quarter 2
April – June
Courses Open for Purchase: April 1
Last Day to Purchase: June 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by June 30th
Quarter 3
July – September
Courses Open for Purchase: July 1
Last Day to Purchase: September 10 th
Tests Must be Submitted by September 30 th
Quarter 4
October – December
Courses Open for Purchase: October 1
Last Day to Purchase: December 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by December 31 st
Each quarter, we will post our entire ALSOM catalog for purchase. The courses required for each level of credentialing are listed below.
Level One (Certified)
BIB 214 Old Testament Survey
BIB 212 New Testament Survey
BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
BIB 114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
THE 211 Introduction to Theology
THE 114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 152 Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance
MIN 171 A Spirit-Empowered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Model
MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
MIN 191 Beginning Ministerial Internship
Level Two (Licensed)
BIB 115 Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117 Prison Epistles
BIB 215 Romans: Justification by Faith
THE 245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
MIN 123 The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 223 Introduction to Homiletics
MIN 251 Effective Leadership
MIN 261 Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions
MIN 281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders
MIN 291 Intermediate Ministerial Internship
Level Three (Ordained)
THE 311 Prayer and Worship
BIB 313 The Corinthian Correspondence
BIB 318 The Pentateuch
BIB 322 The Poetic Books
MIN 325 Preaching in the Contemporary World
MIN 327 Church Administration, Finance, and Law
MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry
MIN 391 Advanced Ministerial Internship
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 access to the course. 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 courses have additional content such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and additional reading. Your test will come from content from all sources.