The Alabama Messenger May June 2020

The

MESSENGER

ALABAMA

May/June 2020 Volume 34/Number 3

For more information visit www.adcag.org, under the events tab.

Ken Draughon DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org

We’ve never been here before! How many times have you heard this over the last few weeks? The rules have changed, and the world along with them. We’ve been “ordered” to quarantine or “Shelter at Home” for weeks. We have approached church differently. There was a song that came out in the 60’s entitled, “I ain’t never!” We “ain’t never” seen anything like this. We see our world morphing into a different place in a short space of time. The Wall St. Journal said, “The Coronavirus Pandemic will forever alter the world order.”

I’ll try not to take a text out of context, “...in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7). I believe we are in “an age to come” as we see our world transforming into a church “forced” out of the building like the early chapters of the Book of Acts when they were more comfortable “hanging out” with familiar people and familiar settings, God used persecution to spread the Gospel to those who had not heard it. I’m not saying God sent this (no way), but God can use what the devil meant for evil to bring about good.

We have an opportunity to “step up to the plate” in a world that isn’t sure what’s next and give them hope. We are asking you to join us for the “30 Days to Pentecost Prayer Meeting” beginning Monday, May 4th, at 7 PM at https://www.facebook.com/ ADCAGfamily/ Facebook page for our live prayer meeting. We will be challenged by our former District Superintendent Vaudie Lambert, General Superintendent Doug Clay and other pastors, missionaries, and leaders as we posture ourselves as they did leading up to Pentecost in the New Testament. We will be praying for God’s Promise from on high—a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We’ll be calling on God to heal our land and send a mighty revival to Alabama and America.

It can become easy to be overwhelmed with thoughts of insufficiency during a crisis like this. Do not become “weary in well doing.” There is so much to do and learn through these days of uncertainty.

Remember, however, that you are God’s leader, at God’s time and in God’s place for you. You are washed in HIS blood, filled with HIS power, and anointed by HIS Spirit! No amount of human planning or strategy is an adequate substitute for God’s leading, miraculous provision and faith. The enemy wants you to think the future is dependent upon you, but it is not and never was. The only expert on this new era of ministry is God Almighty. Because He is for us, “no weapon formed against us will prosper.” Let’s call upon Him for answers and assistance as we navigate paths never before taken. We are on this journey together and God i in front leading us to His expected plan for us.

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

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE Some&mes bad things happen to good people. The Bible makes that clear. Whether we’re talking about persecu&on and martyrdom, as in the cases of James, Stephen, and mul&tudes of other Chris&ans throughout history, or whether we’re talking about storms, snakes, and sicknesses, as in the cases of Paul, Epaphroditus, and Timothy. I’m sure that the families of James and Stephen might have wondered why some other apostles or deacons lived but their loved ones died. Did Peter and Philip have more faith than James and Stephen? Did James and Stephen have sin in their lives? Did they make a bad confession? Certainly, their families were not wondering about those three ques&ons. Some modern Pentecostal / charisma&c believers who are blinded by the occul&c heresies of the hyper-faith movement might ask such ques&ons, but not well-taught Bible Chris&ans.

In the case of Paul, we see all kinds of sufferings present in his life. Natural disasters like the storm that caused his shipwreck. Accidents like the snakebite from a poisonous viper. Serious sicknesses like the one that forced his team to take him from the coastal lowlands up into the Gala&an highlands for an extended recovery.

Paul’s recovery took &me, during which God gave Paul no miraculous healing, even though others were healed as the gospel was preached in a new region and many were saved.

The Philippian church sent their pastor, Epaphroditus, to Rome to check on Paul. While there Epaphroditus became seriously ill and almost died, but by God’s mercy he eventually recovered. Timothy had a chronic stomach or diges&ve problem of some kind and Paul had to order him to stop drinking only water and drink some wine for that reason.

Where was God when all of these bad things happened? What did the Chris&ans say and do about all of this? Why are all of these – and more – examples of disasters, suffering, sickness, and death recorded in the New Testament? Why is there oQen no sudden, miraculous deliverance? What do we see the believers doing? No doubt they were praying, examining themselves, seeking to know God’s will. We don’t see them blaming God, blaming the Empire, or blaming each other. We don’t see them “refusing to receive” a “bad report” or warning each other about “bad confessions.” We never see them “claiming” this or “declaring” that. They did not have the magical views of the pagans who thought they could manipulate their gods by saying the right words in the right ways. They don’t seem to waste any &me wondering, worrying, or specula&ng about conspiracy theories.

We see them humbling themselves, praying, doing what they know to do in the natural, pa&ently trus&ng God with the results, and moving on with their lives and with the gospel. We see them accep&ng the bad with the good, accep&ng some trials as part of living in a fallen world where natural disasters, accidents, sicknesses – storms, shipwrecks, and snakes – with persecu&on, are simply part of life. But, they are a part of life in a fallen world where God is s&ll in control!

The ancient church believed that before, during, behind, and above all that happened, God was present in grace and power, exercising his kingship, providen&ally guiding his church on mission. The wars, famines, plagues, and persecu&ons of the ancient church – and the church through the ages – did not stop them from growing deeper in Christ, learning the truths of Scripture, being faithful in prayer, reaching their families and neighbors, and making disciples for Jesus. They kept their eyes on Christ, their priority on growing closer to him, spending their energies on caring for, reaching, and discipling others. They kept their lives and their churches simple, sanc5fied, and strong. We should learn from them! Pandemics and persecu&ons will come, Vesuvius or the Yellowstone may erupt, but nothing is going to separate us from the love of our God who is in control. Nothing will ul&mately stop the spread of this good news about Jesus Christ un&l he comes again.

1

Ext

vnorris adcag org

CE DI EC O

IN A NO

2020 BGMC GI ING

T C P

A/G, P C ..........................$3,300.00 A/G, B ..................................... $2,196.50 H A/G.................................... $2,196.00 L A/G........................... $1,738.55 A/G................................... $1,579.10 B A/G......................... $1,412.00 A/G, J ............................... $1,269.43 R C ..................... $1,172.10 C .............................. $1,095.84 L C ......................... $1,000.00 F C ........................ $1,000.00

www adcag org

2020 S NDA SCHOOL I HE

JAN AR -MARCH

F F N F C N F

I

JAN AR -MARCH

H H F R H F T H K F

A/G............................... $480.00 A/G........................................... $225.00 A/G, C ................................ $210.00 S A/G................................ $200.00 T A/G.............. $198.50 A/G.................................................. $195.01 A/G............................................ $151.33 ' J A/G................................. $150.00 A/G.......................................$150.00 A/G, M ..................... $150.00 C

Men’s Encounter SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2020

DAVID STRAHAN Alabama District Missions and Men’s Director email: dstrahan@adcag.org

SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2020 Guest Speaker We invite every man to Join our Facebook Alabama Men’s Ministry page. This is a closed page, if you have not received your invitation, please email your facebook profile name and we will send you an invitation.

REGISTRATION

Rick Dubose

$50 deposit per person Assistant General Superintendent + balance due at camp check-in Early Registration by August 21st $125 per person August 21st $150TO per person MAKEAfter PLANS NOW ATTEND!

Watch for more information at www.adcag.org Guest Speaker

Rick Dubose

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, reflects, 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.

Men’s Director

David Strahan

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.

Free Resource Material Available!

How to Launch a Men’s Ministry.

To download material visit: www.men.ag.org

Free Resource Material Available!

How to Lead your Men.

To download material visit: www.men.ag.org

Join other men to strengthen your knowledge about the Holy Spirit.

Gain an understanding of the Holy Spirit and his role in your life.

To download material visit: www.men.ag.org

Join other men to strengthen your Biblical knowledge. Featuring Scripture study and insight into the culture, land, language and more.

To download material visit: www.men.ag.org

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW! The desire of this App is to help men have the courage to explore and begin their walk with Christ, the strength to develop the lifestyle that enhances the discipleship patterns of Christ, and the endurance to live a victorious life that allows their family, friends, colleagues and the younger generations to find their fulfillment in Christ.

Over 225 free discipleship resources available to make this the perfect app for group study as well.

We invite every man to Join us every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm for MANTALK! This is a virtual meeting via ZOOM. For more information, email David Strahan at dstrahan@adcag.org.

Alabama Women’s Ministries

Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

WOMEN IN MINISTRY: During the COVID-19 crisis we are facing, I want each of you to know how proud I have been of you.

You have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus to your local communities. People will remember how the church loved them during this time. Don’t grow weary in well doing. Keep up the good work!

Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

ENGAGE:

CALLING ALL WOMEN! Start spreading the word about our fall women’s retreat, Engage! This is THE GREATEST EVENT OF THE YEAR for our women. Let me encourage you to begin making plans now to attend. Be watching for the registration packet for this event within the next few weeks. It will have all of the details you need. Space is limited and we will fill up quickly!

FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT september 17-19, 2020 at Springville Camp

guest speaker

SHARON FRIDGE THURSDAY

-EVENING SERVICE -SISTERHOOD EVENT FRIDAY

-SPECIAL SESSIONS -AFTERNOON FREE TIME -EVENING SERVICE SATURDAY

-BREAKFAST -PACK & HEAD HOME

guest speaker

beth stevens

general registration

*MORE INFO TO COME

EVENT HOST

CYNDI DRAUGHON ALABAMA WOMEN’S DIRECTOR

$40 Deposit + Balance Due Upon Arrival $120 Total Per Person- Cabin $130 Total Per Person- Lodge

ALABAMA

women

ADCAG.ORG

TRUSSELL@ADCAG.ORG - 334-279-7172, ext.1 *WE CAN NOT GUARANTEE YOUR ROOM TYPE. LODGES ARE FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE.

student Registration $40 Deposit + $40 Due Upon Arrival $80 Total Per Student STUDENT PRICING IS FOR AGES 17-23

Congratulations TO THE

Ordination Class of 2020 "By special ac,on of the General Council Execu,ve Presbytery, all candidates whose district councils were cancelled, shall be considered as having completed the ďŹ rst step of advancement to Ordained status, and may be designated as "Ordained." However, they shall be required to aEend their rescheduled district council for the laying on of hands of the Presbytery in order to biblically complete their ordina,on, and shall not receive their cer,ďŹ cates un,l that service.

Congratula,ons to our newly ordained Assemblies of God ministers!"

John Forrest Belson Courtney Draughon Frankie Gossett Cynthia Nicole Hester Jonathan Hudson Adam Lawley Anthony B Martin Courtney Martin Ronald C Morris Donald Logan Ricketts Rose Stevens Hunter Taubel Jennifer White

2020 Scholarship Recipients CongratulaHons to the following students from the Alabama Assemblies of God churches! They have been awarded scholarships through the Alabama District Scholarship Program. The program assists students who will be a.ending Assemblies of God universiHes. Three of our universiHes are represented among this year’s recipients: Southeastern (SEU) in Lakeland, Florida; Southwestern (SAGU) in Waxahachie, Texas; and North Central (NCU) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Student

Griffin Benson Bri.ney Calhoun Daniel Everhart Colton Frix

Olivia Henderson Hayden Hopper Abigail Jernigan Anna Grace Jones Colby Mason Hannah Mason Savannah Mims Steven Ethan PeFs Jordan Phillips Anna Reid

AusHn Shuffi.

Eryn Simmons Ashlyn Strahan Nathan Strahan Heidi Trippe Annika Wollner

SCHOOL SEU SAGU SAGU SEU SAGU SEU SEU SEU SEU SEU SEU SAGU SEU SEU SEU SEU SEU SEU SAGU NCU

REDEFINE SUCCESS and SIMPLIFY YOUR CHURCH: MOVING BACK TO A CHURCH THAT IS BIBLICAL and BASIC Over the past half-century, American churches imitated our culture by becoming increasingly busy, disintegrated, and fragmented. Many highly specialized niche ministries were created to sa>sfy the desire for something new, something imita>ng the culture in some way, something to meet “felt needs,” something that was age, gender, or interest specific. Occasionally, ministries were created that did indeed meet genuine needs for discipleship and involvement for a par>cular season. OBen even these programs then developed without integra>on with other ministries, but with a fierce commitment to keeping people busy propaga>ng the program long aBer its effec>veness in true discipleship had dras>cally declined.

During this same half-century, American churches increasingly adopted cultural standards for many things, including defini>ons of “success.” Christ’s Great Command in MaIhew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples was morphed into a more culturally accommoda>ng goal of simply coun>ng converts. Biblical descrip>ons of what a Jesus’ follower would “be” as to character, and “do” as to behavior were gradually deemphasized as such a life became increasingly alien to our changing culture. The Church adopted cultural defini>ons of success in quan>fiable terms, such as numbers, wealth, size, power, influence, appearance, great entertainment, and spectacular big events. The biblical defini>on of discipleship as the lifelong process of teaching people the truths of the faith and leading them to “be” and “do” more like Jesus, in close-knit community, was far too dull, long-term, laborious, and qualita>ve for most of the Church in America.

This dual evolu>on toward a hyperac>ve, dis-integrated local church that replaced biblical defini>ons of discipleship with cultural defini>ons of success eventually became the new normal in the American church.

Exhausted church workers now have liIle >me to truly deepen their own lives in Christ, there is no understanding of, or agreement on, what biblical discipleship looks like, and therefore no overarching vision or process for such discipleship. Yet, without such biblical discipleship we are not obeying, and cannot fulfill, the final command of Jesus.

These three important works address this crisis. Full of excellent analyses, insights, and sugges>ons, they have all remained important resources since their publica>ons. They will serve well any pastor and church desiring to return to more biblical models in ministry. I commend them to you.

Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples, Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger, Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2006, 257 pages.

Simple Church was named prac>cal theology Book of the Year by several publica>ons, became the best selling such book of 2007, and remains in great demand. The sugges>ons and principles contained in this work are biblically based and permanently valid. They cannot become dated or obsolete.

Extensive research by Rainer and Lifeway revealed that the healthiest churches almost always have a simple process for making disciples. They are clear about the process, they move people inten>onally through the process, they align their en>re ministry to the process, and they stay focused on the elements of the process. Clarity-Movement-Alignment-Focus.

From the 1950’s onward American churches became increasingly crowded with programs or “ministries” of many kinds. These were oBen begun to meet a need, but were targeted for specific ages, genders, and demographics. They contributed to a breakdown in the holis>c, focused, disciple-making life of the biblical paIern.

Genera>ons were segregated, families separated, and the life and ministry of the church dis-integrated. This programma>c approach keeps people so busy that they think they are growing in Christ, but in reality they have no >me to truly grow deeper in God as individuals and as families.

The authors present their research simply and clearly, include stories of Simple Churches and how they simplified, and offer a template for any church to follow, from analysis to design to implementa>on. Simple Church is packed with great insight and advice. In my opinion, Simple Church remains one of the most important prac>cal theology books of the past twenty years for the local church disciple-making process. I encourage you to read it and to apply it by cucng out every busy work program or “ministry” in your church that is not truly contribu>ng to the mission of the local church: Making beIer, deeper disciples of Jesus Christ.

REDEFINE SUCCESS and SIMPLIFY YOUR CHURCH: MOVING BACK TO A CHURCH THAT IS BIBLICAL and BASIC Slow Church: Cul,va,ng Community in the Pa,ent Way of Jesus, C. Christopher Smith and John Pa4son, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014, 246 pages.

Slow Church is a penetraCng examinaCon of how far the American church has moved away from the biblical model of paCence and relaConship, and how compromised it has become by the cultural model of speed and superficiality. In what the authors call the McDonaldizaCon of the church, they examine how the industrial values of efficiency, predictability, calculability (quanCfiable results), and control have pervaded all aspects of American church life. These values now drive most of the ministry philosophies and styles in the American church.

Smith and Pa4son carefully evaluate how our cultural values are destrucCve to genuinely biblical faith, life, and mission. One example is the “cult of speed” that worships speed of producCon regardless of quality or sustainability of result. Taking Cme and care, the authors integrate their examinaCon of such culturally engaged but biblically alien values and pracCces as plug-and-play programs, targeted markeCng, celebrity pastors, Cghtly scripted worship performances, corporate branding, and the idolizing of technology. The impact of values and pracCces that are oXen anCtheCcal to scriptural values and pracCces, is repeatedly seen to be culturally successful (in producing bodies, budgets, and buildings) but can only counterfeit the life of God’s kingdom. This is a beauCfully wriZen, incisive book that should be read be every pastor. It will open your eyes to see your culture and your church as they really are. I commend it to you.

The Pa,ent Ferment of the Early Church: The Improbable Rise of Chris,anity in the Roman Empire, Alan Kreider, Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016, 321.

In The Pa,ent Ferment of the Early Church, Alan Kreider carefully examines the life of the early church to discover the reasons for its growth. AXer first recognizing growth factors already idenCfied by other scholars, Kreider proceeds to describe four factors that powerfully fueled the growth of the early church.

First, paCence. ChrisCans from the New Testament forward wrote frequently, about paCence, calling it the greatest of all virtues. PaCence was not valued in Greco-Roman culture. ChrisCans believed God and Christ were supremely paCent, and that as individuals and as a church they should simply trust God and be paCent: “Not controlling events, not anxious or in a hurry, and never using force to achieve their ends.” ChrisCans paCently endured.

Second, habitus. ChrisCans believed that by embodying their faith in acCon (parCcularly paCence) they would win more people to faith in Christ than by any other way. ChrisCans wrote voluminously and preached successfully. However, they believed that paCently living out the virtues and teachings of their faith daily in their habitus would powerfully illuminate and underscore their proclamaCon.

Third, catechesis and worship. ChrisCans were far more diligent about catechesis – formaCon and teaching – that preceded bapCsm than were any other religions. They believed that “impaCent habits” were deeply ingrained in Greco-Roman society. It was essenCal for converts to have impaCence removed and replaced by the paCent character of Jesus. This required Cme to grow through relaConships with mentors. Then, the believers would be sustained by the powerfully formaConal worship of the church.

Fourth, ferment. Early ChrisCans believed that God’s “invisible power” filled their lives. “It was not suscepCble to human control, and its pace could not be sped up.” That fermenCng life of the Spirit transformed lives, families, and communiCes over Cme. Gradually, extended families and eventually ciCes were transformed as the ChrisCans incorporated all of these things into their lives through the decades.

Today’s church – our church – could learn much needed lessons from the early church. We desperately need deliverance from our addicCon to speed, thrill, crowd, experience, emoCon, and technology. We desperately need a return to paCence, habitus, catechesis, formaConal worship, and ferment.

This book is profoundly challenging to superficial ministry in a juvenile age. I highly recommend it.

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

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

MIN 123 The Local Church in Evangelism

MIN 251 Effective Leadership

MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry

October 3 October 3 October 10

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

March March March

September September September

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

Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning. We are committed to providing a Christian college education designed to equip the next generation to go into the world as influential servant leaders in their careers and their communities.

Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, FL phone: 800.500.8760

AGTS EU

VANGEL NIVERSITY

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

33801

Stay Out of the Ivory Tower!

I have seen churches of all sizes have a pastor who is isolated or living in an ivory tower. By ivory tower, I mean out of touch with the day to day lives and needs of the congrega;on. Perhaps because they were hurt in the past by a church member, are insecure in their leadership, or simply are feeling the burden of all that is expected of them they become isolated and lonely. They may feel jus;fied in their loneliness because they think that is normal, but the result is a disconnec;on from those they should be ministering to. They may feel their church is too large for them to know everyone so they don’t try. This can especially be true for pastors of larger churches where they have staff that takes care of most of the interpersonal responsibili;es and the pastor spends his ;me just preparing or planning. The only contact he has with the people is the fellowship ;me before or aEer service and an occasional visit or phone call. I submit you cannot pastor well and be isolated from your people. Here are some dangers of becoming too isolated.

1. Isolated leaders lose the benefit of encouragement and posi;ve feedback from those he or she is ministering to. While a pastor may receive superficial praise from his congrega;on, nothing takes the place of one on one encouragement.

2. Isolated leaders don’t receive necessary construc;ve cri;cism. If a minister is too isolated he may not see his blind side and not understand that he is not effec;vely leading his congrega;on. One professor, I had said, “If you are two steps ahead of your people you are a leader. If you are ten steps ahead you are a martyr”. Because no one leader is perfect, every leader needs to be challenged and held accountable, and that comes from listening and receiving posi;ve affirma;on and also construc;ve cri;cism.

3. Isolated leaders make unwise, un;mely, or not well thought out decisions. When you aren’t in sync with your congrega;on you can make a plan, run with it, and then crash and burn. Yes, it may be God’s will, but God also has a method and ;ming we may not see with our limited perspec;ve. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that plans fail for lack of counsel (Proverbs 15:22). An isolated leader won’t gain the perspec;ve necessary to lead well.

4. Isolated leaders don’t learn effec;vely. Leaders must con;nually learn, and leaders who are isolated greatly limit their learning, thus greatly limi;ng their effec;veness. Reading books, seeing the other ideas and plan other pastors have accomplished is all fine and good, but how does that relate to your congrega;on. You can’t effec;vely learn how to lead your people if you don’t know your people.

5. Isolated leaders may have a skewed view of reality. OEen we hear that we should preach and teach being aware of the context of Scripture and that is absolutely necessary. The same is true about knowing the context of your congrega;on; otherwise, you may lead in ways that are out of sync with reality.

Strive to be the pastor or leader that loves his people, knows his people, and takes great joy in leading his people. Our churches need pastors, not CEOs.

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

PASTORAL CHANGES

TRANSFERRED IN

CERTIFIED MINISTER

CENTENARY AG, LUVERNE E.C. RUSSELL

GARY E CORLEY (O) TARA A CORLEY (O) ERIC DANNER (O) MICHAEL A MASCHEK (C) LITTIA WOLFE (O)

JAMES, MORAN

LICENSED MINISTER

LIGHTHOUSE AG, UNION SPRINGS GLENN ADAM CARLEE

MARKUS BYRON HALEY HAYASKI JOHN M LARSEN

MOFFETT ROAD AG, MOBILE ERIC DANNER

DECEASED MILLARD PIPKIN STEVE O. WALKER

Remembering those…

Rev. Millard R. Pipkin

Millard R. Pipkin was born in Beaumont, MS, on January 12, 1929, and went home to his Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, at the Willard Care Center in Willard, MO. He shared 70+ years of his life with his beauKful wife Nellie (Workman) Pipkin.

He spent 45 years serving as a missionary for the Assemblies of God World Missions, with the majority of that Kme spent in Benin and Togo, West Africa. He built 2 Bible schools and numerous churches in Africa. In his younger years he even built parts of Southeastern University working on the administraKon building as well as the dormitories. Not only did he build up physical buildings for the kingdom, but he built the foundaKon of Christ in many hearts.

In Loving Memory…

Dr. Stephen O. Walker

Stephen O. Walker was born in Cullman, AL, on December 22, 1950, and went home to be with the Lord Monday, April 13, 2020. Chaplain Walker found his passion working with the inmates and staff at Bullock CorrecKonal Facility. He was the founder of Alabama Prison Ministry, President of Liberty Theological Seminary InternaKonal, Chaplain of Bullock Prison, Counselor to many churches and friends, Alabama District Home Missions Industrial and InsKtuKonal Chaplain of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Teacher/Professor in the Bible College and a very good friend. Those who know him will always remember his shield of strength and honor. They will remember the warrior a]tude with honor and integrity, and his love of history. Chaplain Walker o^en talked of honor, integrity, prayer, faith and being a warrior. He was uniquely designed by the Lord.

There are a lot more things that could be said about him and the accomplishments that he had a`ained. But Doctor Stephen Walker would say all the glory goes to the Lord Jesus Christ.

…who await us.

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

Lambert Lake