The Alabama Messenger November/December 2017 Volume 31/Number 6
EDWARD WILSON
DISTRICT SECRETARY‐TREASURER ewilson@adcag.org
A New Wind of the Spirit Needed: Comparing Ourselves to Ourselves The Assemblies of God was birthed by a new move of God’s Spirit among the holiness people. Spurned by the leadership of the denominations in which the Spirit fell, people gathered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1914 and agreed to form what is now the Assemblies of God. However, it was not without controversy. The debate of the day was centered around doctrine. Some questioned the initial physical evidence of the Holy Spirit baptism. Others preached against the Trinity. Others failed to see the value and biblical call of the women in ministry. I am sure some even wanted to debate the use of drugs and alcohol and smoking. Some even feared the possibility of a central governance model taking away the autonomy of the local church. Yet with all this debate, the Assemblies of God grew 297 percent from 1916 through 1936, twenty short years. Not only was there debate in these years, but there was the ending of World War I and the Great Depression. John and Elizabeth Sherrill, a Baptist couple, authored the book, They Speak with Other Tongues, during the Charismatic Renewal of the sixties and seventies to disprove the initial physical evidence doctrine. It is interesting to note that the authors were baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. They found while researching for this book that the 297 percent increase was valid. In 1968 a Blue Ribbon Committee was commissioned by General Superintendent T.F. Zimmerman to study the slow growth that had developed. The committee’s report defined the mission of the Council in the world was to prepare the Fellowship for evangelism. With the renewed emphasis on evangelism the Council began to see substantial growth, while gaining national and world recognition. Again, the debates were ongoing but the Fellowship looked beyond the immediate and saw the lost and dying of the world. Now to the twenty‐first century. The debate of the initial physical evidence is still happening. The fear of a denominational takeover is still a pressing thought in the minds of some. Some are still pushing the smoking and drinking issue. Debate will continue until Jesus comes. My question is, when will we quit allowing the devil to stress us out on a few issues while evangelism is being lost? My solution may be too simplistic, but what if we quit comparing ourselves to others and began comparing ourselves to ourselves? I praise the Lord for our annual reports, reflecting growth. But should we be satisfied with a less that 2% annual growth when we know we have done so much better. The annual reports will come out comparing our growth with the growth or decline of other denominations. That may make us look good, but if we compare ourselves with ourselves (1916‐1936) we will or should be disappointed. There are a multiplicity of reasons or excuses for low growth, but the truth is, we are not “looking unto the fields” and we are often not going into our world with a true presentation of the gospel as the Great Commission demands. I can’t find where the Bible recognizes a time when there will be a lack of interest in His word; however, I do find where there will come a time that there will be a “famine” of the word. We are living in crisis times. People are looking for answers to life’s questions. They are desperately looking for hope. They are looking for a word – The Word – to show them how to live in a depressed age. We have it. We must share it. During the upcoming holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas, let me encourage you to “Let your light so shine before the world that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Ask God to allow you to walk in anointing, authority, and power so when an evangelism opportunity comes you will be ready.
Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org
A Time To Reflect… When we stop and think about everything that we are blessed with we can only be THANKFUL. I love what the apostle Paul had to say about that. Philippians 4, “11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” There it is—HE gives us the strength.
Thanksgiving is a time of the year that should bring us to the place where we realize that everything that we have comes from one source—God! When we confess Him with our mouths and believe Him with our hearts we come to the proper attitude that we need to have in order to worship Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we read, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: It is time for the church to worship God the way He alone deserves to be worshipped. Lord, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
In the spirit of this book and chapter let me suggest that this is a TIME TO REFLECT. Psalm 100:3, “Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” The word “Know” in verse 3 means to ascertain by seeing. You aren’t just called to know about God, but you are told that you can see for yourself that the LORD is God. In 1 Kings 18, as Elijah fought against the prophets of Baal he told the people that the God who answers by fire, He is God. The people of Israel ascertained by seeing to the power of God as the sacrifice, the wood, the water and the dirt beneath it were consumed by fire. You see we are called not just to know about Him but also to experience Him. It is he who made us, and we are his. In Acts 17:24-28, “24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Everything that we are, everything that we do, everything that we have has been ordained by a loving God. He is the creator. We are His creation. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Please take the TIME to REFLECT upon God’s goodness to us and be THANKFUL. We are wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and a very meaningful Christmas.
Alabama Youth Ministries ALABAMAYOUTHMINISTRIES.COM
DISTRICT YOUTH DIRECTOR: STEVEN
A. MASON
EMAIL: DYDSEC@ADCAG.ORG
JAN-OCT 2017
YOUTH GROUP
OFFERINGS ATMORE FIRST- $1500 DOTHAN FIRST- $580 JACKSON FIRST- $500 MONTGOMERY FIRST- $500
FOREIGN AIM TRIP
PINEDALE, CLANTON- $500
MAY 28-JUNE 6, 2018 /// COST: $1,880 with Missionaries Nelson & Amy Lugo
MOFFETT RD, MOBILE- $225
NEW YORK CITY N E W
EVANGEL, MONTG.- $250
SUMITON FIRST- $225
Y O R K
TUSCALOOSA FIRST - $200
S TAT E S I D E A I M T R I P
JULY 21-27, 2018 /// COST: $1,150
with New York School of Urban Ministry
HANCEVILLE AG $180
JAN-OCT 2017
GIVING
APPLICATIONS MUST BE TURNED IN BY DEC. 31, 2017 —SPACE IS LIMITED AND MAY FILL UP BEFORE THIS DATE—
fine arts workshop
02.10.18
AIM2018
SEE YOUR YOUTH LEADER FOR AN APPLICATION OR VISIT ALABAMAYOUTHMINISTRIES.COM
TOP TEN CHURCHES PHENIX CITY FIRST $22,800.00 MONTGOMERY FIRST $16,624.03 DOTHAN FIRST $12,200.00 MADISON ASSEMBLY $11,163.85 JACKSON FIRST $11,163.41 OZARK FIRST $10,000.00 GARYWOOD, HUEYTOWN $9,802.52 NEWTON FIRST
$9,339.00
Merry Christmas from The Masons
BETHEL, ARITON
$8,311.18 LIFE CH., RAINBOW CITY $7,883.04
WEEK 1 SPEAKER
WEEK 2 SPEAKER
John Dougherty
Steve Tripp
GEORGIA DYD
WISCONSIN DYD
THURSDAY, January 4 Sections: Anniston/Sylacauga Lunch Banquet at WESTERN SIZZLIN, OXFORD (12 PM) Reps: Daniel Everhart # 256-499-1166 or Seth Jones # 256-276-0799 THURSDAY, January 4 Sections: Birmingham/Tuscaloosa Dinner Banquet at GARYWOOD, HUEYTOWN (7 PM) Reps: Paul Turner # 205-260-7229 or Jon Delmark # 503-442-8430 FRIDAY, January 5 Sections: Tennessee Valley/Cullman Youth Rally at HARTSELLE FIRST (7 PM) Reps: Anthony Martin # 256-366-3547 or Eric Nail #205-837-0741 SATURDAY, January 6 Section: Baldwin Youth Rally at CHRISTIAN LIFE, FOLEY (6 PM) Rep: Matthew Baker # 925-698-2236 TUESDAY, January 9 Sections: Andalusia/Monroeville Youth Rally at APPLETON, BREWTON (7 PM) Reps: Terry Rowell # 251-363-7715 or Ray Bundy # 334-406-6721 WEDNESDAY, January 10 Section: Phenix City Youth Rally at PHENIX CITY FIRST (6:30 PM CST/7:30 PM EST) Rep: Jimmy Ginn # 334-663-1091
MONDAY, January 15 Section: Montgomery Dinner Banquet at MONTGOMERY FIRST (7 PM) Rep: Aaron Argo # 205-272-0509 TUESDAY, January 16 Section: Dothan Lunch Banquet at OLD MILL, DOTHAN (12 PM) Rep: Bart Lindsey # 334-797-9487 TUESDAY, January 16 Section: Enterprise Dinner Banquet at CHANCELLOR ASSEMBLY (7 PM) Rep: Scotty Jones # 334-733-9432 WEDNESDAY, January 17 Section: Demopolis Youth Rally at BUTLER FIRST (7 PM) Rep: Jimmy Watson # 205-742-8665 THURSDAY, January 18 Section: Mobile Dinner Banquet at MOFFETT ROAD, MOBILE (7 PM) Rep: TBA - call AYM Office # 334-279-7172 x.3
STEVE MASON ALABAMA DYD
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Michael D. Sharp, DMin District CE Director
WATCH for what’s coming up!
Discipleship Sunday School Small Groups Children’s Ministries BGMC Junior Bible Quiz Royal Rangers Alabama Kids Camps Senior Adult Ministries
BGMC
SPECIAL PROJECTS $ needed FOR: Charles Hasselbring 007-002 020615-1
Tom McLane 007-002 020976-7
Phil Schmidt 007-002 020788-6
A MINISTRY TO EVERY CHURCH ….AND EVERY PERSON
msharp@adcag.org
2018 Children’s Leaders Retreat in The Smokies! Once again, the annual Children’s Leaders Retreat will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Weds. Jan. 17 thru Sat. 20.
We enjoy so much, the fellowship, making new friends, and deepening existing friendships, and look forward to seeing you!
This year we return to the normal format. This will be a time of previewing new children’s ministry materials, sharing personal life stories, a time of teaching, and time for just having fun!
This year we would like to have a meeting and day in Cades Cove, weather permitting. Bring some warm clothing! Highs normally in upper 40’s.
Spirit of the Smokies Condo and Lodge 865-453-0307 CODE AAG18 to secure room(s).
2018 CE DEER HUNT - Jan. 4-6 Wondering what to give someone for Christmas? PUSHMATAHA PLANTATION where there is over 16,000 acres of lush wildlife habitat managed to ensure every hunter has an opportunity to harvest game. Call 205-459-5739 to register. Sponsored by Pastor Scottie Fulcher and Butler First AG.
BGMC Pheasant Hunt
success! THANK YOU Mark Sasser for the great job you did serving as coordinator!
nce e r e f f i ngad i k a m #
To those churches who sent a Discipleship Dollar Day offering to help further discipleship, we give a big…….
THANK YOU! “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
2 Timothy 2:2
BGMC January 2017 Orchard AG……….……….…………………$34,456.71 Clearwater AG…………………………………25,389.69 Montgomery First AG………………………….9,958.44 Phenix City First AG……………………………6,800.00 Life Church of the AG ………………………..4,433.00 Thompson Chapel AG………………………….4,152.28 Pleasant Grove First AG………………………4,124.56 Jackson First AG………………………………..3,925.75
SS Tithe January 2017 Atmore First AG………………………...…...$1000.00 Harper’s Joy AG………………………………….675.00 Faith AG…………………………………………….562.00 Kingwood AG……………………………………...450.00 The Crossing……………………………………...450.00 Montgomery First AG…………………………...450.00 Creola AG…………………………………………..392.00 Evangel Church…………………………………..335.33
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
May we recommit to give our all, The Sharp Family
Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon
for every woman... FINDING JOY! I would like to encourage each of you to remember what this season is all about. Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas? For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmas time when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some. Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child. During this Christmas season, I challenge each of you to find JOY in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
New Women’s Ministry Theme for 2017 “We are called to this voyage and invited to relish every moment of it with the One who spoke the seas into existence and breathed life into our infant lungs. Listen for a moment. Do you hear the sound of His voice singing over you, beckoning you to join Him in the journey? It’s time to put out to sea with your Captain and let the wind of His Spirit fill your sails. Will you trust Him to lead the way? Will you trust Him to navigate safely through the storms? Will you trust Him for the journey? Your voyage awaits . . .”
Merry Christmas from the Alabama Women’s Ministries Department!
Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris
her heart... her world... His purpose What is Girls Ministries All About? Girls Ministries church-based discipleship program has a legacy of godly women coming alongside girls, guiding them on a path to become mature and godly women. Our goal is simple: To see every girl moving toward a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, and to realize her importance and potential in the kingdom of God. What Makes Girls Ministries Different? Girls Ministries discipleship program is the premier program for preschool through high school girls in the world. No other girls ministry program has our variety of activities, focused discipleship track, or a 60-plus-year proven track record of helping girls become confident, godly women who are leaders in the church, home, and world. Why Gender-Specific? Research shows girls learn more quickly and deeply when they are taught by a role model. Girls need a real-life example. When a girl understands what it means to be a godly woman, she aspires to the design that God intended. A single-gender classroom has many benefits, but the greatest of these is for a girl to feel safe and secure in her discovery of who God intended her to be. Join the Club: If you're looking for a girls ministry that seamlessly weaves fun and biblical training together, Girls Ministries Girls Clubs are for you! Your girls will get: • Adventures, activities, and games that show them how discovering God's Word is fun! • Lessons in valuable life skills from sportsmanship and integrity, to cooking and outreach. • One-on-one help in choosing actions, attitudes, and behaviors that please God. The Bottom Line: Relationships Girls encounter difficult situations as they grow up. By intentionally fostering relationships between girls and leaders through Girls Clubs, you can create a safe environment for girls to discuss issues they face and get godly counsel. Most importantly, Girls Ministries Girls Clubs show each girl that God loves her and wants a relationship with her.
ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org
us & world missions
church planting & development
men’s ministry
lftl
2017 Light for the Lost Banquet Tour Guest Speaker: Rick Allen, National LFTL Director Section
Church
Date
Time
Anniston
Life Church AG, Rainbow City
10/29
6:00 PM
Montgomery
Life Chapel, Wetumpka
10/30
7:00 PM
Phenix City
First Assembly of God, Phenix City
11/2
6:30 PM CST 7:30 PM EST
Monroeville
Appleton Assembly of God, Brewton
11/3
7:00 PM
Birmingham
New Life Assembly of God, Westover
11/5
6:00 PM
Dothan
Harper's Joy Assembly of God, Dothan
11/6
7:00 PM
Enterprise
First Assembly of God, Enterprise
11/7
7:00 PM
Cullman
Freedom Assembly of God, Jasper
11/9
7:00 PM
Andalusia
Westview Assembly of God, Opp
11/10
7:00 PM
Mobile
Creola Assembly of God, Mobile
11/13
7:00 PM
Baldwin
Foley Assembly of God
11/14
7:00 PM
Tennessee Valley
Madison Assembly of God
11/16
7:00 PM
Demopolis
River of Life, Demopolis
11/17
7:00 PM
Tuscaloosa
First Assembly of God, Tuscaloosa
11/20
7:00 PM
Sylacauga
First Assembly of God, Ashland
11/21
7:00 PM
Thank you so much for supporting our project for the Nepal Theo College Women’s Dorm. We are still needing approximately $40,000.00 in faith promises to complete the project. If you have not made a faith promise, we would love for you to join us. 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.
2017 MEN’S ENCOUNTER
Visit http://www.adcag.org/downloads to listen/download the messages.
#ACTLIKEMEN
2017 Highlights • • • • • • •
405 men in attendance 85 men joining with us from Alabama Teen Challenge 38 men were Baptized in the Holy Spirit in the Thursday night service Dozens more Baptized in the Holy Spirit during our Friday night service Several Saved and Rededicated 122 men attended the Men’s Leaders meeting Activities: grilling, golf, skeet shooting, ping pong, pool, basketball, FCF Village, gaming competition, fishing, and a motorcycle ride
Mark your calendar to join us next year for MEN’S ENCOUNTER 2018: September 27-29; Guest Speaker: Pastor Choco De Jesus
ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
Section Andalusia Anniston Baldwin Co Birmingham Cullman Demopolis Dothan Enterprise Mobile Monroeville Montgomery Phenix City Sylacauga Tennessee Valley Tuscaloosa
Executive Committee District Superintendent Kenneth Draughon Assistant District Superintendent John A. Loper, Jr. District Secretary‐Treasurer Edward Wilson General Presbyters Johnny Jones Murray Kelley Presbyters at Large District Youth Director Steven Mason District Christian Education Director Michael Sharp District Missions/Men’s Director David Strahan Presbyter Assistant Presbyter Secretary George L Arnett
Lane Simmons
Ray Bundy
Marty Phillips
Joe Simmons
Keith Frix
Michael Lynn
Ferron Smith
Judd Sessions
David Wooten
Clark White
Tommy Conner
Michael Joyner
Gary Salter
Jack Thorn
Scottie Fulcher
Jimmy Watkins
Jeff Walters
Eddie Littlefield
Thomas Harrison
Tommy Giddens
James F Smith Sr.
Dwight Johnson
Scott Crooms
Jerry Jenkins
Vint Norris
David Edwards
Jeff Scurlock
Russ McDonald
Charles (Chuck) Morris
Randy Reid
Greg Kelley
Jim Ingram
Barry Danner
Tony Willis
Boyd Cochran
Keith Jones
Michael Waldrop
Seth Jones
George Sawyer
David Kelley
Jesse White
Charles Lenn
Chad Payne
Darryl Ballew
2018 Course Schedule Class Date
Level 1 Courses (Certified)
January 6 January 6 January 20
Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance Christ in the Synoptic Gospels Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit Prison Epistles
February 3 February 3 February 10 March 10 March 10 March 17 April 14 April 14 April 28 May 19 May 19 May 26 August 4 August 4 August 11
Introduction to Hermeneutics
Eschatology
Church Administration, Finance and Law
The Local Church in Evangelism
Effective Leadership
Pastoral Ministry
Conflict Management for Church Leaders Introduction to AG Missions
September 8 September 8 September 8
October 6 October 6 October 13
Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
November 3 November 3 November 10
Level 2 Courses Level 3 Courses (License) (Ordination) Introduction to Theology: Prayer and Worship A Pentecostal Perspective New Testament The Pentateuch Survey Old Testament The Corinthians Survey Correspondence Romans: The Poetic Books Justification by Faith Introduction to Preaching in the Homiletics Contemporary World
(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 (Red denotes Southwest Campus) Evergreen Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org
ADDRESS CHANGES CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD 4839 CALVARY BLVD DECATUR AL 35671 MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35603 (256) 355-7440 PASTOR: GEORGE H. SAWYER DECATUR DREAM CENTER 312 8TH ST SW MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35601 PASTOR: GEORGE SAWYER LAWRENCE COUNTY DREAM CENTER 1167 CO RD 265 TOWN CREEK AL 35672 MAIL: PO BX 5370 DECATUR AL 35601 PASTOR: MITCHELL HALLMARK LEE, JOSEPH (O) (ANGELA) 1501 KNOLLWOOD DR MOBILE AL 36609 251-714-9518 LEWIS, KEVIN W.(O) (AMY) 2410 COFFEEVILLE RD JACKSON AL 3654 251-246-4736 McLANE, TOM AND MARLA (O) 625 S. KICKAPOO AVE SPRINGFIELD MO 65804 PASTORAL CHANGES REV JOE LEE KNOLLWOOD A/G REV KEVIN LEWIS JACKSON FIRST A/G NEW MINISTERS JONES, JACOB A. (CM) (MADISON) 11173 HIGHGATE DR W IRVINGTON AL 36544 251-581-4063 PETTIS, REGINA (O) (STEVE) 305 BRIARWOOD CT BAY MINETTE AL 36507 334-695-8570 MINISTER TRANSFERRED IN MANLEY, JOSHUA E (L) 7278 CAHABA VALLEY RD APT 437A BIRMINGHAM AL 35242 205-742-8610 FROM THE SO MISSOURI DISTRICT
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 GENERAL PRESBYETERS Kenneth Draughon Johnny E. Jones Murray Kelley 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 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Michael Sharp DISTRICT MISSIONS/ MEN’S DIRECTOR David Strahan DISTRICT YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason DISTRICT WOMEN'S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon
Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God 5919 Carmichael Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Merry Christmas from Springville Camp & Conference Center