The
ALABAMA
MESSENGER
May/June 2018 Volume 32/Number 3
2018
ALABAMA AG KIDS CAMP Mark Sasser Camp 1 May 27 - 30 Camp 2 MAY 30 - JuNe 02
Annie & Scott Miller
Russell Smith
Camp 3 June 03 - 06 camp 4 June 06 - 09
camp 5 June 10 - 13 camp 6 June 13 - 16
get ready for the fun!!
SPRINGVILLE CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Applications and more at adcag.orG
334.279.7172 ext 4
EDWARD WILSON DISTRICT SECRETARY-TREASURER ewilson@adcag.org
Knowing Who You Are For the (irst time in over (ifty years I will be without a title. Pastor, executive director, district secretarytreasurer have been in front of my name since I was twenty years old. While I have enjoyed each assignment God has given me, it is now time to see if I have simply been in ministry or been truly dedicated to God because of who He is in me. Knowing who I have always been makes it an easy answer. God called me to serve Him in Christian faith. The other privileges and callings have just been bene(its I didn’t deserve. As a young man, God saw something in me others didn’t. His calling me to pastoral ministry was a welcomed surprise to me. I was willing to go and He found a place for me. The church on the hill wasn’t much to look at. Wrapped in black construction paper, the outside walls were showing the results wind and rain could cause. While the inside was better, it still remained a church that had closed for the third time. I had more titles in that church than I wish to list; however, God blessed and the old wood pews began to (ill with seekers in spite of my inexperience and immaturity. God was just looking for a willing vessel. The second church was not much better, but at least there was a resident congregation. The people were faithful and their willingness to follow resulted in growth. As interim pastor, I earned $25.00 per week. After election, the salary was 80% of the tithe. My (irst paycheck was $18.00. I had taken a $7.00 cut to become pastor. But God again was faithful. It wasn’t long until the attendance increased, along with the income. The third church was an old established Assembly of God that had grown from a one-room schoolhouse to a great brick building. With no debt, the church was primed for growth. One obstacle stood in the way: gas prices were high, if you could buy it, and many of the congregants lived as much as twenty-(ive miles away. At the end of a three-year ministry, the Lord had proven Himself more than enough by providing enough gas for the people to attend as many services as they wanted. The fourth church was looking like the best opportunity ever until President Jimmy Carter announced the closing of Craig Air Base. Over the next three years we saw 150 people come and go as they phased out the base. In the end, a church that had risen to 185 in attendance was reduced to 70 active worshipers. At the close of my ministry there we had seen attendance that challenged the seating capacity of the auditorium and a sweeping revival that touched a city. The (inal pastorate was one of unparalleled (inancial challenge. The congregation had moved into a much larger building, with an enormous debt. Many of those who were committed to the move chose to leave rather than stay and pay. The hard work and dedication of the faithful few saw the 20-year mortgage paid off in 12 years and nine months. Again, God had shown Himself faithful. Alabama Teen Challenge has been a ministry I supported since its inception as Birmingham Teen Challenge in 1972. It wasn’t a hard decision to move from pastoral ministry to direct this ministry. Men and women were depending on leadership. God once again blessed me by calling me to serve as executive director. My heart is still moved by the tremendous work of this ministry. Now I close out another ministry opportunity as I leave the of(ice of district secretary-treasurer. For sixteen years it has been my joy to serve the Alabama district. The experiences have been many; some pleasant and some hurtful, but all with the full knowledge of God’s ability to give answers. I am eternally grateful for the honor given me by my peers to serve this great district. But I must not lean on these ministries. I must not be prideful of the titles. I must never brag on the accomplishments. It was God who called me, equipped me, anointed and placed me. I have no right to take credit. I am just glad He saved me, so I can proudly hold the title of Christian. Now I move on to the next ministry where God will be just as faithful as before.
Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org We just concluded our 103rd Alabama District Council hosted by Pastor Greg & Ginger Kelley at Montgomery First AG. Pastor Kelley and his team did a phenomenal job hosting this council. It was one of the most anointed I’ve ever been a part of. Our theme was “Praying for the Impossible.” We deeply appreciate our committee chairmen and their teams that help make this council a success. During this council we returned Assistant Supt. John Loper, WM Director Cyndi Draughon, Assistant DMD David Wooten and Assistant DYD Matt Britt to office. We also elected four new officers. Dr. Michael Sharp was elected as the New District Secretary/Treasurer replacing Edward Wilson who was stepping down. Bro. Sharp was raised as a Pentecostal near Huntsville, Alabama. He graduated from UAH with a BS in Accounting, attended the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity, and Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, earning a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching. His work experience includes several years in construction, and 10 years as a programmer and systems analyst. His ministry experience includes over 25 years as a Lead Pastor, 15 years as Birmingham Sectional Presbyter, 11 years as District Assistant CE Director, 8 years as District CE Director, and service on many District committees for 32 years. In his last pastorate Michael led the church in growth, mothering an AfricanAmerican assembly, then relocating to a new property, new building, and large daycare. He is deeply committed to serving ministers and churches in discipleship, spiritual formation, continual education and equipping for service, particularly in reading the Bible well. He and Debra have two sons, Jonathan (Amanda) who is a church elder, musician, and CFO for a law firm, and Shaylon (Tabitha) who is an ordained AG minister and pastor. They have two grandchildren, Levi and Ellie. Pastor Vint Norris was elected to serve as the New Christian Education Director with Bro. Sharp moving to a new office. Bro. Vint was born and raised in Mobile Alabama. He attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where he met Kristi, his wife of 33 years. They have three children, Kellie, Melissa, and Elizabeth. Bro. Vint and Kristi have been in ministry together for 32 years serving in multiple ministry positions. Although calling himself a children’s pastor at heart, Pastor Vint has also served in youth ministry and as a lead pastor. They have served as Lead Pastors for 16 years at Orchard Assembly of God in Mobile Alabama before being elected. Bro. Vint has served in many leadership capacities across the Alabama District including most recently serving as the Assistant CE Director under the leadership Mike Sharp. Kristi currently serves as the Alabama District Girls Ministries Coordinator. Pastor George Sawyer was elected as the new General Presbyter replacing Pastor Johnny Jones who was stepping down. Bro. Sawyer is the founding Pastor of Calvary Assembly in Decatur, Alabama. Calvary Assembly is a church known for evangelism, community impact and diversity. Calvary meets on four campuses and includes two outreach Dream Centers. These Dream Centers house both a men's and women's Christian Recovery Center as well as feeding ministries and adult education classes. Pastor Sawyer serves as a Presbyter with the Assemblies of God and serves on several mission boards. Pastor Sawyer shared ministry in over 30 countries in Pastor's conferences and crusades. Rev. Tim Jones was elected as the new Assistant Christian Education Director replacing Pastor Vint Norris who was elected as DCED. He and Marcia are US Missionaries to Children and Children Leaders. Their ministry is NXTGEN Ministries. They have been in children’s ministry for over 30 years. Their heart is to raise up the Next Generation of leaders to do children’s ministry and to believe God can do the impossible. Bro. Tim attended Southeastern Bible College majoring in Christian Education and Children’s ministry. During their 30 years in ministry, they served Leeds Assembly of God in Leeds, AL for 8 years and New Life Church in Westover, AL for 22 years as Children’s Pastor. They have two children, Scott, who is a Youth Pastor 1st Assembly of God in Ozark, AL and Haley, who is a Children’s Pastor at Garywood Assembly of God in Hueytown, AL. We salute our outgoing officers, Edward Wilson and Johnny Jones, for their faithful and dedicated ministry to this Alabama family. We are excited as we step into God’s intended future for these new and returning officers as well as this wonderful Alabama AG family. Keep the Faith!
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Michael D. Sharp, D. Min. Christian Education Director
SATURDAY, August 18, 2018 Tennessee Valley - Hartselle First AG Birmingham - Garywood AG, Hueytown Montgomery - Bethel Worship Center, Wetumpka Dothan - Dothan First AG Mobile - Fountain of Life, Saraland MORE INF ORM AT ION COM ING TO YOU SOON !
ALABAMA JUNIOR BIBLE QUIZ FINALS
Top Quizzers Michael Trippe 1st Chloe Thomas 2nd
4K Montg. First AG 1st in State
Sunday School Tithe Jan - March 2018 The Crossing Lusk AG Faith AG Harper’s Joy AG Kingwood Life Church of the AG Montgomery First AG CenterPointe AG Holloway Tabernacle AG Haw Hill AG
450.00 232.00 169.90 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 149.59 139.67 123.00
Connected God Squad, Brewton 1st 2nd in State
BGMC Giving Jan - March 2018 Orchard AG Clearwater AG New Home AG, Wetumpka Jackson First AG Phenix City First AG Montgomery First AG Thompson Chapel AG Ozark First AG The Crossing Christian Life Church
10,318.63 4,162.41 1,760.00 1,352.77 1,300.00 1,163.40 1,109.06 1,068.85 1,000.00 1,000.00
Beyond
N . . . . . a ministry to all ages 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 Joil Marbut - 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 Josh Jones - Italy
ABOVE
BGMC Funds needed to purchase projector, P/A System, puppets, and other equipment and materials needed for ministry to the children of Italy.
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.
ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org
us & world missions
church planting & development
men’s ministry
MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND
MEN’S ENCOUNTER September 27-29, 2018
Rick Allen
David Strahan
COURAGE
2018 MEN’S ENCOUNTER 2018 Events are:
Golf Tournament
Skeet Shooting
Grill Competition
Fishing Tournament
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
WOF Motorcycle Ride
Gaming Competition
ALL NEW This year
Registration begins July 1st Pre-registration deposit due $50 per person
(Deposits are non-refundable)
Early Bird Registration —Cost $125.00 per person must be postmarked by August 31, 2018
After September 1—Cost $150.00 per person
To REGISTER online go to: https://mensencounter.typeform.com/to/wjOy5g Lodges are First Come First Serve Pre-registration deposit per man must be paid to hold Lodge rooms
CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT For more information visit: www.adcag.org
lftl
Thank you to all those who are faithful in your support of our missionaries!
The Alabama District gave $8,214,526.88 (This includes STL, BGMC, AGWM, LFTL, and AIM) Thank you for all those who support CP&D. We are grateful for your support as we look forward to the future of church planting in Alabama. Please visit us at: https://vimeo.com/ manage/albums/4039623 to view recent testimonies and highlights on church planting.
Thank you so much for supporting our building project for the Nepal Theological College! Please send in your funds as soon as you can so the project does not slow down. Make sure and send your faith promise to the Alabama District Office, attention Missions Department.
Alabama Men’s Ministry Missions Trip
Nepal 2019
DATES January 16-26, 2019 COST Approximately $2,490 PER MAN
This includes a Nepal City tour. Mt. Everest flyover will be optional with an extra charge of approximately $225.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call 334-279-7172 ext 5 or email ssowers@adcag.org
COMING 2019 Pastor’s Vision Trip to Africa Make plans now to join Rev. John Easter and Rev. Ken Draughon as they lead a Pastor’s Vision Trip to Africa. More information to come. If interested please contact the office at 334-279-7172 ext. 5 or email: ssowers@adcag.org
A 360Man is committed to living the Acts 2:42-47 principles, behaviors, and plans that God has given to each man regardless of background, vocation, life story, or calling. For more information, visit, http://360man.ag.org
Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon
for every woman...
Fall Retreat
Guest Speaker:
Deanna Shrodes
penn Florida Women’s director
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! Start spreading the word about Engage. Deanna
Shrodes, Penn Florida Women’s Director will be joining us as our guest speaker. She is a dynamic speaker and I know she will bring an incredible word to Alabama. Let me encourage you to begin making plans now to attend. Space is limited and we will fill up quickly!
Don’t miss out on: -workshops -painting party
-sisterhood event -powerful services
-great praise & worship -the shoppes at springville
Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris
her heart... her world... His purpose
JULY 17-20, 2018 Girls Camp is just around the corner. I can’t wait! We will be sending out the application packets this week. Check out the Coins for Kids page, and see what your girls can do with the missions challenge. See you soon!
Teen Girls Speaker
CRYSTAL MASON
Mpact Speaker
Annie Miller
FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL INFO@ADCAG.ORG OR CALL 334-279-7172, EXT. 6
Alabama Youth Ministries ALABAMAYOUTHMINISTRIES.COM
DISTRICT YOUTH DIRECTOR: STEVEN
A. MASON
EMAIL: DYDSEC@ADCAG.ORG
JAN-MARCH 2018
YOUTH GROUP
OFFERINGS PINEDALE, CLANTON- $500 SUMITON FIRST- $300 DOTHAN FIRST- $166 JACKSON FIRST- $150 MONTGOMERY FIRST- $150 EVANGEL, MONTGOMERY- $75 MOFFETT RD, MOBILE- $75 HANCEVILLE AG- $60 RISEN LIFE, COLUMBIANA- $50 ROBERTSDALE FIRST- $45 EL BETHEL, NEW BROCKTON- $40 TUSCALOOSA FIRST- $40
JAN-MARCH 2018
TOP TEN
MONTGOMERY FIRST- $6,669.49 PHENIX CITY FIRST- $4,200.00 VINCENT REVIVAL- $2,385.00 CHRISTIAN LIFE, ORANGE BEACH$2,108.00 MOFFETT ROAD, MOBILE- $1,843.32
We are very excited about Alabama Youth Camp 2018! We have four anointed speakers lined up, along with many games, activities, and powerful worship services! You do not want to miss bringing your students to the most exciting week of their summer. This summer we are transitioning to an online registration system. Information has been sent to your church, and it is also available online at alabamayouthministries.com. Please see our website or contact the AYM office for any questions you may have regarding online registration. We hope you can join us for an incredible time!
JACKSON FIRST- $1,592.25 SUMITON FIRST- $1,340.00 CENTERPOINT, MOBILE- $1,337.25 EL BETHEL, NEW BROCKTON$1,218.33 TANNER WILLIAMS, WILMER$1,143.89
2018 Scholarship Recipients Matthew Entsminger Kimberley Ewins Rebekah Fontanez Colton Frix Kelsey Hornsby Abigail Jernigan Gabrielle Joy Madison Leatherman Hannah Mason Camellia Matthes Scott Matthes Andrew Stall Ashlyn Strahan
Distance Ed. Church Ministry Church Ministry Superintendent’s Church Ministry Minister’s Dependent Church Ministry Minister’s Dependent Superintendent’s Minister’s Dependent Distance Ed. Church Ministry Superintendent’s
Northwest University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southeastern University Southwestern University Southwestern University Southeastern University Southeastern University
In Loving Memory… Rev. Billy J. Cotton went home to be with the Lord March 14, 2018 at the age of 71. services were held at Lakeview Memory Gardens March 19, 2018.
Funeral
Brother Cotton Transferred into the Alabama district from the Ohio district in 1984 as an ordained minister. He had previously served as pastor of Fellowship Assembly of God, Savannah, Georgia, First Assembly of God, Clifton, Virginia, First Assembly of God, Princeton, Virginia, and First Assembly of God, Stow, Ohio. He served as pastor in the following Alabama churches: El Bethel Assembly of God, New Brockton, Leeds Assembly of God, Leeds, and Temple Assembly of God, Clanton, Alabama. He completed his full-time ministry at Mt. Zion Assembly of God, Plant City, Florida. Brother Cotton is survived by his wife, Sheila, three sons, and four daughters. Rev. Billy W. Hall went home to be with the Lord February 24, 2018, at the age of 81. Funeral services were held at Leak Memory Chapel, Montgomery, Alabama, with Rev. Stephen Funderburk officiating. Brother Hall received a license to preach in 1966 and was ordained in 1968. His ministry consisted of serving as pastor of First Assembly of God, Tallassee, Faith Assembly of God, Montgomery, and was serving Trinity Assembly of God, Montgomery at the time of his death. He also did foreign missionary evangelism in India and worked among churches in the Georgia district. Brother Hall is survived by his wife, Lucille, and one son.
Ordination Candidates 2018 Summer Berry Janice Carney Jonathan DiQuattro William Einhorn Joshua Ellen Shelby Fulcher Cody Griggs Timothy Grimes Keith Hudson Kimberley Hughley Eric Johnson Patricia Kelley William Mansfield Raina McKnight Christopher Roberts Daniel Roberts Emilo Sanchez Lori Schmidt Joshua Sims Billy Smith Amy Whitfield
NEW MINISTERS BELSON, JOHN FOREST (L) (AUTUMN) 10407 US HWY 31 APT 725 SPANISH FORT, AL 36527 251-509-5543 ATWELL, CHESTER A., II (CM) (KATHERINE) 213 HOLLIS AVE NEWTON, AL 36352 334-618-5533 ATWELL, KATHERINE B. (CM) 213 HOLLIS AVE NEWTON, AL 36352 334-405-9044
For more information on upcoming events visit the Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God website at: www.adcag.org
Birmingham Andalusia Mobile Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Demopolis Birmingham Anniston Montgomery Tennessee Valley Demopolis Andalusia Dothan Dothan Mobile Baldwin Tennessee Valley Mobile Enterprise Monroeville Sylacauga
ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Kenneth Draughon District Superintendent John A. Loper, Jr. Assistant Superintendent Edward Wilson District Secretary-Treasurer
Christian Life Red Level City Church Chi Alpha, Alabama Chi Alpha, Alabama Butler First AG Vincent Revival Center New Seasons, Southside Bethel, Wetumpka New Life, Athens River of Life, Demopolis Sanford AG Newton First AG Newton First AG Knollwood AG Church of His Presence Calvary AG, Decatur Foreign Missionary Faith Christian Center Grace Way Fellowship
District Presbyters 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
DISTRICT MISSIONS/MEN’S DIRECTOR David Strahan
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Michael Sharp
Kenneth Draughon Johnny E. Jones Murray Kelley
DISTRICT YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon
2018 Course Schedule 2018 Course Schedule Level 2 Courses
Class Date Class Date
Level 1 Courses Level 1 Courses (Certified) (Certified)
January 6 January 6 January 6 January 6 January 20 January 20
Assemblies of God Assemblies of God History, Missions, History, Missions, and Governance and Governance
February 3 February 3 February 3 February 3 February 10 February 10
Christ in the Synoptic Christ in the Synoptic Gospels Gospels
March 10 March 10 March 10 March 10 March 17 Class Date March 17 April 14 January 6 April 14 April 14 January 6 April 14 April 28 January 20 April 28 May 19 February 3 May 19 May 19 February 3 May 19 May 26 February 10 May 26 August 4 March 10 August 4 August 4 March 10 August 4 August 11 March 17 August 11
New Testament New Testament Survey Survey
2018 Course Schedule
Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine Pentecostal Doctrine Level 1 Courses (Certified) Acts: The Work of Assemblies of God Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit History, Missions, the Holy Spirit and Governance
Level 3 Courses Level 3 Courses (Ordination) (Ordination)
Introduction to Theology: Prayer and Worship Introduction to Theology: Prayer and Worship A Pentecostal Perspective A Pentecostal Perspective
2018 Course Schedule Introduction to Old Testament
Old Testament Survey Survey Level 2 Courses (License)
Romans: Introduction to Theology: Romans: Justification by Faith A Pentecostal Perspective Justification by Faith
The Pentateuch The Pentateuch
The Corinthians The Corinthians Correspondence Correspondence Level 3 Courses (Ordination) The Poetic Books Prayer and Worship The Poetic Books
Prison Epistles Christ in the Synoptic Prison Epistles Gospels
Introduction to New Testament Introduction to Homiletics Survey Homiletics
Introduction to Introduction to Introduction to Hermeneutics Pentecostal Doctrine Hermeneutics
Eschatology Old Testament Eschatology Survey
Church Administration, The Corinthians Church Administration, Finance and Law Correspondence Finance and Law
Effective Leadership Romans: Effective Leadership Justification by Faith
Pastoral Ministry The Poetic Books Pastoral Ministry
September 8 April 14 September 8 September 8 April 14 September 8 September 8 April 28 September 8
The Local Church Acts: The Work of The Local Church in Evangelism the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
October 6 May 19 October 6 October 6 May 19 October 6 October 13 May 26 October 13
Relationships and Prison Epistles Relationships and Ethics in Ministry Ethics in Ministry
November 3 August 4 November 3 November 3 August 4 November 3 November 10 August 11 November 10
Level 2 Courses (License) (License)
Introduction to Hermeneutics
Preaching in the The Pentateuch Preaching in the Contemporary World Contemporary World
Conflict Management for Introduction to Preaching in the Conflict Management for Church Leaders Homiletics Contemporary World Church Leaders
Introduction to Eschatology Introduction to AG Missions AG Missions
Church Administration, Finance and Law
(Black denotes North Campus) Mt Olive You may contact Edward Wilson for more information. (Black denotes North Campus) Mt Olive You may contact Edward Wilson for more information. (Blue denotes Southeast Campus) Newton (334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org September 8 The Local Church Effective Leadership Pastoral Ministry (Blue denotes Southeast Campus) Newton (334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org (Red denotes Southwest Campus) Evergreen September 8 in Evangelism (Red denotes Southwest Campus) Evergreen Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org September 8 Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org
October 6 October 6 October 13
November 3 November 3
Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
Conflict Management for Church Leaders
Introduction to AG Missions
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. What… you only expect to hear that in December? Here at SCCC we are in our most wonderful time of the year. From the time school dismisses for the summer until it resumes in August, we are in “Camp Season”. It is that special time when about 5000 Assemblies of God students will be impacted by God while having the best week of summer. It is that time when our staff will completely turn the camp around 13 times in 8 weeks. It is that time when we will serve about 45,000 meals in that same time. It is that time when we are going 24/7. And we do all this because, it is that time which will change the world because these young people were touched by God, saved, filled and called to ministry. What we do is certainly worth it and it is worth it for you to do what it takes to get your kids to camp. Young people these days have more options than ever for activities. And more is vying for their attention than any other time in history. Please make it a priority to get your students to camp. “Camp Season” is never far from “Conference Season”. Now is the time to be thinking about and booking your fall, winter and even next spring retreats here at SCCC. Please let us help you make an impact in people’s lives for the Kingdom of God. There are a multitude of options available for your next retreat, conference or spiritual getaway. Give us a call today at: 205-629-6279. Many Blessings, Rev. Kevin Pierson Executive Director Springville Camp and Conference Center
Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God 5919 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36117