Alabama messenger July/August

ALABAMAMESSENGER

THE

July/August 2018 Volume 32/Number 4

FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2018 See page 8 for more information.

EVENT HOST

Cyndi Draughon GUEST SPEAKER

Deanna Shrodes

WORSHIP BY

Greg Woodall

COURAGE MEN’S ENCOUNTER September 27-29, 2018 See pages 6-7 for more information

EVENT HOST

DAVID STRAHAN

GUEST SPEAKER

RICK ALLEN

WORSHIP BY

GREG WOODALL

Ken Draughon

ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Dry Bones Live Again CBS news reported, “At least 10 new breweries have opened in old churches across the country since 2011, and at least four more are slated to open in the next year.” This Sunday, 71 churches will close their doors in America.

Last year 3,700 churches closed their doors. That’s considerably more than the number of churches that open every Sunday or every year. It’s a warning shot across the bow of the good old gospel ship. We must stay biblical, preach the pure gospel, and be doing and not just hearing what Christ commanded (Matt 25:35-36).

The Apostle Paul wrote to instruct Timothy, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2nd Tim 1:8-10). We must preach it, teach it, and live it.

Our churches must be relevant in their communities if they are to impact them. While doing so, we must above all, stay relevant to the biblical mandate of the being the church without compromising the Gospel. Any human being’s health will suffer if that which is needed for health is diluted enough. The Gospel was sent to renew the spiritual health of each generation and we are guilty of neglect if it is given in diluted form. That’s enough preaching for the moment.

In the opening sentence I shared recent news that churches in America were becoming breweries. We recently visited the United Kingdom where we had lived for three years and saw the evidence of several old cathedrals and churches that had become clubs, bars, restaurants and many other things. The life of a church building like other building goes through a life cycle. Communities change; demographics change; and, building usage can change with those. There will be times when what was formerly a church building (remember, the church is NOT the building) is vacated and becomes something else. That alone is not the problem, the problem is when a community that is in need of the Gospel is left without a witness. I am also biased in feeling that witness needs to be a Pentecostal witness.

We have experienced the closing of church buildings and that is often because of the above-mentioned dynamics, but my concern is when we lose the Pentecostal witness in a community. This can happen if we aren’t biblically persistent without closing the doors of a church.

We are reclaiming some of our closed church buildings across Alabama through other churches partnering with us to open them back up with an emphasis on impacting the community with the Gospel. God spoke to Ezekiel in chapter 37 and told him to prophesy over Israel’s “dry bones” for them to live again. I feel God is calling us to prophesy in some cases over the “dry bones” of closed churches for them to live again. Pray with me!

ds@adcag.org

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

Considered Trustworthy, Appointed to Serve “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appoin;ng me to his service.” – The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 1:12.

Paul, Christ’s apostle to the Gen;les, never considered himself worthy on his own merits for any giI that God ever gave him. When wri;ng to his son in the faith, Timothy, Paul describes many characteris;cs that Chris;an leaders – pastors, elders, deacons – should possess. They should be mature, trustworthy, faithful, godly, prayerful, studious, humble, steadfast, gentle, not greedy, not recent converts, well taught in the deep truths of the faith, able to teach others, courageous, discerning, loving, holy, and the list goes on. Paul believed that all of these traits were the work of the Word, the Spirit, and God’s People, as former unbelievers were saved in a moment and then made into disciples of Jesus over ;me.

When Paul talked about himself he began by making it clear what an enemy of Christ he had been before supernaturally mee;ng Jesus on the Damascus Road. Every good thing that Paul ever said about himself flowed from that star;ng point: I was the worst of sinners, deserving nothing good from God, but in pure mercy and grace he saved me. This is the only tes;mony that any of us can have. I was an enemy of God and of Christ, but I heard the gospel of Jesus, the Spirit convicted me of sin, and convinced me that only Christ’s sacrifice could make me right with God. I exercised the giI of faith he offered me, repented of my sins, trusted Christ alone to save me, and was born from above by the Holy Spirit. Everything good in me – everything – is a work of the Word, the Spirit, and the People of God as they have taught me how to follow Jesus. Everything good in me is because God, by his love, grace, and power, is transforming me into the image of Christ.

God sees what he can make of us if we fully surrender to follow him. As Paul wrote this passage he was not boas;ng about who he was in and of himself. He was describing what God knew he would become. God considered, or judged, Paul trustworthy, and appointed Paul to his service.

I am thankful that in the Spring of 1970 God saw that I, an enemy of God, could become a trustworthy servant of the gospel through the gracious work of the Word, the Spirit, and God’s People. I am humbly thankful that others saw God’s work in me, permiYed me to preach, called me to be their pastor, presbyter, Chris;an Educa;on Director, and now District Secretary-Treasurer. I am thankful to follow Ed Wilson, who for many years at many places in gospel service, including as District Secretary-Treasurer, has proven himself a skilled and trustworthy servant of God. I am thankful to the ministers of our Alabama Fellowship for the confidence you have expressed in me by agreeing with God’s judgment and appoin;ng me to this service. I pray that God will con;nue, deepen, and broaden his work in me, strengthening me that I might always serve as a trustworthy servant of Christ and of his church. Thank you for praying with me.

Christian Education Department CE DIRECTOR: Vint Norris

Missionary Steve Entsminger - Europe BGMC Funds needed for “Walking with the Wonderer” a ministry to the children of Gypsies, and also needed are Kids Camp Scholarships for children.

Missionary Ricky Hendon - Peru BGMC Funds needed to purchase a piece of land where they will be able to conduct kids camps. They have no place to hold camps for the children of Peru.

Missionary Matt Richardson - Ecuador BGMC Funds needed for Hope House Girls. They need back to school clothing and supplies. They also are needing funds for VBS supplies.

Sunday School Tithe January - May 2018 The Crossing Lusk AG Faith AG Harper’s Joy AG Kingwood Life Church of the AG Montgomery First AG Shady Grove Oak Grove AG CenterPointe AG

$550.00 $295.70 $287.90 $250.00 $250.00 $250.00 $200.00 $200.00 $191.79 $181.28

BGMC Giving January - May 2018 Orchard AG Phenix City First AG Lomax AG Clearwater AG New Home AG Jackson First AG Thompson Chapel AG Montgomery First AG Vincent Revival Center Bay Minette First AG

$21,334.17 $5,050.00 $5,000.00 $4,162.41 $3,520.00 $2,635.63 $2,026.86 $1,938.28 $1,937.12 $1,825.00

A new JBQ Season is just around the corner! If your church is interested in starting a team, please contact Pastor Tim Jones @ pastortim.jones @gmail.com or 205 -966-2748 for more information.

Upcoming Dates: June 20-23: Royal Ranger Junior Leadership Academy Sept. 8: JBQ Match Sept. 9: Discipleship Dollar Day Sept. 26: See you at the Pole Oct. 12: BGMC Pheasant Hunt Oct. 26-27: Royal Ranger AL Lead Conference

Kids Camp To God be the glory for the great things He has done in the lives of our children this camping season. The Lord has been so faithful and good to us. Every night kids lives were changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are truly thankful for the ministry of our Camp Evangelists: Mark and Stephanie Sasser, Annie and Scott Miller, and Russell and Misty Smith.

Thank you to all the pastors, staff members, and lay leaders who helped make 2018 camp season great!

HALL OF FAITH Congratulations to Rev. Ed and Edna Wilson on being inducted into the Hall of Faith! The Wilsons have served the body of Christ faithfully for over 50 years. Bro. Wilson has passionately served Teen Challenge for decades and continues to do so.

For 16 years, Ed Wilson has served as SecretaryTreasurer, serving on and chairing many important committees, working with churches and ministers in crisis, and preaching in churches across the state. Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Wilson, for your faithful service.

Please check out our Facebook Pages: Alabama AG Children’s Ministries, Alabama JBQ, Alabama District BGMC, and Alabama Royal Rangers.

Pastor Vint Norris Contact Information: CELL: 251-209-2818 or EMAIL: vnorris@adcag.org

ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR

DAVID STRAHAN

email: dstrahan@adcag.org

September 27-29 @ Springville Camp

men’s ministry

lftl

David Strahan

MEN’S ENCOUNTER

church planting & development

Rick Allen

us & world missions

Early Bird Registration—Cost $125.00 per person Must be postmarked by August 31, 2018

Starting September 1—Cost $150.00 per person $50.00 per person Non-Refundable deposit due at registration Remaining balance due at camp check-in Lodges are First Come First Serve Registration deposit per man must be paid to hold Lodge rooms

ALL NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION!!

To REGISTER online go to: https://mensencounter.typeform.com/to/wjOy5g

Royal Rangers

SCCC SKEET SHOOT Friday, September 28, 2018

Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship

FREE T EVEN

TOMAHAWK THROW EVENT Friday, September 28

ALL NEW this year there will be a Pastor’s Only Category

SPECIAL 10-minute Information session for Royal Rangers following the Friday Evening Service in the back of the Chapel

COST:

Wheels of Faith LFTL Benefit Motorcycle Ride Friday, September 28

$5.00 per round If you bring your own gun and ammo $10.00 per round If we furnish gun and ammo

Billy Smith—WOF State President & Captain

Schedule:

Contact # 334-322-3705

9:00 am-11:00 am morning session

$25.00 per rider to raise funds for LFTL Fire Bibles

1:30 pm-3:30 pm afternoon session For more information visit: www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Event page, or call 334-279-7172 ext. 5

Early Registration Post Marked by September 1, 2018

12th annual

Alabama District Men’s Encounter Golf Tournament

grill competition

RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT SILVER LAKES 1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe, AL 35905

Grill Competition

Located in Northeast Alabama, between Anniston and Gadsden, Silver Lakes is set on rolling terrain with stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Silver Lakes also boasts 36 holes of newly renovated Champion ultra dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on the Trail.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 Head Cook:_____________________________________ Team Name:___________________________ Church:_______________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION:

Address:______________________________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________ Email:______________________________________________ Entry:

4 MAN SCRAMBLE

September 28, 2018

(Bring your own team, or you will be assigned to one.

8:00 AM SHOTGUN START (Includes cart, green fees, range balls, lunch, and prizes.)

LUNCH & AWARDS CEREMONY (Ceremony will be held immediately following the tournament.)

________ Brisket ________ Ribs

——Prizes for each category will be Awarded—— — —Four Man Teams—— ——Sites open at Daybreak for setup——Judging begins at 6 PM——

(Sign in before 8:00 a.m.)

$75 PER PERSON $300 PER TEAM

______ Boston Butt ________ Chicken

Teams must Register by September 5th to receive Free t-shirts. 4-shirts per team.

Extra shirts will be available to purchase for $15 each.

Grill Competitors are able to come up on Wednesday night at an extra cost of $10 per man # of Men coming on Wednesday night $__________ For more information, please contact Jeff Scurlock at 251-363-8652.

Please mail registration forms to Alabama District Council, ATTN: Men’s Department, 5919 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 To download and print registration forms, t-shirt forms and rules go to: www.adcag.org

For Registration Information: Please call 334-279-7172 ext. 5 or email ssowers@adcag.org

To REGISTER online go to: https://mensencounter.typeform.com/to/wjOy5g

To REGISTER online go to: https://mensencounter.typeform.com/to/wjOy5g

To REGISTER online go to: https://mensencounter.typeform.com/to/wjOy5g All Men’s Encounter Information including registration forms, waivers, posters

and flyers can be downloaded at: www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Events page.

For more information, contact the Men’s Department at 334-279-7172 ext. 5

REGISTRATION INFORMATION XBOX 360 Tournament Gaming Competition Thursday and Friday night after service.

Night 1: Madden - 2 Man teams Night 2: Halo - 4 Man Team Battle

Thursday and Friday night after Registration: service.

Register for Madden Team Name:_______________________________________ NightMembers:___________________________________ 1: Madden-2 Man teams Register for Halo Night 2: Halo-4 Man teams Team Name:__________________________________ Members:__________________________________

Prizes will be awarded!

Prizes will be awarded!

Tournament to be held Friday, September 28, 2018 9:00 am-12:00 pm $5.00 PER PERSON $15.OO FOR A TEAM

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday, September 1, 2018

Annual Fishing Competition Friday, September 28, 2018 Sunrise until 2:00 pm Prizes Awarded in 3 Divisions Bass: Biggest Caught Catfish: Biggest Caught Pan Fish: Largest Amount Caught No Registration Required!

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

Fall Retreat

at Springville Camp SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2018 $120 Per Person

-$40 Deposit/$80 Due at Check-in—DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE—

lodges are given on a first come, first served basis

ALABAMA WOMEN! As

Guest Speaker:

Deanna Shrodes penn Florida Women’s director

your director, this is one of my favorite events of the year. I have been excited about what God is going to do during this weekend for months! Deanna Shrodes, Penn Florida Women’s Director will be joining us as our guest speaker. She will not disappoint! She’s ready to bring a word for the women of Alabama! Registration is now open. Space is limited and we will fill up quickly!

Don’t miss out on:

GIFT CARDS:

PLEASE CONTINUE TO BRING GIFT CARDS TO ALL OF OUR EVENTS TO HELP SUPPORT OUR MISSIONARIES AS THEY RETURN HOME FROM THE MISSION FIELD. WE LOVE OUR MISSIONARIES & THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION!

This is for

-workshops -painting party -sisterhood event -powerful services -great praise & worship -the shoppes at springville

every

woman!

Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris

her heart... her world... His purpose

JULY 17-20, 2018

Mpact Speaker

Annie Miller

It’s finally here! Ple ase be in prayer with us that th e lives of girls will be forever changed during this week at S pringville Camp. I believe it’s a place for God moments to happ en that can forever shape a gen eration.

-Kristi

Teen Girls Speaker

CRYSTAL MASON FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL KNORRIS@ADCAG.ORG OR CALL 334-279-7172, EXT. 6

In Loving Memory…

Rev. Billy Joe Glover, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at the age of 80. Funeral services were held at Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise, with Brett Glover, Rev. Charlie Glover, Rev. Tommy Connor, and Rev. David Strahan, speaking. He was buried at Highfalls Assembly of God Cemetery in Hartford, the home church where he was born, raised, saved in 1954, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and called to preach.

Brother Glover was ordained in 1961. He and his wife, Nancy (Wise), ministered as evangelists until 1963. He was then called to pastor Daleville Assembly of God, followed by pastorates at Union Grove Assembly, Batten’s Crossroads Assembly, Carmel Assembly (Bonifay, Florida), Highfalls Assembly, and Tuscaloosa First Assembly. In 1990 Brother Glover was elected District Christian Education Director for the Alabama District Council where he served until 1999, at which time he was elected District Superintendent of the Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God. He served as District Superintendent until his retirement in 2009.

Brother Glover is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Rev. Paul Samuel Brendiar, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 13, 2018, at the age of 93. Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores on Sunday, April 15, with Dr. Bob Griffin officiating. Brother Brendiar was born in Czechoslovakia in 1924 and his parents immigrated to Canada in 1927. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII. After graduating from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College, Brother Brendiar married Evangeline Wilson and was Ordained with the Assemblies of God in 1950. The couple travelled nationwide in evangelistic ministry with the Assemblies of God. They then pastored Assemblies of God churches in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Memphis Tennessee, Beckley and Charleston, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After retirement to Gulf Shores in 1991 Brother Brendiar remained active in local churches, most recently First Baptist Gulf Shores where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, and where Evangeline served as church organist for many years.

Brother Brendiar is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evangeline, and two sons.

Rev. Jack Robert McCullough, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the age of 83. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel in Atmore, Alabama, with Rev. Joe Gipson and Rev. John Spence officiating.

A Korean War veteran, following his retirement from Monsanto, Rev. McCullough became a Certified minister with the Assemblies of God in 1996. He advanced to Licensed minister in 1998. Brother McCullough served in evangelistic and pastoral ministry in Alabama and West Florida districts for some years, including pastorates at Range Assembly of God and Dyas Assembly of God. He preached for numerous congregations in pulpit supply. He faithfully preached the Gospel as an Assemblies of God minister wherever he was invited for many years.

Brother McCullough is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret, one son, two daughters, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

DATA CHANGES BACHMAN, RYAN (O) (KIMBERLY) 193 FALLING LEAF LN AUBURN, AL 36830 719-484-9991 NORRIS, KELLIE (O) 5919 CARMICHAEL RD MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 251-680-3381 NORRIS, KRISTI (O) (VINT) 5919 CARMICHAEL RD MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 251-209-2818

SAYRE, JOHN (O) (JULIE) 128 BUR OAK DR MADISON, AL 35756 256-975-6688

PEREZ, JESUS M. (O) (ZULMA) 800 GLENWOOD TERRACE ANNISTON, AL 36207 256-419-3171

SCHMIDT, LORI M. (O) (PHILIP) 10245 HOWELLS FERRY RD SEMMES, AL 36575 251-622-7046

ROBINSON, HEATHER (CM) 131 STATE LINE RD SOUTH WILMER, AL 36587 251-367-2191

SCHMIDT, PHILIP R. (O) (LORI) 10245 HOWELLS FERRY RD SEMMES, AL 36575 251-510-6860 WOODHAM, APRIL (L) (CRAIG) 1063 N. COLLEGE ST AUBURN, AL 36830 205-886-7277

NORRIS, VINT (O) (KRISTI) 5919 CARMICHAEL RD MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 251-209-2818

WOODHAM, CRAIG (O) (APRIL) 1063 N. COLLEGE ST AUBURN, AL 36830 205-886-7105

RUSSELL, BEN (O) (TERRA) 45 TIMBER RIDGE WETUMPKA, AL 36903 251-769-4300

NEW MINISTERS

RUSSELL, ERVIN C. (O) (BRENDA) 332 ASHTON PARK DR JACKSON, AL 36054 251-769-5353

VALRIE, CEDRIC (O) (SARAH) P.O. BOX 234 LAKELAND, FL 33802 863-370-3443

LISMAN OUTREACH MINISTRY CHURCH STREET LISMAN, AL 36912 205-459-2824 PASTOR: HENRY TODD

HUDSON, JONATHAN S. (L) (TABITHA) 2190 ALLEN ROAD GROVE HILL, AL 36451 251-275-6004

REINSTATED MARLER, TERRY A. (CM) 2038 WILL LOGAN ROAD OZARK, AL 36360 334-237-3412

CRUTCHFIELD, EDDIE SR. (O) (MARTHA) P.O. BOX 75 SAMSON, AL 36477 850-890-9037 FROM PENNDEL DISTRICT

DAVIS, JEREMY W. (L) HANEY, JEREMY S. (L) MARTIN, ANTHONY B. (L) TAUBEL, HUNTER D. (L) RICKETTS, D. LOGAN (L STACEY, ALLISON K. (L) NEW CHURCHES

HALL, DOROTHY LUCILLE (L) 738 FORESTDALE DR. MONTGOMERY, AL 36109 334-649-0703

PINEY GROVE AG, SAMSON REV. EDDIE CRUTCHFIELD, SR. (O)

MINISTERS TRANSFERRED IN

MINISTERIAL UPGRADE

NORRIS, MELISSA (O) 5919 CARMICHAEL RD MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 251-455-7472

RUSSELL, BRENDA (L) (E.C.) 332 ASHTON PARK DR MILLBROOK, AL 36054 251-769-4301

THOMPSON, C. DANIEL (O) (TERRI) 6281 BAY BLUFF SQUARE DAPHNE, AL 36526 612-269-4425

ORCHARD ASSEMBLY OF GOD SEMMES, AL PHIL SCHMIDT (O)

MINISTERS TRANSFERRED OUT: ROBINSON, CLIFTON, JR.(CLIF), (O) 10047 TORINO DR SE HUNTSVILLE, AL 35803 256-679-5983

1566 ALPHA ST MIDLAND CITY, AL 36350 334-894-0402 PASTOR: ALBERT SKINNER PASTORAL CHANGES DALEVILLE ASSEMBLY OF GOD MANSFIELD, BILL

KIMBRELL, RANDALL B. (CM) PO BOX 818 LINCOLN, AL 35096 205-864-1558

FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD HARTSELLE, AL WATSON, JIMMY (O)

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

District Presbyters

Kenneth Draughon District Superintendent

George Arnett Barry Danner Scottie Fulcher Jerry Jenkins Keith Jones Michael Joyner Charles Lenn Eddie Littlefield Michael Lynn Marty Phillips Randall Reid George Sawyer Jeff Scurlock James F. Smith, Sr. David Wooten

John A. Loper, Jr. Assistant Superintendent Michael D. Sharp District Secretary-Treasurer

GENERAL PRESBYTERS Kenneth Draughon Murray Kelley George Sawyer

DISTRICT MISSIONS/MEN’S DIRECTOR David Strahan DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Vint Norris DISTRICT YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon

For more information on upcoming events visit the Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God website at: www.adcag.org

2018 Class Schedule

Class Date

Level 1 Courses (Certified)

Introduction to Hermeneutics

August 4 August 4 August 11

The Local Church in Evangelism

October 6 October 6 October 13

November 3 November 3 November 10

Level 3 Courses (Ordination)

Eschatology

Church Administration, Finance and Law

Effective Leadership

Pastoral Ministry

September 8 September 8 September 8

Level 2 Courses (License)

Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

A Spirit Empowered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Model

Conflict Management for Church Leaders

Introduction to AG Missions

(Black denotes North Campus) Mt Olive (Blue denotes Southeast Campus) Newton (Red denotes Southwest Campus) Evergreen

For excellent refresher courses in selected subjects, or for continuing education in subjects you have never formally studied, please consider enrolling in specific ALSOM courses today.

These courses are open to all Assemblies of God members and adherents in the Alabama District: Ministers, leaders, and workers.

The enrollment form and other information may be found at www.adcag.org

For more information, including the 2019 ALSOM Schedule, please contact ‌ ALSOM Director, Dr. Michael D. Sharp, District Secretary-Treasurer 334-279-7172 msharp@adcag.org

Administrative Assistant, Debra Sharp 334-279-7172 dsharp@adcag.org

ALSOM Dean, Pastor Chad Payne 205-441-3123 Chadp4@gmail.com

UNDERSTANDING WHAT CHRISTIANS BELIEVE The world has always asked critical questions of Christians on certain major topics, and the Christian Church has often had more than one possible answer. These differences have existed within the Church from New Testament times. 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. Five 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 viable options 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.

Four Views on Hell, edited by William Crockett, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, 192 pages.

This volume examines three of the major perspectives on Hell within the Church: 1) Hell is a place of conscious torment in eternal fire; 2) Hell is a place of conscious eternal punishment that is described using the metaphor of fire; 3) Hell is a place of temporary punishment where the souls of the wicked are eventually annihilated. The doctrine of Purgatory is then explored in a final section. The first three views have long been found in orthodox, evangelical churches. Another very good related work is Two Views of Hell: A Biblical & Theological Dialogue, by Edward Fudge and Robert Peterson, Westmont: IVP Academic, 2000, 228 pages.

Three Views on Creation and Evolution, edited by J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 304 pages. This volume examines the three broad perspectives on creation in the evangelical church: 1) Young Earth Creationism – God created everything in six twenty-four hour days; 2) Old Earth Creationism – God created the cosmos billions of years ago, and specially created different species of creatures over millions of years; 3) Evolutionary Creationism – God created the cosmos billions of years ago, and ultimately created life through the process of guided evolution. The various legitimate options for interpreting Genesis and science are examined and critiqued. An excellent related volume is Four Views on the Historical Adam, edited by Matthew Barrett and Ardel Caneday, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013, 288 pages. All of the authors for both volumes are evangelical Christians. All views presented are found among evangelicals and Pentecostals.

Three Views on The Millennium and Beyond, edited by Darrell Bock, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 336 pages.

This volume examines the three classical eschatological views on the Millennium: 1) Premillennialism – the belief that Christ will return, establish an earthly millennial reign, and then the final end will come; 2) Amillennialism – the belief that Christ now reigns over His Church and creation, and at His return the final judgment, the transformation of all things, and the new heavens and new earth will be consummated; 3) Postmillennialism – the Church will preach the gospel, disciple the nations, and establish God’s Kingdom, then Christ will return and the final end will come. The first two positions are compatible with imminence. An excellent related volume is Four Views on the Book of Revelation, edited by Marvin Pate, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 256 pages. All views presented in both books are orthodox, and are present in evangelicalism.

Over twenty volumes are available in the Counterpoints Series. I encourage you to access these excellent resources.

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

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