White Wing Messenger August 2011

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Contents w w w w Bringing honor to the WORD by the printed word, the White Wing Messenger strives to inspire Christian thought and practice as it imparts the “good news” of the Gospel while serving the connectivity needs of our church community.

August 2011 • Volume 88, Number 2

Calendar of Events For more information, visit www.cogop.org unless otherwise noted August 12–16, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Zimbabwe

page 9

Ministries 10 CBL Upcoming Schedules 12 SOPAS International 16 Global Outreach of CBL SOPAS page 13

21 CIMS Facts 24 LDI 2011 Reflection

Features

26 Children’s: Delegating the Young Harvest

6 Come Holy Spirit Be Our Guide

by Hector Ortiz

9 Impact of CBL SOPAS in Latin America

by Elias Rodriguez

Editorials 4

13 Prayer: A Life Attitude of Dependence

by Adrian Varlack, Sr.

18 Leadership Development and the Great Commission

by H. E. Cardin

22 Leadership with Insatiable Curiosity

by Don Brock

Facing Forward: Leaders like Paul

by Randall E. Howard, General Overseer

31 Messages: He Is with Us

by DeWayne Hamby, Managing Editor

Updates 5

News: Here & There

28 Local/State/International News In His Presence

Visit us online—www.whitewingmessenger.org

White Wing Messenger Editorial Board: Londa Richardson, Chair; Daniel Chatham; Hanny Vidal; Cervin McKinnon; Perry Horner; Tapio Sätilä; Shaun McKinley; and Adrian Varlack

Executive Editor/Publisher: R. E. Howard, Managing Editor: DeWayne Hamby, Copy Editor: Marsha Robinson, Editorial Assistant: Pamela Praniuk, Graphic Artists: Perry Horner and Sixto Ramirez, International Offices (423) 559-5100, and Subscriptions (423) 559-5114 Please submit all material to the White Wing Messenger; Managing Editor; P. O. Box 2910; Cleveland, TN 37320-2910; phone (423) 559-5128; e-mail us at Editorial@cogop.org.

August 25–28, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Europe (Spanish)—Spain August 25–28, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Europe (English)—Bulgaria September 1–4, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Europe (English/Spanish)—London September 7–11, 2011 Children’s Ministry Training Argentina children.cogop.org

September 8–11, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Paris, France September 14–16, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Bolivia September 14–17, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Alabama September 18–23, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Freeport, Bahamas September 22–25, 2011 Institute of Children’s Ministry Ridgecrest, NC children.cogop.org

White Wing Messenger (ISSN 0043-5007) (USPS 683-020) is published monthly as the official publication of the Church of God of Prophecy, 3750 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN. Send all materials for publication to Editorial Department; PO Box 2910, Cleveland, TN 37320-2910; e-mail: editorial@cogop. org, fax: (423) 559-5121. For subscription rates, visit wwm.cogop.org; call (423) 559-5114; e-mail: subscriptions@cogop.org. Subscription rate: $18.00 per year, payable to White Wing Messenger by check, draft, or money order.

Periodical postage paid at Cleveland, TN 37311 and at additional mail office.

Donations for the White Wing Messenger may be sent to the above address.

All scripture references are from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to White Wing Messenger, PO Box 2910, Cleveland, TN 37320-2910.

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Leaders like Paul Leadership is in vogue today. There are few topics more popular in secular business circles or in ministry circles than reading a new book or article on that subject. Nearly everyone has heard of John Maxwell, one of my favorite speakers and authors on leadership, and most in ministry circles have read one of his books. I first met him when he came to an evangelism conference for pastors in the Church of God of Prophecy in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1986. Leadership development was the rising star then, and it is still riding the wave of popular demand today.

The second letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, is a wonderful, personal letter from Paul about leadership in ministry. Paul’s words are quite different from the concepts often delivered today. I am not saying that today’s precepts are off target, but I do believe we could all benefit from hearing his heart and passion as he wrestled with real pastoral and ministry leadership issues. Paul touches on familiar themes in 2 Corinthians.

Ministry Under Pressure—Paul writes transparently about the afflictions and tensions that surround him and his ministry to the Corinthians. How many pastors would not identify with these concepts in their personal ministry experience? Paul shares that he has experienced suffering due to his life devoted to the call of God and the Gospel. At one point, he gives a catalogue list (chapter 11) that would surpass almost any leader: three times beaten with rods, once stoned and left for dead, etc. Also, through the letter, we sense the tension that has built up between the apostle and his spiritual children in Corinth. Paul even tells of one affliction given to him by God after his marvelous heavenly vision.

Through all of this, Paul returns to the timeless truth that God speaks to him in chapter 12 and verse 9, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Those words have brought encouragement to multitudes, especially to ministry leaders experiencing affliction. In the fire of any trial, we have this assurance that God’s grace is sufficient.

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Purpose for Affliction—Paul knows that God has a purpose for all that he encounters.

With God, there is nothing lost through coincidence or accident. Paul can see the purpose in the sufferings he mentions in chapter one. He says, “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God that raises from the dead” (v. 9).

Paul recognizes that suffering always pushes us back to a stance of complete trust in God, and he recognizes this is God’s great purpose in allowing afflictions. This is a key theme. It is articulated excellently in chapter 3, “And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (vv. 4, 5). As ministers we know that our work can only be accomplished through God’s presence working in us.

Treasure in Clay Pots—Paul uses this illustration to highlight the power and beauty of suffering for the glory of God. In chapter 4, he writes, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (v. 7). He goes on with the powerful assurances, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (v. 8) Recent visitors were telling the Corinthians that an apostle of Christ ought to be glorious and triumphant. They were even so bold as to say that Paul, with all of his suffering, did not portray the glorious calling that an apostle should. No doubt, pastors feel this way at times.

But in response to this, Paul pointed to Christ as his model, who humbled Himself and surrendered to mistreatment and the suffering of the cross so that God’s will may be done.

Pastors, as we glean all the leadership skills possible today, perhaps we can balance it all with the “suffering servant” perspective of Paul in 2 Corinthians.

South Carolina Church Lends a Hand The East Clemson Christian Fellowship church recently had a newcomer enter its doors for the worship service. He sat quietly in the back, and it wasn’t until much later that anyone noticed he was sitting in a wheelchair.

The following week, he came again. This time, he moved himself a little closer to the front of the church. He sang and worshipped and was so happy to be among us as we were just as glad to have him.

After the service, our deacon, Rick Merck, in fellowshipping with the newcomer, found out he had rolled his wheelchair from across the road. He and his wife had moved there a while earlier and he was choosing a church to attend.

When Rick found out that he had to come from his home, across the street and up a hill, and did not have a ramp to get down from his porch, he announced on a Wednesday night that he wanted to build him a ramp. In just a few minutes, money was given and a group of men had volunteered to meet on Thursday afternoon to start building. Within two hours, the ramp in the picture was finished and Bruce, his wife, Karen, and the men began to pray God’s blessings on his home.

Praise God for people who will listen to the voice of God and answer, and for those who are willing to follow to get the job done.

—Betty Fisher

Becoming an “Irresistible Church” Wayne Cordeiro, founder and senior pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii, has examined traits of churches that attract new members in The Irresistible Church (Bethany House Publishers).

What caused you to write The Irresistible Church? What was the need?

People in America have been polled as being spiritual but not religious.

This tells me that they are interested in God, not necessarily in church. The church was always designed to be the resplendence of God, a preview of heaven. However, the church is not being perceived that way.

What do you mean by “irresistible?”

I enumerate twelve markings of an irresistible church, but these may not be what most would think of. I wanted to describe a church that isn’t necessarily irresistible to people, but a church that is irresistible to heaven! One that God uses to bring revival. It is a church that causes God to say, “I just can’t help but be involved with this church!” or “I just can’t help but bless this church!” That is an irresistible church.

USER’S STUDY 22% people from high school

10% coworkers

12% extended family

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8% immediate family

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9% college friends

2%

According to a June 16 report from the Pew Research Center, 79% of adults surveyed said they used the Internet and 59% said they use at least one form of social media (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.). The number has doubled since a sampling from 2008. Facebook also allows people to “revive” dormant relationships.

The sampling divided the average Facebook user’s friend list to the following:

One of the traits you describe is that “an irresistible church connects everything to a soul.” Please explain.

7% people from voluntary groups

30% Unclassified

—Source: “Social Networking Sites and Our Lives,” Pew Research Center, June 16, 2011

Join the White Wing Facebook page at www.facebook.com/whitewingmessenger

This means that every function of the church is connected to the mission of somehow, somewhere, saving the lost and helping people grow in faith. We cannot settle for being a community of people who rally around any other cause.

In the second chapter, you talk about a church that remembers who she is.

What do you mean by that?

We have so many great models in our country of churches that are doing well, but the down side of the social media and instant information is that we begin to compare ourselves with one another continued on page 28

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Feature

This article is dedicated to the proposition that divine guidance is critical in God’s kairos.

The Greek term kairos generally denotes God intervening in human history in a special and significant manner in order to fulfill His will and purpose.1 I believe that the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) is experiencing a kairos moment in its history. A primary rationale for this view is how this group of believers, during a time of great transition, has grown from a worldwide membership of 260,000 in 1990 to 1.4 million in 2011.

God’sinkairos a time for

This article is dedicated to the proposition that divine guidance is critical God’siskairos. deep introspection that would foster humility The Greek term kairos generally denotes God intervening in human history in a special and and1not arrogance.

I am thankful that the significant manner in order to fulfill His will and purpose.

I believe that the Church of God COGOP embraced the humility of for prayer of Prophecy (COGOP) is experiencing a kairos moment in itshas history.

A primary rationale of its core values.

A kairosfrom visitation this view is how this group of believers, during a timeasofone great transition, has grown a caninbring it can worldwide membership of 260,000 in 1990 to 1.4 million 2011.great God’sblessings, kairos is but a time for also include reversals. deep introspection that would foster humility and not arrogance. I am thankful that the COGOP has embraced the humility of prayer as one of its core values. A kairos visitation can bring great blessings, but it can also include reversals.

Héctor Ortiz, D. Min. Cleveland, Tennessee

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Behold, Kairos Reversals: The Story of Hezekiah

As children of God, we are graciously admonished that Biblical examples “. . . are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The story of Hezekiah’s illness, deliverance, and tragic ending are glaring, biblical examples of a kairos reversal.

Hezekiah, due to a serious illness, received a prophetic word to set his house in order because he was going to die. His prayer to the Lord was one of humility and supplication. “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes. And Hezekiah wept bitterly” (Isaiah 38:3 NIV). The second prophetic word was that the petition for deliverance from death was granted with a kairos gift of adding 15 years to his life. The kairos gift also included a promise of divine intervention in delivering Jerusalem from the hand of the Assyrian king (vv. 4-6). The promise of deliverance was confirmed by “I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz” (v. 7 NIV).

Great victories that ride the waves of deliverance can also lead into a euphoric state that can lessen the sense of discernment. As the story of Hezekiah’s deliverance unfolds, a second reversal was pending, when the “envoys” of Babylon arrived to ask Hezekiah “about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land” (2 Chronicles 32:31 NIV).

When one is in a euphoric state, some serious unresolved issues can arise when critical decisions have to be made. The envoys from Babylon came on an exploratory mission to determine what Hezekiah possessed, which was more than great riches. Hezekiah also possessed a heart that had trouble with pride (2 Chronicles 32:25, 26).

Although, Hezekiah had repented of the pride of his heart, it appeared he had dormant pride, for in a euphoric state of complacency, “. . . God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart” (v. 31 NIV).

The primary root of the Hebrew word yada (know) is “ascertained by seeing.”2 When God departs from one, the real person stands up. Actions reveal the heart. The second reversal was pronounced by another prophetic word by Isaiah “And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (Isaiah 39:7 NIV). Arrogance and pride are kin to self-centeredness and they go before a fall.

Hezekiah’s words in response to the reversal of good fortune were amazing for “. . . he thought, there will be peace and security in my lifetime” (Isaiah 39:8 NIV). In kairos visitation, reversal can be negative or positive. When divine intervention arrives, it does not only affect the present generation, but it becomes trans-generational.

In essence, Hezekiah was willing to sacrifice the future on the altar of the present. What price glory!

Kairos Discernment

“Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple” (Malachi 3:1 NIV). “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4 NIV). The greatest kairos visitation was the arrival of the incarnate Son of God, Christ Jesus who was announced prophetically in the canonical text. Israel was not ignorant of the prophetic words of the coming of the Messiah, but kairos visitation without the Holy Spirit is a formula for tragic results.

It is interesting to see how in the Lucan corpus the author posits the essential elements of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A graphic example of the need for discerning guidance by the Holy Spirit is when Christ visits the temple.

A certain Simeon, a righteous and devout person who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, to whom it was revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he would see the Lord’s Christ come to

the temple, “Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts” and took the Christ child in his arms and stated, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people” (Luke 2:27, 30 NIV). What did Simeon see? There was no visible miracle that the Christ child was performing. There was no outward manifestation that the text reveals.

In kairos discernment one sees and senses what others miss.

In like manner, a second witness of the Christo-kairos visitation is recorded in the person of Anna the prophetess who “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying, which also, “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38 NIV). What did Anna see? There were no outward signs, but Anna saw something in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Are we not seeing the kairos of God because we are only looking for signs and wonders?

In kairos discernment, some individuals begin to see and sense a shift, a different sound, a different rhythm, a different encounter. The Lord’s first advent to visit his temple was ignored by the priest and worshipers. All continued to perform their duties and practices, oblivious to the fact that “…the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple” (Malachi 3:1 NIV).

Routine dulls the senses in perceiving the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s first advent to his temple created two sets of individuals: one walking in systematic, routine rhythm, and those who were moving in the kairos rhythm by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I believe that a present danger in the COGOP is that the global constituency is not fully aware of the kairos visitation. Routine complacency will not assist this group of believers to receive the full impact and benefits of God’s kairos. I endorse the embracing of the core value of biblical leadership development to engage the harvest, with the caveat that leadership development must be holistic in dealing with the kairos visitation.

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Holistic Integrated Leadership Development

I applaud the sound decision by the plurality leadership of this church to endorse and support leadership development in order to strengthen the core value of global harvest. This decision is a major paradigm shift in the COGOP, for it was only a few decades ago when there was still a strong element of anti-education among our constituency. A position of anti-education has not served us well, but neither will it be wise to now swing to an all cognitive/didactic position in leadership development. There are some things that the head can receive, but the heart will not absorb.

There was a season in renewal history when the traditional churches accused the Pentecostals of being all fire and no light, while the Pentecostals would accuse the traditional churches of all light and no fire. Those days do not need to be repeated; however, if one extreme does not serve the universal church well, neither does another extreme. A balance between light and fire is biblically sound. In the quest for the COGOP to enhance its biblical leadership development, a holistic integrated experiential knowledge formation for leaders is advisable.

The Daniel paradigm addresses the issue of cognitive process and experiential knowledge.

Daniel and his companions were captive exiles who were brought to Babylonia to receive special training in order to serve in the king’s palace.

Daniel 1:4 gives some of the traits of these young individuals: they exhibited “aptitude for every kind of learning, well-informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve” (NIV). In other words, they had a holistic educational base in order to render holistic service; however, these young individuals were religious Jews who served the true God. Daniel and his companions did not forget their roots in the midst of higher learning. The greater part of their learning is captured in Daniel 1:9 “To these four young men, God gave

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If there is something worthy to remember from renewal history, it is that the Pentecostal movement still believes that the “Maestro” of the kairos visitation is the Holy Spirit. knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kind” (NIV). In kairos times, more often than not, it will be experiential knowledge and wisdom that will lead the way. Divine guidance in discerning God’s will in a kairos visitation is not going to be found in a classroom book!

As the COGOP forges forward in reaching the lost harvest while preparing leaders, a balanced, holistic epistemology of integrating sound biblical and theological tools with experiential knowledge will bring empowerment in a kairos environment. As much as we desire better and greater scholarship in this church, we must not forget that our present and past development have not been by scholars, but by field generals who built the work—often riding on bikes, eating mangos and drinking water!

Guidance and empowerment of the Spirit do not mean depreciating the laborers with less preparation, but affirming what has been accomplished and preparing for a greater future. The Daniel paradigm reveals that when all the learned personnel could not assist king Belshazzar when a kairos visitation occurred in the palace, Daniel was called because he was “found to have a keen mind and knowledge and

understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems” (Daniel 5:12 NIV). The phrase “explain riddles and solve difficult problems” in Hebrew connotation translates as “explanation of mysteries and dissolving knots.”

In the process of developing a global ecclesia, the problems to be solved will often be “intensely knotty.” In a global kairos visitation, the solving of difficult problems is not going to be found in a human written book! Discerning wisdom through guidance of the Holy Spirit will be the resounding method in solving difficult global issues. This will mean that over-dependence on all kinds of human designs and systems can cause some serious miscarriages in decision-making.

If there is something worthy to remember from renewal history, it is that the Pentecostal movement still believes that the “Maestro” of the kairos visitation is the Holy Spirit. All the preparation in the world cannot, should not, must not displace the principal guide, the Holy Spirit. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13 NIV). When one has a guide, he also relinquishes control, for there is no neutrality in the guide who gives guidance. A guide leads and others follow!

In such a time as this, our earnest prayer should be, “Come, Holy Spirit, be our guide into the splendor of fulfilling the sovereign will of God!” Come, Holy Spirit, we welcome you!

____________ 1 Donald K. McKim, Westminister Dictionary of Theological Terms, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996) p. 152.

2 Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew Chaldee and Greek Dictionaries, (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1980) p. 47.

3 Keil, C. F., Commentary on the Old Testament, Vol. 9, (Grand Rapids, MI: W. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1985) p. 186.

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he Center for Biblical Leadership with the School of Practical and Advance Studies has been a blessing to our people in Latin America. These schools have brought new inspiration to those who have participated, both leaders and members.

Our CBL logo states: “Come Holy Spirit, be our guide.” We are most grateful to the Holy Spirit for the way He has helped us in all the schools that we have had. He has come to baptize, to inspire, to teach, and to bring us under conviction. One sister testified to me: “After you taught, I could not accept some of the ‘changes’ that had happened in the church, but I prayed last night, and the Holy Spirit gave me the understanding and assurance that I needed to receive this teaching, and now I have peace within me.” The aid of the Holy Spirit has been pivotal in our teaching work, guiding our dear people in their understanding and acceptance of the classes and giving them guidance and comfort.

One of the benefits of CBL in Latin America has been the provision of a better connection between the International Offices of our Church in Cleveland, Tennessee and the field. We have heard testimonies of our brethren, highlighting the importance of our presence among them, bringing that necessary link between the International Offices and the field.

The Lord has helped us to instill new inspiration within our ministry regarding our church. The pastoral class has been a source of new motivation for our pastors to continue their ministry, stressing the fact that they are a gift from God to the church, according to Ephesians 4: 11.

The teaching of our particular history and theology has served to bring understanding and knowledge

of how our church has developed her teachings, organization, and form of government over the years.

Some, who are newer members of our Church, have acquired a definition of our identity as church. Others, who are older, have received a reaffirmation of our identity as the Church of God of Prophecy. It is rewarding to see the response of our people, when they realize that we are an “international family.”

The Center for Biblical Leadership is stressing also the need to build a trans-generational bridge, according to Acts 2: 17. In Latin America, we have a great potential of young leaders who will lead this church if we train and teach them.

It is rewarding to hear the testimonies of our brethren wherever we go, as the one of a sister, who after the teaching about “divorce and remarriage,” was explained, testified that she was in the middle of a divorce process, and that she was going to stop that process immediately, and that she was going to keep her family together. We give God the glory for this and other testimonies, because they show the work of the Holy Spirit in our people.

I appreciate the great privilege that the Lord has given me to be a part of this great ministry of the COGOP, and “. . . thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12).

Elias Rodriguez Cleveland, Tennessee

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CENTER FOR BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP Upcoming Schedules

School of Practical and Advanced Studies Gordon-Conwell/Church of God of Prophecy Consortium Christian Leadership Program (Leader of Leaders) DATE (2011)

SCHOOLS & EVENTS

LOCATION

August 12–16

SOPAS I

Zimbabwe

August 25–28

SOPAS I

Europe/Spain (Spanish)

August 25–28

SOPAS I

Europe/Bulgaria (English)

September 1–4

SOPAS I

Europe/London (English and Spanish)

September 8–11

SOPAS I

Paris, France

September 14–16

SOPAS II

Bolivia

September 14–17

SOPAS II

Alabama

September 18–23

SOPAS II

Freeport, Bahamas

September 25–30

SOPAS II

Nassau, Bahamas

October 6–8

SOPAS III

Midwest Region

October 24–28

Leader of Leaders

Johannesburg, South Africa

October 26–27

South America Leadership Conference

Bogotá, Colombia

October 27–30

SOPAS II

Puerto Rico

October 30–November 4

Leader of Leaders

Johannesburg, South Africa

November 3–6

SOPAS I

Canada (East)

November 4–6

SOPAS II

Venezuela

November 9–12

SOPAS I & II

Delhi, India

November 11-13

SOPAS I

St. Kitts/Nevis

November 14–17

SOPAS I & II

Karola, India

November 18–20

SOPAS II

Antigua

Consortium Graduates—JAMAICA 10

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Leader of Leaders—N. America/Caribbean

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DATE (2012)

SCHOOLS & EVENTS

LOCATION

January 5–7

SOPAS III

Midwest Region

January 9–20

Leader of Leaders

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

January 20–22 (tentative)

SOPAS I

Kentucky

January 23–26

SOPAS II

Brazil

February 6–17

Leader of Leaders/North America and English-speaking Caribbean

Bahamas

February 7–12 (tentative)

SOPAS I & II

Cayman Islands

February 20–24

SOPAS II

Campeche, Mexico

February 22–26

SOPAS II

Chile

March 1–4

SOPAS I

Belize (English and Spanish)

March 5–16

Leader of Leaders

South Africa

March 15–17

SOPAS I

South Carolina

March 16–19

SOPAS II

Northern Mexico

April 12–17

SOPAS III (Instructors Only)

Lumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

April 19–22

SOPAS II (Instructors Only)

South Africa

April 27–May 1

SOPAS II

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

May 14–25

Leader of Leaders

Seoul, South Korea

May 16–19

SOPAS III

Dominican Republic

September 17–28

Leader of Leaders

Lima, Peru

SOPAS REQUESTS As of this issue going to press we have several requests for new areas including: Portugal • Congo Brazzaville • Russia Ukraine • Cyprus • Philippines • Bolivia Dates for these sites are yet to be determined.

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SOUTH AFRICA

MISSISSIPPI

MIDWEST IOWA

SOPAS International

CAYMAN ISLANDS

INDONESIA CURACAO

PACIFIC NORTHWEST 12

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Feature

Adrian Varlack, Sr. Cleveland, Tennessee

Prayer is an attitude of complete, consistent, and absolute dependence upon God. It is the rightful posture of every man and woman, boy and girl whom God has created. This true position of creaturely dependence upon God was lost in the first man, Adam. It was recaptured by the Second Man, the Last Adam, Jesus Christ, who modeled it in His own

life, work, and obedience as the Son of God sent by the Father, and, vicariously for us, as God incarnate, Son of Man, our Redeemer.

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in

that he feared” (because of his godly fear—marginal reading, Hebrews 5:7).

The Undoing of Satanic Control It is not always prudent to begin a discourse of this type with a negative, but our negative situation (as human beings), in relation to the purposes for WWM AU G U S T 2 0 1 1

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which God created us, is the reality of our existence; necessitating in this case that we begin where we are. In revealing His plan to undo the fall of man, God embedded a promise in Genesis 3:15, namely, that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent.

God announced this as a part of His summation of the new situation Adam and Eve’s failure occasioned, the passing of their dominion to the control of God’s archenemy. The promise in this declaration is the first hint (the second being God’s clothing of their nakedness with skins, v. 21) of a redemption that would be costly but that would come through man, though not through man’s maleness.

When Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, satan1 immediately recognized the threat that this man-child posed to his dominion and control. He sought to destroy the helpless babe through Herod’s murderous scheme (Matthew 2) after trying throughout the millennia, since Genesis 3, to thwart God’s plan to bring forth the Savior by means of His chosen people Israel. The glimpses we get of Jesus’ helpless dependence upon His earthly parents and upon His heavenly Father’s protection as Son of Man lets us know that, in human weakness and vulnerability, He came to destroy the works of the devil ( 1 John 3:8).

Obviously, satan had been knowing of the seriousness of this threat and now sought to head it off before Jesus’ adulthood.

Once Christ was born, the kingdom of darkness and of man’s foul rebellion against God had been successfully invaded by the One who would unravel it from within by being both the truly God-dependent Man (where Adam had failed) and the God upon whom man should rightfully depend, the One who alone could provide salvation. The main point here, though, is that

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by coming as a helpless babe, our Lord began His identity with us in our helplessness and alienation, and placed Himself in position to be tempted in all points like as we are (Hebrews 2:18). He took on our form (human nature) so that He might in it become the perfectly God-dependent, obedient Man who would condemn sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3) and thereby undo the works of the devil (Hebrews 2:14–17).

This “helpless dependence” is His chosen posture in reversing Adam’s original decision, which admitted “sin” as a principle in the human race, a principle of absolute selfdependence which knows no need to pray. It is the opposite of the creaturely dependence which we were made to exercise.

About His Father’s Business Jesus began His entrance into adulthood (age 12) by creating the conditions under which He had to be sought by His earthly parents (Luke 2:41–52). In response to Mary and Joseph’s sorrowful and concerned question after three days of searching for Him, He said, “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not [Do you not know} that I must be about My Father’s business?”(v. 49).

Thomas F. Torrance says of this passage, “At that point, as Jesus steps into adult responsibility as far as relations with God are concerned (that is, so far as he now takes the confession of God the Father upon His own lips, and lives His own faith and dependence upon the Father) we have a revelation of what he is sent to do and be. He is found in his Father’s house, about his father’s business, and yet, Son of God though he was, he remained in subjection as a son to his earthly parents…”2 Jesus’ awareness of His salvific mission at so early an age is often

highlighted in written works. And that is as it should be! However, in this scene with His mother and earthly father, we see Him as an example of submission and grace, the obedient and dependent Son of Man to Mary and Joseph and the obedient and dependent Son of God as man, to God His Father.3 His human life’s pattern of absolute reliance upon God is in reversal of our nature of self-dependence and was in fact the beginning of our true return to God. Man’s true purpose is the business or affairs of our heavenly Father and Creator.

We were made by Him and for Him and therefore our mission is only realized in dependence upon Him (Colossians 1:16, 17). The biblical sign and evidence of that dependence is prayer, understood as constant fellowship and communion with God in true dependence.

Prayer Scenes in the Life of Jesus Scene One As we briefly review a few of the prayers in the life of Jesus, we will see His absolute and perfect dependence upon God the Father.

This dependence was for man (vicariously in our place) and for His Father in perfect obedience as the Son of God made flesh, for the mission of bringing God and man together.

The first of these scenes is Jesus’ baptism by John. As he comes up out of the water, He prays and the Spirit descends upon Him (Luke 3:21, 22). He is at once driven by the Spirit into the desert for His “missiondetermining” confrontation with satan, a confrontation associated with His person and His life as man under God (vv. 1–13). There, after His 40-day fast, the devil begins the first of several major assaults.

The temptation was not to assume

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man’s burden, or more directly, to forfeit His humanness and rightful dependence upon God as man, by acting for Himself within His powers as Son of God. This would be an act of direct disobedience and a catastrophic denial of His singular role and mission. At each of the three attempts, satan is met with our Lord’s stubborn refusal to be selfish, His determination to live under God’s Word and to worship only God in place of the self which Adam had chosen, and His deliberate commitment to humility.

It was a conscious choice, under great hunger, in aloneness, and in a barren place, not to be prideful and self-directing, although He had the power to do so! Jesus demonstrated that He would be absolutely Goddependent! In this encounter, satan had more than met his match for the first time in history—a human being, a real man, who, in severe

temptation to selfhood under ideal circumstances, consciously chose to be fully reliant upon God. This is the creature’s rightful role and obligation to the Creator. Here it had been asserted in great power for the first time. Matthew’s gospel records the detail that when the devil left Him, angels came and ministered unto Him (4:11). Jesus, as man, and in our place, refused to serve Himself and remained God-dependent, reestablishing for mankind the true dependency the first Adam had spurned.

Put another way (for we cannot speak of this enough), the victory Jesus won there in the desert was not just for Himself or for His Father (in obedience to His Father’s will) but also for us. There He established Himself as the “Second Man” and the “Last Adam,” the Head of the new humanity (1 Corinthians 15:45–47). There our Lord turns us

God-ward and begins the reversal of the fall. He makes possible our own God-dependence, the dependence for which we were first created and for which our hearts yearn even when we are in denial: “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature [creation]; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This newness is the beginning of our new humanity.

Part Two of this message will be printed in an upcoming edition of the White Wing Messenger. You can read it online now at www.whitewingmessenger.org.

Endnotes 1 Author’s preference: I deliberately do not upper case the devil’s names.

2 Thomas F. Torrance, Incarnation— The Person and Life of Christ, (Edited

by Robert T. Walker) (Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2008), p.121. (parentheses supplied for clarity) 3 Ibid.

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COMPLETED SITE AND FUTURE SITES

Africa

1 Congo Brazzaville* 2 Democratic Republic of Congo 3 South Africa 4 Zimbabwe

Asia 5 6 7 8

India Indonesia Philippines* Singapore & Malaysia

Caribbean & Atlantic Ocean Islands 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Antigua Bahamas British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Jamaica Netherlands Antilles Turks & Caicos Haiti St. Kitts/Nevis

Spanish Speaking Caribbean 18 Puerto Rico 19 Dominican Republic

Central America 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panamรก Mexico

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Europe 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Bulgaria Cyprus* England France Portugal* Russia* Ukraine* Spain

North America

36 United States

South America 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Argentina Bolivia* Brazil Chile Colombia Peru Venezuela Paraguay

* Locations for future SOPAS.

OF SCHOOLS

The first School of Practical and Advanced Studies (SOPAS), CBL’s nonaccredited program, was held in Kinshasa, DRC, Africa on April 18-21, 2009.

From April 2009 to May 2010, we had 19 first term SOPAS with a total attendance of 2,334 and one second term SOPAS with 44 students. We did not have any schools in June and July due to Assembly preparations.

From August 2010 through May 2011, we have had 26 first term schools with an attendance of 2,895 and 9 second term schools with an attendance of 1,104. Total attendance for this period is 3,999.

Since its inception, SOPAS has conducted 53 schools world-wide with total attendance of 6,377.

For further information concerning the Global Alliance, visit the CBL webpage (http://cogop.org/ministries/cbl.html) on the COGOP website.

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L

—H. E. Cardin, D. Min, Tomlinson Center Director

eadership development must stay in the forefront of our responsibilities as we journey with Christ toward heaven.

While scribing these thoughts, I participated in the annual meeting of The Historical Society of Church of God Movements with a focus on Education in Church of God Movements, as well as the graduation of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennesee. It’s interesting to hear how the fires of leadership development have burned through generations, within our church and other churches that are so close to us in doctrine and practices.

I am blessed to be around others who share this desire for healthy, effective leadership development.

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Every serious profession requires ongoing education to maintain competency, staying current with new technology. Are we serious as we profess Christ?

I have learned that many churches lean heavily upon their church college to assist in quality leadership development. I am glad to be working with a great team (The Tomlinson Center Board) who are working toward that end—a healthy church college.

This question must stay before us: “Are we properly preparing our future leaders to fill pulpits and lead the lost to Christ?”

The task of developing leaders is a main focus of the church. In the Great Commission, “Go . . . make disciples” (Matthew 28:19 NIV) means more than just making believers. The simplest definitions of a disciple involve active following, living out the doctrines of Christ.

How do we transmit these eternal truths to our successors and develop leaders that can lead mankind into eternity to be with Christ? There are various learning theories and models. I will use one model that offers seven key components as a backdrop.

The Teachers Just as sheep produce sheep, shepherds are to produce shepherd boys and shepherd girls. The Tomlinson Center uses teachers that can develop other teachers, ministers, leaders, and effective Spirit-filled Christians. We recognize that the Holy Spirit is the teacher (John 14:26). We are working with Him. Jesus identified errors or mistakes are made when we do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24). Our teachers use the Bible and are Spirit-led. Just as Moses mentored Joshua, Elijah—Elisha, Paul—Timothy, our instructors are used to mold and shape our future leaders.

Presently, Tomlinson Center’s online instructors are seasoned Church of God of Prophecy members or ministers

who are actively involved in discipleship and leadership development. Each instructor has been vetted by Lee University to comply with the highest standards of the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

Classes fall in the areas of disciplines such as Bible and Pastoral. (Disciplines will be added as we grow, such as counseling, theology and more.)

For CIMS courses (Certificate in Ministerial Studies), the instructors are among the best from Lee University and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. The facilitators are our own Church of God of Prophecy pastors and appointees that help shape the recipients.

For LDI (Leadership Development Institute), the instructors are our top leaders and special guests who offer expertise due to their education, practical experience and divine giftedness.

The Learners The Bible gives us a clear charge to be a life-long learner in Paul’s interaction with his younger protégé, Timothy.

While we read a leader must be able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Timothy 3:2), the original language uses the passive voice, which implies a dual meaning; a leader must be able to be taught.

Every serious profession requires ongoing education to maintain competency, staying current with new technology, methods, and more. Are we serious as we profess Christ? It will require ongoing education, being a life-long learner. Think of the licensed professionals you may have in your congregation. Each of those is required to have ongoing education to maintain a license.

Though we may not have mandatory ongoing requirements demanded upon us from our leaders, we are required to do so in our service to Christ. We must, again, be life-long learners.

The Tomlinson Center, to date, has had approximately 750 students globally. Most of the Church of God of Prophecy students (we have many Lee students in the program) have been overseers, pastors, youth directors and other leaders.

Church of God of Prophecy leaders may receive half their tuition as a scholarship reimbursement. These are learners that want an accredited degree as well as useful leadership development.

The CIMS students are interested in “Bible school” courses that offer flexibility that can be converted into the Tomlinson Center for full college credit. This would be great for youth, high school students wanting dual enrollment, and licensed ministers who may have limited income. (Those making less than $4,000 a month may qualify for a grant.)

LDI learners are church leaders in various forms. They are state, regional, national, and local church staff. These learners are looking for the practical, hands-on approach.

Though LDI does not lead to a terminal degree, it does introduce the learners to some of our other offerings and partnerships that do provide these needed degrees.

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The Purposes, Goals, or Objectives

You may be familiar with “Bloom’s Taxonomy.” We focus on the “knowledge” we want to pass on. We help our students to “comprehend” (by listing, labeling, naming, assisting them to be able to recall, etc.). We help them “apply” what they are learning. This is the “so-what” factor. We let them know the value. We teach students to “analyze” (by examining, questioning, and testing). This is to help students to “synthesize” (by collecting, composing, creating, designing, or producing for others). As in the Bloom’s model, we finally “evaluate” by helping them appraise, compare, and defend what they have learned and received.

Tomlinson Center—Each TC course comes with a syllabus listing the goals and objectives. Testing is used as one component to ensure these goals have been accomplished.

CIMS—These courses make up the heart of a Bible school degree. For those taking the courses for credit, testing is used.

LDI—These courses are theme-based as well as needbased and offer practical application. While tests may not be used, practical application is a must.

The Content of Instruction The Bible is the main textbook. We are focused on passing on “these things.” We are to remember “these things” (1 Timothy 4:6). We are to command and teach “these things” (v. 11). We are to meditate (KJV), be diligent (NIV), take pains (NASB) with “these things” (v.

15). We are to persevere in “these things” (v. 16 NASB).

What are “these things?” It’s the important goals and objectives outlined in the Bible. We teach “these things.”

Each approach (TC, CIMS, LDI) is in place to support the overall mission of the Tomlinson Center, and to compliment the overall mission of the COGOP by providing relevant academic and practical leadership development to the international church within the context of our church theology and doctrinal tenets. Theologically speaking, we are Armenian (believing in salvation), Wesleyan (believing in sanctification) and Pentecostal (believing in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost). The different approaches are used to support these beliefs.

The Methods of Instruction Methods change. Various authors state that during the time of Christ, the literacy rate was between 1.5–4 percent.

The best method of instruction was speaking. Today we have a myriad of methods. Utilizing technology is a must.

Tomlinson Center—At this point, TC is online, so lectures are web-based. Other methods are used: lecture/

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discussions (via discussion forums), case studies, journals, blogs, guided assignments (sermons, lessons, and more).

Courses are available in English and Spanish.

CIMS—The teacher of record instructs via DVD or Internet video. The facilitators also have opportunities to share from their wealth of information on the subject.

Many of these courses are in various languages.

LDI—Ministers share via lectures using other methods as well. These offerings are archived as we continue adding to the leadership development library.

The Social or Relational Environment for Instruction

Tomlinson Center—Your fellow online students may span the globe geographically. The ages could represent high school students to retired pastors. This program is more “student- driven” than “teacher-driven.”

Interaction plays a great role. Once you post your work, you must respond to fellow students. This is where iron is sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). We learn from one another.

CIMS—After the lecture is given, you work in a group or interact with the workbook. This is where you “rub in” the lesson.

LDI—These events are live or you can witness the interaction (question and answer) in the archived material. This event has scheduled breaks for fellowship and interaction.

The Physical Environment or Context for Instruction

Tomlinson Center—While our first phase is online, the Tomlinson Center Board has projected returning to a campus-based program by the year 2014. (You will notice that the Tomlinson Center will appear on the financial report form from the local church to the International Office.) After returning to a campus-based college, we will spread this as global as possible.

CIMS—This is designed for your local church or could be used in a district, region or more. You can take these courses in your home or via the Internet as well. The idea is to bring the instruction to you.

LDI—Initially scheduled in Cleveland, Tennessee, LDI operates in partnership with local churches (Peerless Road, etc.). The idea and desire is to spread the essence of LDI globally.

As I travel and spend time with many of our developing leaders, I am encouraged that some of our greatest leaders are waiting for our leadership development outreach.

For more information, visit www.tomlinsoncenter.org

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Certificate in Ministerial Studies

FACTS A great tool to consider for leadership development is the Tomlinson Center’s Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) program.

In partnership with the Church of God School of Ministry, you may now have a School of Ministry in your area.

CIMS credits may transfer into the Tomlinson Center for college credit. These classes could be used for Sunday school, midweek Bible study, weekend intensives, and more.

There are three options for taking the classes: Internet, individual study, and in groups of at least five paying students, called Distance Learning Centers (DLC), which is considered the best approach.

Average Costs For CIMS

Individual Study—$142 per hour. You keep the DVDs, building your personal leadership development library. Internet—$82 per hour. No DVDs. No percentage returned to DLC. DLC (Distance Learning Centers)—$80 per hour. With five or more students, a free set of DVDs (average $12.50 each) for the DLC. Learn in a group setting. The more students enrolled, the larger the financial return to your DLC. If the course is not taken for credit, just the cost of the desired materials would apply (books, study guides, DVDs, etc.). This is great for Sunday school, Bible study, etc.

CIMS offers 21 unique courses, offering 42 credits (up to 32 may be transferred for college credit). Keep in mind, every credit hour represents 14 class sessions and an exam. (28 class sessions equal two credit hours, and 42 class sessions would be three credit hours, etc.) Most sessions are 50 minutes to an hour.

Example of Courses (CIMS Credit):

A Journey Through the Old Testament* (3)

A Journey Through the New Testament* (3)

Knowing the Holy Spirit* (2)

Rightly Dividing the Word (2)

Leading With Integrity (2)

Equipping People for Ministry (1)

Learning the Practices of Ministry* (2)

Planting and Growing Churches* (2)

Helping People in Crisis* (2)

Ministering to Culturally Diverse Populations (1)

Communicating Effectively (2)

Preaching the Word Today (2)

Caring for People in Need (1) * Available in Spanish Ministerial Grant Policy for Church of God of Prophecy licensed ministers, in partnership with the Church of God School of Ministry: Ministers whose income is less than $4,000 a month (inclusive) may qualify for grants to assist in taking the courses for credit. (Those whose income is less than $1,500 a month may take any course free of charge.) Contact the Tomlinson Center for more.

Courses in Various Languages Could these languages presently live in the shadows of your church?

African Languages Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Courses Partially Complete:

Understanding Yourself and Others

Rightly Dividing the Word

Equipping People for Ministry

Preaching the Word Today Bemba (Zambia)

Courses Complete (Textbook and Guide):

Understanding Yourself and Others

Learning the Practices of Ministry Chichewa/Njanja (Malawi and Zambia) Courses Partially Complete (Textbook complete; Study Guide):

Rightly Dividing the Word Shona (Zimbabwe)

Course Partially Complete:

Rightly Dividing the Word Luganda (Uganda) Courses Complete:

Rightly Dividing the Word Amharic (Ethiopia) Study Guide:

Equipping People for Ministry

New Testament Arabic Language

Planting and Growing ChurchesFrench Language

Understanding Yourself and Others

Knowing the Holy Spirit German Language Courses Complete (Textbook, Study Guide, Video Voice-over):

Knowing the Holy Spirit

Living the Faith

Helping People in Crisis Italian Language Courses Complete:

Leading With Integrity

Equipping People for Ministry

Learning the Practices of Ministry

Faith Foundations Russian Language Courses Complete:

Living the Faith Serbian Language Courses Complete:

Learning the Practices of Ministry

Faith Foundations for Life and Ministry in the 21st Century

Living the Faith

Knowing the Holy Spirit Spanish Language Courses Complete (Textbook, Study Guide, DVD):

A Journey Through the New Testament A Journey Through the Old Testament

Faith Foundations for Life and Ministry in the 21st Century

Learning the Practices of Ministry

Knowing the Holy Spirit

Courses Complete Except DVDs

Living the Faith

Planting and Growing Churches

Helping People in Crisis

Walking in the Truth

Understanding Yourself and Others

Courses Partially Complete

Leading With Integrity

Preaching the Word Today

Ministering to Culturally Diverse Populations

Rightly Dividing the Word

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LEADERSHIP

with Insatiable Curiosity

Don Brock, Mentone, Alabama

T

Poor leaders often reveal themselves very quickly, when they point to their rank or accomplishments as the reason they don’t need to listen to outside ideas.

hrough the years, I have had the opportunity to experience leadership as taught by the military, corporate America, and the Church. While approaches vary, the goal is the same— to develop a process of influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.

While I speak freely about my experiences as a pastor, I seldom talk about my years in the military or the corporate world. But there are some leadership insights I’ve learned that are worthy of making an exception.

Before retiring from the military, I served on the staff of an extraordinary major general. Being up close and personal with him, I learned valuable traits of leadership I’ll always remember.

As soon as the general walked in the door, everyone immediately stopped talking and stood to attention. That’s

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the correct thing to do when an officer walks into the room.

The general was considered a leader because he had two stars on his shoulders. There was one question that he asked often: “Why?” When we ask “How?” or “What?” we’re usually asking for details, process or clarification. We’re asking for information that will help us do our jobs or get something done.

The question “Why?” is very different. When we ask why, we reveal that we don’t understand something. It shows vulnerability. It reveals not knowing. And that is exactly the reason great leaders ask why so often. They are aware that they don’t know what they don’t know and they aren’t afraid to show it.

The general sat down and his briefing commenced. His guests started sharing with him some new ideas that he had never heard before, and his whole demeanor changed. He was WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

no longer imposing. He didn’t pretend he knew the subject matter. He wasn’t intimidated that he didn’t understand some of the concepts—quite the opposite. He leaned forward, ready to learn.

Great leaders are not the ones who hold the highest office or make the most money; they are the ones who inspire the people around them. People are inspired when they feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. The general, like all other great, inspiring leaders, inspired those around him, not because of what he knew, but because of how he made others feel. When someone of vast achievement or status shows genuine interest in the ideas of those around them, it makes those people feel valuable. It makes them feel like they are contributing.

Control is not great leadership. It may be great management or delegation, but great leadership is not just about the ability to get things done, it’s the capacity to inspire others to take responsibility to get things done. When people in an organization believe in the greater cause and are made to feel a valuable part, they become vastly more conscientious about everything they do to contribute to that cause.

Poor leaders often reveal themselves very quickly, when they point to their rank or accomplishments as the reason they don’t need to listen to outside ideas. If you’ve ever genuinely wanted to contribute and been swiftly rebuffed with words like, “We’re a lot more successful than you, I think we know what we’re doing,” or “What have you achieved that gives you the right to tell me what to do?” then, congratulations, you’re talking to someone who may have achieved a lot, but greatness still eludes them.

The reason great leaders ask why is simple—they have an insatiable curiosity and they want to know what they don’t know. They understand that the more ideas, perspectives, and things they can learn— inside and outside their own disciplines—the more information they have to make better decisions. Great leaders are eternal students.

Regardless of what they have learned, what they know or what they have achieved, they always want to know more.

The value of their curiosity is more than a nicety; it has a biological benefit.

Have you ever noticed that those who don’t know, don’t know that they don’t know? I spent much of my life not knowing how much I didn’t know. Going back to school didn’t gain as much knowledge for me as the realization that there is so much more that I still don’t know. The rational and analytical part of our brain can access the equivalent of about two feet of information around us. This is the conscious information we access when we think about a problem, when we weigh the pros and the cons, or consider the facts and the figures before we make a decision. In contrast, our limbic system—the part of our brain that actually controls behavior and decisionmaking—can access subconscious information that doesn’t come out on any list of pros and cons. Our limbic brain is filled with our experiences, lessons and information; the equivalent of 11 acres of information. This is the information that is being tapped when we make “gut” decisions or when we act

instinctively. No data is weighed in these decisions; yet they are, very often, better quality decisions.

Those with an insatiable curiosity, those who constantly want to see more, do more, and understand why, are filling their subconscious brains with data that can be tapped at a later date. It will help influence and drive decisions, and the decision maker won’t even know it’s happening when they’re doing it.

There is something we can all do to fill our subconscious brain to make us better decision makers and, ultimately, make us better leaders.

Here are some ideas: 1. Take time to read more books and magazines outside of your realm of expertise. Learn about what others are doing and how they solve problems.

2. Wander around the natural history museum or an art gallery. Go see a ballet performance, and don’t just complain the whole time that you want to go home. Try to find something you like about any of those things.

3. Take a day or an afternoon off and take your team somewhere that has nothing to do with church for no other reason than to do or see something new or different.

4. Ask “Why?” We so often ask questions to prove people wrong as opposed to understanding what they mean. Really listen to the ideas of others. If someone approaches you with good intentions, ask questions and try to understand the meaning and value of their idea.

Show interest.

5. Encourage all the people who serve with you to do all the above. Even encourage them to take an afternoon off simply to explore or subsidize a personal enrichment class they want to take.

6. Care much more about how people are doing rather than how they are doing their work. (The leader that doesn’t care about the people he/she serves with is most likely using them for his/her glory, not God’s!)

7. Understand that loyalty cannot be demanded—it must be earned.

8. Develop systems. If there isn’t a system to see what you want to see happen on a consistent basis, then it probably isn’t going to happen on a consistent basis and you won’t know why.

9. Make integrity an issue, or it will become an issue.

10. Challenge people. They do not naturally drift into making radical commitments. They must be challenged to go there.

11. If God has called you to do it, then you are empowered and gifted to do it as well! If it is not being done well, ask “Why?” 12. Never forget – the people God has placed to lead with you should be listened to and valued; after all, God speaks to them too!

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This year, approximately 400 people were involved in the Leadership Development Institute (LDI). They came from Germany, Bulgaria, Central America, South America, the Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands, with many from 18 U.S. states (Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois,, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia). Some drove over 1,500 miles. Why? The answers to that question come from some who were in attendance: “To sit under leaders who have ‘done it’ and not just read it in a book.” “ To mix and mingle with our General Overseer and General Presbyters.”

“To return to Cleveland, Tennessee and visit our International Offices, the White Wing Bookstore and more.”

“I really enjoyed visiting the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee.”

“This is the only event, where we are encouraged to bring our entire leadership staff for training.”

You may have missed the event but you can still be blessed by the ministry by visiting the archives at: http:/ cogop.org/resources/mediacenter.html

Here are some of the highlights from LDI 2011 worth visiting: Sermons:

Tim Harper (Tuesday)—“Legends in the Making” This sermon will challenge you to be actively engaged in biblical mentoring.

Bryan Cutshall (Thursday)—“It Will Be Worth It All” This sermon creates a hunger for heaven.

Clayton Endecott (Friday)—“Launch Out Into the Deep” This sermon encourages one to “Prepare Yourself for a Great Catch.”

General Session Classes: Wednesday (Bryan Cutshall)—“Adding 100 People to Your Church, Part 1 & 2” Dr. Cutshall walks the listener through the process.

“The Big Event” (Search 7 Laws of Outreach by Dr. Owen Weston) Each participant must provide seven names of friends/family that we can invite for them.

“Assimilating Them” How to fish with nets and get information. How to respond to visitors and get them plugged in.

Thursday (Bryan Cutshall)—“Getting Connected — Assimilation and Follow-Up, Part 1 & 2” Dr. Cutshall shares how a fully assimilated member is one who: attends worship regularly, participates in a meaningful group, has an identifiable role/task, consistently gives, calls the church “my church”, has made several friends, and is Spirit-filled/ Spirit-led.

These sessions were based on the four words: Experience, Connect, Grow, and Serve. Experience—that’s

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the big event. Connect—this phase may involve the Pastor’s Breakfast, or an opportunity to receive information about the church, receive salvation, or discover spiritual gifts. Grow—would involve focused classes for 12 weeks.

Serve—this session introduced the great principle, “Your church attendance will be four times the number of your volunteers! How many are serving?” This session also deals with advertising and marketing, with a low-budget, midsizebudget and high-budget vantage point.

Friday (Bryan Cutshall)—A reflection of “Simple Church” Dr. Cutshall shares that purpose-driven church may have turf wars over rooms, budgets, dates, announcements, and more. The idea of “Simple Church” is the “Experience” (Attend Worship), “Connect” (Connection Classes), “Grow” (Join a Group), and “Serve” (Volunteer).

Workshops: We had many guests from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland, Tennessee): Dr. Ayodeji Adewuya—“Reclaiming Our Holiness Heritage, Part 1 &2” This is a great resource recommended by Bishop Randall Howard concerning our understanding of holiness.

Bishop Randall Howard (General Overseer), “Afternoon Time with the General Overseer.” Bishop Howard shares his heart with pastors concerning the subjects of the Holy Spirit, our heritage, calling, and future journey as a Holiness ministry.

Paul Holt (International Director of Finance and Publications), “Town Hall Meeting.” Hear for yourself the discussion concerning the ARKS Report.

You may find this time of dialogue very interesting.

Drew Dyck (Editor of Leadership Journal, from Christianity Today International), “Generation Ex-Christian.”

This session focuses on the fact young people are leaving the church and how we can bring them back. The information shared is based on Drew’s recently released book, Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young People Are Leaving the Church . . . and How to Bring Them Back.

Tomlinson Center Board Member

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Department

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Ministries

T

The verb “delegate” can be found today in almost every blog, leadership book, and training seminar. The word has refreshed and refocused overworked pastors as they assign leaders to oversee various areas of ministry in their local churches.

Unfortunately, during this process some pastors have also delegated their vision for the young harvest.

Hospital visits, budget meetings, sermon preparation, daily emails, and phone calls make it very easy for pastors to overlook or misunderstand what is going on in

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their children’s ministry. When we say “yes” to too many things, we say “no” to our core priorities.

Author Michael Gerber and Pastor Andy Stanley said that organizations thrive when leaders work “on” their churches rather than “in” their churches. This means that pastors should regularly step back from the daily grind of ministry to intentionally invest an adequate amount of time casting vision with their children’s leadership team.

Pastors will always need to delegate roles and responsibilities but vision

should be directly transferred with nurturing empowerment and “oneon one” attention.

Our local church has a great children’s ministry, so it quickly became very easy for me to neglect the young harvest. Weekly activities that seemed “urgent” consistently took priority over the core values of our vision. I suddenly realized that quarterly leadership meetings, weekly emails, and occasional lunches were not enough.

Each church is unique, but in every church simple delegation is no longer

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adequate. One of the core values of our local church is to develop a culture that equips, empowers, and nurtures our children’s leadership team. Developing this type of environment in a local church requires time, resources, and prayer.

Pastors can develop a culture that equips, empowers and nurtures their children’s ministry leaders by investing time.

Time. It’s like a dollar bill. You only get to spend it once. God recently convicted me that more time needed to be invested into our children’s ministry. Each week, I invest over two hours of my time to work “on” our youth and children’s ministries with our key leaders. I adjust my schedule to what is convenient for our leaders because they work fulltime jobs and have young children.

During this time, we go over books together, watch training videos, laugh, dream, listen, pray, and share vision. Our leaders know that I expect them to share what we have learned with other leaders. At first, I was hesitant to ask busy people for this type of commitment, but our meetings have quickly become a weekly highlight for all of us.

Also, I periodically have someone speak for me during our Sunday morning service so I can be part of our children’s ministry. Our kids never forget these days, and parents and grandparents can clearly see that our priority is on the young harvest. Many times pastors show up, smile, and shake hands at children’s events. We can raise the bar by serving our children’s workers and showing them unlimited support, encouragement, and appreciation. I realize that I will never know every child in our ministry on an individual basis, but I should at least be able to share my life with our key children’s leaders.

Pastors can develop a culture that equips, empowers, and nurtures their children’s ministry team by investing church resources.

This year, our church will be significantly increasing the amount of money we invest into children’s ministry. We plan to do this by eliminating expenses and ministries that are not contributing to the health of our church. We don’t want to place tradition over our mission of reaching the young harvest. Our goal is to invest in resources that will allow us to develop a dynamic system of ministry for our kids.

Perry Noble, pastor of the New Spring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, recently made the following quote about investing resources into children’s ministry: “It blows me away that the church world always seems to be scratching our heads and wondering why kids flock to Disney but they don’t flock to church. Maybe it’s because Disney spends ‘billions’ of dollars on them… and many churches have more money in dead or dying ministries than they do their children’s budget.

My church will spend money on what is important…and I think children’s (and student) ministry is THE most important mission field in the church.”

Pastors can develop a culture that equips, empowers, and nurtures their children’s ministry team through prayer.

One of the greatest rewards of working side by side with your children’s ministry team is watching them grow in their relationship with Christ. I was touched when I found

If the size of your vision for your ministry isn’t intimidating to you, there’s a good chance it’s insulting to God. out that almost all of our youth and children’s leaders participated in our one-month fast. We closed our time of prayer and fasting with a three-day fast. Without being asked, our children’s pastor fasted four extra days. Any secular company can develop leaders but watching someone’s spiritual life grow is one of the most rewarding privileges of a pastor. Heartfelt and anointed ministry comes out of these vibrant relationships with God. In closing, leadership expert Seth Godin once wrote, “What works is having everything good enough and one or two things being amazing. Find the guts to do one thing remarkable. You don’t get talked about when people are unimpressed.”

Why can’t our children’s ministry be talked about in our communities?

Why can’t they be excellent and remarkable? Building a dynamic children’s ministry may seem difficult or even intimidating. Don’t allow that mindset to keep your children’s ministry at status quo. Make it remarkable. Pastor Steven Furtick said in the book Sun Stand Still, “If the size of your vision for your ministry isn’t intimidating to you, there’s a good chance it’s insulting to God.” Take the first step by investing in your children’s ministry team; you won’t regret it.

Jason and Casey Vernon Pastors RTP Community Church

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NEWSHere&There Brazil

Spiritual Flames Fanned in Brazil

LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL

The University of Oregon Gospel Singers won the top prize during Walt Disney World’s inaugural Gospel Choir Fest last year. The 2011 competition will be held on September 10 at the Walt Disney World Epcot park. Church choirs and groups interested in participating can visit www.disneygospel choirfest.com.

Our camp was held on April 21–24, 2011. A total of 274 were in attendance, mostly young people. The theme of the camp was “Listen, Observe, Touch” (1 John 1:1). The event exceeded all our expectations. We believe that our young people left the place with a flame lit inside them, impacting and strongly affecting their lives.

Among the ministers were Pastor Ramanh from the local church of Serra, National Overseer Hernandes Filho Fernandes, and others. During this camp, we had seven new converts, and 16 young people were baptized with the Holy Spirit. A supernatural movement took place in this camp. It is truly unexplainable. To God be the honor, glory and praise forever!

Illinois

Argentina Family Retreat Focuses on VISION

French Church Organized in Chicago

On April 21-24, we conducted the 2nd Regional Family Retreat with the theme: “Vision 2020 and the Family.” The themes developed included “Prayer and the Family,” “Harvest and Family,” and “Leadership Development and Family.” We invited Pastor Miguel Pinto and his family to minister. A total of 42 were sanctified, four saved, one child received healing, eight baptized in water, and 32 were added to the Church.

There were a total of 78 attendees including children, young adults, youth, and parents. We enjoyed a glorious time with the Lord and family. All the pastors in our region attended and I appreciate their support. Our region, Cordova, La Rioja, continues to make progress, thank God. We ask your prayers for Argentina.

March 13, 2011 was a day to remember! Excitement filled the air as worshippers gathered in Chicago, Illinois for the inaugural service of our newest congregation. Bishop Tim Harper received 17 new covenant members into the church. Also, others are interested and the prospect of additional members is good. This congregation is our first French-speaking church in the Great Lakes!

There are several young, emerging leaders in this congregation!

Pastors Gestone and Marie Etrenne are the appointed pastors.

They meet on West Lunt Street in Chicago. Please pray for our newest church family addition.

TEXAS

continued from page 5

“Youth Harvest” Promoted in Texas In April, the youth and youth leaders of Texas gathered at Camp Lost Pines in Warda for an intensive weekend of training and worship. Trevor and Aileen Reed, as well as Valerie Moreno, ministered with such anointing. We were blessed to have them.

The Spirit of the Lord prevailed in each class and service.

“Youth Harvest” became each one’s calling as they returned to their personal field of labor. It was an awesome, lifechanging weekend!

—Mark Hobson, Texas Youth Minister

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Becoming an “Irresistible Church”

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and try to compete or copy until we forget who we were designed to be. We become disenchanted with our size compared to someone else’s. And when we start to get desperate, it is always easier to imitate than it is to incarnate. You have to be comfortable in your own skin. It is then that heaven can do its magnificent work through regular people like you and me.

Why do you think this message is so important?

There are 1,500 ministers leaving the ministry every month, and due to the baby-boomer pastors retiring, we will need more than 170,000 new senior leaders in the next decade and four times that many in church staff. But we can’t fulfill the Great Commission, no matter how many conferences we take in. We have got to reach a point where we tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to do His work through us and where we stand back, simply amazed at His workings. But that will require a church that knows how to posture itself so the Holy Spirit can work mightily through it. That is an irresistible church!

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Testimonies Baby Experiences Healing Touch A few Sundays ago we received a call during our worship that Brother Calvin Howard’s great-grandson had stopped breathing and was taken to the emergency room. Many of the members rushed to be with the family. When worship was done, I gathered the elders together and the church began to pray. As we concluded in prayer the phone was ringing . . . the baby was fine. The interesting point was that almost ten minutes had passed before the child was restored! The baby is fine. Jesus is alive!

—Sterret, Alabama

Healing from Leg Pain In May of 2010, my left leg started hurting. It continually got worse. Some days I could hardly work since I was on my feet for 8–12 hours a day. The doctor said I had rheumatoid arthritis. I asked for prayer for the pain, but it did not seem like God was going to heal me on this side of heaven. The doctor gave me some pain pills to take two times a day with my food.

In January of 2011, I began the 21-day Daniel fast. On the seventh day, I felt I needed to do a full fast; however, I still needed to take my pain pills that required food. I decided pain or no pain, I was going to complete the full day fast.

From that day on, my leg began to get better. Now I can walk with no pain and have not had to take the pain pills anymore.

Praise the Lord! God still heals! It may not be the same day you pray, but He will heal.

—Walter Bell, South Fulton, Tennessee

Praise Rises at Ladies Conference

Saturday, May 2, 2011 was an exciting day in Suffolk, Virginia as 76 ladies from the district churches as well as many visitors poured into the sanctuary with excitement and great anticipation for a ladies conference, “Fearfully & Wonderfully Made.”

“I Am Woman, Hear Me Praise” was led by Amy Williams from Living Waters Christian Fellowship. We were overwhelmed by the presence of God and we knew we were in for something special. Lisa Woolston, co-pastor of Real Life Church in Virginia Beach, kicked off the conference and had us sitting on the edge of our seats with a brief but powerfully anointed message. She painted a vivid picture of how God had us in mind when He created the universe, because we are special to Him. Evangelist Kay Osban, from St. Mary’s, Georgia, refreshed us and had us laughing in the morning session. Laila Bare, of Covenant Church of God in Charlottesville, taught two incredible sessions on “Giftings in the Body.” We were also blessed by a wonderful and inspiring testimony of healing by Peggy Harmon from Real Life Church in Virginia Beach.

The ladies were amazed and impressed by the lovely decorations by Pastor/District Overseer Ben Fulton and other men in the district who prepared a sumptuous luncheon. Sister Osban stirred us when she brought the Word in the afternoon session—“Prop Me Up on My Leanin’ Side, Lord.”

Amy Williams sang, “He Didn’t Throw the Clay Away,” which said it all. Everything flowed together and each left encouraged and blessed! Thank you, God, for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it!

—Rachael Fulton

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NEWSHere&There

LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL

In His Presence

Harper Hunter, Jr. Harper Hunter Jr., 89, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died on Monday, June 6, 2011. He was born Jan. 8, 1922, in Dickson County, Tennessee. He was married to Betty Lorene Williams.

Appointed to the office of state overseer of Maine at the 1943 General Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy, Harper Hunter and Charles Batson were the last living appointees of the A.J. Tomlinson era. In 1947, Hunter was ordained a bishop and appointed state overseer of Wisconsin. Bishop Hunter was also appointed state overseer of Kentucky, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi.

At the International Offices, he served as World Evangelist, General Evangelist, Assembly Band Movement (ABM) Secretary

MINISTERS Barbara J. Adams; Pleasantville, New Jersey; April 12, 2011; Licensed minister for 8 years.

John M. Emert Junior; Carrollton, Georgia; May 8, 2011; Licensed minister for 9 years.

Sandra Elizabeth Burchill; Key West, Florida; January 21, 2011; Licensed minister for 3 years.

Glen E. Adkins; Martinsville, Virginia; April 16, 2011; Licensed minister for 49 years.

Dorothy L. Noe; Elizabethtown, Kentucky; July 23, 2010; Licensed minister for 48 years.

Anna Louise Robertson; Braselton, Georgia; June 02, 2011; Licensed minister for 64 years.

James K. Pittman Sr.; Blackshear, Georgia; June 5, 2011; Licensed minister for 37 years.

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and Field Secretary to the General Overseer (assistant general overseer). He was also a popular singer in the church, recording with the Broadcast Record Club on the Majestic Records label. The first LP album was distributed in 1952. In 1987 a biography of Hunter’s life was written

by Marie Back, titled, The HUNTER . . .

Prophecy in Cleveland, Tennessee since 1974, as a national overseer of Costa Rica, Venezuela and Peru. He was appointed General Presbyter of South America in 1996, until his retirement in 2008.

Malcolm Linkous

Miguel Angel Mojica, age 74, of Mariara, Carabobo State, Venezuela, died May 13, 2011. He was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and served five years in the U.S. Army.

In 1958, he married Alma Juanita Mojica, until her death in 2001. He was married for the last eight years to Rosa Ysabel Gonzales.

Bishop Mojica served under general appointment for the Church of God of

Malcolm Linkous, 94, died May 17, 2011, in Titusville, Florida.

Malcolm was born March 9, 1917 in Christiansburg, Virginia.

He and his wife, Hanna, traveled the world representing Christ and the Church.

Bishop Linkous served as overseer of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and Mississipi and held the offices of General Field Secretary and ABM Secretary. In recent years, Bishop Linkous ministered along side his son, Larry Linkous, pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Titusville.

Wilfrid Augustin; Jeremie, Haiti; February 11, 2011; District overseer for Jeremie and licensed minister for 20 years.

Marie Alice Shotts McIntosh; Ontario, Oregon; March 31, 2011; Marie was the wife of Clifford E. McIntosh.

Nesly St. Cilaire; Cayes, Haiti; June 1, 2011; District overseer for Cayes and licensed minister for 7 years.

Dessie M. Bobbert; Butler, Pennsylvania; June 7, 2011; Dessie was a member of the Family Life Ministry.

Lottie B. Beecham; Murfreesboro, Tennessee; June 12, 2011; Licensed minister for 65 years.

Mildred Davis; Cleveland, Tennessee; May 25, 2011 Mildred was the wife of Bishop Allen Davis.

MEMBERS

Aileen Hartman; South Knoxville, Tennessee; June 8, 2011; Aileen was the wife of Bishop Henry Edsel Hartman.

Without a Gun.

Miguel Angel Mojica

Jewell Wilkinson; West Helena, Arkansas; April 24, 2011; Jewell was the widow of Bishop James M. Wilkinson.

Doyle W. Schmerber; Cleveland, Tennessee; June 5, 2011

Doris J. Goforth; Olmstead Falls, Ohio; June 12, 2011.

Rosetta M. Vaughn; Cleveland, Tennessee; June 2, 2011; Rosetta was the wife of Bishop A. J. Vaughn.

Catherine F. Meade; Edmonton, England; April 18, 2011; Catherine was the widow of Reverend William R. Meade.

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MESSAGES

An entire generation, icons of our Movement, seems to be moving on to a heavenly reward.

DeWayne Hamby, Managing Editor

He Is With Us “You’re not good enough.”

The very first time that doubt crawled into your mind must have been jarring.

Raised by parents who meticulously insulated and methodically celebrated your accomplishments left little-to-no room for insecurity. At some point, however, you began to compare your gifts, abilities, and shortcomings to others around you. Endless possibilities suddenly became more limited.

You felt an infectious optimism again when you met Christ. With a zealous heart, it seemed a certainty that God would reserve the right spot within the kingdom and among His ministers.

Once again, you began to question your confidence in your abilities to carry out your purpose. This time, though, it led you to a more proper understanding—you really aren’t good enough.

A particular comedian’s recurring selfhelp character made a name for himself by staring into a mirror and reciting his mantra that he was “good enough, smart enough,” and “people like me!” I have some news. People may like you, but if you’re building on the foundation of feeling good enough and smart enough,

trouble is near. Life will eventually pull that rug out from under you.

In the past few months in the Church of God of Prophecy, we have seen a tremendous leadership shift. An entire generation, icons of our Movement, seems to be moving on to a heavenly reward. Within the first few months of my coming to this office, I received a note from a reader on the very subject of our spiritual predecessors. “Who is going to fill their shoes?” he asked.

That question had already crossed my mind, since I was already stepping into a position once held by some of the finest minds in our Church’s history.

My predecessor, Jenny, likes to remind me that when she first mentioned this possibility years ago, I laughed. But it wasn’t out of an attitude of indifference; it was more like the Abraham laugh in Genesis 7:17. I just didn’t think it would happen. Who was I to think I could join their ranks?

As I attended several of the funerals and visitations for these great men and women of God, that question kept lingering—“Who will fill their shoes?”

Staring at a casket and listening to

memorial tributes has a way of prompting such reflective thinking. If this world lasts another hundred or two thousand years, there will never be another Elwood Matthews or Harper Hunter or Miguel Mojica or Malcolm Linkous or Ntambwe Beya. Their races are completed and they finished them with excellence.

The good news for all of us is that the same Spirit that came upon them is still with us. We can emulate and should study with diligence, but the defining mark of these spiritual trailblazers was the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As Adrian Varlack recently preached during our Heritage Ministries simulcast, the world we live in is moving too rapidly for us to keep up. We are not smart enough to devise the best plans for leading and reaching new generations for Christ, but we can be plugged in to One who is!

Like so many other heroes of the faith before us, we are well aware of our inadequacies. Our Creator, however, is more interested in our potential. When Moses questioned, “Who am I?” God said, “I will go with you.” That’s a powerful promise. Notice that He didn’t assign a representative; He promised Himself.

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